The overnight train going back to Hanoi was a lot more comfortable than the one going to Lao Cai. This time I slept on the top bunk. It was a real challenge for me to get up into it, John captured it all on video and thinks it has the potential to go viral on the internet. We arrived in Hanoi at about 4:30am and then went back to the …
The view of the misted valley was stunning. We left to do the 12km trek with steep inclines and declines. Dong forgot the walking poles (which Cora had reminded him of twice the night before and once in the morning. He ran back and got a couple. And boy was I glad that we had them on the trek. We were quickly followed by an entourage of local women. …
We upgraded to the soft beds on the overnight train. I did manage to sleep despite it being the hardest mattress that I have ever slept on. The train arrived at the Lao Cai station about 5:30am where a driver was waiting for us. It was still dark so I closed my eyes as our car maneuvered turn after turn after turn, climbing the mountain. It was cold enough to wear …
Good morning Vietnam! We hopped on a tour bus at 8am. I am always hypnotized by the traffic. A little old lady with a cane slowly wandered out into the hectic traffic. Everyone veered around her. She walked as though alone in a field. Hanoi has 7 million people and 5 million motorbikes. It’s a 2 1/2 hour drive to Ninh Binh Province. On the way there we pass many …