Traveling in Southeast Asia

Previous Day Prev P    
Next Day Next N    

Friday, 10 February 2023 - Visited a bamboo craftsman studio in Hoi An, observed bamboo being prepared in swampy soil to resist insects, created our own bamboo sculpture (a mouse), walked through a small fishing village photographing paper masks drying and boats with painted eyes, took a small round boat along the Hu Bon River observing clams and rice fields, visited an organic farm, explored the town's clothing shops and tailors including a custom order at Yaly, had lunch at Morning Glory Original, visited the Cao Dai Temple, and finished the evening with a floating platform dinner on the river.

southeastasia2023
There was a stand of bamboo surrounding the studio along with swampy soil.

A man was burying bamboo in the swamp mud - they leave the bamboo in the swamp for 4-6 months then starch and sugar will be turned into acids lowering the attractiveness of the wood to insects.
southeastasia2023
Then we were invited to create our own sculpture - Virginia Ann chose a mouse as our project.

Cal working on his mouse.
southeastasia2023
Virginia Ann works on her mouse.
southeastasia2023
Our finished bamboo animals - two little rats.
southeastasia2023
An odd sight as we were walking through a small fishing village. Paper masks being dried after washing.
southeastasia2023
Boats of all sizes had eyes - we will see many more on the various river trips we take.

According to folk belief, the inhabitants of riverine regions treat their boats as "spiritual creatures," animals with souls. Therefore, they believe that boats, just like animals, need to have eyes.
southeastasia2023
A fishing boat colorfully painted.
southeastasia2023
We boarded small round boats which seemed impossible to maneuver but the guide moved the boat very easily.
southeastasia2023
Not a lot of room in the little boat - the boat pilot, our Vietnamese guide, Cal and Virginia Ann.
southeastasia2023
The hu Bồn River shore meeting the jungle - mostly bamboo.
southeastasia2023
A woman feeling around the banks of the river for clams.
southeastasia2023
Rice fields with the city in the background.
southeastasia2023
We visited a farm where they grew produce organically.
southeastasia2023
There are many expats in Hội An - right next to the organic farm was a residence with a name plate indicating that they were Australian.

An Australian pup watches the photographer.
southeastasia2023
A cow being moved along a small street.
southeastasia2023
Hội An had many clothing shops and bespoke tailors. Yaly is one which Virginia Ann entered and walked away with an order for a custom pair of pants and two blouses. They would be ready the next day.
southeastasia2023
We had lunch in Morning Glory Original - which was delicious. Virginia Ann had a whole fish!!!
southeastasia2023
Small shrine along the street.
southeastasia2023
Walking along a street in Hội An.
southeastasia2023
Cao Dai Temple of Hội An is a Caodaism place of worship. Caodaism is the third-largest religion of Vietnam founded in 1926. The religion unites the big religions in one faith: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and elements from Islam and Christianity. The Cao Dai believe in unity, harmony, and peace.

Like the religion, the Cao Dai temples are an eclectic mix of colors and elements. Yellow stands for Buddhism, blue stands for Taoism, and red stands for Christianity. On the front, there are many paintings from various religions. From Confucius to Jesus and Buddha.
southeastasia2023
A dog riding on a moped. You see everything on a moped.
southeastasia2023
In the evening we took another small round boat to dinner - which was on a bamboo platform in the middle of the small river inlet. We had several courses cooked and served on the floating platform.
southeastasia2023
A rice field along the path to the taxi.

We rode back to the hotel and slept very well after a long day.
Previous Day Prev P    
Next Day Next N    

Top
Top    
  Cal and VA | Adventures | Southeast Asia
        © Cal and Virginia Ann Holman
All Rights Reserved 2000-2025 Do not use without permission.
Privacy Policy - Terms
Modified last on 2025-12-26