As the sun crested the horizon and illuminated the Bassac River, we prepared for an amazing day within the Mekong Delta. We boarded local covered longboats that took us to a nearby floating market. Dozens of merchants converged in the middle of the river to sell fruits, vegetables and flowers. Our longboat drivers navigated the environment so we could get a close view of the produce and process.
After exploring the floating market, it was time to dock the longboats for another memorable experience, this time on land. Waiting for each passenger was a trishaw – a small cart with a narrow seat, pulled by bicycle. Our drivers took us for a fast-paced and exhilarating ride through the bustling streets of Chau Doc. The drivers were masters at seamlessly integrating into the flow of traffic and giving us a taste of the morning rush as the city came to full life.
Following our trishaw rides, we had ample free time to explore a local market on foot. We fully immersed ourselves in the local culture as we meandered through stalls lined with fresh produce, meats and seafood. The colors, faces and action were a photographer’s dream. Dotted throughout the stalls were small cafes where the wonderful smell of local meals permeated the air. From the market, we once again boarded the longboats to visit a floating fish farm. Owners and workers welcomed us and explained how they catch, raise, feed and sell the fish to make a living.
Back on board, photo instructor Eric Kruszewski gave a presentation on how to approach a chaotic scene and produce storytelling images.
After lunch, our cultural specialist David Brotherson shared stories and insight into his personal wedding ceremony and marriage to a Cambodian woman. This was a unique, rare and fascinating glimpse into tradition and culture.
In the late afternoon, we visited “My An Hung” village, Mr. Lam’s family farm. As we strolled through fields of chili crop, we learned about the planting season, flood times and how farmers use modern watering techniques and build trenches to help grow and harvest their crops. Further exploration of the farm revealed a “monkey bridge” – a man-made wooden structure that is used by locals to walk across smaller rivers. We embraced the structure, crossed over the waterway and witnessed local children swimming nearby. To cap off a wonderful day, the family performed local music for us by playing guitar, singing love songs and introducing us to a one-string instrument that is capable of producing a range of beautiful melodies. In addition, they shared samples of nearly a dozen fresh fruits that were grown in the Mekong Delta.
