Nha Trang Cham Tower, River Cruise and Rural Village

   Our second stop in Vietnam was a small city of Nha Trang. Today it is a very thriving seaside resort city that is starting to attract foreigners for relaxing vacations. The bay is quite large but we were tendered. From a quick look it did not have a 'cruise terminal”. This location was better known during the “American War” as Cameron Bay. It was the main port for the American war effort.

In contrast to what we experienced in Phu My the day before, this city was very clean and neat. We passed many modern hotels such as Hilton, Best Western and other 5 star hotels. This is not the tourist season but there was a certain bustle to the city.

   At the Cham Tower we had a good explanation of the time periods of each of the temples. The

Cultural Show

Hindu towers were built over a series of years. They are very small compared to some of the ones we have seen. The temples were in use by the local population. There was a brief 'cultural show”. One of the photo shows the traditional dance that they did. After that we walked about 200 meters down an alley to the river where we boarded our small boat for the ride to the rural village. We were only in groups of 8 for the entire tour which was very

Good Hat

good. As soon as we got on the boat, they handed each of us one of those basket hats that seem to be in every photo of the rice fields!

   The stop at the rural village was very different. This entire

Making A Clay BBQ

village (not that many people) are engaged in making small clay BBQ's that the local Vietnamese cook on. The clay is brought in from the rice fields and piled outside the artisan's workplace. From there the clay is wet down and molded into these pots. The pots have an vent for air on the bottom side and then they place an insert in the pot to hold the charcoal. Then a grill is placed on the 3 molded knobs at the top and cooking beginnings. Because they are made of clay they do not last long. They seem to be used only during festivals. In all it was a very interesting visit.

Back on the boat and a short trip down to a place whee we could have a refreshment. It consisted of a coconut cut open with a

Yes - Snakes

straw inserted to drink the water inside. It had a bland taste. We did not have them opened but apparently the inside was tastier than the ones we can purchase back in Canada. Again back on the boat, then the small van and a stop for fresh fruit and hot tea. It had a very nice little store and Judy managed to find a nice silk shawl. Then it was back to the ship. On the dock, we managed to find a few more things to buy. Judy hates the haggling but we were able to pay a lower asking price. The merchants give you a price and if you pay that, they are happy. In all we thought the tour was a bit thin on substance after the village visit.

On The Docks

  Today was a sea day with Hong Kong tomorrow. They found someone to do Zomba so Judy went to that class while I did a few other things. Line dancing, a coffee break with Val and Rob, ballroom dancing, pub lunch and finally wine tasting and a production show at night filled the day. The weather continues to be hot and humid and the seas remain calm. Just arrived in Hong Kong. It came out of the mist.....