Sapa

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Back from Halong Bay we stopped in back at Hanoi, before taking the overnight train up to Sapa. Sapa was originally a French hill station, close to many of the different ethnic hilltribes high in the far north of Vietnam. We found a hotel and when were went to look at the room we had our breath taken away by the stunning view (we had to hide this though and try to keep our poker faces, to try to bargan for the room). But no barganing was needed as the room was unbelievably cheap, we later found out that the toilet didn't work and there wasn't any hot water, but it wasn't even noticed. It was so nice to just sit and watch from our balcony, as clouds drifted through the steap valley below, rising up past us, sometimes completely engulfing our hotel.

We only were able to stay one night, as we were really pushing for time with visas. Which meant we weren't able to do any trekking, which is why most people go to Sapa. For us it was more fun watching the local people in town, going about their everday lives, all wearing their traditional clothing of their tribes. The variety between the tribes was amazing, some in navy blues coats and pants with red detail and silver. Others in fluro colours head to toe. They also ranged in race and religion, some even showing obvious signs of Christianity.

Getting up early to see the town properly, we caught the town in its usual morning mist. Walking down an old laneway of steps we walked right past a herd of buffalo being guided up the shortcut by two tribesmen. None of the animals or young men were fazed by us and our fascination in them, as were none of the other interesting characters we got to meet. Grabbing some quick breakfast and trading some US$'s (there were no ATMs here) we got on with helping the local economy.

There was a section of the markets we found where all the craftswomen were working on and selling their traditional embroidery, blankets and clothing. It was great to walk around that little area, I think we spent most of the day there. Each tribe was represented, so there was a huge variety to choose from, however we didnt want to favour any particular group too much. Unlike in most parts of SEAsia, here there was almost no need for bartering, as the asking prices were low and you knew exactly who the money went to. Many of the ladies, along with wearing the garments of their tribe, had a baby somehow attached to themselves.

We befriended some wonderful young girls who were trying to sell us bracelets. Their English was extremely good, and they've learnt just from talking with the tourists. They were very sweet, especially one little four year old who was claiming "I'm from England!". Like most children they remained interested in us after realising they wouldnt make a sale, however for the first time ever these little ones had no desire in sampling an icecream! When we were leaving, some of the girls came and said goodbye to us gaving us hugs and a bracelet each.

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