Mekong River Delta with Nicole!

Today, January 4th, as one of our first excursions outside the city, we were headed to the Mekong River Delta. After meeting at the canteen, the Cornell and TDTU students all boarded vans to begin our way to the river. After and hour and a half of sleeping, chatting, and enjoying the spectacular scenery, we arrived to a dock overlooking the river. With the sun already shining down, the boat ride was beautiful and surreal, accompanied by our lively tour guide. Once we got off the boats, we walked a bit, passing many live animals such as goats and dogs, until we boarded horse drawn wagons leading us along a small path. We then walked a luscious and green trail, trying new fruits that our guide selected for us. We then gathered to eat more delicious and local fruit, such as mango and chili powder, dragon fruit, and pineapple under a shaded table area. We enjoyed this sweet treat while listing to the beautiful melodies of Vietnamese singers that performed a short show for us.

Next, we stopped and had the opportunity to try local honey mixed with amazing kumquat tea and peanut-based snacks. It was a delicious and calming atmosphere, a mood that suddenly changed once we got the opportunity to hold a live boa! As the group buzzed in excitement, we took turns letting it slither up our arms. Soon after, we were taken to another shaded veranda where hot coconut candy was being made. After watching the process, we were able to try and purchase the sweet treat. The sticky, aromatic candy was unlike anything I have ever eaten, but needless to say, it was delicious. Finally, we rode small boats through a breathtaking river channel, surrounded by jungle and marsh. They gave us conical hats to wear to shade the sun as we rode in the boats. After docking, we followed another verdant path that led us to alligator enclosures where brave students could dangle meat to feed them. It was fascinating watching the alligators freeze so still as they waited before snatching the food.The adventure ended with a feast of spring rolls, sticky rice balls, grilled elephant-fish, prawns, and much more. Needless to say, by the end we were stuffed and satisfied from the mouth-watering food. After taking another boat back to the dock, we loaded back into vans and almost everyone was so tired they slept the whole ride back to campus.

After resting for some time, the group reconvened and set out for district 1 for some dinner. We ended up eating delicious pho at the infamous location Bill Clinton had his first pho in Vietnam, Pho 2000. The pho and refreshing array of smoothies were extremely flavorful and, as always, delicious. We ended the long day with relaxing massages that almost put some of us to sleep. It was an excellent de-stressor for an action-packed day.