Hoi An was a sad place to leave; I easily could have spent more time here. Custom tailors are what put the city of the map, but it has much more to offer. It is a romantic little city in every sense of the word. As a UNESCO World Heretage Site, Hoi An hosts many temples and museums for its small size. Colorful silk lamps hang from many of the store fronts and light the way at night. A river separates the town and reconnects it with artisan bridges. A peaceful beach is 3 kilometers away and perfectly accessible by bicycle. The streets feel more European than Vietnamese and beg to be explored. With romance in the air, I fell in love, not only with the town, but with a new friend named Amber. She's one of those people I had just met, but felt like I had known for a lifetime.
I met Amber when I got off the train from Hanoi and an American couple suggested the four of us share a cab from Da Nang into Hoi An. I spent the entirety of my time in Hoi An with her and had a magical time. She just left a relationship and needed a sounding board to reassure herself it was the right thing to do. She also left her job and all she knew familiar to move to India and study yoga. She was an inspiration. Amber is slightly older than me and offered words of wisdom in career and happiness, as I am about to start mine. She will be a lifelong friend and mentor, this I am sure.
 |
| China Beach |
 |
| The one and only Amber, with our beach cruisers |
 |
| Silk hanging lamps |
 |
| Tailor shop |
"You're young, attractive, and motivated. The world is your oyster. You can do anything." Thank you, Amber. I needed to hear those words.
Girl, how do you get these amazing photos? They are just beautiful. I love that China Beach one especially.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Becky! I appreciate the compliment. For the China Beach photos, I just used a Nikon point and shoot--nothing fancy.
Delete