Delta

Another trip today, not quite as early and the apricots and Danish acquired yesterday sufficed as breakfast.  And the minibus was full, a party of 5, 2 Australians from Canberra and me.  It was a 2 hour drive to the Mekong Delta, with a stop.

Then we did those touristy things.  Visited a brick making enterprise, went on a small boat, visited a coconut candy enterprise, went back on the boat.  Then a short walk to the coconut mat making before a motorised cart ride through small villages (and some pretty stunning houses) to board our larger boat, le Jarai for our Mekong lunch cruise. 

But firts a cooking demo, learning to make Vietnamese Nem, the deep fried kind and tomato roses.  There was anoth couple on board, Brits now living in Brisbane so that made 10 for lunch. 

It was a lovely relaxed cruise up and down the Mekong, so relaxed I took very few photos.  Then off the boat at Ben Tre and a drive back to Saigon, still 8 in the bus!

I had a relax by the pool, a habit and then out for a sunset trip to the Skydeck at the Bitexco Tower. I bought my one souvenir, a silk cushion case to complement the one I bought in Siem reap last year.

Then despite the large lunch, food.  I eat out at the Central Cafe at the foor of the Sunweh tower, literally outside opposite the fountains which seem to to be the major attraction as they light up and dance.

Preparations are going on for some kind of event.  Stages are being erected and screens put up.  Doesn't stop the blaring patriotic music though but it was good sitting watching the world go by, even if the beer was expensive.