Day 11

The morning started off with a few of us waking up at 5:00am to catch a few shots of the early sunrise. We flew the drone and got some of the prettiest shots we have gotten the entire trip. We then ate breakfast and prepared to head out for a two hour bike tour of the delta.

We followed Hao, our Mekong Delta Tour Guide, to the bike stands and chose our bikes. However, as she sped away, only half of group followed her, while the other half of the group got separated. The first half of us rode for a least 30 minutes before we realized that the other half of the group were missing. The first half of us began riding back and met up with Thanh who then explained that the other half of the group went the wrong way and we had to back track to find them. Once we had the group back together. The ride was pretty bumpy and many times we had to get off our bikes and walk to cross the many narrow bridges in the delta communities. Although we did go the wrong direction at the end and had to turn around, we finally reached the other side of the river across from the Homestay. All of us dripping in sweat and thirsty, we took a break at a near by cafe where we rehydrated and snacked on fresh fruits.

We crossed the river after we regained our energy and went back to the Homestay to finish packing and checkout. After we refreshed and bagged our luggage, we had the final meal at the Homestay. As we finished the meal, we said our final goodbyes to the owners of the Homestay, thanking them for everything and ensuring that our stay was more than comfortable. We then boarded the boat and departed from the Mekong Island.

When we got back to the mainland, we were greeted with a different bus that had larger seats and WiFi (which ended up not working). All of us exhausted, many of us fell asleep as we sped back to Saigon.

After 2 hours, we arrived back to the Saigon. After being in the countryside for so long, the cityscape seemed odd. We checked back in to the Palace Hotel and had 2 hours of free time to relax.

tWe want to thank Quan and Thanh for being two of the most awesome tour guides ever, you guys are just simply amazing.We met downstairs for dinner at 6:30 and got on the bus. Prepared for a fancy dinner, a few of us dressed up only to realize that we were going to eat at a newly opened Pizza Hut (not our first choice) Although the service was terrible and the food was as expected, we had an amazing time talking and laughing about the last 11 days we have spent in this country.

Now, as we sit and write this blog, Vietnamese hotel staff are in Claire, Emily, and Macy's room attempting to catch a bat. Which, in many ways, sums up this entire trip. Completely chaotic, truly unbelievable, yet utterly incredible. We can say for a fact that this experience has thoroughly changed our lives. We will never forget the rich culture, the beautiful landscape, and the incredible Vietnamese people that have made this trip so amazing. Although expecting coming here to just make a documentary, we gained so much more than we expected.

We want to thank our group leaders Nathan and Christine for organizing this experience and making sure everyone was safe and healthy.

We want to thank Peace Works Travel for creating such a rich and fulfilling tour of the country that taught us so much

We want to thank Quan and Thanh for being two of the most awesome tour guides ever, you guys are just simply amazing.

And finally we want to thank Vietnam for having us, you have changed our lives forever.

So for the last time.

Goodnight Vietnam!