Can Tho is about floating markets. These markets on water allow local folks to buy, sell, and trade produce, meats, fish, household goods and, yes, even lottery tickets. We set out a 5:30 AM, with my lovely Ferguson Ha Nguhia picking me up at the hotel. Together we walked into the darkness to find the boat.
It was a seven hour cruise. I had hired the boat so I could be alone for the other task that the day required. The first stop was a floating market about one hour from Can Tho. This market deals more in bulk goods, selling produce to smaller traders who then ply the rivers and canals, re-selling to homes and businesses along the way. The floating market is just that. Traders stick whatever they are selling on a long pole and then hoist it like a flag. Bananas, pineapple, yams, all dangling from tall sticks above the boats.
Our next stop was a noodle factory, owned by someone's friend or relation. This is a pretty typical format for tours, but because we had started very early and I had a boat to myself as well as a Ferguson, it was very pleasant. How else was I going to see the markets?
The second market was much more intimate, hours away from town and most tourists, and consisted mostly of very small boats. It was amazing, with jostling boats, money and goods changing hands, even meals and drinks being sold. This second market was the highlight of the day. The floating markets are disappearing as bridges and infrastructure improvements mean more and more goods go by road. For now however, there are still active markets that are going strong and this is known as one of the best.
The rest of the seven hour cruise was through backwater canals, weaving in and under small footbridges and dodging water hyacinth. After scattering Karen's ashes and shedding my tears, this was exactly what I needed.
We putted along until it was time to stop for drinks (yes, at a small canal-side cafe owned by someone's friend or relation). The place was lovely, set in a watery garden, and I spent some time chatting with Chris, another solo traveller from Wales.
The rest of the trip was the return run, popping back out onto the Can Tho river and heading for town. I arrived ready for a shower and a nap. A full day spent before lunch.
No comments:
Post a Comment