Since my last entry we have been down the Hochi Minh Trail, got soaked in another rainstorm and spent the night in Dong Xoai town. This town saw lots of fighting during the war and during dinner Lee talked a lot about it. it was interesting to hear a Vietnamese view that wan't the official one and it was a good reminder that in all things there are always many sides to a story and that nothing is simple and clear cut.
The following morning we went to visit the Chu Chi Tunnels, a network of connecting underground tunnels stretching for over 200kms. they were used by the Viet Cong during the war and are now seen as an important historical spot where the heroes of the war are celebrated. It was an interesting place and the group of lively Indonesian tourists made it memorable. They laughed and sang through the introductory film and the explanations of the various traps and weapons used...it should have been inappropriate but they were lovely people. We then entered the Mekong Delta, took a ferry and went through My Tho and Ben Tre before arriving at a lovely homestay on the banks of the river. We were made a home cooked meal and I spwnt the evening chatting to the French co owner. Lee and I got up at 1.45 to watch Dortmund thrash Real Madrid, much to the amusement of the owners.
We spent the next morning on a bizarre trip of the delta, taking a variety of boats and horsedrawn carriages. We stopped at a few local cottage industries and were also entertained by singers...it all felt very made for tourists but I was the only tourist.We hopped back on the bike and made our way through the back roads of the delta, over rickety bridges, past paddy fields and grass pastures, a really enjoyable ride. Disaster struck just before lunch however when the bike conked out but as this is Vietnam there was a mechanic's workshop within a kilometre and the faulty ignition coil was repaired in 2 and a half hours. It was nice to be off the beaten path, we had lunch and relaxed in ever present hammocks while the mechanic did his thing. We finally arrived in Can Tho a little later than planned but did witness a stunning sunset. Can Tho is a lively place on the river bank in the Lower Mekong, and it had a great atmosphere. We had dinner on a big boat full of locals doing some sort of Karaoke...great fun.
Unfortunately whatever I had for dinner upset my stomach, actually my stomach was livid and furious rather than just upset and I had a very fitful night's sleep. I was woken at 5 for my trip to the floating market and I bravely got up and went out- it was worth it and I also met a lovely Vietnamese family with a cute baby. I felt better during the day but I ate very little, always a big sacrifice for me. I've been very lucky on this trip, a part from Annabelle's attempt to poison me with dodgy salad dressing I have had not stomach problems til now. It was a very long drive, all through the Mekong, skirting Saigon before we reached the coast at Vung Tau. It is lovely to be on the coast and yet again the accommodation is great. One more day with Lee before I spend my last few days here at the beach in Mui Ne.
The following morning we went to visit the Chu Chi Tunnels, a network of connecting underground tunnels stretching for over 200kms. they were used by the Viet Cong during the war and are now seen as an important historical spot where the heroes of the war are celebrated. It was an interesting place and the group of lively Indonesian tourists made it memorable. They laughed and sang through the introductory film and the explanations of the various traps and weapons used...it should have been inappropriate but they were lovely people. We then entered the Mekong Delta, took a ferry and went through My Tho and Ben Tre before arriving at a lovely homestay on the banks of the river. We were made a home cooked meal and I spwnt the evening chatting to the French co owner. Lee and I got up at 1.45 to watch Dortmund thrash Real Madrid, much to the amusement of the owners.
We spent the next morning on a bizarre trip of the delta, taking a variety of boats and horsedrawn carriages. We stopped at a few local cottage industries and were also entertained by singers...it all felt very made for tourists but I was the only tourist.We hopped back on the bike and made our way through the back roads of the delta, over rickety bridges, past paddy fields and grass pastures, a really enjoyable ride. Disaster struck just before lunch however when the bike conked out but as this is Vietnam there was a mechanic's workshop within a kilometre and the faulty ignition coil was repaired in 2 and a half hours. It was nice to be off the beaten path, we had lunch and relaxed in ever present hammocks while the mechanic did his thing. We finally arrived in Can Tho a little later than planned but did witness a stunning sunset. Can Tho is a lively place on the river bank in the Lower Mekong, and it had a great atmosphere. We had dinner on a big boat full of locals doing some sort of Karaoke...great fun.
Unfortunately whatever I had for dinner upset my stomach, actually my stomach was livid and furious rather than just upset and I had a very fitful night's sleep. I was woken at 5 for my trip to the floating market and I bravely got up and went out- it was worth it and I also met a lovely Vietnamese family with a cute baby. I felt better during the day but I ate very little, always a big sacrifice for me. I've been very lucky on this trip, a part from Annabelle's attempt to poison me with dodgy salad dressing I have had not stomach problems til now. It was a very long drive, all through the Mekong, skirting Saigon before we reached the coast at Vung Tau. It is lovely to be on the coast and yet again the accommodation is great. One more day with Lee before I spend my last few days here at the beach in Mui Ne.
Hi Ali,
ReplyDeleteit´s so great that I can follow your journey on this blog now. Your trip to Mekong Delta looks similiar to my experience there. You can watch the pictures on my blog. ;)
I looking forward to see more beautiful pictures of your adventure soon.
Britta