Dear readers,

Today was quite an adventure. The whole day was just one crazy event after another. Once we got to the Mekong Delta, we got on a boat to go to closest islands. At the first one, we focused our visit on the coconut market and factories that are located there. We saw where they process the coconuts and make them into goods. From there, we rode motor bikes, in groups, to our lunch location. These were no normal motorbikes. They had a driver and then an attached cart in the back that could hold about six people. Our driver made us put on helmets while all the others I guess didn’t have them. After getting lost on the jungle island for about 15-20 minutes, we finally got on the right path to get to our lunch destination. There we had some fantastic freshly caught pink fin fish. The full fish was fried and put on a stake in the middle of the table. The rest of the meal was equally delicious; sticky rice, soup, noodles, and seasoned chicken and potatoes were all part of the meal. After our lunch we were able to wander the property for a little while. There, we encountered crocodiles, porcupines, frogs, and snakes. We also had a little times to relax in the hammocks that were set up throughout the property. After we were done, we hopped on a smaller river boat to take us back to our larger transport. The scenery of the jungle from the river looked just like the movies.

In between the main destinations, we went to another part of the delta to try some tea. It’s main ingredient was freshly made honey. Many of us (me included) even got to stick our finger into a well-populated hive to taste some of this fresh honey. We also were able to take a picture with a python around our shoulders. I know this may seems like there is a lack of transitions here but that’s how it appeared in real life too. We went from one to the next to the next, all cool.

Our next destination was Con Phung Island, the home of the Coconut religion. The details of this religion are unknown to me. But they sure did have a cool-looking temple. Bridges converged to a circular platform holding about 6 dragon totem pole-like structures. At the top of the circle was the temple, which was intricately designed from the front with a peaceful place to pray around the back. The rest of the island was very fun. We tried crocodile meat (which was very tasty), climbed rope ladders, and used traditional structures to cross rivers. On the same island, we took a canoe to a more central part of the island, where we ate fruit and listened to traditional Vietnamese music. Afterwards, we returned to our boat to finish the day off with some refreshing coconut milk.

Hopefully the problems with saline levels and the rising sea don’t ruin the beautiful landscape that is the Mekong Delta. Its economic contribution and its beauty are essential to the identity of Vietnam.

Thank you for reading.

Brian