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Friday 16th February
We get the bus to Hoi An where we'll have to stay for New Year as everything stops running over that time. Our accommodation has no record of our booking and no rooms left, so I hop on a motorbike to go to a hostel that Joti recommended to see if they have any space. The guy tries to take me somewhere else as he's probably on commission, but after some strong words, he takes me to the right place and I secure a room for us! Phew.
It's New Years Eve and we wander down to the river with Kathryn. The beautiful old buildings are all lit up with lanterns and candles float down the river. We watch some of the show with traditional dancing on a makeshift stage that has been set up for the night. We wander around and watch the locals play their version of the fairground game, throw the hoop over something and you win a prize. Except this is done with washing up bowls.
We run into Luca and Danilo again and sit with them and watch the fireworks at midnight. We wander home later passing people burning money and incense sticks; and we pass a temple where they have lit candles in a huge pattern on the floor to commemorate new year. There are throngs of young people sitting on street corners on their haunches and on their motorbikes chatting and heading home. It's a lovely scene.
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