Cuu Long/ The Me Kong Delta

Well I spent the weekend in the MeKong delta, and it was amazing.After a 4 hour bus ride and two ferries later, we arrived in Can Tho at about 8 o'clock at night.There was much night live in Can Tho.When we arrived, almost every store was closed.So it was either get a shady massage or walk around the city.I chose the latter.Three of us, Matt, Khanh, and Me, walked around the streets looking for something to do.Matt really wanted to go to a club, so when we came to a small store, both Khanh and I made Matt use his limited Vietnamese skills to ask where the nearest club was.As Khanh and I stood a few feet back, we watched Matt struggle.I was very impressed; he did an outstanding job.However, it took about 4 people to understand what he was saying.Luckily a taxi driver pulled up and took us to the nearest club, XO Club.Very interesting, full of smoke and loud techno music.Also, the guys surprisingly outnumbered the girls.One can of Coca and an hour later, we had had enough of the crazy Can Tho night life.

Early the next morning, we left for Hoa An research center, 2 hours by bus, and 2 ferries.At Ha An, Dr. Ni researches organic farming methods and helps the local community improve farming methods.As we walked around the grounds of the research center, Dr. Ni explained about his research, and mosquitoes bit at any part of our body that was not covered.Just incase you were wondering?the key to delicious rice is goat manure!

After lunch, it was back on the bus and off to Vinh Long. Once in Vinh Long, we boarded a boat to Mr. Muoi's house on the bank of the MeKong River.It is the best place to stay on the MeKong.For only $15 a night, you get to stay right next to the river.Behind his house is a garden full of grapefruit trees, dragon fruit vines among other various flowers and fruit trees.I spent most of the afternoon lying in a hammock reading a book, sipping a Coke (man it would be ideal if I had a Dr. Pepper.)Dinner was served, Elephant ear fish (ca tai tuong) a staple along the MeKong.It was delicious.After dinner, a couple of locals came to perform traditional Vietnamese music (cai luong).Very relaxing and peaceful on the river, I wish we could have spent one more night.

Early the next morning we boarded the boat and explored the river some more.The floating market was pretty interesting.Boats full of different fruits, pineapples, rambutan, bananas, etc.We even pulled up along a boat and bought some fresh pineapple.Next we toured the little factories along the river?banh trang, fish sauce (mmmm), cement, salt, coconut candy, waffles, popped rice.Lunch time...elephant ear fish again...Then it was off to Ben Tre.

Ben Tre was my favorite part of the trip.In the country away from the city life?it was very serene and relaxing.The people were very friendly too.One my way back to the hotel one night, I a few of the locals called me over to play bingo with them.I just stood and watched while chatting white the owner of the house.It was so much fun.Karaoke later that night.Vietnam I will miss you!