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

Cruising the Mekong: Part III, On the Cambodian Border

Kia Ora!

Weaving for the Tourists

Unlike the Cu Lao Gieng Island village we visited earlier, the people of this Cham community capitalize on the tourists that stop here. Obviously they are on the schedule for more tour boats than just Gecko Eyes III. Of course I did a little bargaining and ended up with more items than I anticipated. That is how the game is played. Vendors are quite happy to have their photos taken. That, too, is part of the deal.

Younger Citizens

The 4,000 residents of this village are Malay speakers, descendants of a migration from the west many centuries ago. The Khmer Rouge crossed the border to murder and terrorize these people. After defeating the Americans, the Viet Nam military chased the marauders back across the border to protect these legitimate citizens of their country. 

Cham Village

This is a Muslim village as noted by the dress of the citizens. Perhaps a purpose of Viet Nam tourism is to expose us to the diversity of cultures that make up Viet Nam.

Mosque Interior

Stilt House

Structures are on stilts to accommodate the flooding of the Mekong. More malaria?

Exiting and returning to our floating home was sometimes a bit tricky. The crew was very cognizant of our safety, holding a tree limb as a banister for our balance.

Cheers,

Kiwi Traveler

Cruising the Mekong: Part III, Shore Excursion 2 Photo Essay

Kia Ora!

Gentle warm rain graced our visit to Cu Lao Gieng Island, a Roman Catholic colonial community of about 7,000 inhabitants. We landed and immediately took shelter in the local barber shop. Note above the mirror, a Christian cross and photos of Jesus and Ho Chi Minh.

A prize fighting cock was produced for admiration.

Candy man

When the rain slowed, we walked the street through the village. KC distributed candy to the kids as he had been instructed by our guide. We can only hope dental care is available and free.

Girls cycling home from school stopped for candy. They are dressed in casual school uniform and are barefooted.

Street vendors

Food secure in glass case

Happy for a photo

Behind the main street

With the amount of water always present in this humid climate, one wonders about the rate of malaria infection.

Large RC church

According to a handout we were given, the island also has a monastery through we did not see it.



 There seemed to be no expectation of our visit or that candy might be handed out. Did this mean they were accustomed to tourists or conversely that they were not? As we strolled, people seemed friendly, gracious, and perhaps amused at our presence. I felt a bit of discomfort, as though I had dropped in uninvited to someone's home.

Cheers,
Kiwi Traveler