Today in Vietnam, we left the Mekong Delta and returned to Ho Chi Minh City. Our last day in the Mekong showed yet another side to this lovely part of Vietnam. Through visits to the floating market and a Vietnamese sweets factory we witnessed more culture and a part of the village that we had not yet seen. The floating markets showed us the dedication of the farmers to the village they live in. We were taught that some of the people selling produce on the market will wake up at times as early as 2am, so other Vietnamese people can sell their foods in other markets, which is much earlier than any of us have had to wake up! Before leaving the Mekong we were also shown the processes of making Vietnamese lollies, and got the opportunity to hold a python that one of the family members owned. Time spent at this factory was also spent shopping, and there were many bags of coconut lollies bought to hopefully bring home and share. Sadly, the conclusion of our Mekong Delta visit brought the sad goodbye to our local guide Hieu, who lightened up many moments of our stay in the village, and definitely was one of the reasons our stay there was so enjoyable. After a 2 hour bus trip back to Ho Chi Minh, which included a lunch and much singing on the bus, we checked back into the Bong Sen Hotel, to get ready for the Great Race around the city. In groups of three and four, we roamed the city completing tasks, answering questions and searching out the teachers located throughout the city. There were many interesting moments including being driven for some parts on three-wheeled bikes(cyclos) and venturing up the tallest building in the city (which has 68 floors). The day ended with a short break and a dinner at the Barbeque Gardens. Meat was cooked on gas stoves in front of us, and all of the food was lovely – our appreciation of the Vietnamese food culture only expanded.
By Kate H and Jack H
