We are in Vietnam again only this time in the south, nearing the Mekong Delta region. We are anchored at Tan Chau but our tour took us to a small village up a tributary so we can get a feel for how the farming community lives.
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| Local "grocery store". This 67 year old woman sells about everything including live fish as she pushes her cart down the paths. |
The Mekong Delta is the rice basket of the world, producing 59% of the worlds rice. Vietnam is the third largest exporter of rice behind Thailand and India. 70% of the country's fruits, vegetables and fish come from this region. We saw fields of rice (of course), chili peppers, corn and all types of beans.
Part of the village is floating on the river but 95% of the homes sat on stilts. The Mekong is a tidal river and rises several meters during the rainy season, flooding the fields.
Just 10 years ago this village received fresh, potable water and electricity. Travel is by scooter, bicycle and sampans on the river.
The afternoon was spent cruising down the river while we played bridge or read books. I learned some napkin folds and turning bath towels into animal shapes. I also ate fruit like dragon fruit, jack fruit, tamirand, leechee nuts, and passion fruit.
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