The Mekong Delta is a very prosperous agricultural area in southwest
Vietnam. The distinctly free and happy spirit of the people of this
area comes from the security of always being able to produce enough food
for its citizens. It is this fact that also makes the Delta an important
political area, because the unreliable agriculture in the North and Center
often make those regions depend on the South for their existence.
The Delta will always receive political consideration because of this ability
to support the country on a consistent basis. Conversely, if internal
conflict begins, this area will play an important role. The people
of the Delta can and will play a large part in the future of Vietnam.
Thursday, Jan. 7, 1999
Before we left for the Delta, we visited a Chinese temple in the Cholon
(Chinatown) district. After burning an incense coil for good luck
and prosperity, we drove to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. There we
were given the afternoon to explore the vast Can Tho market.
Photo: On
the road
Photo: Propaganda
in the South
Photo: View
of the Mekong river from the floating restaurant
Photo: Market
in Can Tho
Friday, Jan. 8, 1999
In the morning we went to Can Tho University, the country's major
agricultural college and home to Professor Vo Trung Xuan, a National Assembly
member who led the country to agricultural reform after the American war.
We also met with Professor Chau Ba Loc, who gave us an overview of the
Mekong River Delta, the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos."
In the afternoon we toured a typical southern village.
Photo: Students with Professor Xuan
Photo: Ferry
across the river
Photo: Village children
Photo: Feasting
on the River
Saturday, Jan. 9, 1999
From Vinh Long, we took an hour's motorboat ride down the Mekong to the
traditional House on Stilts. Following canoeing, hiking and
an elaborate meal of Mekong River delicacies, students participated in
a musical evening filled with American and Vietnamese folk music.
Photo: Monkey
Bridge
Photo: Elephant-Ear
Fish and Giant Prawns
Photo: Students
with folk singers
Sunday, Jan. 10, 1999
We left the House on Stilts and traveled by boat to the Floating Market and
a rice paper factory along the banks of the Mekong River. We had lunch in My Tho and return to the
Bong Sen Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo: Leaving
the House on Stilts
Photo: Customers
buying bananas at the floating market
Photo: Inside
the rice paper factory
