I checked out of my hotel in Da Nang and waved down a bus heading south to Hoi An. I was the only tourist on the bus, the rest were locals including some high school girls who tried talking to me a little bit.
Hoi An is known as the ancient town. The center of the city is filled with old buildings, narrow streets, and no cars. I read the movie “The Quiet American” was filmed here. So I just walked around the city today. I also tried some local speciality food called Cao Lau (twice) and another called White Rose dumpling.
I happened to meet those students that I saw on the bus this morning again; it is a small town. A sizable grouped gathered talking to me and being friendly. But then they asked for some “lucky money.” I gave away 30 cents. But then they said bye and seemed like they didn’t want to talk to me ever again. I think that sums up the Vietnamese people. They will be friendly and talk to you until they get paid.
For dinner another Vietnamese person talked to me a bit. But then he started selling me a motorcycle tour. I think it is impossible to talk to anyone in this country without them asking you for money!
I’m in a dormitory room tonight, but it is only two beds. Kind of rare to have a dormitory room in this country (last time was in China), but good price at $5. A guy from Sweden is sharing the room with me.