Life with and on the water
The white spots of Southeast Asia – they have disappeared. With the visit of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, a circle closes. A circle of journeys in this part of Asia, which began five years ago and since then has given many answers to my curiosity. A question I had always asked myself should be answered in this area. Is there still untouched nature, uncultivated landscape and white spots on the population map of South Vietnam?
The answer as a bicycle trip
The best impression of landscapes is cycling. And you get the most answers. And very quickly the question at the beginning is answered: No, they do not exist anymore. The white spots, as they are known from remote parts of Africa, South America or Australia, do not exist in Southeast Asia.
First of all, the cities are bizarre – Can Tho, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, My Tho. And the faster you forget these names. With the exception of Can Tho, I could barely name the highlights of each city. These places are similar. Located on rivers, with various markets and much morbid building fabric. Two-syllable cities with monosyllable impressions.
On the rides across the countryside, another picture emerges. White long noses on bicycles, that creates joy. And certainly raises questions. We do not answer these, but we are pleased about the friendliness and the sympathy of the fun-loving. Breaks at small kitchens become good business and so good days. Great children’s eye whether the big cyclist from western countries. Do you need more self-confidence? A trip on the bike through Vietnam on remote trails – and the undivided attention is given to you.
Observations
The images reflect the observations. Road photography, which does not need geographic location. Landscapes in the evergreen green of palm trees and rice fields. Sometimes hidden temples, which are not regarded as an attraction in an ancestry. And kindness, which makes the heart rise.
A paradise of no longer white spots? A paradise!