VIETNAM – MORE PICTURES

So, this is just the very next day after I sent the first Vietnam blog. One of the classes has been cancelled so I have so I have a nice block of free time. I find I want to have a goodly amount of time before I lug the lap top up here, with all the attendant necessary wires and attachments.   Yes, the ship is officially ‘wireless’.  You computer buffs will understand.   BUT: the computers won’t work in some of the cabins.  ‘Too many doors and walls’ is what I was told.  Hence the major move.  Of course I am being over-dramatic, as I can be so well!  It is not that major a move  and I like it here in the computer lab – surrounded by others all intent on their computers and with the willing and able help of students whose job it is to sort out problems.  I have got to know several of them quite well and they are the nicest, most helpful of people – very kind to us computer clutzes.  I am not the only one.  There are several of us, most with grey hairs, who were not born with computer know-how!  At first when I used to come up here, I felt a bit tense and worried about my obvious lack of knowledge, but now I feel very relaxed, among friends.

So enough of the blethering and back to Vietnam.  I’m going to send you pictures taken during that fabulous trip to the Mekong Delta.

First the rice fields -

Now the temple, with the huge buddah in the courtyard.

I like the atmosphere in these places of worship. There are obviously a loy of tourists like myself but there are also people kneeling, lighting ‘joss’ sticks and the smell is wonderful.  At least it is to me.  Some people find it bothers their breathing.

Next came the boat trip. Comparatively cooler on the water, interesting view of the river banks, and drinking the liquid out of coconut shells,  After the liquid was drunk,  the shells were split for us, a sliver of the shell was cut off, and we were shown how to use this to eat the flesh.

 

Then a visit to a coconut candy making factory, a ride on that rickety horse-drawn cart, and dinner at the outdoor restaurant. 

Sorry this picture is on it’s side. It is of the absolutely beautiful young woman who carved the absolutely delicious whole fish we were served. You can turn it to look at it more easily than I can turn it around!!

Next the water buffalo and our ride by the canoe along the canal.

And then back by the bigger boat – a wonderful picture of us with our tour-guide – a darling of a man; back to the bus.

I had one more trip while in Vietnam.  Unfortunately Audrey opted to stay on the ship.  These trips can be pretty exhausting, especially in this heat, so Audrey opted for a day of rest.  In fact she was coming down with another respiratory bug, and has felt poorly for several days, but thank goodness she is feeling better this morning and we are hoping that she will soon be 100% well again.

So this last trip, went first to another  place of worship.  I realize I cannot remember the nbame of the religion.  It is modern, created by someone in the last century.  It’s creed is that there is truth in all religions, and that the central figures in each religion are deserving of worship.  I LIKE that idea!  the building we visited was in shape like a church with a long nave.  We got there in time for a service and they  welcome visitors, who can climb up to a special gallery on either side of the nave.  The ‘members’ of the congregation are dressed alike with the more important members of the church wearing special colours.  Music is played from a gallery at the back of the church.  I wish you could hear it.

 

 

 

 

After that we went and were given lunch.  The ambience was not as wonderful as the outdoor restaurant on the Mekong Delta, but the food was yummy.  Real Vietmanese – lots of vegetables and noodles which I love.

After lunch we drove on to a cable car which took us up a ‘mountain’.  It really is an incredible feature. Suddenly out if the flat, flat rice fields, there is this huge rocky hill!  The views from the top were fabulous, and right on the top there were courtyards with another , this time more traditional, temple.

So as you can  see it was another wonderful experience. On coming down from the top, it was back on the bus and a LONG drive back to the ship.  But it was, as always, interesting.  It was dark by the time we were driving through Ho Chi Min city, and it was fabulous seeing the massed scooters with their lights on.

Later that evening we left, sailing down the Saigon river to the sea. As I said at the beginning ‘I LOVE VIET NAM.

Now we are only 24 hours away from India.  I am sooo lucky!!

lots of love to you all – Liz, Mum,Granny.