We took a tour today that included a stop at a cricket farm. After the tour they served us a sample of crickets fried with garlic in oil with a sauce for dipping. They actually tasted ok. By the way, our guide had never eaten crickets before becoming a tour guide. The one Vietnamese man on our tour wouldn't try them.
Next we went to a flower farm. The pictures say it all.
We got to visit an ethnic hill tribe village. The fellow on the right spoke a few words of English. He showed us a piece of quite old plywood used as a window cover, that he called a souvenir from the Americans.The Vietnamese pig here, and her piglets were not from the pet store, but more likely for dinner. The monkey was MEAN! When given a bottle of water to drink from, he turned and threw it at the pig!
When we visited a small family silk factory, we got to see how they get silk thread from cocoons, weave it with Jacard looms into fabric, see live silk worms, and eat fried silk worms, which were indeed better tasting! Our guide said we were lucky. Fried silk worms were only available if a tour guide remembered to call ahead. Hmm.
Two women were doing the most amazing silk embroidered pictures!
We visited a coffee plantation. Vietnam is apparently the world's second largest producer. There is a traditional specialty coffee produced there where weasels are fed coffee berries. The beans are indigestible and emerge in their poop. It was for sale in all the markets. Apparently the tourists love to buy it. Hmm.
Near by was the temple of the smiling Bhuda. Amazing sculptures!
Last we went to the old French colonial train station, which is now a popular spot to have wedding pictures taken. There were at least ten couples with their photographers on the grounds while we were there.
It doesn't show in any pictures, but the Vietnamese people we have met are the happiest, friendliest, most helpful we have ever met. They are making it a delightful vacation.
incredible photos! Is the Buddha supposed to have a halo, or is there just something behind his head? I am very impressed with your eating bravery. And I strongly applaud your choice *not* to get weasel poop coffee.
ReplyDeleteOk, you two definitely win. I was not tempted AT ALL to eat the insects we saw in Thailand. And fried silkworms! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - thanks for sharing.