They almost didn’t do it. Ostriches hadn’t been a part of our itinerary.
The trip out to the sand dunes of Mui Ne was about getting out and seeing the landscape of the area, not funny looking birds. We climbed the dunes as the wind spat sand at us and we had a great time exploring the small tidal pools at its base. And then we headed back to the jeep.

sand dunes mui ne

The Dunes

We weren’t looking for ostriches but there they were. And the fellow who was in charge of them had such a great welcoming smile we decided to go over and take a closer look. He asked us where we were from and we chatted a bit before he explained that he was offering ostrich rides. The rides were about $1 each. Did we want one? I declined. The kids looked up at their dad who was grinning. At first Ish said “no thanks,” but he only took about 3 steps before he doubled back. “I’ve got to do this. ”

And he did – along with his ostrich-riding children – and while their very nervous wife and mother (hey there are no seat belts on those things!) looked on.
ostrich e
This memory is one for the books.