Delta Discovery

Two days afloat on the Mekong Delta provided ample evidence that that there is indeed a slower side to Vietnam.  Motoring and paddling our way through the narrow canals we saw isolated houses and small villages (connected by dirt paths for scooters).  We saw lush tropical plants and enormous butterflies.  We also saw ample evidence of the outside world (flat screen televisions glowed from inside riverside thatched huts on stilts) and, sadly, trash floated in the water wherever we looked.  This little river world is not immune to reality.

We tasted handmade coconut candy and honey tea.  We visited a small family rice noodle production "factory," and we experienced the famous floating markets - the farmers market takes to the river, where vendors sell their fruits and vegetables aboard boats, and buyers cruise by, tie up, and bargain for a bushel.

The biggest hit of the delta, by far, were the animals (all captive) that we visited along the way.  It was like a petting zoo for exotic pets (without any of the rules you might find at home).  Posted at the zoo, you might typically see a sign that says, "Please do not feed the animals."  Not here.  This is what you are more likely to encounter:

Pig Lungs For Sale!  Tasty Treats for Crocodiles!  Feed one now!

(Yes, we did remind them to let go of the pole if the string didn't break.)

 

Monkey Loves Coconut Candy.  Please Feed Her.

This snake is safe, just don't touch the other one that looks just like it, because he's hungry.  What?

I'm nothing like my Dad!

Delta Impressions: Cool markets, friendly people, fun animals, dirty water.  We made great memories and have decided to stay away from fish until we hit the ocean.