Among the Hmong!During the day, we rose early to meet up with a local Hmong tribe girl who would take us trekking through the mountains and past a couple Hmong villages. It was the best way to see Sapa. From the side of the mountain, off the road, in the middle of the rice fields that were carved into the mountainside like steps. And every inch of my almost 40 year old body was feeling those steap climbs. Winded, Mai Mai stopped frequently to ask me if I was okay...

Dirt Dirt and More Dirt Not much else to say today other than the road not much traveled, may not be traveled for a good reason. It's not constructed yet. Arriving in Sapa, Elena and I were glad to be off the road for a few days. The bumps and dirt roads had worn our patience thin. 2 nights in Sapa would prove to be a good respice for us. And with our very comfortable accomodations for $5/night at the Lotus Guesthouse, we were happy to have hot water and and...