Mekong delta river trip

The Mekong river is absolutely huge and is a very busy river. Apart from boats of all sizes ferrying people and goods back and forth there are also a lot of boats fishing and dredging up sand.






We went on numerous boats during our 2 day trip and visited 3 different islands in the vicinity. Whilst on these islands we got too see coconut candy being being made.



We also visited some fruit orchards and got to sample some of the delicious fruits grown there (Mango, Pomello, Papaya, Jack fruit, Pineapple) and the not so delicious fruits (Durian). Now this fruit is rather large and spiky, smells bad, and tastes even worse than it smells. It kinda smells of a mixture of horrible cheesy feet and bad body odour mixed into one. At first taste you think 'God, that is horrible' and upon second taste you think its worse. Everyone in our group of 6 who tried it all though that it was disgusting. But you can see the thing on sale everywhere around here. Actually before you see it, you smell it. Its that bad..



We also got to try out some other delights. We tried Honey wine; 40% alcohol and Banana wine; 35% alcohol. We also tried some coconut whiskey, and I tried out a shot of a special rice wine called "Ruou ran". The 'special' ingredients of this wine were the complete bodies of cobra's and a bird that resembled a blackbird........These were lying in the large jar of liquid and it is regarded as good for you. A kind of medicinal tonic....I just had to try it, Erika didn't want too for some reason...I don't know why.....



After drinking this I kept the snake theme going by having a large python draped over me.

We then got to see some a small bee farm where the bees were busy making honey and royal jelly. I didn't hold the bee hive tray though. I didn't want to get stung!!!!

Later we went for a bike ride through the local villages which was good because it was largely traffic free. During a journey on a smaller boat later on I also got the chance to assist rowing along the Mekong delta adding to my rowing trip on the Ganges.



All of the above took place on the first day and at 7am the following morning we were taken by boat to Cần Thơ floating market. There we saw many boats loaded up with all kinds of fruit and vegetables selling to people on smaller boats.


We also visited the land market adjacent to it. There amongst other things you could buy de-skinned frogs, complete pigs ears and de-furred rats and mice. I kid you not....even at rat was on the menu in the restaurant we visited later that after noon. Apparently it tastes like chicken. But then I have heard every kind of meat that you have never wanted to try as tasting like chicken...

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