We’re in Can Tho in the Mekong Delta today and it’s pretty early and we don’t have much to do, so the cheap internet cafe seemed like a good option.
We’ve had a fun first day of our delta tour. First we went to a village where they make popped rice, popped corn and popped noodles. They do this by putting rice (or corn or noodles), still in the hull, into a huge wok full of black Mekong sand. It all pops up rather quickly and then they sift it to get the sand out. From this, they make tons of things, like a cross between a Rice Krispy treat and Cracker Jacks.
Next, we went to a coconut candy factory. They grind up coconut meat, press it to get the juice out, boil that and add some sugar and maybe another flavor like chocolate or juice from some plant, and then pour it out and process it like taffy, without the stretching. It’s pretty good.
The most fun part of they day was after we got to Can Tho. We had 90 minutes between arrival and dinner and everyone went to their rooms to shower and relax. Our room was hot and has four non-English TV stations, so we decided to go out for a walk. We saw lots of gross animal butchering things, similar to what we’ve described before. Then we went down a less busy street and into an alley in an attempt to head back towards our hotel. Well, this alley twisted and turned and went on forever. Every house had a few kids and they all ran out and screamed “hello!” at us. Some touched us or started to and then chickened out. lots of kids and mothers brought out babies and had them touch us. What they get out of touching us, I don’t know, but it’s pretty funny. We both felt totally like gorillas in the zoo by the end of this. Lots of people stare at us as we walk by. Tonight, a little girl approached Ian and kissed his hand and (we think) indicated that she wanted her picture taken. He obliged and a bunch of little kids came in to pose. As soon as the flash went, they scattered.
We had some ice cream after dinner and had funny language difficulties. We asked for the bill and they guy told us the amount. Then he came back and said “how many?” We asked how many what. He said “yes,” and looked at us expectantly. This same exchange went on about five times and then we finally got sick of it and left.
Now it’s early to bed, for once, assuming Ian doesn’t find some way other sight we have to see or shop we have to go to or God knows what. He’s very good at making every planned early night turn into midnight or later. We’ll be woken at 6:30 tomorrow and will be heading out to a large floating market. It should provide some good photo opportunities.
Just in case we don’t write by Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving! Save me some stuffing, Mom.