We're now in Vietnam...after a day in the city, we headed out the countryside to "go local." This included a full day of hiking through the mountains and rice paddies as well as an overnight stay with a Hmong family in their village. Things we learned:
1. (Julie) Giant piles of buffalo poop can look surprisingly similar to a large rock. Once you step on it though, you soon realize the difference.
2. The simple life is good--for about 12 hours.
3. Never underestimate the strength of a 4'6" Hmong woman--they were very helpful on a few steep, muddy inclines.
Seriously though, it was a great couple of days and it definitely has been a high point of our trip so far. Headed back to Hanoi tomorrow and then to the coast where we're going to spend a night on Halong Bay.
Julie - I see your hiking skills are quite similar to the ones you used at the Grand Canyon when we were there in 1991 :) How does stepping in buffalo poop one day out do a day with an elephant ride, being pulled in a cart by an Ox, and floating down a river on a bamboo raft? I can't wait to see pictures from the Bay of the Decending Dragon.
ReplyDeleteJulie and Seth,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are having a great time. The elephant ride sounds like something I would like to do. Seth, How is the heat?? It must be ok, I haven't read too many complaints!!!!. I can't wait to see your pictures, the pictures we've seen look great. Mitch's baptism is this weekend - Jodi and Brad are having it at the lake. See you soon. Hope you are keeping a journal for this once in a lifetime experince.
Love Mom
Hi Julie and Seth. What an amazing trip!!!! I can't wait to hear all of your stories, I love following your travels. Summer fun here just can't compare:) Have so much fun, can't wait to see what adventure is next.
ReplyDeletehaha, yes Andy, I nearly fell off the mountain AGAIN! It rained all morning so our feet were slopping around, pretty much ice skating. Hope your summer is going well!
ReplyDeletePaula, so excited to hear from you! Seth and I were just talking about our trip to Europe and the overnight train experiences you and I had. Remember our overnight train in Italy? Hope all is well. Can't wait to catch up soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Tom and Sharon! The heat so far hasn't been bad. At first we were melting a little bit but since then we've acclimated. Right now we're in a little mountain town so it's in the 70s-a nice change. We are definitely keeping a journal and can't wait to share our photos with you. It's definitely been an amazing experience so far. Miss you!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so fun reading all about all the crazy, different ways of life and all your adventures! Ju, that waterfall picture is hysterical :) I'm so glad to hear the heat isn't as bad as you expected! Can't wait to hear the stories first hand!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool to be able to keep up with you guys on your trip!You're really doing a good job with the pics and short tales! The food adventures make me feel sick-but the other stuff is pretty funny! How did you manage to hook up with a Hmong family to spend the night? How do you communicate with these people??!! Good stuff-hope you both are having a ball-I'm sure you will Never forget this! BE CAREFUL!!! Lots of Love, Therese
ReplyDeleteOk, so the previous picture of Julie at the top of the waterfall hike has only now just been rivaled by the "Lesson" on elephant poop...WHY is there no picture of that "after"??? Miss you guys like crazy - the weather here in Cincy has been CRAZY amazing - hardly above 75 for almost the entire month...alas, I think you've got us beat for that whole "world experience" thing...
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