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Where do I begin after our staggered start with Helen laid low. By the afternoon of that first day, Helen managed to staggeer down for A/tea and then a head, hand and foot massage which lifted the mograine fog. This was followe by the discovery of a tailor and shoemaker in the hotel. I was even dragged into the situation and have had two pairs of shoes made.
The travel agent in the hotel, Hoi An Express have been the best. We have spent time on threee half day tours..... so no sleep ins yet. The first took us to one of the largest statue in the world, 20 metres higher than the Christ that overlooks Rio de Janero. The lady Buddha stands 67 mmetres high and faces the sea overlooking Da Nang harbour. This incredible complex of Buddhist worhip underneath showed many statues of the "moods" of Buddha, and bonsai trees planted everywhere. Not as "commercial" as the pagodas in Yangon, but still busy.
The marble mountain was preceded by a visit to a mrble carvers. The array of different coloured marble was incredible. From a black to almost transparent pink. You can see the source of many of the garden statues that are sold in Australia as this company and many others around the mountain export world wide for $100US. Everything from nudes to marble tea sets.
There was an elevator that took us up 5 stories and then it was many steps to the top via the Windy Gate, Heavne's cave and into the depths of Hell's cave that the Viet Cong used to hide in. each had many points of Buddhist worship.
On Tuesday we journeyed to Me Son or My Son. On the way Lam, our guide, explained the history of Vietnam and how families were split, including his own, due to the war. Me Son is a World heritage site and in pouring rain we entered the sanctuary. After a cultural dance show we wandered not always between the raindrops, amongst ruins of the religious centre of the Champa Empire, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd Century CE.
Having studied South East Asian History at school, I was really not aware of locations. 6kms away from Me Son was the Ho Chi Min Trail and the site itself was bombed. There is debate over why or who and Lam gave us three possibilities. Unfortunately shells destroyed some parts of this site. Work has begun to store the site.... much needs to be done.
The rain eventually gave up but helen and I were apprehensive about out cycle for the next day.
In the end it didn't matter, we had van our guide to ourselves and having negotiated our way to the river docks out of central Hoi An, we were across to an island, tracks winding in and out of houses and a fantastic day or seeing, trying, eating. What a great day to safely see, life how it was and is. *8th generation" wood carvers, boat builders and an opportunioty to go out with a fisherman. Better sign off now as we "need" more food......not. Vietnamese again tonight.
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Rebecca Sounds like you're having a busy but terrific time. Very jealous! Lots of love from the weddikkaras xx