Dragon Boats on the Perfume River, January 21st

This day was another with a busy morning and a lazy afternoon and evening for us at least. We decided to skip a walking tour of a wet market and the chance to climb 116 steps to the top of a monument.

We started off with a ride on a "dragon boat". I was imagining something like the boats used in Hong Kong at the dragon boat races. What we went on wouldn't win any prizes in a boat race but it was a nice ride anyway. Of course, captive tourist that we were there were things to buy on the boat and we did. Jim got 2 new shirts. His size wasn't available on the boat, but they were delivered to the hotel later in the day.

We walked the grounds of a Nguyen mausoleum after the boat ride. I shared some glimpses of that below. This was another place where people gathered to take pictures. Selfies, posed, all kinds of cameras. Seeing them all, mostly women but a few men dressed in their finest was fun. 

After the mausoleum we stopped at an incense shop. We got some incense and a holder here. Jim picked out the scents. I spotted a silk painting that had to come home with me. I probably put its picture up when I get it framed and in place. Doesn't this place look so bright, cheerful and welcoming?

We had lunch again as a group. The food was brought out family style. See below that the meal included 10 items. Our group meals were always this way with 9 or 10 items on the list. I do wonder if the people of Vietnam eat this way at home. Preparing so many dishes for one meal sounds like a whole lot of work for a family cook like me. My cooking habits were formed in the old days when a plate for dinner had a protein, a starch, a serving of vegetables and maybe bread of some kind. That's just 4 things. I loved all the dishes on the list but the best here was the pumpkin soup. Loved it!

The day after this we were on the move again. More about that later.

Back with more again soon.

Take care and stay cozy!

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