After being dropped of by the cab, we followed the map given to us by our host, in order to find an ATM and money exchange. Later in the day, we would be meeting our host by a statue. We made plans to ride bikes around town and into a more rural area. Unfortunately, the bike rental place only had two bikes left, and there were three of us. So, instead we had lunch and explored the city.
Once our host met us by the statue, we went and grabbed coffee at a rooftop cafe. It was great to talk, and take in the city. Our host then proceeded to take us around to try various street food. To end our night, we rode motorbike taxis which left us feeling free as the wind. That was my first experience doing anything like that.
We needed as much sleep as possible. We would be getting up early to watch the sunrise as boats begin pulling into the floating market. By 5 a.m. we were on our way, along with boat of every size. Our boat was meant to hold five or six people.
The woman driving the boat was sixty-five and full of life. There were times when trash would get caught in the propeller and we had to stop. She would climb over, cut the propeller free, and start the motor back up again. It was at those moments, when we sat silently, that the river seemed so quiet and sleepy. There was only the sound of distant motors, but the wildlife was mostly quiet.
The whole experience was beautiful. It was amazing to see how early these people began their day. We were up so early, that we had the pleasure of hearing the first roosters crow. It was as if these animals were natures alarm clock, it wasn’t after the first crow that we began to hear birds chirping. It was a surreal moment. We all seemed to be awakening together, to take on a new day. All of God’s creation in unison.
When we pulled up to the first and larger market, boats were still rolling in to begin their trading process. We sat observing for a moment before going to the smaller market, our furthest point. I fell asleep on the way. I woke up just as we turned the corner that would reveal the market.
The market was a sight to see. There were so many colors and so much life. People were talking, laughing, trading, cooking, eating, and even bathing. This was their community, their way of life.
The people on the boats used team work, passing fruit back and forth, holding each others boats to limit drifting and to help guide them along. Our boat was included in the crowd of boats. We were in the center of it all.
After spending time in the market, we went to a smaller part of the delta, and stopped for a bathroom break. Our boat driver purchased us fruit from the market, which we enjoyed as we rode along. It was interesting in texture and flavor. It had the inside appearance of a mushy pear, but the consistency of a soft peach and banana together. It had a sweet creamy liquid that turned white when you bit into it.
We made our way back to town after enjoying the general splendor of nature. The larger market we passed earlier, was quite full by this time but it seemed the bulk of the action was dying down. Upon returning, we paid our lovely guide and headed to the bus station to make it back for on ship time.
Upon arriving at the station, we were met with people rushing about and asking us our destination. We proceeded to get on the bus to which we were directed. When the lady on the bus took our tickets and ripped them up, we became nervous. So, we got off the bus and began attempting to ask people in the street if we were on the correct bus. Everyone gave us a quick “yes” and continued on their way. We weren’t used to this way of life, this way of doing things, and that made us uneasy. In that moment, we were forced to trust the people around us. We were forced to trust the process.
After what seemed like a billion stops, we made it to where we needed to be. We had to taxi a bit of a distance to get back to the ship, but were relieved and exhausted upon doing so. We were glad to see our sea faring home.
And so, that was the end of my time in Vietnam. It was a fun and unforgettable traveling experience.
‘Til next time.
-Dom.
Bon Vivant 