Magnificent MEKONG, but next time, Disney

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The Mighty Mekong River, one of the largest rivers in the world, snakes it way through South Vietnam in the form of nine tributaries, known as the "Nine Dragons." Dena and I signed up for a 3-day tour which would bring us from Saigon by bus 3 hours to the first big, industrious city in the Delta. From there, it was all boats of one kind or another getting into smaller and smaller channels until finally we were squeezing our rowboats past children swimming. It was exactly what I wanted to see in Vietnam and had I left without seeing this, I would've been disappointed and felt my trip incomplete.

We slept in very basic hotels on land in the major cities throughout the Delta. Our tour was cheap - $30 for 3 days, everything included - so it attracted an eclectic clientele. Mostly experienced travelers, politically-aware, environmentally responsible, very polite and interesting to talk to. We were the only Americans. This is how we met Joseph (future blog entry) and a whole slew of travelers who were as interested in seeing Vietnam as they were interested in meeting fellow travelers and swapping stories. We had a blast!

There is one downside to traveling in an exotic, foreign land and that I didn't realize before this trip - when you live in an exotic, foreign land, that is exactly what you DON'T want when you go on vacation. I never understood how so many aid worker friends of mine took R&R in places like DisneyLand. Well, now I know why - because everything works in DisneyLand! Electricity, phones, people speaking a language you understand. Hopefully, you never have to point to some strange looking food and say "This is vegetable, right?" Before I left for Vietnam, my NGO friends commented that my vacation destination was "interesting." Apparently, they were trying to tell me..."This is your chance! Run, don't walk, to the nearest resort (Bali) and spend the next 5 days poolside, you fool!" Someone please remind me of this next time I plan to go on R&R.

Despite this, pictures don't lie...I had a great time in the delta. Best part - getting to know a good friend even better.

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