From the Mekong to Da Nang to Bein Hoa-I have been a traveler

These past few weeks I have had the opportunity to travel a bit. My travels started on the Mekong Delta. Since my parents visited in October, I have wanted to visit the Mekong and recently the Bien Hoa girls mentioned they wanted to go as well. So last weekend, the girls came into town and Monday morning, woke up bright and early to catch our bus that would take us out to the delta. Our group consisted of the four of us, a woman from Brazil, a couple from China and one very enthusiastic tour guide. After our two hour bus ride, we made it to the delta and got on our first boat of the day where we were greeted by Moon, our Mekong tour guide. Our Mekong trip consisted of a visit to the coconut factory where we bought delicious candy, a bee farm, where we actually got to take pictures holding the bee sheet? We also were treated to tea with added honey from the hives. After tea, and a brief holding of a boa, we sat and ate fruits of Vietnam while we were sung to by traditional Vietnamese singers. When then boarded a smaller boat and headed down the canal to our final location where we were able to sit down and have a large Vietnamese meal. Brittany and I were very lucky to have Moon in our ride down the canal because we got to hear "Row, row (take out the final row), your boat" on repeat! Yes there was a little sarcasm there but at least we got a laugh out of it later. Overall, the trip wasn't exactly what we had expected but it was nice to be able to spend that time with the girls anyway.

Just a note...I held the boa too...the pictures were just not on my camera. It's true!

Later in the week, because I still did not have class, I decided to make a trip up to Da Nang. I had a blast seeing the rest of the team, even if it was a very short trip. The trip consisted of an American Idol party, mosquito killing frenzies, a walk on the beach, nail painting, and coffee and meals with friends.


Finally, to end my travels, Carolyn and I went to Bien Hoa last weekend to celebrate our friend Brittany's birthday. Stephanie had prepared a surprise party for Brittany so on Monday night we went out to karaoke to pass the time away while their friends raided the house to set up for the party. When we got back, the house was decked out and there was enough food set out to feed an army. It was a very successful and fun filled time.