Our man in Vietnam - 5 - Mekong Delta

I was woken up by a rooster cock. Strange, during our trip so far, in every hotel I could hear rooster cock in the morning. Hotels were surrounded by city blocks. No parks nor gardens. So where these rooster lived? On balconies?
I turn to the other side and then I hear a church bell ringing. Right, it is Sunday. I get up, go to the window and I can see a church tower nearby. I run down to the reception.
- How to get to that church nearby? - I ask the receptionist.
- Church? What does it mean? - he answers
Apparently he does not know this word. No wonder. Wikipedia says that 73% of Vietnamese population do not belong to any religion. 12% are Buddhists, 8% Christians. Interesting, that in recent years number of people declaring belonging to some religion, grew. Buddhists gained most.
Wikipedia mentions also some local religions. Such as Cao Dao...
"Caodaism, the invention of Cochin civil servant, was a synthesis of the three religions. The Holy See was at Tanyin. A Pope and female cardinals. Prophecy by planchette. Saint Victor Hugo. Christ and Buddha looking down from the roof of the Cathedral on a Walt Disney fantasia of the East, dragons and snakes in technicolor."

Graham Greene - The Quiet American.

Interesting, but time is running out. Walk to the church is short. It is named Huyen Sy.

Despite early hour, 6:20 a.m. there are many people inside.

I cannot stay long, today we are taking a tour of Mekong Delta.

Mekong, river-food provider. It starts somewhere in Tibet. Winds down over 4,000 km bringing lots of minerals. This, combined with a tropical weather creates ideal agricultural conditions. At least three crops a year.

We board a boat. On our way 4 islands: Unicorn, Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle.

On Unicorn Island we visit an apiary, where we taste delicious honey. Some sweetness must have remained on me as I got a sympathy of the local mascot.

Now, on a smaller boat, we sail to Dragon Island.

This island is quite large, so we climb tuk-tuks to explore.

Again, like on the motorbike, all the excitement of travelling on a narrow path.

Our destination is a coconut factory. Here every element of a coconut is utilized. Most visible outcome is coconut candy.

Hop on a boat again. Late afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the central district. Notre Dame Cathedral.

The evening is coming, it is time for a farewell dinner. Intrepid invited us to KOTO restaurant.
KOTO: Know One (unemployed) Teach One (some trade) - details HERE.
Time to part with our guide - Hoc. He won respect and sympathy of all of us. The senior of the group, Jac , delivers a quite touching farewell speech.

Time to have a last look at our complete group.

Vietnam links to all parts - Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4, Part5, Part6.