Time flies here in the Traveling Village. Almost two weeks have already passed, and a lot is happening. For us, it already feels close to everyday life. At the same time, I know that from the outside this probably looks quite exotic. So here’s a small insight into what’s been going on over the last few days.
🎨 On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the NEST takes place in the mornings. We meet in changing locations — cafés, workshops, at the beach — and there’s a program for the kids. Here in Hoi An, the focus is strongly on art (crafting, painting, etc.), as we’re working with two local artists. The Nest is both a place where kids have something to do and a space for adults to meet, connect and exchange.
🤝 At the same time, the three of us are gradually meeting other families one-on-one, intentionally in calmer settings. It creates room to really get to know each other. We’re hearing incredibly interesting life stories from people who don’t necessarily follow the typical life path.
🥖 Once a week there’s a community dinner or lunch. Last week we had a Bánh mì picnic — the baguette was brought to Vietnam by the French and is now filled with local ingredients like meat, vegetables, eggs and spicy sauces. We met in a very child-friendly café with an attached garden.
🏃♂️ Sports definitely don’t fall short here. I’ve already organized Spikeball meetups — at the beach and in the park. There’s badminton, Yvana from the Village offers yoga classes, and there are regular times when people meet up at the gym. You can always find running partners to jog through the rice fields. We even went to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — both to a kids’ class and a beginner class for adults.
🌊 The beach is always a great option, both to meet other families in a relaxed environment and to play in the waves. And with a bodyboard, it’s even more fun.
🗣️ I can also really live out my social side here and bring people together. Last Friday, I gathered 13 people from the “village” for a deep talk evening in a cocktail bar — very much in the spirit of Tacheles.
🏛️ After getting through the first intense days, we’re starting to explore the area more. After a second visit to the old town (this time much better), including a tea ceremony, chocolate tasting and a rooftop dinner, we’ll probably head to the My Son ruins tomorrow.
🏡 And there’s always something going on in our coliving house as well. Enough kids to build cardboard houses and run around, and enough adults for good conversations at any time of day. We’ve already cooked together twice, and yesterday Michaela met here with her book club.
⚖️ What’s still missing a bit is focused time, reading, and intentional time as a couple and as a family. But I’m confident we’ll find a better balance over the next few weeks.
So now I’m off to meet someone for sports. And this afternoon there’s another community dinner — this time out in the rice fields. 🌾
