I have read many articles about people who live in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Here is what I observe myself: People in Mekong Delta mostly live on the boat. Its because they don't have and don't afford to own a house or land. The living cost in their city is pretty high where they can only afford a boat house. Many children were born and grown up on the boat and most of them were not sent to school to further their education. The kids usually inherit their parents' job.
Mekong river people do trading here for their living. They sell vegetables, self-made household items, fruits, clothes and etc. The most interesting part is they do trading while they are on the boat and it will be cruising through the river. They trade quickly by transferring one item to another boat upon request and receive something in return as their barter trade. Some do barter trade and some take money in exchange. Our tour guide, Andy says that people in Mekong Delta do not worship money as in the most important element to living. They are used to live on the boat their lifelong by trade in their needs accordingly. "They don't go for entertainment, they don't go out to mix around, therefore, why do they need money for?" Andy says. He also says that people in Mekong Delta use to say 'money is not important, love is'. I think, rather than Paris, Mekong Delta should get the name 'City of Love'.
Along Mekong river, most of the paddy fields are fresh. If you are driving along the highway, you will be wondering to find many white/brown cemented area in the middle of every paddy field. They are cemetery! You can find a lot of cemetery in the middle of paddy field. The owner/family members prefer to be buried in their own land after they deceased. Usually, this is like their golden request and Inherited by generations. Some cemetery are built just by the side of their homes, and some are in the middle of the paddy field, looking like a gazebo or a hut.
So if you are planning to visit Mekong Delta, please enjoy the journey as you will learn life lessons along the journey. Adiós, till I come back with my next shorties on Mekong River Cruise journey which was pretty awesome too.
p/s: All images are copyrighted to the writer.
With love,
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