The Mighty Mekong
Trip Start
Oct 23, 2006
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40
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Trip End
May 08, 2007
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
We left Saigon by bus in the early morning. After a 2 hour ride, we boarded a boat and headed for Turtle Island. We ate lunch there. (Not sure why it's called Turtle Island. There are no turtles. It should not surprise you that Phoenix Island has no phoenixes and Unicorn Island is sadly devoid of anything horned, let alone a unicorn. Coconut Island does have coconuts, but it's known for its legend about a dragon. There is no Dragon Island.) After lunch we went to a different island (I forget its name but it was probably some animal which either doesn't live there or doesn't exist at all). On that island we visited a place that makes coconut candy. Surprisingly, I loved it. I've never liked anything involving coconuts, but this candy is delicious. I bought a lot and sent some home. (Although due to Vietnamese mail, it'll get there in about 2 months. No joke). After buying the candy, we were treated to free honey tea, honey whiskey, and honey wine while listening to local, traditional music. We were also under constant attck from local bees, but that's the price of so much free honey.
We also held a snake. I'm not sure why.
The next island consisted of being paddled up a small river in canoes. We went ashore and walked down a path and back onto our original boat. It took less than 10 minutes altogether. Few things I've ever done have seemed so frivilous.
And that's it. We took the bus home. Not much thrilling action to write about, but it was beautiful and I had fun. I can see why some people opt for much longer tours here. One day isn't nearly enough, but my visa is running out fast. Glad to have seen as much as I did.
**Edit**
Just thought I'd mention that this trip to the Mekong Delta marks the furthest south I've ever been in my life. Crazy.
Comments
a snake?
what kind of snake were you handling? did it have any religious significance?
I just wanted to comment that you were up a river with a paddle, which is better than without. And maybe the names are for what they wish they had cause they're sick of honey & bees and useless snakes...just a thought.