The 2nd stop was a rice paper factory where about 6 ladies worked tediously heating up a rice flour/water mixture very quickly in a frying pan (think crepes), and seconds later sliding the circular rice paper onto the others that were already resting in the basket alongside her. Apparently they are supposed to produce about 3,000 papers a day. Two other ladies gathered the finished rice papers, then counted them out into cellophane packages of about 20 for selling and distribution.
Next we boarded our boat for a short cruise along the Mekong River for a view of the floating markets. Lots of interesting photos of families living and doing commerce on their boats.
More rice as we head to the crispy rice cake factory. We were treated to rice cakes that were cooked on an iron similar to a pizzelle maker and tasted like a fortune cookie.
Next up was the Vietnamese version of popcorn - referred to as puffed rice.
Rice is poured into a giant wok
where it starts to pop.
Puffed rice is stirred through a grate
so unpopped kernels can be sorted out.
Durian is added to rice, making it a caramel color,
but still pretty stinky.
Rice is stirred to mix it with it with more rice...
...then poured onto a table...
...shaped to fit the table
(looking like rice krispie treats)
...rolled with 2 giant rolling pins,
then cut into squares.
Time for lunch at Mr. Kiet's Historic House. We thoroughly enjoyed the elephant fish & another new beer, BGI, but the durian fruit was another story. Not only did it stink like a pair of dirty socks, but as Iris noted, it resembled baby poo.
Elephant fish
Making fresh spring rolls with fish,
cucumber, pineapple & herbs.
Scooping out the flesh of the durian fruit.
Iris really didn't eat her durian - just posed for this photo.
I only tried a tiny amount
& that was more than enough.
After lunch we boarded a sampan to cruise back to our boat for our return trip.
At about 5 PM, 7 of us took advantage of a 30 minute scooter ride through Saigon at the height of rush hour. What a thrill! Several near misses, especially on the roundabouts - seems to be no rules with regard to right of way.
Barbara
Karen
me
Our view
Front & back airbags.
And they're off...
Dinner was on our own so Iris & I invited Barbara & Gloria to join us at Ngon Restaurant, after we went to the night market. Gloria & I played slots at the casino for about 30 minutes while Barbara & Iris waited for us in the lobby. I won $70 and treated everyone to drinks before we headed back for the night.
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