May 12:
Today I ventured into the 'xich lo' (cyclo) territory. This is a bicycle with a seat for the passenger. Sort of like a rickshaw but you are in front.
I went to see some fab pagodas both Vietnamese and Chinese. On the way home, my driver decided to take a shortcut. This necessitated going up the wrong side of the road on a dual carriageway equivalent. It was pretty invigorating, staring into the stampede of bikes coming directly at you. This old lady street vendor burst out laughing when she saw what he was doing. Else it was the look of sheer disbelief on my face, when I realised what he was up to. Another sweating experience...

May 13: Left Saigon for the Mekong Delta. We were driven to Mytho town where we went on a little motor boat and made our way along the river and it's canals. It was pretty good visiting various local industries along the way. Saw where Coconut candy (toffee) was made and got to try it and Banana whiskey (not bad). After wards 3 of us were delivered to a home stay. We stayed with this guy and his family in these reed/bamboo rooms looking on to the river. I wanted to try to go to Rach Gia which was on the brochure but not something many do so it creatd a bit of a problem. Note to self never do the unusual with tours. As a result had to stay in the homestay in the morning whilst the others went to the floating market. Of course they forgot me. The family invited me to lunch but the husband was missing so no one spoke english. So could not get anyone to sort me out. It was nice tho. I stayed on the balcony and watched the little rowboats go up and down selling their wares to the floating houses on the river. Instead of being in a hotel in Cantho, I ended up staying in the homestay another night. This time there were about 16 others.

May 15: Today we went to the floating market. Basically these rather large boats/barges which are also homes packed with pineapples and melons etc. ply their stock to the small rowboats. It was interesting. We then motored along the river to other cottage industries to see rice paper being made and a rice mill, paddy fields etc. A pretty good trip all in all, even if it did mean a wasted day.
I left all the others who were either heading back to Saigon or Cambodia. I ended up on a local bus with just Vietnamese which was so easy. I thougth it would be difficult but they are so friendly and I ended up sitting next to this business man who spoke English and he advised me what to do here and there.
Am now in Rach Gia. Have kind of gone where no one else seems to go. Walked around and I appear to be the only westerner here. So many people looking at me but it is a gentle curiosity. The kids, even some of the adults, just wave and say hello. They are so lovely. This guy passing on a motorbike, just kept looking back, like he couldnt believe his eyes.
It was funny. They don't hassle you to buy or take xe oms here as they don't seem to know what to do with me.