Today was definitely the best day yet! Yesterday we purchased tour tickets to see the Mekong Delta, My Tho, and Ben Tre. It’s a cluster of three islands we got to travel to by boat to see various things being made.
First we took a boat ride to Con Phung Island where we first saw some local Vietnamese making hand carved pieces like spoons, boxes, and other goods. We also got to see how rice paper was made.
Then we had a lunch along the Mekong River in a hand made hut. After lunch we got back on the boat and traveled to another island to have honey tea. On the same island we traveled along foot to see how coconut candy is made. It is so yummy and was fun to watch them make. They also made one of my favorite snacks, banana chips! Let me tell you these chips put any banana chip I’ve ever tried at home to shame! Hehehe.
After the candy making we got back on the boat to get to the next island. It was about a 40 minute boat ride and it felt like I was in paradise. Total relaxation and the breeze felt fantastic.
Once we reached out next stop we took a horse ride through a village to listen to folk music. Our tour guide Tom told us that folk songs vary from where you are in Vietnam, the Northern songs are different in tune from the Southern. We also go to eat tropical fruit like pineapple, lychee, dragon fruit, and I don’t know what it’s called – it looks like a porcupine but once you peel it and enjoy – it is so good! The fruit here is so amazing, every bite has so much flavor and is so fresh. I’m getting so spoiled!
Luckily we made it to the folk singers in one piece though. This poor little horse that is totally overworked and abused carried six of us in a wagon of sorts and was not happy to be pulling us. He kept bucking at first, the man who was controlling him was not doing a good job despite us being on it and made the horse kept going. Until I got off the wagon I was trembling, even after I was walking for a while…But – it’s all about the experience and it has been an incredible one so far!
Once we finished our fruit and entertainment we boarded row boats that held 4 of us while a Vietnamese rowed us through a beautiful landscape! Everything is so plush! I felt like I was in heaven. Every turn we took was another photo op and I found it fascinating to see how these people live. Life is so simple for them. All of this made me extremely grateful for what I have. I am truly blessed.
After about a half hour ride we returned to our bigger boat to head back to the tour bus that would take us back to Saigon, about a 2 hour bus ride. The bus ride was long but totally worth it! After a beautiful day out of the city we got back around 7PM and went to a great Indian restaurant. The food was so good!
One of the things I love most about being in Saigon is how every turn you take is another great picture opportunity! Everything has so much character. It’s not like seeing Starbucks, CVS, Stop and Shop, GAP, gas stations on every corner. Each building, store front, everything is different from its surroundings and it’s all so great to take in.
It’s funny even though today is a Sunday and I was out all day, I feel more refreshed and alive than I would spend a Sunday at home. There is something about seeing new things and experiencing new situations. I am so excited for this week and what it brings!
First we took a boat ride to Con Phung Island where we first saw some local Vietnamese making hand carved pieces like spoons, boxes, and other goods. We also got to see how rice paper was made.
Then we had a lunch along the Mekong River in a hand made hut. After lunch we got back on the boat and traveled to another island to have honey tea. On the same island we traveled along foot to see how coconut candy is made. It is so yummy and was fun to watch them make. They also made one of my favorite snacks, banana chips! Let me tell you these chips put any banana chip I’ve ever tried at home to shame! Hehehe.
After the candy making we got back on the boat to get to the next island. It was about a 40 minute boat ride and it felt like I was in paradise. Total relaxation and the breeze felt fantastic.
Once we reached out next stop we took a horse ride through a village to listen to folk music. Our tour guide Tom told us that folk songs vary from where you are in Vietnam, the Northern songs are different in tune from the Southern. We also go to eat tropical fruit like pineapple, lychee, dragon fruit, and I don’t know what it’s called – it looks like a porcupine but once you peel it and enjoy – it is so good! The fruit here is so amazing, every bite has so much flavor and is so fresh. I’m getting so spoiled!
Luckily we made it to the folk singers in one piece though. This poor little horse that is totally overworked and abused carried six of us in a wagon of sorts and was not happy to be pulling us. He kept bucking at first, the man who was controlling him was not doing a good job despite us being on it and made the horse kept going. Until I got off the wagon I was trembling, even after I was walking for a while…But – it’s all about the experience and it has been an incredible one so far!
Once we finished our fruit and entertainment we boarded row boats that held 4 of us while a Vietnamese rowed us through a beautiful landscape! Everything is so plush! I felt like I was in heaven. Every turn we took was another photo op and I found it fascinating to see how these people live. Life is so simple for them. All of this made me extremely grateful for what I have. I am truly blessed.
After about a half hour ride we returned to our bigger boat to head back to the tour bus that would take us back to Saigon, about a 2 hour bus ride. The bus ride was long but totally worth it! After a beautiful day out of the city we got back around 7PM and went to a great Indian restaurant. The food was so good!
One of the things I love most about being in Saigon is how every turn you take is another great picture opportunity! Everything has so much character. It’s not like seeing Starbucks, CVS, Stop and Shop, GAP, gas stations on every corner. Each building, store front, everything is different from its surroundings and it’s all so great to take in.
It’s funny even though today is a Sunday and I was out all day, I feel more refreshed and alive than I would spend a Sunday at home. There is something about seeing new things and experiencing new situations. I am so excited for this week and what it brings!
Wow! The tour sounds amazing! I would have enjoyed the boat ride- don't know if I would have enjoyed the horse and cart with the horse bucking etc...I LOVE the photos- you got some really dynamite shots of real people...so genuine and authentic! LOVE IT!!!! Keep taking those pictures- you make me proud!
ReplyDeleteHave fun- we all miss you! XOXOXOXO :-)