Feb 19-24: Ha Long Bay & Sapa
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam (Unesco World Heritage Site)We signed up for a tour this time to go to this famous site in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam doesn’t really seem set up for independent travelers; sometimes it’s just easier to do a package tour. So we took a minivan up to the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay, which is a bay full of limestone pillars and islands – similar to what you’d see in China at the Three Gorges, where they’re building that big dam. We took a pseudo Chinese “junk,” which you can see the pictures. Spent one night on this junk, being wined and dined. (Actually, just “dined;” wine was extravagantly extra!) It was a relaxing time, just looking at beautiful scenery and being with other foreigners (almost all Australians), but maybe a little slow for our tastes. The kids enjoyed jumping off the boat and kayaking, although, believe it or not, it was actually COLD!Snake Wine – they believe it has all kinds of medicinal and strong powers – sorry – but I couldn’t get myself to try it – the whole idea is a little revolting
Outside of the tour and visitation of the islands – the French found this incredible cave and now it has become the focul point for all the tours – it was very impressive – very deep, long, high
in the bay – capitalism at its best again – these ladies would row their boats out to the different “junks” to see goodies – they must have strong arms
Josh enjoyed the climbing up and down of the ropes
Girls – trying their hand at squid fishing at night – you set up a light off the bow of the boat and then with your fishing rod its like bobbing for apples – the squids attack the bate as you pull it up – just watch out for them blowing their ink at you.
as you can see below – their are a lot of tours taking place
BELOW: Sapa, Vietnam February 23, 2009
I’m sitting here at the Cat Cat View Hotel on the top floor of our hotel on our balcony looking out over the “Tonkinese Alps,” aptly named because these mountains are high and jagged, like the Alps. (The sea near here is the Gulf of Tonkin.) Could almost feel like we’re in the Alps, except there’s no snow and it’s warm! We took a night train from Hanoi, to this area in northern Vietnam, leaving on a gloomy, rainy night around 9:00 pm. This was another new experience for the kids – sleeper cars, 4 berths to a room. Very small, but cozy in the rain. We arrived in Lao Cai, which is right on the border with China. I don’t know why, but it really freaks me out that we’re this close to China. China must still exude that sense of the exotic and inaccessible, for some reason, even though we could easily catch a train or bus from here into China if we wanted to! We arrived in Lao Cai at 5:30 am and then caught a mini bus up to Sapa, which is about 6000 feet higher. Took about an hour. It really is stunning and surprising to look out and see these craggy peaks, with terraced rice fields below. Today, we took an extensive “trek” through some of the local villages. There are several tribal groups living up here. They are indigenous people who live across several borders: Laos, China, Thailand and Vietnam. The predominant group here whose name people at home would recognize, are the Hmong, but there are several others. They still farm in the terraced rice paddies and wear their traditional colorful clothing, but it’s not like we’re out in the middle of nowhere on our own – there are a lot of foreigners who come up here, including a LOT of Vietnamese people! (Tourists in their own country!) It’s a lot like our Native American reservations, except these people live here of their own accord! We walked most of the day through different villages and terraces. The kids were real troopers – no complaining even though we walked miles! It felt a bit overrun with tourists to me, but for the kids, it was a completely different lifestyle than they’ve seen so far: subsistence farming, bamboo homes, no roads, open sewers and animals living freely with people. However, there are still cell phones and satellite dishes! This trip seems completely worth it when I think what Josh said to me last night as we got on the train: “This trip makes me have a lot more respect for different people.” And I think it’s just because we keep seeing so many different kinds of people, living their lives and obviously having full and complete lives so different from our own! We stay here one more day, when I hope to do some bargaining in the market for the beautiful weaving that’s done here. We then head down on the night train again to Hanoi, arriving at 4:00 am this time! Not sure where we’re going from here. Figuring it out as we go…!New Experience: Sleeper Train – Tim had to go bunk in other cabin 🙁arrived on train to Lao Cai (5:00am) – 4 miles from China Border. Took bus up a winding road to Sapa – memories