(local llm)
Chapter 42: Setting Foot in a Foreign Land
“Boarding is about to begin. Please be careful.”
As the ship’s announcement echoed through the cabin, Hayato and the others stepped onto the deck to gaze at the harbor drawing closer. The cityscape, illuminated by the morning sun, gradually revealed its full beauty. Rows of buildings lining the coastline and the lush green mountains stretching out behind them created a picture-perfect scene.
“Vietnam, huh. I’ve never been here before.”
He had traveled overseas with Tsuyoshi for work before, but that had been a security job. Actually, this might be his first time visiting a foreign country for tourism. When Hayato let out that thought, Seika smiled gently.
“I’ve been to Vietnam once before for an international medical conference. It’s a wonderful city.”
“I’ve visited a few times for business as well. Although it’s developing rapidly, it’s an interesting place with historical charm. It’s a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.”
When Josuke explained this, Riri’s eyes sparkled.
“There’s a city called Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ve seen pictures of it and wanted to visit it very much.”
As the ship gradually slowed down and docked at the large pier, looking down from the deck, Hayato saw a landscape where the rich greenery typical of the tropics blended with the reddish rooftops of buildings. The air, filled with humidity, carried a faint aroma of spices.
“It feels different from Japan.”
Although Hayato had traveled through various countries and regions in another world, the exhilaration of arriving in a new place was still the same. In fact, he cherished the luxury of traveling in a peaceful world.
“Indeed. It’s different from Japan.”
Riku was also interested in the harbor. Aoi, holding her mother’s hand tightly, looked around with sparkling eyes.
“Are there any fish here?”
“Of course there are fish in the harbor, but we’re going to a different place today.”
Aoi’s innocent question was met with a gentle smile from Tsuyoshi. He then softly stroked her head as he answered.
After completing the disembarkation procedures, they finally set foot on foreign soil. Because they had been rocking on the ship for a long time, Hayato still felt as if his body was still swaying even though he was walking on solid ground.
“It feels weird! The ground is shaking.”
“Ship travel is common. You’ll get used to it soon. There’s no need to worry.”
“Okay.”
At the terminal, there were signs advertising sightseeing tours arranged by the cruise ship. Various courses were set up, and passengers were joining the tours that interested them. Large tour buses were seen departing one after another, carrying passengers.
“What should we do? Join the cruise ship’s tour?”
Riri asked.
“In fact, I and Josuke have planned our own schedule. How about we go around like this?”
Seika answered, taking out her smartphone and showing the screen to everyone. On the screen, a detailed schedule was displayed, showing the places to visit at specific times. Just by looking at it, it was clear that it was a well-planned route.
“Wow, impressive.”
Hayato admired the two of them. Josuke slightly shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s a route that allows us to efficiently visit places within the limited time.”
“It’s a combination of information from places I visited before and Josuke’s latest information.”
Seika added. Since her companions had thought of this route, Hayato’s answer was already decided.
“Then, let’s go with that schedule.”
When Hayato said that, everyone agreed, and their plans for the day were set.
Two taxis arranged by Josuke were waiting for them. After discussing, Hayato, Riri, and Josuke got into the first taxi, while Tsuyoshi, Kaede, Riku, Aoi, and Seika got into the second one.
The cityscape visible from the car window had a different charm compared to Japan. Buildings influenced by the French colonial era, modern skyscrapers, and traditional Vietnamese-style houses were all mixed together. Hayato was amazed by the large number of motorbikes passing by on the streets. The never-ending flow of motorbikes was breathtaking.
“There are a lot of motorbikes.”
“Because motorbikes are the main means of transportation in Vietnam. For them, it’s a daily scene.”
Josuke explained. Sitting next to the driver, he continued talking while carefully observing the local surroundings.
“It’s not just one per family, but one per person.”
Josuke was having a fluent conversation with the driver in Vietnamese, asking various questions. He asked not only about tourist spots but also about local customs and recent changes. Hayato and Riri listened with amazed expressions.
“Mr. Josuke, you can also speak Vietnamese.”
Riri exclaimed. Josuke answered with a matter-of-fact expression.
“I studied a little because it’s useful for business. I can’t say I’m perfect, but I can manage basic conversations.”
While saying that, the conversation between Josuke and the driver seemed to go beyond just “basic conversations.” They were exchanging jokes, and it seemed like they were old friends.
After about an hour of driving, Hayato and the others arrived at the historic Hoi An Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cityscape, which still retained the charm of a bustling trade city from the 19th century, exuded a unique atmosphere with a blend of cultures from China, Japan, and Europe.
“Oh wow, what a beautiful city.”
Riri exclaimed in awe. She stopped in her tracks, looking around at the surroundings. As they walked down the street lined with old townhouses and shops, Hayato’s eyes followed the cobblestones and the walls of the old buildings. The cityscape, with its historical weight, felt familiar in a way. It was definitely a great city.
As they walked through the historic street, they occasionally stopped by to admire the shops and took various photos. They even gathered for a group photo in front of an old bridge and took several shots in different combinations.
At lunchtime, they entered a local restaurant and enjoyed authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi. The colorful array of dishes spread across the table made everyone’s eyes light up.
“Yep, it’s delicious.”
Hayato exclaimed as he sipped the broth of the pho. The freshly cooked rice noodles, the fragrant broth, and the fresh herbs all harmonized to create a unique flavor.
“Right. The seasoning is a little different, but it’s also good. The balance of spices and fresh herbs is perfect.”
Seika nodded appreciatively while nibbling on spring rolls. Riri showed interest in the local vegetable dishes, and Tsuyoshi happily drank the local beer. Riku and Aoi, although a bit confused by the new flavors, were adventurous and tried various dishes.
After the meal, they strolled through the local market. The vibrant scene, with colorful goods, fruits, and clothing filling the space, captivated the group. The sweet aroma of tropical fruits and the spicy scent of spices created a unique atmosphere. As they moved through the bustling market, their voices echoed through the crowded aisles.
Riri showed interest in the fashion worn by the local youth and visited several clothing stores. In one store, she was particularly fascinated by modern designs using traditional Vietnamese fabrics.
Josuke, an expert in price negotiations, insisted on bargaining with the shop owners on behalf of Hayato and the others, successfully getting significant discounts.
“Indeed, he’s good at it.”
“This is just the basics. It’s a matter of showing off one’s business skills.”
They all enthusiastically shared their opinions when choosing souvenirs for Riku and Aoi. In the end, Riku got a detailed model ship, and Aoi got a colorful traditional costume doll. Both were very happy.
After that, they continued visiting various tourist attractions.
Time passed quickly, and it was time to return to the harbor. They took a taxi back to the harbor and looked up at the cruise ship again, surprised by its size.
“Indeed, it’s huge.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. As the sun approached the horizon and the sky gradually turned orange, the ship’s silhouette appeared against the backdrop, creating a breathtaking scene.
“After all, it has such large guest rooms, a pool, a restaurant, and even a movie theater inside.”
Riri said. Indeed, thinking about it, Hayato could understand the ship’s size.
(end local llm)
Having completed the boarding procedures, they boarded the ship once more. Gazing down at the cityscape of Da Nang from the deck, they basked in the afterglow of a fulfilling day.
“As expected of a schedule planned by Seika and Josuke. It was truly fun. Thank you.”
At Hayato’s satisfied words, the two of them smiled happily.
“I’m looking forward to our next port of call too.”