Mekong Delta

After flying from Hanoi back to Ho Chi Minh City we went on an adventure to find a treat. We came up with a Batman Donut! And it was as delicious as it looks!

We decided that the best way to get to Cambodia was by boat through the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta produces over half of Vietnam's total rice production. The Mekong River makes it's way to the sea by breaking off into 9 rivers and many small tributaries. 

We toured around one of the main rivers and then climbed aboard small canoe-type boats to see where people live. TJ was unimpressed by the hats that we were given to protect us from the blazing sun. 

We even had the opportunity to help paddle the boat. 

Part of the tour was going to the floating markets. The small boats will tie pineapples, squash or whatever they have to sell to a pole on their boat. That way everyone can see what they have to offer. These children were taken out of school so that they could help earn money for their families. 

At one pineapple boat we were invited to climb up on the boat while the owners peeled a pineapple for you in front of your very eyes. 

It was like a pineapple pop! And only cost about 10 cents... From the top of the boat I could see the whole market and everyone going about their business. 

That is a lot of pineapples!

Beautiful water lilies and lotus flowers. 

We were taken to a pagoda and told to get out and come back to the van in 45 minutes. It was not on the itinerary and so very confusing since the driver didn't speak any English. But it was beautiful and we saw chilled out buddhas. 

And ninja buddhas. 

From the top of the pagoda we could see rice fields in every direction. 

For the last night in Vietnam we decided to go for traditional Vietnamese food. Pho again for me. Look at that plate of extra greens! What a treat! 

The next day we got closer to Cambodia in the small putt-putt boat. We saw many people just living their lives, dependant on the river system. 

We stopped by a Cham village where the people are practising Muslims. They make scarves and sarongs using traditional weaving looms. They also really wanted to dress TJ and I up. The older man in the background took one look at TJ and said "Arafat!". I should have bought a sarong, all the fabrics were just so pretty and obviously took a lot of work. 

We chose the slow boat option to Cambodia because it was a lot more scenic and a heck of a lot cheaper! It was slow but also really chilled out and beautiful. 

Halong Bay

Halong Bay, home of the descending dragon, is the kind of place that you're pretty sure isn't real. Even when you are there, it still could be a green screen. Beautiful beyond all sense. 

But first there is a bus ride and a rickety boat ride that feels unsafe. 

We were so happy to be on our big boat and discover that our cabin was beautiful!!! Time to party!

There are 3000 limestone islands jutting out from the sea.

Photos cannot even touch the peaceful and majestic feeling of the experience. 

Included on the tour was the boat, room, all meals, a sunset party (so a glass of wine... we may have scooped the extras), kayaking, swimming, "Oh My Buddha" caves, and learning how to make spring rolls. All for a little over $100. Bargain. 

We should have stayed another night. 

We would go back in a heartbeat. 

Living on the mainland was too expensive so these people lived in their floating fishing villages. Fresh water was brought everyday. They may be poor but what a view...

We climbed up many stairs with many old people warning us about the unevenness of the rocks. Everyone from every country giggled at rocks shaped like a willy. 

There was an option to climb up a mountain to a pagoda. We chose chilling at the beach. 

100% recommend going to Halong Bay. Next time I'd like to go to Monkey Island or Cat Ba Island. I want to spend more time on the top deck watching the islands go by. I love how they would just appear out of the mists, mysterious and awesome. 

Hanoi

Hanoi. 

Bicycles are used for everything from carting people to popcorn. 

Since it's a big city it has those big city smells. Exhaust, concrete, urine. Also incense because it is everywhere. Outside pagodas, shrines, and shops. Even stuck into cracks in a building or sidewalk. It's sort of magical to have that vague scent of spirituality follow you everywhere. 

Old ladies wear their silk pyjamas to walk around the lake and do their exercises. Men smoke and chat, women sell fruit, children run and play. TJ and I? We walked leisurely and then sat down for coffee and cards. 

One local delicacy is snake wine. It's just what you'd think: a fermenting snake (and scorpion thrown in for good measure) in rice wine. We had an opportunity to try it but firmly refused. 

After 3 weeks in Vietnam I finally tried Pho. Delicious! And more filling that one would expect!

The market was so full of people and stuff. There was literally no where to go and the sellers had to squeeze themselves in with their wares. I cannot imagine how they can possibly sell all this stuff. Or even how they manage to remember where everything is. 

TJ bargained with a lady who spoke little English using emphatic gestures and a calculator. He came away with a new backpack!

Hoi An

We arrived in Hoi An and promptly went to get measured up for new clothes. Consequently, we needed to get a few million dong out to pay for this.

TJ saying "What am I going to do with all this dong???"

Hoi An is so so so pretty. It has perfect colours everywhere!

I think that maybe North America is the only place that refrigerates our eggs... 

There are approximately 1 zillion tailor shops and they all have their sister shoe making shops. We resisted. Barely. 

A street with no scooters on it? Jump for joy!

The results of our tailoring experience! So much fun!