My Rendezvous with Nemo in the Mekong Delta

Presentation for food is always key. Garnish? Tantalizing sauces in little design? Allow me to introduce to you the most hideous food I’ve ever eaten. Oh, there was garnish. There was even greenery shoved into his fins. Yet there was nothing you could do to make him look aesthetically appealing by any means. I shall name him Nemo, after no one in particular. But first, let me explain. One of the things I really wanted to make a point to do was visit the Mekong Delta. It is a floating market two hours South of HCMC. On our way we stopped at the rice fields, a Buddhist temple where a ceremony was being held, and another street market. Finally, we got on a ferry to cross the river, to a more remote location. We got on another boat, this one only holding 7 or so and traveled in these small canals in forest areas. Palm trees and other hangings surrounded the canal, and civilization ceased. We came to a small area where a couple of outdoor rooms were set up, making coconut candy. We tried some and had tea nearby afterwards. We got on another boat, and traveled up the canals. This time when we got off we got on donkey/horse carts and traveled inland to see a snake and sample fruits. We had all these exotic fruits and more tea. By this point, I’m starving. We take a four passenger canoe back to the ferry, to a restaurant on the water. This is where my life crosses paths with Nemo for the first, and hopefully the last, time. He is just plopped right onto the table- fins, scales and all. The remnants of his eyes just staring ahead. Now, don’t get me wrong- by no means do fish scare me. In 8th grade we spilt into girl/boy partners to dissect fish, thinking the boys would do all the work. Think again. Brendan shoved fish guts into the air conditioner while I filleted the fish. Nemo, however, was unnatural. His scales were crumbling off his body; his mouth hanging open, and don’t forget about those eyes. I ate him. I did. But the experience was enough for one lifetime. Next time, I’d like my Nemo headless please.