Sa Pa

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Sa Pa city center.



Sa pa is a city in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains of northwestern Vietnam.



Looks very similar to a ski resort...sort of.






"I understand the pain and bitterness, which a lot of people have to live with. I no longer look for an escape or comfort, but to simply ride the wave. Yesterday was indeed an emotional wreck of a day. It started out well enough until we got to the market and I had to translate for Zul. I was suddenly filled with annoyance and anger caused by fear. Fear of bargaining and confrontation and criticism from the venders. I was trying too hard to please people. At one point I found myself snapping at Zul when he asked me to underbid for a bag of tea. The night was also an emotional wreck. After Zul failed to make our proposed dinner meeting and I ate alone. Had a cig as well. He was very apologetic upon his return. I was too self conscious of what the Danish girls in the room might think, so I brushed it off. I had also contemplated not visiting Zul when I reach Malaysia....what a day. So glad its over."
Journal Entry: 02.13.2014

Outskirts of Sa Pa.



Just another day in Sa Pa.



The beauty that is Sa Pa.


"So far Sa Pa has been pretty interesting. Touristy as fuck, but interesting nonetheless. Met Sandral from Singapore here. She is an interesting girl. Hopefully, I get a chance to go to Singapore to visit her."
Journal Entry: 02.18.2014





Local Tradition: "Unofficial Mating Dance"

Photos

Sandral and I
We rented motorbikes and rode around the outer edges of Sa Pa. I didn't know where we were going and simply just followed her.

Fire Place
I bought some sweet potato and roast it under the dirt of the fire. Roasting the sweet potatoes gave it a caramelize flavor.

Preparation for the Courtship dance
The youth would gather at the city plaza and perform Courtship dance.

Fog
Very typical in Sa Pa.