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Published: July 24th 2013
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Wow breakfast of rice, greens and roasted pork belly just amazing!! I slept incredibly well by the window listening to the quiet sounds of Ta Van after the noisy tourists went to bed!! The family have organized the bus to Lao cai which I didn't as I thought I would just hop on one but not that easy apparently.
Somile's mother and sister came for me after breakfast to take me on a trek and it was a sad farewell to Ju and her family who made me so welcome and let me spend my time with them. I will definitely go back and stay with them again. We set off and luckily it was not raining this morning but it was hot!!! This time I had a 10 kilo pack on and my bag and camera. We took the trail up the hills into the bamboo forest and it was hard work staying on your feet as it was muddy and slippery. So much so that the snakes, spiders and leeches we saw didn't worry me as much as the fear of sliding down the hillside did.
I think the 1000 steps exercise really helped me as I
was able to keep walking for the two hours loaded up. My guides were very impressed with me. I was again lucky that instead of walking in a big group there was just the three of us plus a nine month old baby and so it was peaceful and I enjoyed the scenery which was just incredible. My photos don't do it justice. I think I kept taking photos to imprint this place in my mind.
During the walk we stopped and they showed me how to strip the bark off a stalk and then twist it into thin strands and this is what a lot of the traditional clothes are made of. Later they showed me the plant the stalk came from, in fact they broke off a few branches and gave it to me. I asked is this the green leaves we eat?? No they said some people like to smoke it!! Silly me it was a marihuana plant and they gave me some to take home!! I don't think so, I quietly left it on the table when I left!!
We made it to the restaurant and Somile's brother was there to take me to
Sapa, this time no rain and he took me back on the bike through the countryside mind you a bit faster than the first man but still safely.
He dropped me at the hotel where Ju's husband works and they looked after my bags while I went exploring. It started to rain so I took refuge in a small cafe, had lunch and then wandered along to find the market.
After a short time I was exhausted after having another 5.00am start! My body clock just seems set on 5.00 where ever I am. I headed back to the hotel by this time it was torrential rain and I slept in the foyer until the bus came to take me to the station which it did at break neck speed again which I am getting used too.
I am writing this as I lie on my top bunk in the train which is luxurious compared to the bus! I have met Kelly who is an Aussie girl who has just spent a month teaching English as a volunteer in Sapa. Sound like an incredible experience. I think sleep will come soon as the trek this morning worked
really well in wearing me out so I could sleep!
Tomorrow morning I arrive in Hanoi and then go by bus to Halong Bay for an overnight stay on a junk! Back to the tourist trail but swimming will be great and I have the memories of Sapa and Ta Van to remind me of the real Vietnamese people.
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Joy
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Ohh, so good
What a place, it looks beautiful, so glad you are having a wonderful trip - keep safe.