The Mekong Delta has been the focus of our class since the beginning, regarding development, climate change, and culture. It has been a day that we have all been long awaiting. I was most excited to get to ride on the small boats through the narrow rivers, which exceeded my expectations. At times, the boat was completely silent and you could hear the small noises of the native animals. We all found it to be a tranquil and a beautiful experience. 

First, we were taken by horse-drawn carriages, which was very unexpected. It has been a very long time since I have even been near horses, and it reminded me warmly of my childhood. When we arrived, I was surprised by how tourist-oriented the area was. This day was described to us as an experience in rural Vietnam with traditional practices and food; however, many of the local stores had many mass-produced items and we were constantly surrounded by other tourists. I wonder how our experience differs from the true lifestyle of those living by the Mekong Delta. Additionally, we got to hold python snakes. Immediately, I was very excited for this unique experience. The weight of the 40 pound snake on my back was terrifying yet exhilarating. 

The lifestyle of Mekong Delta people is one I could only wish to have. As described by our tour guide, they are more laid back and live life at a slower rate as compared to the city. In the area in which we visited, it was clear that they make their living around tourist revenue. As Vietnam enters the rainy season, I predict that this area of the Mekong Delta will struggle as tourists dwindle. In addition, the rain affects all modes of transportation, causing both tourism and almost all local businesses to suffer. I wonder how the people of the Mekong Delta are altering and diversifying their services to accommodate the weather.