Saturday, February 1, 2025 - Da Nang, Vietnam

 

and Bob's experience continues:

In early 20th century, groups of monuments in My Son complex were discovered and categorized by French archaeologist Henri Parmentier by letters from A to N. My Son was almost built of bricks but it was finally decided to make it with sandstone. Each group of monuments had a typical structure with a major temple in the center and included language appropriate for God Shiva and statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses that were worshipped.

Each complex had a major temple and satellite temples, separated with surrounding areas by an enclosing wall. Treasury tower (kosagrha) was in the south of the major temple where ritual offerings were stored. 

Opposite to the treasury tower was a sacred water tower containing a sacred water tank for dust brushing ceremonies at the main sanctuary. Following the enclosure was the gateway pavilion (gopura) opened to the entrance door of the main sanctuary. Outside of the enclosure was a hall (mandapa) where songs and dances were performed.  The Cham religious architecture was a complex of temple-towers with different functions that provided a unique sacrificial and worship sanctuary.

After the tour of My Son complex, the tour included a return to the Cham Museum in the middle of Da Nang.  The return visit to the museum brought together the history of the Cham peoples and many of the sandstone relics were originally from the My Son complex. 

World cruise event in Hoi An:

Once Bob returned from his excursion we got ready for our evening's activities.  As full world cruisers our cruise line treats us to a number of events especially designed only for the world cruisers.  They are typically fabulous events and meticulously designed for a luxurious experience.  Tonight was no exception.  Our group of 178 world cruise passengers were transported by vans to Hoi An, which is an ancient and charming town.  During the 17th and 19th centuries, this area was known as Faifo and was the main international port for the Cham Kingdom.  Hoi An was considered the best trading destination in all of Southeast Asia.  

Hoi An is full of history and culture and the old town is a delight, with its small shops and winding lanes.  It is a town in Vietnam that has been preserved and maintains its original character.  This port town's international history is reflected in its architectural styles and customs.  The wooden houses, temples and pagodas reflect Chinese and Japanese influences, as do the textile and ceramic crafts.

When we arrived in Hoi An we were split into small groups and treated to a lovely small boat ride up the canal.  What a spectacular sight!!!  

We were on small junk boats decorated with colored lights and lanterns.  Snacks and drinks were provided by our hosts as we sailed.  The river was filled with similar small boats, each one brightly decorated with lanterns and lights and filled with people shouting hello and having a great time.  Everywhere I looked there were beautiful lights shining in the darkness creating a magnificent kaleidoscope of color.  In addition, there were delicate colored lanterns floating on the river creating an elegant atmosphere.  I have always loved floating lanterns so I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely sail.

 

Once our sail was completed, we disembarked and re-boarded our van for a short ride to the nearby countryside to enjoy dinner at the restaurant, TOK (Taste of Kitchen).  Tok is a restaurant passionate about the food they serve.  The small establishment is set in the heart of rice paddies, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the old town, with the goal of serving gorgeous food with attentive service in a one of a kind setting.  

Tok serves a modern fusion cuisine with local ingredients grown and harvested from their on-site organic vegetable garden.  They collect their seafood from local fishermen and any food left over at the end of each day is served to all of the staff.  

Dinner was served outside adjacent to the rice paddies.  Tables were set up and lights were strung overhead.  The weather was perfect for outdoor dining.  It was a mild evening, comfortably warm but too cold for mosquitos, so it was perfect!!

Our dinner was delicious and was served family style.  Our table had seven people so we were a very small group and we had a chance to chat with our dining companions as we enjoyed our meals.  Our dinner consisted of a variety of fresh vegetables such as okra, cauliflower, cucumbers and rice to name a few.  They also served clams and lamb, which were absolutely delicious.  Dessert was a delicious mango gelato followed by coffee or tea.

Throughout the evening, soft music was played in the background by local musicians, including guitar, violin and keyboard.  It was a lovely addition to the evening.  Once we had finished dinner we re-boarded our vans and headed back to the ship.  This was a very enjoyable evening and appreciated by all of us.