Michael and I and Orlo explored the town this morning. A lot of the shops were closed and there was no sign of any other Europeans despite some of the shop signs being in English as well as Vietnamese. We found a lady frying doughnuts and sesame seed balls by the side of the road, which we sampled , they were good. Then we found the market and I was able to buy some biscuits and tissues. We continued to wander and came across wedding party tents, one was set up taking half of the road , the other was in the yard of a government building. I stood and watched for an hour, taking photos of everyone dressed in their best, some of the ladies were in very colourful outfits and many of the men were wearing black berets, presumably a French era influence. Unfortunately I am not able to upload those photos to this blog as I didn't bring the cable to connect to my IPad, however here are a few I took earlier in the morning before we set off.
Andrews bike is ready....but is he?!
I came back to the auberge circa 12.15 as I had the bread we had bought and I thought Michael and Orlo might be getting hungry......so... I missed seeing the bride!!
This afternoon we went set off to explore into the countryside, very rustic farmsteads, with pigs ( on slats) cows, tied up in tiny stalls, hens and chicks, quail, and ducks. We set off up a upward path for just a short distance, then Orlo and I turned back to explore at a lower level. There are paths all over the place, used by the local people to get to their 'fields' and to neighbouring habitation. Eventually we diverted back to town to the doughnut lady, and thence back through town to the auberge. Interestingly the wedding party was completely over by then, just two hours after I had left.
Orlo and I then had a pleasant time, first of all doing the advent calendar on my iPad ( yes we feel we are in the back of beyond, but there is wifi!!!), while I tacked patches for another patchwork wreath, then we played Uno which Orlo won handsomely!! He had the advantage of playing it many times before and knowing the strategies.....that's my excuse anyway!
Michael arrived back about 3.30 having had a good walk in the hills opposite this place and we were very pleased to see Andrew back later on.
Staying in these mountainous places is always a challenge and is something I haven't done for a few years. When the sun is out during the day it is lovely and I got down to just wearing a shirt and a gilet.
Last night when we arrived I was c.o.l.d, and went to bed very early to get warm. We asked for an extra duvet and I slept in silk thermals, silk socks and a fleece top...and gloves while I was reading my Kindle. I was able to discard the fleece and gloves after a while!! This morning I had breakfast wearing silk, merino, fleece and a down jacket, gradually peeling off as the weather warmed up!!! The toilet and shower arrangements are outside the house, and are well don. The shower I had this morning, after breakfast was good and hot, the shower rooms have halogen heaters in the wall too!!
The food has been excellent, for breakfast there were omelettes, pancakes, bread, butter, jam and honey and tea and coffee( Vietnamese style). Tonight we have got a good fire going and just had dinner; tofu for Orlo, spring rolls, beef stew, pork stew, cabbage, green beans and rice for us, followed by a banana. I feel very full! The owner is back here tonight and he came to take rice wine with us. His son, Bau, speaks very good English and is able to translate for us.
So soon it will be time for bed again, up the steep wooden stairs.......
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