Vietnam Highlands

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Here we are in vietnam in a small city called Kon Tum in the highlands of vietnam. we just spent the last few days riding through the most amazing mountains with jungles and came through to the dryer grass like open countryside. we experience so much by motorbike going through small villages where we see by the side of the road children playing (and waving at us and saying "hello"), chickens, goats, waterbuffalo and small dogs running everywhere. bikes on the road, a few cars, and the surprising loud horn of a bus or truck rumbling past us and with belching black smoke from exhaust. we are wearing light jackets, pants and running shoes and always a bandana covering our faces to protect from the exhaust fumes and dust on the roads. we have to stay alert all the time as anything can happen...a dog will run across the road or a chicken. a waterbuffalo will come down our lane. or big bus will suddenly appear on the horizon in OUR lane and we have to scoot way over to the side to get out of the way. the BIG guy has the right of way here.

yesterday we went to the Cat Too village tribe where they live in bamboo huts and live the traditional life. the kids were half dressed and very dirty and seemed to have some nasal infections. poor health and no medicine as they are traditional way of life. it was shocking and i was trying to grasp the fact that this is their way of life and not an imposed poverty..a standard of living so far below what is acceptable in north america. the kids we gave candy too and they were curious and wanting to follow us. we also went to the Ching tribe and were swarmed by kids wanting to climb all over us and play with us. so we had some candy to give them and played a short time even not knowing the language..we could communicate through playing and laughter. so cool!
we've given some books and pencils out to the Moung people as they dont send their kids to school and prefer they WORK and contribute to the family.
lasse and i are so thrilled to be on the motorbikes riding in the highlands. we are planning to extend our time on motorbikes so most of our trip will be travelling in out of the way places on motorbikes with our guide. we love the small villages and local people who are so friendly. the local food..is AMAZING.

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Comments

[Kevin E. James]

Wow!
You sound like you are having an excellent time. Can't wait to see the pictures! Be safe!