We took a fantastic tour of the Mekong Delta by speed boat- the breeze was wonderful in the 90 degree heat. The tour groups are small (8 people) and we did not see any other tour groups on this trip.These are a few of our many photos.
--A rice combine harvester in a Delta village. Vietnam surpassed Thailand to be the largest exporter of rice in the world this year. The village farm was celebrating the first day of the rice harvest -a three times a year event and we just happened to be there.The owner of the farm broke out homemade honey wine and shared the celebration with our group. See the jar of wine before filtering? They make it from rice wine and honeycombs including bees! See the next picture where Joy is drinking it? After Joy proved it was safe, I tried a sip. It was very good.
--The delta is a maze of 1500km of river channels. Tiny fishing boats, small barges and huge barges share a narrow channel on the Mekong which makes it very interesting to watch. The boats have big eyes painted on the bow to intimidate the alligators. Of course, there are no longer alligators but the tradition continues for luck and safety. Every boat was heavily loaded, just shortp of sinking. Look at the empty green sand and gravel carrier and then the next one where it is submerged to deck level! Heavily loaded boats also carried sugarcane to the mills and rice to the hulling factories.
--The rural market was fascinating. They sold duck, chicken, and quail eggs. If one needs more strength or a woman is pregnant, they eat eggs that have been fertilized and the duck is partially formed. This small rural market with narrow isles was a friendly place to visit- even the motorbikers riding through the market were patient with us being in their way. Wait, are those live chickens hanging off from that motorbike??
--We had a really good lunch which was actually served at a rural orphanage. we were served a multi course meal and local beer made with honey.Check out the traditional fish that was part of it.
--We walked to a Cao Dai temple. Cao Daism was formed in the 1920s and combines the basic beliefs of Buddism,Taoism, Christianity, Confucionism, and Islam under the belief that there is one God with lots of different approaches to the common beliefs of most faiths. Doesn't that concept sound a bit familiar all you UUs? that being said, very few people are Cao Daists . So, can you identify Jesus, Buddha, or anyone else on the bias relief at the temple?
--Wait I almost forgot! The yellow abandoned looking factory building represents a new form of speculative investment. Someone buys an empty building, and tries to lure bird nest soup swallows by broadcasting the sound of birds chirping. If they settle in, the nests are worth $2000 per kilogram. If they don't the owner goes broke.
Incredible photos!! That new camera is paying off. Glad you made it safe and sound. Also, honey wine = yummy!! Though it looks a bit terrifying.
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