The name Hoi An translates as “peaceful meeting place” — and it has been much more peaceful for us than Hanoi was, or (I expect) than Ho Chi Minh City will be.

After a peaceful night’s sleep, we woke shortly before six (as usual on this trip) and went downstairs to breakfast. The buffet did not disappoint, with an omelette station, fresh fruit, bacon, yoghurt, fried rice, steamed vegetables, pastries, baguette, and banana pancakes.

After breakfast, Adele went to learn how to make lanterns, and I went for a casual stroll around Old Town, and some of the streets across the river from it. Then I came back to the hotel to swim some lengths in the long, narrow pool.

We’re staying at the Vĩnh Hung Old Town Hotel, which so far is our second-best accommodation on this tour (after the Asia Hotel, in Hué). It’s very close to the surprisingly vibrant night market, and only a few blocks from the bars that line the river facing Old Town. And yet it is very quiet, if you don’t mind the rooster that apparently lives nearby.

After swimming and lantern making were done, we relaxed until it was time to meet up with the group. After a little while, the rain — which had fallen briefly overnight — resumed, and we dug out our rain jackets in case we’d need them.

Today’s included group activity is called Oodles of Noodles, a project to teach disadvantaged youth, including orphans, how to make a living in the hospitality industry. It’s run by a non-governmental organization called Streets, in partnership with G Adventures. One of the things I like most about G is their commitment to sustainable travel, from employing local guides to partnering with organizations like Streets.

When we arrived at Oodles, we were ushered upstairs to where we would learn how to make rice noodles. It was a lot of fun, the kids providing both service and instruction were great, and the lunch — a bowl of mí quàng — was delicious.

Afterwards, we made our way back to Old Town and the tailor’s shop where we’d ordered some clothes to be made, which needed their final fitting before we pick them up tomorrow.

And, of course, we did some souvenir shopping, all the while ducking the hawkers calling to us, “Sir! Madam! Massage for you?” Inquiring about the price of a t-shirt, I pointed out it was offered for much less in another shop. “But you are big size!” Geez, thanks.

Back in the hotel, we’re just hanging out until we decide what to do about dinner, and maybe head to the bar that had a good cover band last night.

But any updates on that can wait for tomorrow.