of traveling up the road to Murree, Pakistan where I grew up – quite surreal, listening to Enya as we wind up the fog clouded road and hills to the town – to arrive and get this sunrise picture as it just peaks over the mountains – the town of Sapa – the first time in roughly 2 months were we felt cold and had to put on jackets – yea! (Tahoe family)Trekking into a village – hiked 3 hours – our guide below in traditional outfit of Black Hang Tribe – 16 years old – already been proposed to twice – great English – on the cell phone like any teenager.Annika – brought a stuffed animal – dog “tank” in memory of her real dog. She decided to take her day bag and place “Tanks” head out of the top so he would not miss the scenery.Hiking in: We had convoy with as as we hiked. This is true persistance capitalism – yes after they hiked with us for 2 hours we did buy some of their crafts – they then gave the girls little handmaid wrist bands – we thought that was so nice – we now believe it to be a sign – “they are taken” – because when we arrived at the village we were not hassled from all the ladies trying to sell us their goods.Rice terraces – not in season – too bad otherwise the whole hillside would be awash in greenWe decided to go off the beaten track and approach the village from a different path – we climbed up the side of this hill and then down – yes – that is the tip and the next picture is looking straight down off the ride side – vertigo?This is the valley our guides village isSteep getting down – Josh enjoyed it sliding down the dirt like he was skiing Village shots – Josh eating sugar cane – I have given them stories of the times we ate sugar cane in Pakistan and it is the greatest desert – well – they got to experience it. Memories: like off-roading in Kaghan, Pakistan – 25 years ago. My kind of road
Village – cultural dance and the girls with the dancers
how would you like that kind of job? – hiking up a down mountain to get firewood
corn grinding mill – by hand
the old artesian water well to get water up from river and dropped into bamboo to run down to the crops
Kids are the same everywhere – went to a classroom – the desks are all marked up like you may see in the US
Pigs – notice the hill behind. That was the last part of the trek where we came from.
Tags: Travel
I’m curious to find out what blog platform үou аre uѕing?
I’m experiencing some minor security issues ᴡith my latest site and I’d like tօ find sometҺing moгe safeguarded.
Ɗo yoᥙ havе any solutions?
Hello, after reading this awesome paragraph i am too delighted to share my knowledge
here with mates.
MAAD
Feb 19-24: Ha Long Bay & Sapa » TravelBlog Archive » Tahoe Johnsons Journey to Southeast Asia
I get pleasure from, lead to I discvered just what Iused to be taking a look for.
You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Hello Dear, are you really visiting this web site daily, if so afterward you will
without doubt obtain good experience.
uber
Feb 19-24: Ha Long Bay & Sapa » TravelBlog Archive » Tahoe Johnsons Journey to Southeast Asia
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Wholesale Nike Jerseys
Bend forward right onto your front leg and let the weight of your torso press your hip, inner thigh and groin muscles into a relaxed stretch. Author Resource:-Permanent nails require regular treatments for getting a long lasting care. Small financial s…
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Informations here: blogs.bootsnall.com/tahoejohnson/feb-19-24-ha-long-bay-sapa.html/ […]
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit
more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all.
Nevertheless think about if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more,
“pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips,
this website could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its niche.
Superb blog!
Yes! Finally something about sex.
Jose Juan Barea Jersey UK
If you acquire this kind of policy, you’ll be inserted within a cohort with others in accordance with how heavily you smoke. You promote the sale of goods for firms, and also you receives a commission for that promotion. But as long as there are men o…
Gio Gonzalez Jersey UK
Moreover, lack of Vitamin A can also result in ear problems such as tinnitus. Do you have any idea what I use it for?I cover my pool every night in the summerThat’s right! After I’m done swimming for the day, I pull over the in ground pool…
In this video game, different players right into grokups of 4.
Bulldog additionally assists your gamers establish endurance.
I obtain tired of playing the very same couple of video
games.
Gamers settle on the sort of event prior to each round.
All players being in a circle encountering each various
other.
Sexual activity Game # 1: Card Games.
This game works best with at the very least 4 gamers.
Have tthe chijldren align in teams of 4 to 5 individuals.
