The Mighty Mekong
We were headed on a surprise trip. Five of us, on two bikes, drove through Tân Châu and headed down an obscure, tiny, bumpy lane straddled on both sides by small residential homes. Towards the end of lane we hit the river and it was here we embarked on the ferry to cross the mighty Mekong to where our destination lay on the other side. As we reached about half way across the wide, brown river, I spotted what looked like many colourful umbrellas and awnings which I initially took to be a market. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be a swimming spot teeming with children and adults all swimming Vietnamese style, still fully dressed in their day to day clothes. Being close to sunset, the ambient light added warmth and charm to the scene before me. My excitement rose and I was ready to take my first plunge into the muddy waters of the Mekong River (in my clothes). I was not disappointed.
“The Mekong, translated as the Mother of Rivers in Lao, travels 4,350 km from it’s source on the Tibetan Plateau through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. ”
Without doubt the Mekong has a majestic presence. Rising at just over 17,000 feet above sea level, it is the twelfth longest river in the world, seventh in Asia and the longest one in South East Asia. From there it travels 4,350 km through six countries, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and lastly Vietnam where it finally drains into the South China Sea below Ho Chi Minh City. This powerful river sustains life, gives life and is life, playing an important role in the lives of millions of people in providing sustenance, energy, fresh water, fertile river silt for farming, transportation, recreation, and much, much more.
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
