Hoi An - Guilty Pleasures- 30th August 2008

While walking along the street I heard the sound of drumming. As I turned the corner I came across a long funeral procession. A group of decorated cyclos led people pushing four altars on wheels. Amongst them walked priests dressed in yellow robes and people in ornate costumes twirling yellow umbrellas on tall poles. The coffin was carried by about a dozen unifomed men who were followed by the white dressed mourners and many people pushing motorbikes. I was torn between guilt and camera greed - you can see which side of me won!

Further down the street this old man persuaded me to visit his house. It is over 300 yeras old and has apparently been in his family for six generations. It is built of teak and is long, dark and narrow. The rates are charged according to the width of the street frontage so this style continues even in modern houses. Unlike many parts of Viet Nam, Hoi An largely escaped damage in the "American" war so it has many beautiful old houses and streets.

It felt a bit strange wandering around their home taking photos especially as some family members were still sleeping or having breakfast but he had invited me in, and charged me an exhorbitant price, so I decided not to feel too guilty.

This photo of a bed in the sunlight is one of my all-time favorites

The kitchen area. No mod-cons to break down!

The outside laundry/bathroom area

An example of the teak panelling