After the crazy, high-octane lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh City, we were relieved to see the green fields and wide river banks of the Mekong delta (southern Vietnam).
A can of Saigon Green beer, whilst in a hammock, was a great way to relax. Unfortunately, the picture-esque setting of the Shack (our accommodation for the 2 days) had brought us closer to nature than we had strictly intended. The first-floor bamboo shack - whilst being covered, spacious and comfortable - did not have any doors or windows. The sounds of the jungle were loud and close! There were also massive spiders, geckos, birds and striped squirrel-like creatures..... despite copious applications of anti-mosquito 50% Deet, we were thoroughly bitten and snacked on.
It was definitely cool to stay in a place like this, but we concluded: 1) we were probably not ‘hip’ enough for future Shack stays, and 2) windows and doors are a must for the future.
Nonetheless, the water market was amazing to see, and well worth the niggles noted above. We left at 5am and saw the Sun rise, before getting to see traders on their boats. We were served an amazing noodle soup breakfast from a neighboring boat (which concerningly had a coal powered stove, which apparently sometimes does burn through the hull!), Michele got a local hat - which I can confirm is a splendid design!
We also saw a local land market, cacao farm, and rice noodle factory (trying some dried frog in the process). Beautiful setting and unique visuals.
A can of Saigon Green beer, whilst in a hammock, was a great way to relax. Unfortunately, the picture-esque setting of the Shack (our accommodation for the 2 days) had brought us closer to nature than we had strictly intended. The first-floor bamboo shack - whilst being covered, spacious and comfortable - did not have any doors or windows. The sounds of the jungle were loud and close! There were also massive spiders, geckos, birds and striped squirrel-like creatures..... despite copious applications of anti-mosquito 50% Deet, we were thoroughly bitten and snacked on.
It was definitely cool to stay in a place like this, but we concluded: 1) we were probably not ‘hip’ enough for future Shack stays, and 2) windows and doors are a must for the future.
Nonetheless, the water market was amazing to see, and well worth the niggles noted above. We left at 5am and saw the Sun rise, before getting to see traders on their boats. We were served an amazing noodle soup breakfast from a neighboring boat (which concerningly had a coal powered stove, which apparently sometimes does burn through the hull!), Michele got a local hat - which I can confirm is a splendid design!
We also saw a local land market, cacao farm, and rice noodle factory (trying some dried frog in the process). Beautiful setting and unique visuals.
Comments
And sorry you were snacked on by mozzies...
Any big red ants?
Hopefully you will be moving soon to a new place? Or can you ask for change in accommodation? But being close to nature has its benefits I suppose? Or maybe just me?
How is the food in Vietnam vis-a-vis Cambodia? And internet?
Cute hat:-)
Keep safe.
Lots of Love.
D - writing from another email address:-)
Oops, got deleted writing again...using Zen Musings - D
Food has similar base ingredients but not quite the same. Cambodian (Khmer) food is more about strong flavours, quite keen on black (kampot) pepper. Perhaps Vietnamese food is more varied (owing to much larger population/ country area), maybe more meaty.
Internet wifi access has been fairly good to date, hence the blog posts!