We got up early again today to drive to the Mekong River. I was really excited about today because I did a research project on the Mekong this past semester in my water management class. I bought a traditional rice hat for $1 and besides looking cool, it definitely helped ward off the sun on my face and shoulders. We took a boat across the Mekong to Unicorn Island. Our guide said a unicorn is a protector in Vietnamese lore.

On the island, they first showed us how to make coconut candy. Then they showed us how to make honey tea. It was honey, bee pollen, key lime juice and fresh tea and was very yummy. We also tried medicinal banana wine in a tiny glass. That was all you needed because it was potent. After a snack on local fruits with local music we headed down to the river for a traditional boat ride. We were rowed back to our main boat by two ladies and it was beautiful.

People think the Mekong is a nasty looking river but the color is an indication of how healthy it is. It is full of silt that makes it warm and fertile. It is the last major river in the world that is not completely full of large dams, but China has already put several large dams up in its share of the river. This river will probably be totally different in 10 years and I'm glad I got to see it before it is destroyed. However, over 60 million people live off the river and it will be interesting to see how much it may be protected. Anyways, that's my rant on the Mekong, I have a presentation I can send you if you'd like to learn more.

After the trip to the river we had a delicious Vietnamese lunch. They said the iced tea was jasmine but I could taste anise (I think) in it as well and it was soooo good. We had asian pankakes with shrimp and pork, coconut salad with shrimp and pork, elephant ear fish wrapped in rice paper with pinapple and fresh leaves, a seafood pot soup and fresh fruit. The fish looked scary (see picture) because it was just an entire fish that was fried and put on the table. A lady came and took it apart for us, thank god, and it was really good. I wouldn't have know what to do with the whole fish but when it was wrapped up it was the best part of the meal. Our guide told us to try the tail too, but only a few people ate it. I think their faces kept the rest of us from digging in.