July 14th-17th Dalat- Nha Trang We have just had the most fabulous 3 days with 2 motorcycles guides Duc & Tuhn We were pilions + Luggage on Honda 100cc so very slow but it didn't really matter because we were stopping so regularly. Our first day took us through the mountains. We stopped to see How RICE WINE was made of course we had to try some 100% proof and its only 10am doesn't matter we are not riding for a change. It was that good we had to buy some for later, This meant emptying our water bottle so they could fill directly from the still. We stopped at TA NUNG which was one of the first villages built for the people after the war. NOT allowed to mention the war in written word, however we did visit a Veteran War Hero who took his soldiers to defeat BUOM MA THOUT CITY. (Then called Nambang) We enjoyed Green Tea Ceremony with him, his wife and 3 boys. The goverment gave him a house and set him up with a weaving industry. Lovely quiet family enjoying everyday life. We were really honoured to be there. Next stop after many sceanic photo's of paddy fields and views. We visit a hill tribe family At KHO Village, These amazng people dont worry what day of the week it is they just busy themselves working and living off the land. They all wander over to greet us, a lot of shrugging of shoulders gestures and smiles to make a conversation with out saying word. I have the opportunity to hold a baby on my back just like they do. I think I could have kept it. but gave him back because he started to cry.!! They loved Mark and kept stroking him I think I could have sold him for 2 dragon fruits and a cabbage.!!!!!! Another village we stopped o the roadside we could not visit these people as they are still very hostile towards westerners and have great sorrow in their village from agent ORANGE. To end a perfect day we take a walk along Ho Chi Minh Trail. The guides rode off and left us to walk. good for the bum after sitting on bikes all day. Our watering place tonight was at Lake Lak beautiful spot in the middle of the mountains no other tourist around. We have a fanstatic evening sharing stories with the guides, out comes the RICE WINE funny that cause a lot of locals came out as well. Great Time with no HEADACHE in the morning. Second day takes us through the Lam Dong Province. We visit another hilltribe family home, one thatched house with granny who must have been 100yrs old to baby of 8 months all live together. Lots more shruggig!! We have the afertnoon to visit DraySap National Park which boast the largest waterfall in Viet Nam. We stay in a hotel tonight, ate with the locals still NO TOURIST!!. Day 3 We are heading for Nha Trang coming down out of mountains and back into civilisation.. First we walk the Phoenix Pass This Was a beautiful mountain landscape showing NEW forestation meeting the old Jungle. The new trees are part of the rebuilding programme to help farmers and environment. another area of agent orange destruction!! Now back into the land of people and cities and busy,busy streets Nha Trang. We have visited so many family run businesses from ceramics. wood carving, peppercorn farming,Rice paper,brick factory, and many ,many more We have seen some disturbing, some beautiful, some devastation, and some rebuilds Would not have missed this trip if it cost $1000,000 it was worth every penny!!