Northern Vietnam

Hmong women walking to market

Once we finally learned the secret to crossing the street in Hanoi (attach yourself like a barnacle to a local, and cling for dear life), we decided to push our luck and head north to Sapa, Vietnam, near the border of China. After a bumpy journey on the overnight train (say what you will about the French, they make top-notch roommates), we found ourselves in Sapa, surrounded by emerald green rice paddies, shrouded by mist. A ton of mist. Actually, we didn't actually see the green until the mist lifted the next day. But it was beautiful.

Where rice is born



Shoulda sprung for the gortex sneakers



 We visited a Hmong Village, where the women wear amazing colorful costumes. Sorry, no photos of that. A minor extortion event at the hands of our tour guide kind of killed our buzz. But we give the Hmong a mulligan on that one. And we had a great time anyway.

These piglets did not extort us

Next stop was Halong Bay, Vietnam, where we cruised on a beautiful wooden boat most excellently named "The Dragon Pearl." Argh, matey.

The Pirates of the Caribbean Ride was better
before they tacked on that Johnny Depp part

We kayaked sportily around Halong Bay which is mystical and spooky.

A land called Hanalei
 (wait is that in Hawaii?)
(I noticed a lack of "spirit of aloha")

All this mist is bad for my Seasonal Affective Disorder

Vietnam was amazing and challenging. We ran in to one or two American vets who had served in the war, and it was moving to consider what it must be like for them to be experiencing this place after so many years.

This tiny woman rowed us in to her floating fishing village for a tour.
 She shredded it. 



Cat wondering how it ended up living in a floating village



The Hanoi Experience

No more taxis.
That restaurant is closed.
This way is much faster.
No change.

Sure.

Hanoi is pretty intense. Much like Bangkok, Hanoi has its own special grind.  Crossing the street is an event here - no stoplights at all, just cars, buses, and thousands of motorcycles honking and daring you to dance through frogger-style.

Very interesting being here in Vietnam, you kind of get the feeling [REDACTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM] and in some ways [REDACTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM] so all in all its really just [REDACTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM].

Anyway, some great architecture from when the French laid claim.  Good, cheap noodle soup and hidden cafes that would seem filthy at home, but somehow romantic here.

In Sapa now, up near the border of China.  We'll talk about the overnight train bathroom another time.



Are those guards still following us?



Lunch hour

Eat your heart out Lonely Planet

[THIS CAPTION CENSORED]

Where did I leave that Cipro?

Finally, that water puppet show is over