The sun is still up when boats begin to gather on the water in the center of Hoi An. One after another, they set off to assemble near the bridge. Where could they be coming from? Easily, at least 60 boats are swaying on the water. Each one has two lanterns swinging in the breeze, and the captain wears a green shirt. It’s clear something is about to happen. It feels like a parade or a festive event is unfolding.

Meanwhile, more and more tourists fill the town center. The streets become crowded with vendors, and even the little shops that had been closed all day begin to open. “Hello, BuySomething” is the greeting 😀

The sun shines differently in Vietnam. The humidity is extremely high, making the air constantly muggy. It’s pleasant when there’s a bit of breeze. Even when the sky is cloudy, the sun still radiates warmth and easily toasts your skin. That explains why locals wear long sleeves and long pants—it doesn’t make it hotter than it already is, and it protects them from the sun’s strong rays. But these afternoon rays are already beginning to fade.

As I’m sitting here watching, an elderly woman suddenly appears. She’s selling paper boats in flower form that can be placed on the water, each with a candle in the center. In the dark they’ll float beautifully glowing on the surface. She wants to sell me one but I refuse: I already had my turn the day before yesterday. She lingers a bit then sits beside me on the bench. I remember that Google Translate has a feature that transcribes spoken words, translates them and speaks them back in another language. Using this I “tell” her I don’t want to buy one. Maybe she’ll have better luck once it gets dark.

She tells me she has nothing to eat for breakfast and has children. A difficult situation, whether true or not. I have some small change that I can hardly spend so I give it to her and tell her it’s pleasant sitting next to her, thanking her for her company. Meanwhile, she eagerly offers lanterns to passersby. It’s not even dark yet. After a while she stands up, follows a potential customer and I’m alone again on the bench, waiting for night to fall and to delight in the glowing lanterns on and around the water.

It seems I’m popular today among locals. Shortly after 2 kids approach me. They ask if they can practise some English with me. Sure 🙂 This is quite common in Asia, has happened to me before also in Indonesia. Locals like to use such opportunities as they don’t really get to practise with native speakers. Well, I’m not a native speaker but it seems they are still happy with me 🙂 The girls starts with complimenting on my beautiful eyes while her mom starts recording it on video. They are 6 and 11 years old. Their young spirit has lightened up my evening.