July 16 Charming Hoi An

Hoi An is a remarkable place. From the 17th to 19th centuries it was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports. It now has the designation of ‘UNESCO World Heritage’ site. Highlights of our visit included the ‘Japanese Covered Bridge’ (constructed in the 1590s by the Japanese community of Hoi An in order to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream), the Chinese All-Community Assembly Hall (courtyard pavilions with elements of 19th century architecture), and the Tan Ky House (a two-hundred year olf home of a well-to-do Vietnamese merchant). While visiting Hoi An we saw Miss Vietnam doing a photo-shoot on a small, typical sampan.

On the educational side, we visited a silk factory, where they were weaving the fine silk threads diectly from the cocoons of silk "worms". We also saw them weave the material and prduce their fine silk cloth. Unbelievable.

The dress turned out beautifully, and I managed to buy a couple of bathing suits. It was good fun. The boys also got into the tailoring mood, and picked up a couple of bathing suits themselves.