April 9, 2011 - The Guide Hog

After indulging in delectable desserts at The Cargo Club last night (mine was a mango tart) …

… we stepped out of the restaurant’s back door to see the riverfront illuminated with lanterns and lighted floating sculptures.

Carol took most of these shots.
This was a lovely little restaurant adorned with lanterns.

These were floating on the river.

I understood the big floating dragon, turtle and fish. I mean, those are all creatures that could potentially – or mythically – live in the river. But a basket of cats? What was that all about?

We wandered to a collection of lantern shops.

Tony barely fits in the shop.

Tony went back to our hotel, and Nikki, Carol and I enjoyed a nightcap at Bazar, where Carol shot pictures of passing cyclists.

Although the 200-some tailor shops detract a bit from Hoi An’s well-preserved architecture and quaint alleys, I have enjoyed meandering through this little city on the Thu Bon River.

UNESCO added Hoi An to its list of World Heritage sites in 1999 based on two criteria: “Hoi An is an outstanding material manifestation of the fusion of cultures over time in an international commercial port.” AND “Hoi An is an exceptionally well preserved example of a traditional Asian trading port.”

Check out the UNESCO website for a history lesson on Hoi An.

Interspersed with the tailors are temples, traditional houses, shrines, museums, bridges, art galleries, and other attractions. At night, the city glows with the light of colorful silk lanterns hanging from trees and shopfronts.

The Phuk Kien Assembly Hall