The saga of Tuesday March 25, 2025 to Wednesday March 26, 2025 in Hoi An, Vietnam
After our previous day’s beach and stitches adventure, we had a slow another slow start to the day. We began school around 10:00AM. The boys focused on their Asian country’s research projects that they had started while we were in Israel. Amichai put the final touches on his Vietnam presentation, which we were excited to hear later that night when Chaim would be with us.
At 2:00PM we took a car into town for a lesson in Vietnamese traditional lantern making. Many homes in Hoi An are set up with outdoor areas to teach tourists their crafts. Ours had an entire courtyard covered in lanterns with tables and benches. Our teachers, the homeowners, patiently taught us how to make the lantern frame using wood, string, wires, and glue. Then, each of us selected our choice of fabric to glue onto the frame.
The boys caught on incredibly fast. So much so that our teachers told me how impressed they were and how much better the boys were than me. Completely true! I was just as impressed with their fine motor skills and artistic eye. Something they get from Chaim’s side for sure. The boys had such a good time, we highly recommend this activity to anyone visiting Hoi An.
The lanterns turned out beautifully. Initially, we thought we’d be giving them away because we didn’t think we could fit them in our luggage. We were thrilled when we learned the lanterns can be compacted for packing purposes. We still didn’t know if they’d fit, but we were eager to try. When we finished, our hosts gave us treats to feed their fish and dog. The grandfather of the house came out just as we were leaving. The boys had been wearing their kippot, which he recognized. I’m always wary of people when they acknowledge our Jewishness. In this case, the grandfather excitedly began telling me how much Israel.
In his words: “It is strong, but small and surrounded by Arabs.” He started namedropping Israelis like Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan, referenced the 67’ War and then said, “I hope you win the war. You are a great people.” Then, with a big smile, he handed each of the boys a durian-flavored wafer bar.
Once again, I was caught off guard by someone so completely disconnected from the middle east having so much knowledge of Israel and Israeli history. I certainly appreciated his support and another reminder that we aren’t as alone as we think.
From there we walked to the hospital. Eitan had to visit to have his stitches checked and dressing changed. Since we were there, I asked if the team could check Shai’s foot. They didn’t know where to send us. International wing or the ER? Neither thought we belonged. Eventually, the ER agreed to see Shai. It had been three days since a fish bone lodged in his heel, and he was still in pain. An ultrasound, X-ray, and two hours later, the team determined there was in fact something in his heel. Treatment: Nothing. Just keep soaking it. Well, that felt like a waste of time.
Chaim met us at the hospital, and from there we walked to the Chabad House to eat at the restaurant. Any time we can get the boys meat, we try doing so. The boys stuffed themselves with hamburgers, falafel, and lots of fries. We were glad we visited before Shabbat because we would have missed it without being able to consult our phones.
Afterward, the boys went home with Chaim while I went to Winmart to restock our food supplies. It’s hard to keep up with food! When I returned, Amichai presented on Vietnam, providing an excellent background on Vietnam’s economy and history. We had a blast playing his Blooket and learned so much.
The next day, I delayed the start to the boys’ day because I hadn’t been sleeping well and was exhausted. Instead of admitting it, I claimed it was to let the boys sleep in after another late night the night before. With Chaim back to full workdays and my lack of sleep, I didn’t have the patience needed to be able to create a positive learning environment for the boys. I finally admitted to myself that I really needed some “me time”. I just didn’t see when or how that would happen.
After taking most of the day to catch up on schoolwork, the boys and I went for a walk along the river. We had some great conversations about patience and reviewing what it means to be Kirby Kind – avoiding mean language or the desire to one-up each other. It’s a work in progress, but at least I know we’re naming it. The rest of the walk was spent talking about the wizarding world of Harry Potter since everyone had read all or part of the series by this point. The boys spent time searching for “wands” and immediately used them to “curse” each other. Of course.
Just as we arrived at home, Matanel slipped on the curb and got a nice cut on his knee. We all agreed: Hoi An is sharp! I was grateful that no hospital visit was needed. I didn’t think I could manage a third evening there.
At 2:00PM, our Airbnb host Chuong came over to teach us how to make Vietnamese Spring Rolls. Since we keep kosher we couldn’t use shrimp or other traditional proteins in our filling so she suggested using a fried omelet. The boys had a grand time helping her chop vegetables. We were astounded by how deftly she used chopsticks for every stage of the cooking process: beating eggs, flipping the omelet, even picking up a hot pot. It was incredible. We have a lot of practicing to do!
Everyone, but Matanel, willingly tried their spring roll. Eitan didn’t prefer his, but he now loves green beans. A food he would never have touched before this moment. Amichai and Shai really enjoyed their spring rolls. I think I ate ten by myself. Learning from Chuong was such a treat.
That afternoon, Chaim took the boys to the beach so that I could have a couple of hours of “me” time. I rested, read, and then had a work meeting. Thankfully, that little bit of rest was all I needed to feel better.
