A Night Out In Da Nang
We stepped out of the Cab and walked into a local hangout for adults a bit younger than me. There was a Vietnamese rock band blasting on the stage, the bar was packed, the sound was way too loud, and It was not for me. I was informed that it was a packed house and we should probably go elsewhere. Darn, I thought, that’s just too bad. We headed east towards River Street and the strip to kick off a night out in Da Nang.
We walked down the river street and took in the sight of Dragon Bridge. It beautifully stretches across the Han River, the master of this waterway. Its colors change from greens, reds, and blues, and it is the most impressive sight in this part of the city. At nine o’clock on Friday and Saturday, it breathes fire over the onlookers that gather at its observation deck. Unfortunately, we were a bit late tonight, but I was assured I would see it before my time here expired.
We walked down the love bridge. A one-way bridge that stretches out into the river for good photo ops of the city skyline. It’s lined with heart lamps and decorated with locks. Young lovers come here and latch heart-shaped locks to the bridge and throw the keys in the river to signify their undying love and commitment to each other. The bridge is full of young lovers on dates this busy Friday night.
We walked further down to a Club called OQ Lounge Pub and sat on their patio. We were served two warm beers and offered ice. When in Rome. They put a piece of ice half the size of the mug in the glass before pouring over the warm, foamy beer. I assume the large cylinder of ice causes it to be less watered down. The only drawback is putting one beer in your glass takes five pours. We were offered fruit, the bar nuts of Vietnam, which I politely declined. I wasn’t sure where his fruit had been after all. We sat observing the young, well-dressed middle-class Locals and vacationers come in and out of the club jockeying for positions. 
Some of them among us were itching to dance, and our waiter said he could ensure us a spot at the bar inside if we ordered some food. I looked at the menu and thought I’d have some fun with my hosts. I ordered the fried cheese.
Our waiter escorted us to a section of the bar he had arranged for us, and we nestled up to the bar for what was an amazing people-watching event. In the middle of the bar was an elevated rotating DJ booth with three DJs and an MC, Rock’n the Mic was pumping the crowd. They were remixing popular Western dance music, and I think my company was a bit surprised when I started singing some of the Latin dance lyrics! The club was electric, and everyone was having a great time. They brought out the cheese, and the joke was on me. It was shredded smoked Gouda with some sort of dipping sauce. An attempt at Western food gone horribly wrong. I didn’t care. It was packed, but we had fun. We danced and had a fantastic time till almost midnight. We left the club and walked back to the hotel. 
I was surprised at how calm the streets were. There are no bums or panhandlers. At no time did I ever feel unsafe. The bright, busy, crowded streets of midday had transformed into a quiet, peaceful city save for the dance music fading in the distance. A motorbike clambered by with its coal-filled grill still burning strapped to its back. I caught a whiff of the grill, and I could have been back home in the backyard smoking bacon. The trees that lined the streets dazzled as the lights from the few passing cars danced against their white-painted bases. We came across a street vendor whose chairs were still full. Hunched over a simple gallon pot filled with charcoal and topped with a rudimentary grate. He was grilling long strips of dried fish, feeding what would be the last of his customers for the day. It was about as serene a walk as you could have in a bustling city. I turned the corner, walked down the long courtyard to our hotel entrance, and went upstairs. I bid farewell to my companions and went into my room to finish my day’s posts. It hasn’t even been 24 hours in Vietnam, and it’s already been amazing. I reflect on the day. I finish my posts and crawl into bed. I pray for safety and security and praise God for the amazing life he’s given me.
What a day!! I have to say …. “pace yourself, my friend, you have 22 more days to go”😎 Get some rest. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures. Godspeed and continued safe travels.