Row, Row, Row your boat........

Gently down the..........Mekong Delta! That's where we were today and it was amazing. Incredibly beautiful weather today; perfect for touring.

We had a very tasty breakfast at the hotel this morning and then hit the buses early. It was a 2 hour drive to the Mekong Delta, with a "pit stop" along the way! People enjoyed the scenery (I got a picture of a banana tree; don't think I ever saw one before), got some snacks, bought a few gifts in the gift shop, stretched their legs, and then we carried on. Once again, we were duly amused by the sheer volume of traffic along the way........beep, beep, beep, beep........everywhere! It was interesting to see the differences once we got out of the city (no helmets required) and began driving through the country (helmets definitely required.........weird; seems like it should be the opposite!). Lots of construction going on.......and women are hired to be out there, in the middle of it all, along the roads.......sweeping, of all things!

We took a ferry taxi ride across the water, and headed over to the Farmer's Market. Lots of interesting experiences in there, that's for sure. A little shopping, a little snacking, a stop to see the bees making honey, an encounter with a python (yikes!), a little more snacking and shopping........and then.....to the row boats for our trip down the river (about 2 kms). I'm getting better at being on the water, but it still makes my heart go pitter patter! (and not in a happy way!) So, down the mighty river we go........4 to a boat........quite the experience. Got some great pictures.

Back on to the ferry taxi, have a drink of coconut milk from the shell and head back to the bus. We stop at a great little restaurant for the infamous deep-fried Elephant Ear Fish lunch. Yum-O! Lots of great food coming our way.........fish, prawns, vegetables, spring rolls, deep fried rice ball, and so on and so on. All this is to be washed down with a cool, refreshing Vietnamese beer! Very enjoyable! People are feeling quite comfortable and relaxed.

Back on the bus for the 2 hour ride back to the hotel. It's been an interesting day, but it's time for a little R and R now. Some folks choose to go to the lacquer factory; most others choose to hit the pool, have a massage, go shopping or for a tour around the city. Dinner was early, and was in the restaurant and it was stupendous! So many choices. I didn't take my camera down with me, but let me just say it was amazing. Noel and I were happy to end our meal with chocolate ice cream, topped with chocolate chips and a dollop of whipped cream. The day is complete!

I got to spend a little time with Brenda and Carroll in my room, as we visited the blog, had a look at some of the pictures and comments and just generally chat for a bit. Almost time for lights out because we have a very early wake-up call for 6 a.m. We depart for Cambodia in the morning..........more great times ahead!

We have a special birthday tomorrow .......Dawn Williams! And the birthday wishes are already coming in from family........ Happy Birthday, Dawn!

(Good night, Mom. I love you!)

Happy Pat

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