Harvesting has begun in the rice paddies, the tourist numbers are dwindling, wet season is looming, and our gym membership has just expired. We have just ticked over the beginning of week 26 and our 10th week in Hoi An and our amazing Asian adventure is coming to a close. We have had a great time catching up with old Vietnamese friends and meeting new ones while here in Hoi An.
3 old ladies taking time out from walking on the rice husks to help the drying process.
The school being used to dry the rice (above) on a Sunday. The roads are covered in it, front yards of houses (below) so a timely reminder to always wash your rice!
We have reluctantly started packing up Betty and Nancy for the journey home. They have been worthy steeds, taking care of us for 3500km and navigating the Vietnamese traffic, which is no mean feat, with minimal road rules. We have seen more than enough crashes over the past 6 months so fingers crossed we survive tomorrow on the free hotel bikes.
We have been so fortunate to have had the most amazing experience. We have seen so much poverty and hardship offset with the most generous and resilient people who have never been short of a friendly wave, smile and hello.
Our minimalistic lifestyle that we have been adapting over the past few years is not a lifestyle choice here in many parts of Asia but is one they strive to achieve. It makes our perceived problems in the western world seem trivial and pale in comparison to daily existence. Sometimes we just need to take a step back, take a deep breath and not sweat the small stuff.
We have been treated so well on this journey throughout the 4 countries we have visited but without a doubt Myanmar has been the highlight with its unpretentious and simple way of life.
That being said our final few days in Hoi An have been really special with our good friends. (See pics above)
When we hit Australia this weekend we will have to ditch the charades and pigeon English as we immerse ourselves back to the western way of life and adjust our thermostats that have been sitting in the mid 30s for most of the trip.
THENEVSBYCYCLE 
Wow! I have loved your comments on your journey. It’s hard to believe it is about to come to an end ! Safe travels back to Aussie and then wherever.
We have the wedding here mid October. So we are gearing up for that. I’m back on a school bus run now! Won a bottle of Jim Beam for longest putt on one of the holes for golf at the weekend. So I’m pretty pleased with that.
All the best for planning your next get-away.
Cheers Yvonne
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Well done, you two. I bet you’re already planning your next adventure!
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What an trip you have had! I agree 100% about our “1st world problems” – I am sure what you have seen and experienced in that amazing part of the world has really put life into perspective.
Enjoy your time back in Aust and we look forward to seeing you on this side of the ditch when you return. Safe travels.
K,P,S,J and Stan xxxxx
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Wow. What a journey!! you’re legends. Those bums must be completely hardened! Loved your blogs. Will miss them!
Hopefully we’ll catch up for a drink sometime soon xx
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from my iPad Wonderful adventures. Good to return to normality-until next trip. We enjoyed Todd with us. Left yesterday, big sleep in today. XX Dad
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Well done Lynnie & Andy – it’s been great learning more about the countries via your pics & blog!!! I speak pigeon English well, so we’ll be fine on the weekend!!!! đŸ˜œ Sage travels & see you in two sleeps!!!! đŸ˜˜đŸ˜»đŸ˜»
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Safe travels as well as sage travels!!!!
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It is going to be so good to have you both back in Aussie, even if it is only for a short stay, hopefully we will get a chance to catch up before you head on back to N.Z.Nice to see the lovely photos of your friends in Vietnam. Love to you both. Di & Reg xxx
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A real adventure, well done on having a safe trip with memories for 2 life times. Hope to catch up with you again, remember you’re always welcome to stay with us in the Bay Of Plenty.
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