Monday, June 15, 2015

Day one Vietnam

This morning we met with Mrs. Binh, our Vietnam translator and colleague to take a taxi back to the airport, but this time for a domestic flight in Nha trang. At the airport, we met Mr. Anh, general manager and CEO of the Minh Phu hatchery. We took a one hour flight and then a two hour taxi ride to the hatchery in Ninh Thuan Province.

On the way, we stopped for lunch and I had snails for the first time. They were pretty good, but the blue crab was even better. It was so good it didn't need any condiments, although we had several sauces to choose from. I also had some Mackerel and another kind of fish I have never had before who's name completely escapes me at the moment. I will find out tomorrow and let you know. We also had rice and several different sauces that varied in degrees of hotness. After the lovely meal provided by Mr. Anh, we completed the trip to the hatchery and had a tour.

The hatchery is very big and every area we entered required boots and a lab coat as well as dipping the boots (and vehicle as we entered) in bleach to remove any possible contaminants. Before and after the tour we met with Mr. Anh and  Mr. Ha, the production manager, so Dr. Chambers and Mrs. Binh could discuss the issues they were facing and how we could work together.

The weather in Nha trang was hot and humid, but with no rain. Apparently it does not have the same climate as Ho Chi Minh City, which is experiencing monsoon season. Although it was uncomfortably hot, it was good to have the sun for taking photos, and take them I did! I wanted to stop every few minutes and take a photo of something that I found interesting, but we had a long day,
so it was impossible. We did stop a few times but not nearly as many as I would have liked.

I will go into the trip more tomorrow, because it is after one am, Vietnam time and we have another long day tomorrow. I am adding a few photos to this post as well.

chơ.

Faye


7 comments:

  1. It's a wonder the scooter doesn't go airborne. . .. You, Mike, and Mrs. Binh should consider switching to moped for those long trips! Thanks for sending.

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    1. Some of the scooters are carrying very large packages that stick out on both sides as well as additional passengers. Yet, they manage to maneuver them with ease. It is fascinating to watch. There is very little regard for any road lines. I have not seen any double lines (no passing). Everyone passes on all sides, even going on sidewalks. Last night, we were standing on a sidewalk waiting to walk across a street when I looked to my right and realized there were at least 50 scooters on the sidewalk waiting to turn. Surprisingly though, no one really worries about getting hit. The traffic just flows gently around you like a wave and an occasional beep to let you know they are near and about to pass. The horn is basically used to protect you rather than as a threat or a comment on your driving/walking skills.

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  2. Great to see you have already been able to discuss production needs with a fish producer. Did they allow photographs in the facility? Sounds like you are experiencing the local cuisine! Thanks for sharing the photos.

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    1. Ken - A lot of very interesting information from all sides. It is a lot to consider and will be very helpful as we proceed.

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  4. Sounds like a great start to your adventure! :)

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    1. It has been a truly amazing adventure. Such an interesting culture. There is a real mix of the old and new. Although it is a communist country, other religions co-exist quite nicely here. There are many high-rise buildings sitting next to a ruin. They are currently building their first subway system which is expected to be operational by 2018. Most people cannot afford to buy a car, since they are not produced here and the tax on importing can be as high as 200%. Most have one or more scooters/mopeds or motorcycles. Some, have drivers or take taxi's or a bus. The bus system does not go everywhere however, so long walks may be necessary. The people are looking forward to having a better form of reliable, inexpensive transportation.

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