Mekong

The Mekong Delta is a languid place. Walk quickly here and you will not walk far. The air seems so thick that if one had a desire, one could cut the stuff into blocks and make an air igloo. The pace of life is similar. Cafes are an oasis and, by example of the local people, one should take advantage of them as often as possible. When walk-about becomes "I-have-now-sweated-through-every-article-of-clothing-I-am-wearing," take heart and indulge in a ca-fe den over ice. Even the ca-fe takes time. Relax as it ever so slowly drips from the dented tin gizmo into your glass. Do not hurry it. By the time your sweat begins to cool, pour the blackest of shots over the ice and, again, wait. Given a few minutes, the mixture will turn into an icy slush that will explode, sweet and dark, as it trickles through your mouth. Your ca-fe will come with a tea pot. After you have finished (slowly) the ca-fe, it is time to pour the lukewarm Oolong over the remainder of the ice. Eventually, you may be ready to walk a little further.