02.08.2004
Northern exposures
Posted by justinHalong bay, Vietnam. Last time we will ever get caught in a tourist trap - I swear! Superb scenery but like most of Vietnam has been colonized by thousands of tour operators, making you feel like you're part of the blue-rinse set hoping off the tourist bus to take a few pics and have a pee. Danielle took it all in her stride though.
The next night we headed on a train north to the border crossing with China - Lao Cai, and then up to the mountain village of Sapa.
Sapa looks across to the highest mountain in Indochina, Fansipan (3200 metres?), and is surrounded by a lot of minority hill tribes including the black Hmong. In town it can be a real tourist hassle - Danielle dealing with another horde of Black Hmong selling their handmade goods. Outside of town you can get lost for hours.
A villa now used by a government conservation department.
An introduced species in the rice fields.
A Black Hmong girl having a bit of a stretch.
A Black Hmong baby being assaulted by an international corporation.
"I'll give you this flower for one water buffalo".
Steep rice terraces.
Try this next time you're in Sapa - cooked rice and peanuts in bamboo.
OK, So we know Danielle is not in Manly, still no proof from you though Jus. Let's see if you've lost that worn out overworked underpaid look...
Posted by: on August 3, 2004 06:35 AM'Tough crowd tonight, folks!'.
Posted by: on August 3, 2004 04:10 PMhi danielle and justin, love the photo of danielle with the local ladies and children. i always enjoy meeting the locals, most people are so friendly. a little close to the bone re the blue rinse set jus, getting very close myself. take care, sending you our love . thankyou square apple for all the info and pics. jill and poll
Posted by: on August 11, 2004 06:22 PM
