Dating was on eof the topics we discussed with the H'mong girls. Every Saturday night people from all of the H'mong villages (they are the largest ethnic minority in Vietnam) meet at the church (yes, the church) for The Love Market.

It is basically just a social for single people like in any other culture but it has a much better name. When you meet someone you like, the boy gives the girl an umbrella and the girl gives the boy a flute which means that they will spend time together at the next week's Love Market. And I do mean boys and girls. The girls told me that they expect they will be married around fifteen.

Speaking of Love Market, I spent most of the day I got from Sapa writing in the botanical garden. I walked past bench after bench of canoodeling couples. It was as though they were trying to get into The Guiness Book of World Records for most number of people making out on benches. It was sort of a surprise since Asia is not know for public displays of affection, but I guess this is where young lovers go to express their affection.