Vietnam 2014 - Day 6

                                                      March 03, 2014:  Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam    95 - Sunny

                                                                       Journey Day    01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 HOME 


                                                    Wasser.  Leaving Ho Chi Minh City for the Mekong Delta is like starting a trip in a funnel. Newer perimeter
                                                    boulevards with separate motorcycle lanes lead into a new toll road.  However, these roads continued to their
                                                   ever so sure approach of the original road system where all of humanity is vying for the same strip of asphalt.  

 
                                                    Our tour guide Eric was very prompt at 07:45 am for the very full day tour of the Mekong Delta.   It is a two hour
                                                   journey in the new Mercedes Sprinter van – no other passengers, so, a private tour in a large van.

 
                                                    In the distance, the industry follows the Saigon river and rice fields filled the gap between river and road. 
                                                    Interestingly, memorial tombs of farmers’ family dot the agricultural landscape.  This allowed the past generations
                                                   to literally become “one with the land”.

 
                                                    Arrival at a small port leads to even smaller boats – just two fold up seats wide with a generous shade cover. 
                                                    Our water course started with the floating water markets with every type of local produce or utility item.  Just look
                                                    for the main item centered on top of a bamboo post.  See the watermelon on the top of the bamboo ship mast? 
                                                   Now look down to see stacks of ready to purchase watermelons.

 
                                                    Life on the boats is in essence self contained – Cook, wash, sleep, and all else on the boats.  School for children is
                                                    not part of this section of agricultural life.  Propulsion was based on archaic engines and 10 foot long propeller
                                                   shafts.  The smaller boats were everyday human propulsion.

 
                                                    Next leg was a stop was a family owned candy factory located on the bank – included a full end-to-end process
                                                    of rice hull separation, rice popping, rice paper creation, coconut shaving and toasting, and infusion of multiple
                                                   favors from local sources.  “The land giveth” is an understatement in this tropical region.

 
                                                    Back to the cool breezes on the boat again and next stop was a walking tour of a remote village with insight of
                                                    local tree produce.   Newer homes in the village looked like they had been transported from
Greece - full of concrete
                                                    with endless tile covering.  Kitchen was front and center to allow for entertaining.  We had the opportunity to stop
                                                   in a home, enjoy samples of local fruit, and listen to local performers covered in silk and linen (heat survival gear).

 
                                                    One interesting diversion was transferring to a gondola type boat that included a short trip down a narrow stream
                                                    trimmed with mud banks.  Seems a large group of Germans could not go the full length of creek due to mass. 
                                                   The wasser (German word for water) was not deep enough.

 
                                                    Time for lunch and we carried on to another island.  Arrived before the next batch of Brits, French, Germans,
                                                    Russians, and various Asians joined the restaurant which was technically another home.  An upright cooked fish
                                                    is presented with a brief demonstration of how to prepare spring rolls.  Easy steps of 1) pick up rice paper from
                                                    very tight stack, 2) insert mint, lettuce, and cucumber, 3) pull off sections of fish and add to mixture, 4) roll up
                                                   tightly, and 5) dip into fish sauce.  Superb!

 
                                                    Rest of the meal included small breaded sausages and (2) large shrimp inserted into a carrot for presentation. 
                                                    (Due to
Louisiana trained eating skills, it took just nano-seconds to consume the shrimp).  A large bowl of Pho
                                                   (beef broth soup) followed.

 
                                                    Final boat ride back to the original port was quiet and reflective.  Located in the rear was a hammock which called
                                                    out several times to be used.  Finished a few more sips from a fresh coconut and watched the hyacinth filled
                                                   placid water scenery go by.

 
                                                    Another two hour ride back to the hotel and bid adieu to Eric.  After a few snacks in the club room, time for
                                                   early slumber.  The magnitude of the Mekong Delta tour created a very full day.


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                                                                                   Country Travel Map

                                                                                   Vietnam 2014 Map

 

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