Mekong Delta

 

Mon 24th Nov 2008

Woke thru the night for trip to the loo. Not good. Went again after alarm went off and decided if I had to go again before we left I would stay home, but all good. Not feeling 100% so only had toast for breakfast. Went to Binh Tay wholesale market in Cholon before heading off to the Mekong Delta.

Traffic heavier being a week day. Motorbike want thru a red light and clipped the front of our bus – no harm done – didn’t even come off the bike. Stopped at a ‘happy house’ with a really pretty garden. They were selling the ceramics that I’m sure are the ones Lyn bought. Keith said we go to a place called ‘Humanity’ in Hanoi that sells them and packs them really well for travel and is for a good cause so will wait till then. Also saw them in the supermarket where I bought the icecream.

Mekong Delta guide’s name is Thuy (Twee), nice lady. On to boat large enough for all for cruise on river. Decamped onto 2 smaller boats for canal cruise up to fruit orchard where we had some local fruit and entertainment by band and singers. Then to place where they make coconut candy – very yummy. Bought some, peanut variety, 20 000 VND, about $2AU. There were plain, peanut, chocolate and pandan leaf varieties. Lunch was typical local fare – some nice, some not so much. Locals arrived with a large python, Sandra bailed real quick. Freya, Russell and I not 100% today. Back to boats and back to shore. Clouds gathering for afternoon shower but looks like it missed us. Driver seems to be taking it a bit easier – maybe someone spoke to him??

Stopped off at the Temple of the Sea Goddess (Chinese built – one of the oldest and most famous in Saigon). Traffic crazy – peak hour! Got back to the Hotel for recovery time and pre-pack organization. Got a takeaway pizza at Gallery Deli just down from Hotel, $5 AU each – not bad – Americana. Another storm tonight about 6pm, much shorter than last night though. Gotta be ready to go at 9.30 tomorrow to catch plane to Danang. Luxury!

 

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