Still enjoying being here in Sapa I went trekking again yesterday to see more minority villages but what was most wonderful about yesterday's excursion was the fantastic forest on the mountains between villages. There was a phantasmagorical element and I half expected to see dwarfs, nymphs, fairies and other elusive creatures darting through the lush dense bamboo stands. I feel like there is some benign magical quality about this place.
A few times since I have been in Asia someone has rubbed my tummy and said "Happy Buddha." I have been on some pretty strenuous hikes and I hope not to be called "Happy Buddha" again.
Last night's love market for which Sapa is known was really nothing special so I went with a friend to the happening-est place we could find which was a disco/karaoke bar. Almost all of the music was Vietnamese but once in a while the DJ would play an English song and the banner on the karaoke screen proclaimed "Ameri-Sing". It still seems odd to me that this country was our enemy so recently. As far as I can tell all has been forgiven.
Happy Buddha? I don't think so. :-) You look great.
ReplyDeleteKeithy