Hi everyone
We have had a fairly busy couple of days. Enjoyed last day in Hanoi more than the first - found some areas which had more of a french feel and looked a bit more loved - but not much. The city of Hanoi itself is frantic, confusing and very confronting. although I guess it is a place of stark contrast - poverty, the place just looks like it is falling down!
Anyway headed to Halong Bay on a bus tour. Minivan full of NZ family of girls, two parents, and others joined when we boarded the junk. This was a great way to see in the new year. The weather was misty - but this did not hinder the amazing scenery. Although summer would be devine as the waterways are amazing. The vietnamese do things fairly child like. We had to sit and eat at certain times, stay at the same tables etc. which was quite a laugh. On the second day they had us back and eating lunch at 10.30am to get us back in time. We all just complied - all in all it was really relaxing and good to wind down after smelly Hanoi.
We arrived back in Hanoi - dropped at the train station for overnight trip to Sa Pa. Not one sign in english to be seen - we managed but was glad when train took off with us on it. We shared a sleeper cabin with two other chinese lads. They thought they might be on the phone, ipods etc. but I gave them the daggers and they settled down. The train left at 9.15pm and arrived in Lao Cai about 5.30am the following morning. I slept great - Allan not so much. Best night I had since I have been here on a noisy train for goodness sake!
Packed into a minivan (15 people with luggage) for 1 1/2 hrs - crammed in - but just had to laugh. My seat was a dicky seat and the back was broken but anyway we got here.
Sa Pa is lovely and we have had the best day. We found lovely accommodation with panoramic views (and a shower). We walked down to Cat Cat hill tribe - brought a few wall hangings from the markets to support community. Looked through markets etc. Couldn't walk up the hill - hailed a motorbike lift back to eat lunch and down a few beers while overlooking the valley. So beautiful.
Allan had a massage (without the happy ending) whilst I had a well needed shower. Looking a bit feral. We are now updating this as I have had just one Mai Tai cocktail and intend to bar hop a little bit.
Tonight is Hu muong single night - the festival of love (speed dating). Can't wait to check them out. Should be fairly interesting. The place is fully booked out - apparently they come from the hills everywhere.
Tommorrow we are heading to Bac Ha to a market which is hu muong and other areas major livestock, fruit etc market. This is the major one. We will then head back to Hanoi to fly to Hue. Hue is apparently not too exciting so may not stay - depends when we get there.
Anyway, back to my cocktail hour
Sue (Allan is sitting here too - helping with my spelling)
Love you all
