Good morning Viet Nam
We are in South Viet Nam , Ho Chi Minh city or Shanghai. The second the ship and visa’s were cleared we headed out for our Houseboat voyage on the Mekong River . We were thrilled w/ the boat it was beautiful. Just two bedrooms so we had it all to ourselves. We travelled 200 km to places like Cai Be, Cai Tau Ha, Tra On , Can Tho . We visited floating markets which sold mostly veggies and fresh fruit. Pineapples , watermelon , dragon fruit, eyeball looking things, mangoes, Asian plumb, papaya, coconuts, water coconuts and many others.
It has been visually amazing! The locals literally live and work on the Mekong . The commerce on the river is endless! They fish, farm,dig mud/sand w/ big barges and cranes to make construction material and transport it all up and down the river , brick factories. I did bring a fishing rod but it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for in that regard, the biggest thing I caught was a large rice sack It was fine we had many things to do and see. We actually took 1300 pictures in three days . Everywhere we looked was a fascinating scene. Traci got some great close ups of the locals.
The people are very friendly and a little shy. They love our American Blue eyed kids. It seemed to Traci and I talking to people on our boat that they have put the” American War” behind them. Perhaps it is partly because of the number of yrs they were at war w/ other countries . The French and the Chinese . I was told they were at war w/ China for a 1000 yrs.
The food is great and everyone is still healthy though Traci just caught a bit of a cold today. We all did swim in the Mekong river!! It looks brown like tea w/ milk in it and of course all kinds of things floating in it. Hopefully that wasn’t the cause of her cold. We have been getting up around 5:30 for the last three days and on the move.
I’m sure Traci will elaborate on this fascinating country. We all spout off Vietnamese words and places because we love the way it sounds. It’s really special to hear Declan say Ho Chi Minh city ,Viet Nam .
Hope you are all well
J
Latitude 10’ 46.0 N
Longitude 106’ 42.5’ E
Docked
We are in South Viet Nam , Ho Chi Minh city or Shanghai. The second the ship and visa’s were cleared we headed out for our Houseboat voyage on the Mekong River . We were thrilled w/ the boat it was beautiful. Just two bedrooms so we had it all to ourselves. We travelled 200 km to places like Cai Be, Cai Tau Ha, Tra On , Can Tho . We visited floating markets which sold mostly veggies and fresh fruit. Pineapples , watermelon , dragon fruit, eyeball looking things, mangoes, Asian plumb, papaya, coconuts, water coconuts and many others.
It has been visually amazing! The locals literally live and work on the Mekong . The commerce on the river is endless! They fish, farm,dig mud/sand w/ big barges and cranes to make construction material and transport it all up and down the river , brick factories. I did bring a fishing rod but it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for in that regard, the biggest thing I caught was a large rice sack It was fine we had many things to do and see. We actually took 1300 pictures in three days . Everywhere we looked was a fascinating scene. Traci got some great close ups of the locals.
The people are very friendly and a little shy. They love our American Blue eyed kids. It seemed to Traci and I talking to people on our boat that they have put the” American War” behind them. Perhaps it is partly because of the number of yrs they were at war w/ other countries . The French and the Chinese . I was told they were at war w/ China for a 1000 yrs.
The food is great and everyone is still healthy though Traci just caught a bit of a cold today. We all did swim in the Mekong river!! It looks brown like tea w/ milk in it and of course all kinds of things floating in it. Hopefully that wasn’t the cause of her cold. We have been getting up around 5:30 for the last three days and on the move.
I’m sure Traci will elaborate on this fascinating country. We all spout off Vietnamese words and places because we love the way it sounds. It’s really special to hear Declan say Ho Chi Minh city ,Viet Nam .
Hope you are all well
J
Latitude 10’ 46.0 N
Longitude 106’ 42.5’ E
Docked
The photos are absolutely amazing. I enjoy checking every few days to catch up with you guys. You all look like you are having the time of your lives and enjoying all you are doing.
ReplyDeleteWow - it is so much fun following you all around the world. I told your mother I would certainly tune into a show on the Travel Channel that followed you on this adventure!! Can't wait to see ALL the pictures and hear the stories that accompany them. Know we are getting just the tip of the iceberg. Keep enjoying and keep sharing. Connie N
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone - It sounds like you are having a great time in Viet Nam. I'm glad that you were able to get away as a family because it sounded like you really needed it. The pictures are amazing and it's so cute that they love your American blue eyed kids... Also, I would love to hear Declan say Ho Chi Min city, Viet Nam. Can't wait to hear more of your story! Love, Lisa Pizza
ReplyDeleteHi All, The life on the river looks amazing!I am fascinated with the pictures! I can't wait for the1300 other pictures of life in Viet Nam. How wnderful you have a good houseboat and are seeing so much. When Dec gets home I am sure we will all want to hear his new phrase. You all look wonderful and happy. Continue to stay happy and well!
ReplyDeleteMy love always,
Grammie
Love the pictures and stories! Here's a quick update on life back home: Victoria's got the welcome home party plans in full swing and Rainbow's bowl will (finally) be cleaned this weekend. The frogs are hopping, as are the local au pairs, and we all continue to miss you and be inspired by your journey. It was multi-cultural night at Wellington tonight. Next time maybe you can showcase your experience on the panel boards! Anna is going to have lots to share for current events day in 3rd grade! The ice skating rink is open and lessons start tomorrow. Big football game at the HS tonight. Thinking of you often, keep the adventures coming! xo The Lesser Family
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteHow was Halloween?
In school we play a computer game Fastt Math!
What do you do on the boat for fun?
I cleaned Jack,Jill and Rainbow's tank, they went CRAZY.
ON Saturday I went ice skating.
What do you do when your not in school?
Love,
Victoria
Dear Layne, the frogs and fish tank's are clean. What were you for Halloween? Where are you now? Ice skating is good and my teachers are nice.
ReplyDeletelove eliana
Hi Victoria
ReplyDeletehalloween was crazy but fun.
are the teachers nice.
are the classes nice what are you doing in school my touter exploded beacause I did so good i am going to get an m and m bag.I play with my freind Kyle or go in the pool or watch a movie.
p.s I am sorry i havent e-mailed you in a long time .
I miss you , Love Anna
Traci and John, thought I'd chime in on the girl's comments as I can imagine that Anna is starting to get curious/a little anxious about returning to Wellington. Please reiterate to her just how phenomenal each of the 3rd grade teachers are. Warm, lovely, smart, kind, and fun. The curriculum is chock full of fun science, social studies, reading and math projects, very hands on learning. It is a fantastic group of teachers--a little different than 2nd grade ;-). They do a field trip in the spring to the Freedom Trail that should be great and the girls are hooping it up at recess and know Anna will have a special spot there. Victoria really misses her and is so excited to have her home. Feel free to reach out and let us know if we can do anything school or other-wise as your re-entry draws closer. I am sure that Anna will get right back in the swing and do great. And the stories she will have, my goodness! Hang in there and continue to enjoy your journeys.
ReplyDelete