Visiting Bella. Goodbye Hoi An, Hello Hue!

In the morning, we cycle about an hour out of town to visit Bella at her home. It’s a quieter, more rural setting — a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese family life away from the tourist streets.

We meet her mother and sister, and see her brother’s many caged birds — clearly a point of pride. Bella shows us around their large two-story family house. Inside, a framed photograph of her late father stands on a cabinet, a quiet reminder of his presence in the home.

Soon we set off cycling around the area. At first, Bella suggests that Kristina sit on the back rack of the bike, but determined as always, Kristina insists on steering herself. Later they attempt switching roles, though not entirely successfully — and quickly swap back again.

In front of the house, Bella’s mother sells small snacks to passersby for 3,000 Vietnamese dong. We happily join in and sample what she’s offering. Each of us eats a generous portion of banh beo — small steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients. Simple, local, and delicious.

Eventually, it’s time to catch our bus to the next city. We say a warm and heartfelt goodbye to Bella — one of those farewells that feels heavier than expected after just a short time.

By evening, we arrive in the former imperial capital of Hue. With its parks, the Perfume River, and the elegant bridge spanning it, the city is sometimes called the “City of Romance.”

Our spirits lift even further when we discover something unexpected and strangely comforting: a shopping mall. After days of small local shops, the sight of a modern commercial center feels almost surreal. Dragon fruit and other exotic produce are piled high in bright displays.

Marek tests his luck at a local coin-operated game, while he and Kristina later stare longingly at trays of tempting local delicacies.