We’re in Vietnam, on the Mekong river, just across the border from Cambodia. We’re heading into the Mekong Delta to see what this part of the world is like. Our first stop is at a place called “Evergreen Island.” Well, that’s what it’s called to us tourists, anyway.
To get there, we got on boats that hold about 25 people. We started motoring along in the huge river. From our water-level seats in the smaller boat, the Mekong looks a whole lot bigger. The water was choppy because there was a fair amount of traffic. No pleasure cruisers around here, though. All the boats in this neighborhood are working boats. That’s plain to see.
We left the main river and cruised down waterways that seem to be the streets and avenues around here. Everything quieted down as we worked our way into smaller waterways. We docked at the edge of a field in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. We had arrived.
Blue Houses on Stilts
We’re visiting Evergreen island because life here is said to have changed little over the years. People here are farmers and fishermen. And now, one would think, (and hope), they must make a little extra by allowing people like us to enter their world for a little while.
We disembarked and followed our guide down a dirt path at the edge of a corn field. It reminded me of a path on my grandpa’s ranch, except here everything was green and growing like crazy. A few people were working in the fields as we passed.
We came to a little neighborhood of sorts, where houses were built within shouting distance of each other. Our guide spotted a man at one of the houses and walked up the driveway to have a chat. Then he motioned for us to come onto the property and have an up-close look. The man was raising ducks, and he seemed to be happy to show them off.
Island Life
Houses here, built 10-12 feet off the ground, have sky-blue facades with multi-colored accents in eye-catching designs. Each house has a pedestal topped with a place to put offerings. The front of each house is like a little piece of artwork.
We walked further and came to a busier part of the island. Not that it was actually busy, but there were motorbikes coming and going. They use motorbikes here the way we use trucks back home. We saw bikes piled high with all sorts of materials, groceries, crops, and kids – with mom driving.
We came to another house where we met the owners. More than one generation was present. I suspect at least a few generations live here. A few people spoke some english, and it was fun talking with them.
They invited us inside to take a look around. I was surprised at how nice it was inside. The floors and most furnishings were made of dark wood. Someone here had a decorator’s touch. And – the place was spotless! They knew company was coming, I suppose, but still…
And of Course, Plenty of Kids
Word of our presence must have reached the local kids, because they started showing up to see the strangers in town. They were cute, (of course), and playful, but well-behaved at the same time. Then the candy man showed up, and the strangers in town were no longer the main attraction.
After a short, but enjoyable visit, we made our way back to the boat, with a handful of kids not too far behind. People here work hard, and don’t have the comforts we take for granted, but they certainly have a lot going for them. They live in a beautiful place – at least at this time of year – and they seem to be happy. Really happy.
To be continued…
Next stop: Tan Chau
