So, we left the hustle and bustle of Saigon to go down to the Mekong Delta - the very jungle -like region most people think of when they think of Vietnam. Our destination was a Homestay in Vinh Long.
A long drive got us into Vinh Long at about 11:00 p.m. and getting to the people’s home where we were staying was tons of fun. We parked the van, packed an overnight bag and headed to the ferry dock, where a river taxi took us across the Mekong River. A few of the men from the place were there to take us, so a quick point at me and gesture toward gentleman #1 had my keester on the back of a moto as we headed into the jungle down winding dirt paths. It was a beautiful night - clear sky, almost full moon, river inlets surrounding the path (and very narrow bridges - but hey, if I go, he goes - so just enjoy the ride I say).
We arrived, made the greetings, had tea and went to bed - the accommodations were almost identical to those we found on the trekking trails in Nepal. And sleep was lovely - we exchanged the honks of Saigon city traffic to crickets and oh yea, that coconut that fell on my tin roof in the middle of the night and scared the beejeebers out of me! My mosquito net kept the bugs out and I slept like a baby.
This morning I got to “help” our home stay lady, Mai, with her market errands, so at about 6:00 am we packed up the limes she had picked and were going to sell to one of the sellers at the market and we set off to the “bus stop”, which was basically a little dock a bit down the path. A little boat came and picked us up and brought us to the middle part of the river where we had to “transfer” to a bigger bus - this one was carrying other ladies on the way to the market with their goods - a big basket of ginger, some nummy looking plums, tomatoes, etc. They all killed themselves laughing with delight as I got on with Mai. We crossed the river and landed at the “wholesalers” side of the market - and got out. We bought some prawns, fish and some vegetables for lunch and also made our lime sale with an absolutely beautiful lady running a corner fruit and vegetable stand.
Mai headed back, and I wandered around the market and met up with the boys for coffee. After a bit, we caught a river taxi back and helped make lunch. Wow, quite the spread. One of the guys made amazing river boats out of cucumbers - I now am unworthy even to try to make radish roses - and a couple of women who work with Tan in the Mekong came and gave me a lesson in fried spring rolls. We had a blast, although some things are best left for the professionals!
The afternoon took us on a leisurely boat ride along the Mekong and eventually back to the dock where our van was waiting. An absolutely lovely day. Now off to Chao Doc on the border of Cambodia. I think we’re off to Phnom Penh tomorrow.
xoxo - and hope all is well with you. Wish you were here.
PS: Magic Food Find: Avocado Shakes - I know! Go figure - but delicious. I’ll try to recreate them when I get home and whip them up for anyone who is game!
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