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Published: September 21st 2006
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We arrived in Dalat after a 7 hour journey. We we worrried before the trip that our bus wouldn't be satisfactory and were pleasantly surprised by our deluxe bus, in fact we nearly froze due to the air-con. I asked the driver at the stop-over could he open the doors to get out our jumpers. Several travellers took note and soon there was a frantic search for warm jumpers by travellers at the side of the road in 30 degree heat. Very bizarre! We were greeted onboard by an Aussie who resembled Billy Connolly with entertaining travel stories but we were quick to ditch him when we arrived in Dalat, Amy thought that he was the sort of bloke who would slit your throat while sleeping. Maybe a bit extreme.
A little bit of info. for you. Dalat, the city is 1500 m above sea level and is 305 km from Saigon. Since the turn of the century, Da Lat has been the vacation spot for well-to-do vietnamese and foreigners. It is the unofficial honeymoon mecca of Vietnam. Its also bloody cold!
The first day we spent wandering around the town looking for a suitable room. This proved quite
difficult as our photocopy pass-ports were refused in one hotel. We cursed the tour operators in Saigon.
The following day we decided to hire mountain bikes. Initially it was supposed to be a 80k cycle as we both put up a brave front and told the organizers that it was well within our capabilities. This was a bit foolish as neither me nor Amy have cycled in years let alone mountain-biking and so we began our trip. I was a bit scared as Amy took off like Lance Armstrong and bombed away. She left the instructor standing too as he shouted over to me
"she very strong, I save myself for rest trip" as he tried to catch her. I think the instructor decided to cut it short, maybe for my sake!
We then went into the forest and cycled up and down over dirt tracks. We were coping quite well until the rain fell. At the best of times I struggle to balance myself on flip-flops so I was a calamity in the muddy tracks slipping on several occassions. To our relief we sought refuge in a small hut with a few local farmers who rustled up
a fire. They were laughing at my size saying I wasn't suitable for biking. This didn't do my confidence any good. The scenery was fantastic as we took in fabulous lakes and pine trees in the forest. After the rain we stopped off in the "cheesy valley of love" for lunch where honeymooners often visit. Then we were off again, Amy and the guide both flew off for the remaining 7 k on the road. I was a spent force, sore everywhere and finding it difficult to keep up.
For food we ate in the local backpackers eatery which boasts cheap food and where the "easy riders" hang out. The "easy -riders" are a gang of bikers who operate travel tours around Dalat. They upset myself and Amy on several occassions by asking us what were doing tomorrow and tried to catch our attention by bumping into us on the street. We decided to stick with our original guide the next day.
So brave souls that we are, we opted for another venture this time on the backs of motorcycles. Our first stop was to visit the oldest railway sation in Indo - China. Not being trainspotters we
appreciated the fine architecture. Then we went to see the Tiger Waterfalls which was famous for a fierce tiger that once resided there. The falls were scenic and again I showed my dexterity by nearly slipping over the rocks. Amy and I then walked over the most rickety bridge i've seen. Onwards on our travels to see a huge pagoda where we burnt incense with great difficulty after I extinguished the original candle. The Buddhist caretaker had to re-light the candles. I hoped I didn't upset the Gods. Next stop was the "crazy house" which was bizarre. Its difficult to describe, like a scene out of Alice in Wonderland and a Steven Spielberg film with nooks and crannies everywhere. We had great fun wandering around the house.
Our last stop was Lat village, the name Da Lat originates from the hill tribe people in this region. It literally means Stream of the Lat people. We visited a local villager's house who spoke in French to us. We understood a little bit and then he offered us some rice wine, a drink favoured by the locals. The wine was stored in a big jar topped by rice and was drunk
by using a funnel. It wasn't bad to be honest but seemed potent. Next the villager broke into song and played a local instrument similar to a clarinet. I can't say I enjoyed the music and the song was "Auld Langs Syne" which is bad enough with a few jars in you on New Years Eve. Amy thought he was jarred , he did seem fond of a tipple and he was a dab hand with the funnel. We said our "au revoirs" and went back to the city. (Amy: Ed has been ranting about minority tribes since he read about them in Cambodia...it turns out its all very twee and a case of hide the tv and lets put on the costumes the tourists are coming! Yet he seems appeased now that he has had a glimpse)
We were frozen when we got back to our hotel. We're both looking forward to getting back to the city heat. Next stop Saigon (to pick up our passports) before our Northern adventure begins.
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