A bit of Viet Nam trivia

So Carla and I rose again way too early this morning to partake in a tour of the Mekong Delta. Suposedly gorgeous, and although educational, the trip was far from spectacular. We visited a 'floating market', which we figured was one of those 'typicalVietnam' things to check off our list, when really I saw on boat pilled with watermelon and very little activity. Oh well, I guess we came too late. Although we did continue on to have a nice boat ride on the muddy waters of the Mekong, trying to not let the splashing water get in our mouths for fear of catching some crazy disease...since our guide did tell us they shower and toilet in the river alike. We had lunch, and rode bikes around the countryside or an hour. Nice way too explore, and realised its been eons since I've riden a bike. but like they say...you never forget.

So, I know the burning question on all your minds at the moment is: 'what is the difference between Ho Chi Min City and Saigon?', well, turns out, Saigon is the original name, which is close to the peoples hearts, but, everyone one here likes the president, named Ho Chi Min, so they respect that name when they re-named the city. Although Southerners call it Saigon, and Northerners call it HCMC. So there ya go.

We also learnt that our tour guide, who worked with us over 12 hours today, and works 6 days a week, makes 6.80$ a day. And needs to spend 4$ a day on food and water, basic expenses and still has to account for paying for his 2 meter by 6 meter room that he rents, and cell phone ect. Not an easy life. Aparently no one but foreigners rent Apartments.

It is written on the side of Pagodas and city buildings, "do not speak about politics". Which I found interesting. He said they have limitted ability to speak about their comunist gov't. Not much past "It's good" can you get out of them. There are also relocation fees. You are not allowed to stay in HCMC for more than 1 week. If the police catch you you are fined and sent back to the countryside. you have to apply to live here legally. So really everyone is here illegally. Government employees and police officers are only allowed to have 2 children. if they have more they loose their job. Others are allowed 3 children in the city, more than that is bad, and they cannot afford to keep them anyways. It costs 200$ a semester to go to University. Tips earned by waitresses in the restaurant are shared by all the staff equally...and that means about 12 kitchen guys in a 9 table restaurant. Everywhere is super staffed! It is easier for women to find jobs, they are able to work inside more establishments, like hotels, restaurants and clothig stores, unlike the men. Many men drive cyclos and motor bikes all day, or sell what they can on the streets. Most of the cyclo drivers are very old, and will work till their dying day, so we were informed.

I am ecited to learn more about the country as we travel, especially the North, South devide. It is very different I hear. But so far, I am a huge Vietnam fan, and I don't think that will change. The people are very willing to talk and share their stories, especially the children, who are so full of life, and enjoy the break from their selling of books and cigarettes to sit with you.

later, R