The tour guide shared that they have less poverty…
But I did not see any more prosperity…

Then the two times I was here before…
On the South China Sea shore.

During this third tour…
I noticed living conditions are still poor.

But they say…
That after Costa Rica they are happiest people any way.

The average income is two thousand USA dollars a year
But they all drive a scooter… and without fear.

In this Nation…
It appears “thee” mode of transportation,

They swirl…hooter and tooter…
As they flash by on their scooter…

Nine million people live in Ho Chi Minh City,
And the place is not all that pretty.

They all wear a mask for the pollution…
But for cleaning up trash they seem to have no solution.

Trash collection is just…not done…
Because it is left everywhere…by the ton!

Traffic was 30 percent less because it was Sunday
Cannot imagine what it will be tomorrow on this highway

Rice is their mainstay
And we see many rice paddy’s along the way

And all around…
On private property they maintain a private burial ground.

The remains of the dead are kept close.
And supposedly bring good luck as they decompose

We toured all day in a group of six…
With a driver and guide who mentioned little politics.

We drove six hours to tour the Mekong Delta on a sampan
And passed many fisherman…

Who with their entire family float…
In a dilapidated boat.

We stopped as planned
on “My Tho Island”

We enjoyed local fruit and honey with tea
Then toured a local home and hand made coconut candy factory

For lunch we hesitantly chewed
Authentic Vietnamese food.

And as we were talking
We were all glad to see the cat still walking!

No reason to be suspicious…
The food WAS delicious.

The last stop
Was at a lacquer manufacturing place to shop.

And after completing a long day trip…
It is always nice to get back on our ship.