The Rapley Blog

We absolutely loved our time in Vietnam, and it was such a pleasure to be able to help out An's book garden. On our last visit, the children gifted us some beautiful paintings that now have pride of place on our fridge, and we all got to enjoy this delicious cake together too! 🎨🍰

Thank you again, An, and to all the wonderful families and children we met along the way. We made some very special memories and hope to see you all again soon. 😊❤️

An's Book Garden AN'S Book Garden

The rice fields here are absolutely stunning, and I couldn't resist capturing this moment of these two taking in the view. 💚

We've also been lucky enough to have friends from France come and visit us in Hoi An, which is incredibly exciting. It's a long journey to get here, but we're hoping it's well worth the trip for them! Having some familiar faces around makes this special place feel even more like home. ✨

Cassidy and I have been lucky enough to be involved with a wonderful project here in Hoi An. An's Book Garden is a welcoming community space where children can read, play, create, and practise their English.

Children can enjoy books independently, with friends, or alongside visiting travellers from around the world. It's a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange, learning, and connection.

If you're visiting Hoi An and have some spare time, consider reaching out to An's Book Garden and volunteering for a session. Your time could make a real difference while creating some special memories of your own.

We’re halfway through July and almost at the end of our time here in Vietnam. It feels like we’ve really settled into life in Hoi An, and it’s safe to say we love it here.
Hoi An has such a laid-back, easy-going vibe. The roads look chaotic at first, but somehow, everything just works. Once you get used to it, the traffic flows surprisingly well and isn’t nearly as scary as it seems. Of course, scooter accidents happen, but so do car accidents back in the UK. People generally drive much more slowly here, and in my opinion, many of the accidents involve tourists who aren’t familiar with the roads or local driving style.
We’ve definitely become accustomed to eating out more than we ever have before. The food is so good and so affordable. I absolutely love Vietnamese food, but one of the great things about Hoi An is that you can find almost any cuisine you’re craving. We still enjoy cooking at home, but eating out has become a regular part of life here.
We’re based near An Bang, just a short distance from the beach, and if we return—which I’m certain we will—this is exactly where we’d want to stay. It’s a lovely area and feels like home.
We’ve found our routine, and after nine years of Mike trying to convince me, I’ve finally taken up pickleball! 😂 It’s hugely popular in Hoi An, and I’ve found a lovely group of women who play three mornings a week at 6:30am. It’s such a great way to start the day. Mike, of course, is playing practically every day, and we’re still working on getting Cassidy involved!
Cassidy is continuing her Marine Science studies and joining a few social activities. She’s made some friends here, although she really misses her sister, who is still in New Zealand.
Before long, we’ll be packing up and heading back to Bali for six months. It feels like this chapter is coming to an end, but we’re excited for what comes next.