Sam Gagner Jersey
Machine is major difference because it is heavier and bigger in its size of the regular washing machine. The same is the case with dry cleaning because stains are removed in the pre washing process and when they are removed, they are sent to the dry cl…
Gianluca Gaudino Jersey
Hence if you’re able to afford to pay a lot more interest rate and fee, this can be offer effortlessly. Absorbing mistakes negatively can ruin everything. You should understand that photo editing gives us a great opportunity to go beyond and above you…
This pickle game requires three gamers, 2 bases and also a ball.
Split the course into groups of three gamers each.
Ever play the Mercenaries games oon PS2 as well as PC?
Luc Mbah a Moute Jersey
Sponsors can help you determine the best methods to selling the products and services which is the basis for your success. In order to get cash loans online securely, you should follow all important loan regulations and regulations. If you get a large…
It additionally flauntts an online multiplayer setting.
Bulldog also helps your gamers establish endurance.
Races are high-energy video games that kids love.
Playing a tool is a really personal point.
The game could be played by two gamers or teams.
Such games are not for pure enjoyable.
Playing tennis is not simply a sport, it is a way of living.
Patty Mills Jersey
The provider must ensure that a patient’s expectation is met during the initial consultation meeting.2m, Cable Type: Nylon Braided, Impedance: 32 ohms, and Plug Type: 3. Be focused and at the same time relaxed. Designer perfumes are a perfect gif…
Kellin Deglan Jersey
Designer perfumes as well as other toiletries are available in both women and men range supplying much wider choice for the customers. In many element of this globe, individuals get insufficient alternatives because they never stress to know the import…
http://www.ncaasportsshop.com/North-Carolina-Tar-Heels-Vince-Carter-Jersey/
You will need snips for the tin, and a specialized holepunch to make the decorative holes for the design.Use internet tools to make your page far more intriguing and organized.Stress and tinnitus have been found to be significantly correlated.Upon gett…
Matt Overton Jersey
A certified client is more likely to get better alternatives than the one who does not know what to do. These solvents are used instead of water that is soft way to keep fabrics safe from dirt, stains and some other debris. Oprah listed it as one of th…
Brooks Orpik Jersey
Personal details – A single of the popular features of MobiStealth is it caneasily intercept all the electronic mails being sent oreven received though theycan be removed on a cellular phone. You should also know how to manage your time for your…
Thurman Munson Jersey
Always recognize and reward loyalty in your clients and your team.SpyBubble logs all the files on the cell phone you handle the installation and you can view that data with aweb page any time. After you entered the data a list of electricity providers…
Pittsburgh Steelers Dermontti Dawson Jersey
Show your shoppers how they may be in a position to take a look at your website worryfree. The structure of earphone produced by skullcandy is innovative and fresh new. It is a good option for the people. Many of the data correspondence between the cel…
Tony Alfaro Seattle Sounders Jersey
MobiStealth will be theremedy that can endyour current concerns and also uncertainties.You’ll want to be extremely cautious about the facts you’re giving buyers when you are marketing and advertising a smaller small business. It does not want more ti…
Rental Mobil Jogja
Feb 19-24: Ha Long Bay & Sapa » TravelBlog Archive » Tahoe Johnsons Journey to Southeast Asia
Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Free Shipping
2. In addition to the Baby Boomers’ exit, employers will be left with a younger workforce that places a higher value on work life balance. And to save you from any extra expense or budget overflow one should always get furniture contracts in Vero…
http://www.sportsnhlshop.com/Buffalo-Sabres-Anders-Nilsson-Jersey-Sale/
You only need to establish the number you are curious about, settleback plus pay attention to the actual telephone calls. Designer perfumes are increasingly becoming popular, especially amongst females who are extremely fashion conscious. The chemical…
Thanks , I’ve recently been searching for information approximately this subject for a while and yours is
the greatest I have came upon till now. But, what in regards to the bottom line?
Are you certain concerning the supply?
I’m not sure exactly why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m
not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know
such detailed about my problem. You’re wonderful!
Thanks!
sedona az weddings
Feb 19-24: Ha Long Bay & Sapa » TravelBlog Archive » Tahoe Johnsons Journey to Southeast Asia
Alexander Edler Jersey Sale
Again the option is substantial. However, those shuttles include set lifestyles plus carry out their personal hours.Yet another course of action you have got will be airport taxi. Every one of us takes the asylum of the law when we fall under discrimin…