Rice Paddy Cemeteries and Rat Stew

Kia Ora!

Family crypts in rice paddy

 Tombs! Plopped, to these western eyes, in haphazard arrangement in the middle of rice paddies. There were single structures and groups of crypts. Our guide, Anh, informed us that while this system of entombing the deceased is still practiced, people increasingly are choosing cremation and a family crypt in a central location. In the past, a section for family tombs was created on family property. Ceremonies for the ancestors are held at the tombs.

Future handbags, maybe?

We visited a crocodile farm on our way back to Saigon. The Mekong River is the natural habitat for these crocodiles, though we saw none on our Mekong cruise. I was told they are now rare in the river. This family-owned operation was started about 30 years ago by an enterprising man. We toured his farm with several enclosures of crocodiles of various sizes and ages. There are breeding animals and the rest are slaughtered for food and skins. A store on the premises offered elegant crocodile wallets and handbags for sale for very reasonable prices.


 

Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh

Mid-day services

Three saints of Cao Dai

In the city of Tay Ninh we attended the mid-day services at a large temple, headquarters of the Cao Dai sect. This religious group was previously unknown to me. Their colorful temples in local villages reflect the prominence of this religion in the area. Persons who choose to dedicate their lives to Cao Dai may marry, raise a family, but live communally. There is a long road of service before becoming an elder, designated by variations in dress. Their three saints, Sun Yat Sen, Victor Hugo and Nguyen Binh Khiem, are depicted at the front of the large temple, along with the religion's philosophical principles of love, justice, humanity. I noted that each of these individuals were poets of some stature. Did their artistic expression influence the philosophy that drives this group?

Best way down a mountain--fast!

I was not excited with the prospect of riding a cable car to the top of the Ba Den Mountain. Ho hum, a cable car is just a cable car, and the world is full of them. Ah, but a pleasant surprise! I could slide down the mountain in a small car on a luge-like metal track. Whoopee! What fun! (KC took the cable car back down.)


As we headed into the city, we saw piglets and chickens on their way to market. We also saw these--rats! They are trapped in the rice paddies and become animal feed. And yes, they may be prepared and eaten by people in a stew. Rat stew, anyone?

Headed to a dinner plate near us?

 Cheers,
Kiwi Traveler in Viet Nam