Return to Hanoi

So.... On Tuesday we hired a car to take us up to the pass at the head of the valley. Any mountaineers amongst you may be interested to know that this is one of the start points for the ascent of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, well over 3,000m. I was not feeling at my best having started a course of antibiotics as I have some sort of chest, respiratory tract infection....so I stayed in the car while Orlo and Amanda walked to a waterfall , apparently it was a very nice walk, through some bamboo forest. There were no views here as we were in the cloud! We then drove down the road a short way and Amanda and Orlo walked up to look at the Silver waterfall which was spectacular.

And I had a wander around to look at the view and the local plants.

Think these may be a type of orchid.....comments welcome! They look a bit bedraggled as it had been quite wet

 We then returned to Sapa town/village, where we had a look at the museum displays relating to the locality and the different tribes and their way of life, it was very interesting .

We returned to the Village Noshery to freshen up and finish packing and wait for the minibus. It arrived late at about 5.20, having picked up some other people before coming for us. The drive back down through the mountains to Lao Cai took about an hour, the driver was going very carefully. Then we were into the heat and mayhem at Lao Cai station. A greeter met us of the bus and herded us to a cafe while he took our ticket vouchers and went to get our tickets. The station was not open until 30 mins before the train was due to leave. Eventually it was time to go across the big station forecourt, trying to keep up with our 'guide' who had grabbed my bag. There were about 9 of us in his group and a lot of people to negotiate!!!! I kept up with him, making him wait at critical points like the ticket collector, so that Amanda and Orlo were not left behind. Eventually we made it to coach 6, berths, 17,18,19 & 20 and settled ourselves in for the night. I think the coach we were in was newer stock than the one we occupied on the journey north as the ride was much smoother. GrannyLiz climbed onto the "up" bed and was soon comfortable, but I didn't sleep too well and I suspect Amanda was kept awake by my coughing! We arrived into Hanoi 30 mins early at 4.30am and soon got a taxi as one firm is allowed to park inside the station, we were home just before 5.0am......and Orlo then began to play with his Playdough ! ;)... And I put the first load of washing in the machine !

Orlo has been enrolled into Summer School at his kindergarten, so at 8.30 he and I set off with him on his bicycle, arriving in good time for the 9.0am start. I had planned a little treat for my feet, so walked to the Santal Spa for a really good pedicure. I think it is the best I have ever had, full exfoliation to the knees, massage, great attention paid to cuticles, then the usual, clipping, filing and polish. Afterwards I walked to the French bakery to buy some bread, had a look in a few dress shops and walked home. It was stinking hot!!!!!......about 35 feels like 41C! I spent the rest of the afternoon in the cool apartment, and fell asleep in the chair for about 30 mins....

Orlo was tired out when he got home as he had not had a nap as he has  gone up a class to the Lions. Lions are "big boys and don't go to the sleeping room".......and I had forgotten to tell the teachers that he had been up since 4.15am ;-(

View of Hanoi station from the back of the taxi at 4.30am!

A Black Hmong couple going home for lunch

Today, Thursday, I have had an easy day, did a few household chores and took a walk to the local shopping street near to Orlo's school where I had a very successful time buying things Vietnamese! Some of you will find out what I bought when your birthday or Christmas comes around  ;)! 

Tomorrow I am booked in at the Hanoi Cooking Centre for a half day market shopping, cooking and eating session of which more in the next chapter of this blog.........