Sunday, March 3. Warm,
[28 C], but nice on the water.
Today was another easy day for us, and others on board. We have thoroughly enjoyed our trip and have seen many, many sights and met some lovely people. But, I am ready to go home, and Fellette is too. We do not now have the need to squeeze every last visit or excursion into our now overloaded mind.
The end of the cruise on the Ama Dara is basically the end of our trip. Fellette and I are not City People, however we are still curious about what Saigon looks like after what it has been through the last 60 years however we do not have the urge to overindulge ourselves in 'Everything Saigon'. We want to end this trip on a relaxed mood, and not needing a vacation when we get home!
This morning we had a short trip in river craft boats to the Town of Sa Dec. It appears to be a somewhat prosperous bustling town right on the river of course, the Mekong seems to be the source of all life and industry here.
The streets were amazing because they were so clean, although the shoreline still has the litter issue.
We visited the house where the 1890's Love Story, 'The Lover' took place. It is about a 15 year old French girl, in Sa Dec with her French parents, when she had an affair with a 27 year old Vietnamese man. Eventually he had to leave the girl and marry a chosen girl for him in an arranged marriage. Most women seem to know about this story, us men seem to know nothing. Regardless, it was interesting enough. I mention it in case any avid readers are interested. Today, the man would be charged with statutory rape and imprisoned.
We then had a very leisurely and actually pleasant wander through the cleanest local market I have ever seen, and markets are what attracts us when travelling, for the cultural differences, not to shop in.
The place was clean and even the meat market did not have the usual 'meat' smell. The fish area had no fishy smell as most of the fish were still alive, barely, in shallow pans of water. Eels were dispatched quickly by a quick smack on the back of their head by the vendor upon request by a customer.
The reason for these markets existing in the first place was that there was no refrigeration so people shopped every day and have become accustomed to 'fresh' goods and fresh in fish means alive.
In many cases there still is no refrigeration and that is why people buy meals along the streets to eat right there or take it home. It is fresh and cheap.
The total time ashore was about two hours, we had tea in the lounge and chatted for some time then went to the cabin and we packed. [Fellette packed I was occasionally consulted!]
The ship pulled anchor immediately after we boarded and went downstream some distance where we anchored again, to pick up people who took a further trip to visit another place of interest.
After lunch and a battery recharge we decided to take the afternoon boat cruise excursion to see a family-run factory making candies, and other confections for domestic consumption, I assume.
The ride was breezy and fun, lots of interesting shots as we breezed through a floating flotilla of grocery-sellers. They life on their boats and move from spot to spot. What they hoist up their mast indicates what they sell.
At the factory it was more a maze of buildings, houses, gardens and some refreshment spots and of course a gift shop, all rolled into one. They work like dogs in there, family or faintly related, no matter, everybody works.
The only issue I had was the presence of snake wine, available in large jugs which were filled with various venomous snakes that they raise and find.
We then had a quick stop at a 150 year old Rich Persons House, for lack of another name. 'Faded Glory' it was, but interesting to see.
The Farewell Dinner was held tonight as well. You may not be aware but the drinks have been free here. It is amazing to see the capacity for drink that many people have, particularly when it is free!
Once we hit Saigon in the Sofitel Hotel we will begin to drift apart and resume our individual lives again until we depart for our homes all over the world.
Gee, will have to start to actually think again as since joining two weeks ago we have been given a programme every day telling us where to be, at what time, and what to wear!
Is that man brushing his teeth do you think?
Hustle-bustle here, lots of river traffic.
Bonzai trees lined the boulevard, for sale.
A loaded scooter exits the market. It appears to be wholesale as well as retail. For restaurants etc., I assume.
Wide aisles, clean, neat, quiet.
Could be home, in some areas.
Fish, etc., in pails still alive.
That, apparently, is RAT MEAT!
Crabs, neatly bound and alive.
Dried seafood.
Again, dried shrimp, etc.
Pig head.
Fresh meat, few flies.
Hmmm. I don't want to guess!
Loading up a scooter outside.
Two newly-weds outside the 'Lover's House'
Back on board for a tea and a cool-off, too early for a cool beer.
Floating market, about 12 boats strung out along the river.
Two more.
Jars of snake wine. One or two souls had a sip. Ugh!
This lady makes rice paper shells for wrapping Spring Rolls in.
Talk about tedious... Rice husks are the fuel.
A happy bunch of Canadians having a cup of Jasmine Tea.
The only worthy part of the very old home to show was the gardens, I thought.
Now you know how the people who live on the boats bathe.
I imagine the women bathe at night.
