Hoan KiemWe started in Hanoi. In the middle of Hanoi is a lake where in the early morning everyone exercises.
Two Wheel Adventure!First was our motorbike Trip to Sapa. "Molie" or Mr Hung was our guide/translator/karaoke machine and comedian throughout the trip.
CemetaryDay one was hot and flat. Just ask Lauren! Local farmers are burried in the rice fields each family trying to outdo the other with the size of the grave.
Tam Brother SmokeOn the first night we stayed in a homestay overlooking a vast flat plain full of rice paddies. Our host's brother who lived next door loved a quiet smoke from time to time. Here he demonstrates!
GoodbyeAfter being well fed (mostly on pork) it was time to say goodbye to our host.
Cows Crossing Next 600kmThis was the first time but by no means the last. And yes they have right of way!
Lauren Photographer ExtradordinareLauren captured much of the trip on film while balanced on the back of our Belarusian Minsk Motorbike. Nice self portraite don't you think?
Boat Across LakeWe took the bikes and ourselves across this lake to stay with a local Zhou family.
Not without incidentThe crew kindly dropped our bike in the mud while unloading it and broke our front brake lever. No matter we were almost there.
Our HostsOur hosts were very welcoming. They love TV as it gave them something to do after dinner. He wished TV had come earlier so that he wouldn't have had so many kids.
Always with the Green TeaWith any lull in the coversation there was always green tea to fill the gap.
LunchLauren with our lunch before we hit the open road again.
Beautiful ViewThis day was a short riding day which was good because there so many things to photograph!
More Mountains and CowsWe managed not to hit any of these lucky for us. We are not sure that it would actually notice.
Another feastWe made it to the next homestay where we met three Australians also on a motorcycle tour. Our favourite homestay of all.
Mountain HideawayThis place really was lovely. Our host had built his own lake stocked with fish set amongst a garden.
Guide Brakes DownOur guides broke down going up a mountain pass. We found this mechanic who could not fix the bike not before stripping the engine block down! 4 hrs of this before we set off alone for the next town.
WaterfallsOn the road alone we had a great afternoon discovering waterfalls and cascades...
Terrace...and the terraced rice fields unfolding around each curve in the road.
HotelWe made it to a town and found a hotel. Our guide, "Molie", eventually found a proper mechanic and made it to our hotel at around midnight. The next morning Lauren and Molie exchanged mechanical insights.
