Days 6 and 7: Mekong Delta Overnight
The four hour ride and fear of no air conditioning made me nervous as we headed out for our weekend stay at the Mekong Delta. But once we arrived and were greeted by such a beautiful view, all my nerves went away.
We started off with lunch. My table taught the UEF students sitting with us how to play Wavelength. It is already a difficult game, but it was even more difficult with our different cultures and language barriers. For example, a question asking about clothing brands caused a dilemma because we do not have all the same stores, so it took a few tries to find one in common. In the end though, we found our pace and they enjoyed learning how to play.
We then took a short ride to a team building activity. We changed into traditional farmer outfits made of linen pants and tops. It is supposed to be a comfortable and simple outfit that allows easy movement while working. I thought that in the heat it was the opposite, the way it stuck to my skin and the dark color attracted the sun.
Once we began swimming, the outfit was less of a bother because I was more focused on not touching the muddy bottom. The games were so much fun. We were split into Team 1 and Team 2 and played four total games: rock paper scissors with the loser having to jump in, a bridge balancing game, a rope climbing activity, and a basic swimming race. I was exhausted afterwards but was excited for the next activity immediately after, which was catching catfish in the river.
We used small bamboo traps that, if a fish was spotted, were placed down over top of it. The catcher then reached their hand into the hole at the top of the cage to remove the fish by hand. I did not like holding the fish, but I was happy that our team was able to catch two. I cannot imagine the patience it must take to use this method daily when the murky water makes it nearly impossible to see the fish.
The following day we went to the floating market. The boat ride began at 5:30 a.m., which is closer to my usual bedtime than any time I would typically consider waking up. But it was definitely worth the early rise. The fresh morning air felt great as we got off the boat to shop around the small stores on the docks. We were told by Tuan, our tour guide, that these markets are becoming less common as time goes on. It is interesting to me that they have continued existing until now when newer technologies like superstores and online shopping already exist.
We then checked out and headed to the street market. I tried blended milk chocolate, assuming it would resemble my favorite American drink, chocolate milk. It was delicious, and there was some sweet added ingredient that I could not place.
I slept the whole ride back through all the karaoke songs and pit stops. I am very grateful for the beautiful resort, the fresh mango and pineapple I ate at the markets, and the perfect infinity pool.
