A magical day, an insight into the unique farming and fishing techniques adopted by the locals.We started in a vegetable garden with the locals, a farming couple welcomed us with beautiful smiles and constant acknowledging nods whilst the guide showed us how this couple maintain and harvest their garden with the help of the rest of the family. Each garden is about 500 square metres, they start in the morning very early about 4am to collect enough herbs, vegetables for the younger of the family ladies to take to the local market to sell.

We were shown how they water the crops, two cans of water swung back and forth. There were so many different herbs/vegetables, that we could pick and smell, some of my favourite were Morning Glory, Vietnamese Basil, Wild Watercress, Mustard Sprout, Peppermint and Chinese Coriander.

It's not rice paddy season, however there were plenty of fields, it was good to see the Buffalo followed with their insect eating Egrets wondering through the plots freely, whereas they wouldn't be able if the rice was growing and/or being harvested.

We are introduced to gentle Mizzy the buffalo, our BMW - Buffalo Made Wagon - she took us for a cart ride through the local area outside of Hoi An city past the rice fields. She walks with a little soft moan, calling for her 3 month old baby whilst she is working, she'll be with her soon as we are only away from her home for about 30 minutes.  

Leaving the land farming we venture onto a timber boat for travel on the Thu Bon River for the varied water farming.   So many net fishing techniques!  I get to try the throw net technique, having to keep my balance you throw a weighted net in the river then drag it back to see if you were lucky enough to catch a fish or two......I was lucky enough to catch a little one that got a kiss and then thrown back into the river.

Dad tried another technique of fishing, which is mostly done at night with the lights on as the fish are attracted to the lights.

There are many fishing boats that are parked ready to go out in the night and early hours of the morning, there are the modern with all the lights on them and the more traditional that look like they have eyes.

We then are surprised to be told we'll be boarding unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats to experience the sea fishing techniques for the locals that don't have boats.   The guides take us  exploring, the now tranquil water coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war.  

What a wonderful relaxed morning spending time with the locals, lots of laughs had by all.

This afternoon, it was time for a swim and a sit by the tranquil resort pool.

If I was to return to Vietnam, it would definitely include Hoi An, it is tourist focused, however you feel safe, welcomed, with plenty to do as we didn't get to venture out to most attractions that is offered here (eg: China Beach, Cham Islands, Marble Mountains, My Son etc) with the resorts allowing relaxation too.

This evening it rained heavy like Cairns does and then stopped for a short while, so we ventured down to the Old Town again to view the lanterns at night. Dad and I purchased our candle float, one each - to send with good wishes.   Beautiful way to end our night and stay in Hoi An.