So today was a really early one as we arrived in Siagon by night train at half 4.... Just ridiculous. But it did mean for an early start and what was to be a full day at that. So we headed for the hotel, had showers and then for breakfast which was on the 9th floor on top of the hotel in the revolving restaurant. Quality views of Siagon.. We soon departed for the 2 hour bus journey to Mekong, where we were to jump aboard the boat... We headed out and it was still only half 9, I really did feel like we were getting loads done. We first headed to Vietnam's floating markets and docked to have a look how they make puff rice, how they get their salt and also coconut candy, which is amezen by the way.... We also enjoyed some snake wine and banana like snake wine, which honestly was more like whiskey, which at half 10 wasn't really a good idea. But we cracked on and jumped back on board where we headed out for half an hour to an island. Once we arrived we had a small walk then jump on bikes and had a half hour ride around the country side and just basically off the beaten track, which was soooo enjoyable, soaking up the rays cruising around.. We absolutely loved it, well I definitely did, Emma didn't feel so comfortable on the bike so headed back after a short while. By this time it was getting to the point of hunger-ness, so we headed up the river to a restaurant located in the midst of trees and wildlife including hammocks.. Yes, we did indulge.... The meal came in the form of a large flat fish, known as elephant ear, it looked ace, this was accompanied by many side dishes...... Me a fan, Emma not so, but both full to the brim. When we finished dining we had some cultural entertainment from the locals whilst we both relaxed in the hammocks..... The best bloody way to spend boxing day... I was so chilled I actually dozed off... This wasn't the end of the day trip though,. We were off to the crocodile farm. Great experience, many tiny crocs requiring feeding, we were told the Brits taste the best but we stuck with fish.... They were very feisty.......We then headed back to shore, a 10 min trip to the coast and a walk through the live animal market. Something I never want to do again. Too cruel for my personal knowledge, so in this case ignorance is bliss.. I know that's wrong but I don't need to see that again. We soon sat down for coffee and waited for the bus. 4 hours later and we were back in Saigon, then 30 mins later and we were meeting up with Mai (Mrs Neesham) a Vietnamese friend recently wed to another friend. It was such a great feeling to see a familiar face and soon we headed to a recommended Vietnamese restaurant, we enjoyed some traditional food along with Vietnam's version of steak egg and chips.,,,, Amez ...... We didn't hang around as cocktails were waiting in a few local bars suggest by Mai.... At the first, I enjoyed a berry mojito, which at the time was my fave until we got the second where they had passion fruit mojitos, recommended to you all.,.. All in all we had a great day and great catch up tonight and look forward to seeing the Cu Chi tunnels tomorrow morning and Mai on the afternoon for potential shopping and spa massage .......
Peace and love
Moon x