Day 9

 

May 14 Tues

 

The day started around 6 a.m. for some students who visited the beach to watch the sunrise. Others headed to a pastry shop for breakfast. All of us loaded the bus around 8 a.m. to head to the Ancient Town of Hoi An. We got off the bus to a beautiful scene of lanterns, shops, and the Thu Bon River. Tour Guide Tony took us to a high-end tailor shop where you could get any article of clothing custom made that day! There were already many articles of clothing to try on and buy like suit coats, slacks, formal dresses, and much more! The store was a bit out of our college student budget, but still very interesting to see! Our next stop in the touristy town of Hoi An was a silk factory. The silkworms go through their entire life cycle in the silk factory! The larvae are fed mulberry leaves to grow and eventually form a cocoon. The cocoon is set in hot water so the fibers can be spun into a thread. We then saw how they used a loom to make the fabric.

Silk

There was a showroom where many framed embroidered pictures were hung. Finishing the pictures took the artists anywhere from 15 hours to numerous weeks. We were amazed at the detail of the grass and plants in the paintings. It was hard to believe that it was all made of thread!

Art

            At the end of the tour, there was a shop with many articles of silk clothing and accessories. Some students purchased items in the silk factories’ shop while others waited to purchase items  from the smaller shops in town.

Then, we made our way to a coffee processing shop. The owner welcomed us with open arms, and she was another great example of excellent Vietnamese hospitality. We were able to learn the steps needed to prepare coffee beans for customer purchase. Megan VDH assisted by pouring the beans into the roasted where they were tossed around in high heat for about 15 minutes changing from a light brown to a dark brown. Megan enjoyed helping since she serves as a Head Barista at Scooter’s Coffee in Sioux Falls! Next, the beans were placed into a mixing bowl where they were stirred around to cool off. The cooling process took about 20 minutes. Seeing the task completed was fascinating, and students enjoyed learning the process behind the coffee they were drinking. While the coffee beans cooled, students wandered through the coffee shop, buying trinkets, drinking coffee, and enjoying some refreshing air conditioning.

Coffee

After the coffee shop, Tony led the group to a Hoi An wet market. It was a sight to see. The market was filled with seemingly everything. The products included souvenirs, fish, clothing, vegetables, and even meat!

The protocols for meat safety vary between Vietnam and the United States, so it was an eye-opening adventure. After going through the market, we all now understand why it is called a ‘wet market’. Let’s just say it was a good day to wear tennis shoes.

Nestled along the Thu Bon River in central Vietnam, Old Hoi An whispers tales of antiquity through its weathered timbers and winding streets. Once a bustling international port in the 15th to 19th centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage site retains an enchanting aura of its illustrious past. We walked along its iconic mustard-yellow buildings, adorned with intricate wooden shutters and lanterns, the buildings stand as silent witnesses to centuries of trade and cultural exchange. There have been various ethnic groups that occupied the village of Hoi An but the Japanese and Chinese are the more prominent ones, each echoing the diverse influences that have shaped Hoi An’s rich heritage. We were fortunate enough to visit on the Buddha’s Birthday, which allowed us to experience their cultural festivities on another level. Old Hoi An, with its timeless beauty and cultural significance remains a captivating destination that demanded us to immerse ourselves in its storied past.

A highlight of our time in Old Hoi An was visiting the Tan Ky Old House, a remarkable architectural gem that embodies centuries of cultural exchange and trade. Constructed over two centuries ago by Le Ky, a member of a prosperous Vietnamese merchant family, the house showcases a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences, reflecting Hoi An's role as a vibrant trading port. Its weathered wooden beams, intricate carvings, and delicate tile work tell the story of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Tan Ky Old House not only serves as a well-preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture but also offers a glimpse into the daily lives and aspirations of the generations who called it home. The tour guide told us stories of when it would flood in the Hoi An and how the family would have to utilize their pulley system to haul their furniture to the second level. Visiting Tan Ky Old House was an immersive journey through time, where the echoes of history reverberated through its weathered walls, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

After visiting Old Hoi An, students were given an hour and a half of free time to shop. Excitement filled the air because many individuals had certain items catch their eye during the walk through Hoi An earlier that morning. We will not reveal what was purchased as to not ruin any surprises! However, this shopping excursion was successful and an incredible opportunity to practice bargaining skills! Three notable bargainers were Mallory Drake, Audrey Field, and Abby Morse! Once shopping ended, we took one last walk through beautiful Hoi An and loaded the bus to leave for supper. When we arrived, Tony showed us some of the farm outside the restaurant. He specifically focused on the mint plant, explaining the benefits for a healthy life and importance of balance in Vietnamese culture. The owner and chef at the restaurant explained that everything we were eating came directly from the farm Tony showed us.

            Supper can be described in one word: PHENOMONAL! It was a Vietnamese barbecue style meal. Group favorites included the chicken, pork, eggplant, and roasted banana. It is safe to say Kansas City barbecue has some competition.

Overall, we had an immersive day in Vietnamese culture. We persevered through the intense heat, making memories along the way. After a quick dance party on the bus, we concluded with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts.

 

Dodging one motorbike at a time,

            Brooklyn, Bryn and Megan