Finally got back from a 7 days trip to Wetnam to visit my vb parents in AG. I agree that it is indeed an eye opener and is certainly pleased that I came back in one piece. The Cambodians also did not have a chance to own a piece of me despite the repeated "threats" that I will be sold there.
Spent the first day of my trip in HCMC, visiting my vb home in Q8, where she shared with another 6 person. It was still acceptable though the bed consist of a bamboo mat spread over a slab of flat concrete. Now I understand why she always says her lower back ache.
As I have been into a no. of Vietnamese homes before, I shall not venture too much into this, although I would say that many Sillyporeans will be appalled that they could live in such conditions. Spent the night in a mini hotel in D8 which costs only 300k vnd.
On the morning of the 2nd day, we took a cab to the bus station in Q5 to catch the coach to AG. Was told the journey will take about 7-8 hours. The coach was comfortable enough and they kept playing Vietnamese stage shows which was completely alien to me. I kept asking my babe when we reach will reach. the first time she will reply "maximum 2 hours", and when 2 hours have passed, i will ask again and she will reply "Maximum...." u get the picture.
Finally, after the coach got on the carrier to cross the river, things started to liven up a bit as I started the padi fields, houses built on wooden stilts etc. I asked her whether her house is like this but she told me "Don worry lah, my house better, u worry more, I sell you to Kampuchia." Having come into unchartered territory, you can be sure I zipped my mouth.
Throughout the journey, she did not have a chnace to rest well as she keeps getting calls from her family as to when she will arrive.
Finally, after I think about 8 hours, she said we alight. When I got out of the coach, I seemed to step back into time; the place was a little similiar to when I first came to Wetnam in 2004. There were not much modern buildings and there were few vehicles on the roads. At 7pm, the roads were already very quiet.
Took a short walk of about 10 mins, but seems like 20 mins as I was lugging my huge backpack containing presents for her folks. Bought Chivas at Changi Airport for her dad, medicated oil and plaster for her mum, several pieces of clothings from Ho Chi Minh for her 2 younger sisters. She told me not to worry so much about the gifts as her folks were simple folks.
After a few turns in the narrow alleys, I finally reached and was greeted with a few smiling folks who were waiting for me in the living room. The living room would be the size of the hall of a 1 room HDB flat and was not furnished at all. Half of it was already occupied by a small cupboard and a wooden bed. On top of the cupboard sits a 26 inch Panasonic plasma TV, which my VB bought for the family. I used my limited TV to greet them and they were very pleased that I made an effort to learn TV. I gave the presents to her folks and they took it.
They apologised to me for their home being so spartan and for their poor hospitality, saying they could not afford to prepare good food for me. I say think nothing of it and I suggest we adjourned outside for some food and drinks. Walked outside and we settled out eating pho and sinh to, which costs only about 15,000vnd and 8000vnd respectively. After the meal, I checked into a ngha nghi which costs only 200,000vnd. I had cheekily requested that my vb stay with me, but she says her papa will cut her head if she does so. So I spent my first night at Tri Ton at AG miserable and alone, sleeping on a hard foam mattress watching Charlie Angels on TV. Luckily, Cameron Diaz steamed up the room for me. I drifted off into slumberland dreaming of her....
To be continued...