Mommy mommy, look at the AAAAAARGH!!!

They finally finished construction around the hippos at the Zoo. And I see a few design flaws. For one, I'd like to know why this flimsy metal fence is the only thing between me and a 2-3 ton animal with tusks the size of my arm. These are probably used to people, but in the wild these are the most dangerous mammals in the world. Really guys, what were you thinking?

I mean the pygmy hippo is cute enough, ok. Still probably not a good idea to give people the opportunity to pet him on the head.

Bottom of the Barrel

After 6 months, it's hard to find new things to sample. So in desperation, I picked up some water coconuts. In the country they are all over the place--large, banana-like palms growing right on the water, giving that jungley, nam-war-movie look to the place.

Jenny's mom was reluctant to buy, even at less than 50 cents a bag--that was a bad sign. Inside each husk is a table-spoon sized coconut-like meat. It is absolutely tasteless, so much so that it's like eating a black hole. Very unsatisfying.

So it was something of a relief to try Vietnamese avocados.

They are not so different than avocados everywhere (though much mushier), but they are served in a different way--in a glass with added honey-like condensed milk. Very yummy, good for a desert.

A Curious Holiday

They set up this booth across the street and all over town.
What's it for?
"It's for a holiday."
What holiday?
"I don't know what you call it in English."
How do you celebrate?
"We eat lots of mooncake."
Ok, can we get some mooncake?
"No."