Train Ride to Lao Cai and a Visit to Bac Ha Market

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  Lao Cai, Vietnam
Sunday, February 24, 2008

We headed north to Lao Cai, which is right on the Vietnam-China boarder. And we are pleased to say that the overnight train ride was far more pleasant than our first one (from Nah Trang to Hue). We had bottled water, a basket of bananas, a fresh vase of flowers, and we even had a lamp! The sheets were fresh, the floor was clean, and the duvet covers were 'down' right snuggly (giggle, giggle - 'down' - get it??). When we got off the train it was only 5:30 AM so their was not much excitement in our faces when they told us we had 3-hours to ourselves to enjoy the area whle we wait for the minibus to arrive. We basically sat around waiting for the restaurant to open at 7 and then had a bowl of Pho Ga (rice noodle soup with chicken).

As we waited for our minibus to arrive to take us to Bac Ha we just stood around out front watching the town come to life. Slowly, but surely people started to find their way to the streets and set up their food stalls

A Smile Worth a Thousand Words

. We even witnessed a 'ride by butcher shop' (see photo). Perhaps not the most sanitary, but it seems to work for the locals. We also spotted a steam roller (see photo). Was kinda neat as Norm figures it was a little dated looking - based on what we have back home, of course.

What was so awesome was the market in Bac Ha. This was what I had been particularly looking forward to - the hill-tribe people. The thing with this market is that you need to be there on a Sunday as this is the only day the villagers come into town. It was a gloomy day, but their wonderfully bright attire made up for the sunshine that was lacking in the sky. The people were busy doing what they do best - buy and sell. Many of the local Flower H'mong just kept to themselves and went on with their personal affairs, while others clearly made an effort to sell their woven goods to us foreigners who were busy taking photos. It was amazing. Everyone was so friendly. Only a few rejected the request for a photo. And many had a difficult time with the rejection of a purchase so needless to say, we had many a follower from point A to point B - but that was OK. We did buy a few little things, but it sure is difficult to say 'no thanks' to so many others who are filled with such delight and big 'toothless' smiles!

The little bundles strapped to the woman's backs were soooooo cute! Kids of all ages were such a pleasure to photograph as they just loved to see themselves in the camera. After each photo was taken I always made a point to share it with the person/people who I snapped a shot of. We all enjoyed the experience of getting to know one another through the lens. Most of them could not speak English, although some were rather witty and very impressive with their English skills

Flower H'mong Vendors at Bac Ha Market

. Thank goodness for them, as Norm and I really don't have a clue about Vietnamese language - never mind the Flower M'nong language.

While at the market we made a point of eating a few little snacks - sugar cane and then some fried sticky rice (see photo) from some of the vendors. They seemed to get their kicks out of watching our reaction to the food. You know Norm and I - we'll try almost anything...well, maybe not Cambodian fried spiders, but almost everything else.

Our guide, Sa, took us to a little village close by. Here we got to visit with a young family. The kids were about 2 and 5. The little girl was really good with a knife (see photo) as she spent most of her time chopping up some bamboo for their water-buffalo. Can't imagine any of our kids back home managing a knife like that at age 5. Mom and dad didn't seem too concerned. I guess that's just life in the village.

We were able to see the water-buffalo in action with the villagers working out in the field. Previously, we had only seen them grazing or slopping around in the mud along the roadside. It was nice to see them in working with someone (male or female) in charge of the reigns in the rear. We managed to capture a good shot of one mom and child being pulled along by the tail (see photo). We really just happened to be in the right place at the right time for that one!

Then of course, along route Norm was involved in another 'big man - little man' pose. Can seldom go a day without one of those! Again, every man in the photo along side of Norm (throughout the trip) always enjoy actually seeing themselves in the camera and really getting a feel of the 'friendly giant'.

Well, on to Sapa we go for the night. Stay along for the journey as we are planning a 6 1/2 hour trek through the mountains in the morning. Bye for now.

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Future Chef Perhaps - Big Sister with the Knife	Little Brother at the Home Visit	Little Bundle of Joy!	Nice Hat, Sharon
Our First Flower H'mong Encounter	Our Lovely Trainride	Show-Offs	Steam Rolling Equipment by the Train Station
Sticky Rice - Martket Style	Take the Bull by the Tail - a new expression!	The Ride-by Butcher	Village Man in the Field with the Water-Buffalo
Village Woman Working the Field

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