The land of the nine dragons

Hi All

We have just spent our first of two days in the Mekong Delta, which was sold to us as the 'rice bowl' bowl of Vietnam, yet we haven't seen a paddy field to date................. Boo! That said it is the place where the mighty Mekong splits into nine main arteries (hence the name) and numerous canals and streams which are the lifeblood of the area.  The first area we visited is Ben Tre one if the 'Islands' created by the Delta, but now linked via a 15 km bridge system. This area is famous for its coconut candy, which we manged to see being made and had a 'few' samples-  it is delicious. We had previously taken a rowing boat down one of  the canals for lunch where we had our first sample of elephant fish - yum. We then travelled up some of the other streams and canals just taking in everyone just getting on with their lives although the children always have time to stop with their games to wave and say hello. Back at our hotel in Cantho Dean treated himself to Chicken and chips on the riverfront (for once I was good and had some local Chicken & mushroom stir fry with Streamed rice) and we watched the world go by. I have to say this is one of my favourite things about SE Asia. The people watching is amazing, in the evening, once the sun goes down. Once the locals  finish work they take to the streets to eat at the local stalls with friends, play football, badminton or this game which involves an elongated shuttlecock which you have to keep in the air with your feet or some part of you body (like volley ball without the net!) Its all fascinating stuff and its so nice to see compared to the UK where most people just go home to crash in front of the telly.......

Early to bed tonight as up at 6.00am (I'm supposed to be on holiday!) for the floating markets.

PHOTOS TO FOLLOW

Thanks for looking

Hugs
Sara xx