Fansi Sapa


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Asia » Vietnam » Northwest » Lao Cai » Sapa
December 8th 2007
Published: December 11th 2007
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Chillen in CatCatChillen in CatCatChillen in CatCat

Jeff and Bolo
Qing speaking, YAY:
No, We didnt climb Fansipan (the highest point in Vietnam), Jeff's a wimp!!. We decided to watch b-rated films on HBO the first day, to get used to the altitude change. After I believe the third uneventful movie we decided to venture outside. The little city was full of real and fake Black H'mongs-a popular local tribe. We wouldve loved to purchase colorful hemp blankets and bag for our friends and family but realized the extra load would be too much to carry (especially for lil' ol me)

After walking the main parts of the town (30 min. walk at .25 mph) we met a Really cool dude by the name of Bolo. If i can describe him in two sentences, he is Chinese, born in Equador and used to live in Sanfrancisco. He is a true vagabond able to travel and assimilate with Everyone! We decided to venture out of the main part of town down the hill talking about politics, travelling experiences, drugs, and rainbows. His ability to hang with the locals made Jeff (and me a little bit) open up to the people. I guess we didnt relaize how nyc had made us wary
Arriving in Lao CaiArriving in Lao CaiArriving in Lao Cai

Lost lil Qing
of everyone until Bolo's demeanor showed us people are truly friendly. His friendliness was even able to score us a free ride on a van the following day on a serious uphill!

The days in Sapa past pretty fast so if I can condense the trip in a few words:
Fried Tofu with tomato sauce from lotus flower restuarant/hotel was awesome, fried banana pancake and egg sandwich on the streets was even more awesome! (i think it tastes better when its cheaper)
I got a suprise bday cake from Josh-a kickass person we got to know since halong bay
Jeff arranged a marriange between Josh and a Black H'mong girl for 1,000 Dong (she was definitely worth 1000x that amount hehe)
The english from the black hmongs were impeccable with the same Q&As "Where are you from? What your name? You buy from me. I remember you"

Jeff's favorite conversation with one of the girls was:
Girl: "I remember you from yesterday"
Jeff: "No, you remeber me from two days ago"
Girl: "You buy from me "
Jeff: "Why I need?"
Girl: "I dont know, why Dont you need?"
Jeff: "I dont know"
Girl: "okay
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By the village
bubye"

By the way, if anyone is interested in going to the Sunday Market in Bac Ha which is four hours from Sapa. Not really worth it...Although the flower H'mongs are beautiful in thier Sunday's best, unless you are interested in bartering/buying pigs, dogs, water buffaloes($500 USD i asked) or hemp, it aint all that. IF anything the sound of the pigs' loud crying and squealing has temporarily made me stop eating pork.

Jeff: Im not a wimp, I simply had altitude sickness the first day. A little woozy and a little queezy is all.


Additional photos below
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Village kids
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Sapa

Bolo and Jeff
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Bridge
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Qing
Qing's BdayQing's Bday
Qing's Bday

Josh bought a suprise cake for Qing on her Bday. Josh, youre awesome!
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Hmong Girls

Joo and Cacau. The one in the forefront is who I arranged for Josh to marry
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Sapa

In the Mist
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Hmong Girl

Moto and Cellphone. Hmong have it made in Sapa


11th December 2007

How High?
Just curious how high was the mountain that you guys had to deal with the altitude. Hope all is going well. You guys should def get a dog to take with you on the rest of your trip
12th December 2007

happy birthday
qing!!! what a fantabulous birthday cake :D glad you guys are still having fun and here's to you both not getting nose bleeds :D

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