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Published: July 22nd 2017
Geo: 11.9678, 108.43
Last night we tried the local wine which is made from grapes and mulberries. Can't say it was very good compared to what we are used to.
Today we were fortunate to have the same guide for the countryside tour. If you are traveling here we would certainly recommend him: havanbay43@gmail.com.
As we drove into the country we were amazed at all the greenhouses and terraced hillsides. The soil is very red and in this area there are only 2 seasons with similar temperatures. The difference relates more to the amount of precipitation.
Our first stop was in the Flower Village area. Large greenhouses producing a wide variety of flowers which are exported by truck to Ho Ch Minh city and further abroad. Apparently the flower stems are pulled from the plant - not cut. They lose less moisture that way. Many of the flowering plants produce for up to two years.
The Ethnic Village is where northern peoples were moved to in central and southern Vietnam. These were people who lived a primitive lifestyle and the men were hunters. The government moved the people to these villages and work was provided in the coffee industry. Education for these children is free.
Coffee
is a major crop in this area of Vietnam. The climate and rolling hills are ideal. Our next stop was to sample a local variety called Weasel Coffee. The coffee beans pass through the digestive tract of the Weasel and the inside of the bean is removed, roasted and ground. It was actually very tasty. At this location they also made rice wine. The rice is boiled for about 8 - 12 hours and placed in barrels with yeast and sealed. Water is added along the way. The rice settles to the bottom and the liquid is distilled. I tried some (without accompanying reptiles) and it was very good - 60 to 70 %. Coffee bean husks are used as a fuel or allowed to ferment and are used as fertilizer.
Silk production is another major industry. Local people raise the silkworms on bamboo frames and are fed mulberry leaves. Once the cocoons are formed they are sold to the factory. Each cocoon can have 800 - 1000 metres of fine silk thread. The silk skeins are made. There was one operating loom showing how the pattern is produced using a template. I suspect the raw silk from this facility finds
its way elsewhere and the loom is more for illustration. Not wanting anything to go to waste the remaining pupae are eaten. Hard to define the taste but not unpleasant.
Green tea is also grown in the area as well as cashew nuts.
Wherever you go there is always a temple to visit. This one had a very amusing Laughing Buddha. Also we have often seen tables and chairs which have been made from tree roots.
Our physical challenge for the day was Elephant Falls. The path to the falls was very steep and difficult to walk on. It went up and down increasing the difficulty. Closer to the falls it was also wet from the mist. We did survive. At the top was the tourist shop where a young girl was demonstrating the weaving.
We headed back into town for a bowl of noodle soup of a more northern style. It was very tasty.
When we arrived here it looked like the weather would not be very good but the rain has held off until 5 pm today.
The last 2 days have been very busy and we are up early tomorrow for our flight.
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crw
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Hey, you had something different - wine instead of beer!! In the world you are currently in, insects seem to be part of the diet. I am told that the global environment would be in better shape if we all eat insects or at least some and move
d away from beef. lamb, and goats. I do envy you a little - rice wine can be very good. Your travels are almost over and you are still healthy and safe! Congrats!!!