Southern tip of Nam
Trip Start
May 16, 2008
1
22
41
Trip End
Sep 15, 2008
Mekong Delta,
Vietnam
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Can Tho is way more the Vietnamese Riviera than Catba was, its much bigger, which I didn't expect way out here.
Now in the south, Agent Orange victims are far more visible than in the north. Very sad consequence of the American War. Vietnam's baby boom (started at the end of the war in 75) means about 60% of the country is under the age of 30, which gives it a pretty fun vibe.
Water hyacinth grow as weeds here, which is neat as my Dad pays good money to have them populate his pond in the backyard every summer. My guide couldn't believe it as I think its tantamount to our dandy lions. The Vietnamese would wear them on their heads to cross the river during war time, so they were not detected
Bee Farm
.Our guide explained that we may have 2 cars per family back home, but they have 5 or 6 boats in his family (of 10 kids!!!). Tried this coconut sweet that I am now addicted to, the guide reminded me if I eat too much of it I will get fat. They throw that word around a lot here "fat", its kinda funny. Most folks in this region are farmers and word really hard all day and spend the nights with their banana or rice wine singing folk songs....the guide broke out in song for us in the car here even.
Our guide is insisting on teaching us some Vietnamese which is cool. Not sure how much I will remember, I have a hard enough time remembering the name to the hotels I am staying in.
With only a few days left in Vietnam, we are definitely slowing down, go go go for 3 weeks is catching up! I may actually miss the chirping lizards that find their way into our room....they keep the bugs at bay so not complaints from me!
Visiting the famous Mekong floating markets tomorrow on our way back to HCMC. More pics then....a bientot.
