D15

This morning we drove three hours from Hue to Hoi An. Beautiful drive through the mountains and along the coastline. We stopped in Da Nang, a very popular tourist destination (cruise ships especially) and went to a Hindu museum.

The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses sculptures, art, and pottery from the 9th-12th century. Hinduism was very popular in Vietnam at that time. Some pearls:

1. The Hindu worshiped sex organs. There are many phallic like structures in the Hindu culture.

2. Most of the sculptures were of three (of thousands) of the Hindu Gods, often considered the most important: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva represent creation, preservation and destruction

3. Lingam means penis in Sanskrit

4. Yoni means vagina

5. Mom thought there were too many lingas and not enough yonis around

6. Shiva symbolizes fertility also

7. There were many structures with perfectly shaped breasts all over it, like a border of boobs

8. Our guide, Tuan, said in Hindu culture they probably said Holy Boob, instead of holy cow like Westerners do.

9. There was a sculpture of seven linga with constellations on them. Buddha was seventh embodiment of Vishnu and Buddhism started phasing in and Hinduism was fading out after the 12th century (in Vietnam).

10. Hindus had their own mythical creatures like Unicorns or Phoenix or Centaurs. They were called Gajasimha which was elephant lion (Gaja for elephant and Simha for lion in Sanskrit). Their sculptures also had linga.

11. Apsaras were holy dancers chosen for small waist and big bust. Yet another man joke between dad and Jason. Jason gave me a little wink saying he is sure I would have been an Apsara back 12th century.

12. Apsara translates into fairy or nymph.

13. Hindus played Polo in the 900s

As we headed out of Da Nang towards Hoi An we passed a big stadium and Tuan said "oh that's used for concerts, the circus and badminton". Does that seem random to anyone else? The circus? Badminton?

We also passed Da Nang's two famous beaches, China Beach and Red Beach. We didn't stop but they looked nice from the car. Red Beach is famous for being the first landing spot for Marines in the Vietnam War.

China Beach is a hot tourist spot. It's a slang name given by Americans and Brits and is actually named My Khe Beach.

I think Dad's inappropriate humor is rubbing off on Tuan because today we talked prostitution and Tuan made jokes about Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi (a city and island in Thailand, respectively, which can be pronounced inappropriately should you wish to go there).

We arrived at the Four Seasons in Hoi An; one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. We have our own pool and butler, Tam, in a two-bedroom villa. You should see TB bossing Tam around.

Jason and I went out for a date night and Grammer and Grandad took care of TB. She projectile vomited all over her little camping chair and the floor right before we left. Serious amount. Sweet girl.