Sapa

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Well, our trip to Sapa did not get off to the best starts. We were in the King Cafe (beside our hotel) waiting on our 20.30 pickup, when the manager of the hotel comes in and says you missed your train; just like that. We think haha very funny. So it turns out we had indeed missed our train. But, it was completely his mistake. We don't know how he did it, but he got his times mixed up and we missed the 20.46 train. Luckily there was a 10pm train. So, the three of us, including the manager, jump in a taxi and speed over to see if we can go on that one. We were down to have a sleeper cabin on the 20.46, which you kinda need when over the next two days you'll be trekking about 30km :o)

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Initially he could only get us seats, but eventually (after alot of effort and fretting on his behalf) he was able to get two of us in one sleeper and another in the staff's cabin. Misé got that one. With the average height of Vietnamese at around 5'2" it was a bit of a squeeze but I got thru the night. [I wouldn't even mind but I'm 2cm taller than the Welsh Stallion haha].

Sapa and its amazing views - definitely a worthwhile trip..

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Overall, we just felt really bad for the hotel manager as he had to pay for new tickets out of his pocket and there not cheap. Ah well, we hope he's not too hard on himself. [Also, we discovered later Matt had left his prescription glasses on the train - bummer!!]

Our first day in Sapa included a 7km trek to a local village - Cát Cát. It was a pretty easy trek and a warm-up for the next day but it was great to be out and surrounded by nature (and away from the continuous beep-beep of Hanoi). We had the evening to ourselves so we checked out the local Market. It's really interesting to be around the local ethnic groups, with their different clothes and customs.

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Our second day was a longer trek and also much more enjoyable. The trekking itself was harder but more rewarding and we visited two more villages - Lao Chai and Ta Van. When we were in Ta Van we discovered there was a wedding ceremony taking place - more like the afters actually. So everyone was sitting around eating and being force fed rice wine and the local beer. We left glassy eyed :o)

We leave Sapa to the sounds and light of thunder and lightning. Tonight we return to Hanoi on the over-night train, arriving around 4.30am. A quick pit-stop in the hotel for a shower and to pack is in order before catching the 9.55am flight to Vientiane.

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Sapa, it turns out, was one of our favourite places in Vietnam if not our favourite. Ok, Nha Thrang had the party scene but Sapa was an altogether different experience. Maybe its just nice to get away from Hanoi for a while, maybe its the views and the people, but it's a special place none the same.