 |
| Children of the Black Hmong tribe greet visitors |
Traversing the northern slopes of the immense valley, we could see our next destination below, along the swiftly flowing river. Ban Ho village was tucked away in lush tropical vegetation of bamboo and palms. Homes were simple, square or rectangular one-room structures constructed of a mix of strong thatch and wood, stilted to protect farm animals that lived below.
We were entertained by a mama pig wandering, her piglets in tow, below one of these homes. Nearby, a young woman bent over an immense caldron of steaming white rice, preparing the midday meal for the small community of family homes, while the piglets maneuvered their way through the cooking area.
Mid-afternoon, after a leisurely lunch along the banks of the Muong Hoa, we continued our hike. A long, beige, dust-covered concrete building drew us from the winding trail. Deep within its walls, we could faintly hear young voices reciting the ABCs. Thang noted that mastering English is a prized accomplishment for the youth of Vietnam today, as they seek a secure future. Reaching the building, we cautiously peered through one of several open doorways.
Worn wooden desks lined the small room, with two children per desk huddled over books. We counted 10 children who couldn’t be much more than six years of age. A young woman who looked no older than 20 stood in front of the room as the children intently read aloud. We stood quietly in the doorway as we watched.
Then we were discovered. The grins of the children gave way to a round of giggles as they shyly peered up from their books. Without missing a beat, they continued repeating the words of their teacher. “DOG.” “Dog.” “BALL.” “Ball.” A bell rang and their recitation stopped. The children were instantly on their feet, hurriedly making their way outside through open doorways.
It was their midday break, and now the children could follow us, at least for a little way, as we continued on the path to the next village. Hand in hand, the children walked at a safe distance behind us. The giggle of innocent excitement serenaded our journey.
Up ahead a group of women dressed in the bright reds of the Red Zhao village awaited our arrival to display their wares. The most assertive of all the hill-tribe villagers, these women had a mission: To sell us the fruits of their labors. With friendly smiles, the women invited us into their homes to view their crafts.
The dark, wooden huts with dirt floors were simply laid out. A mattress on the floor in one corner, a cooking pit in another, and a sitting area with just enough small wooden chairs for the family was at the center of the home. Here is where the negotiations began.
Brightly woven purses and shawls suddenly appeared. Several of the Red Zhao women begged for our attention. “Good price for you” they said, in English. Asking what that price might be, we learned that $1 US was the special for that day. Banter back and forth, many friendly smiles and an occasional word from Thang helped us to our final negotiation of two beautiful needlepoint purses for $1.
All of us were happy with the exchange. We gathered our things and went on our way. As we looked back along the trail, the village women and children waved at us with big smiles.
Each turn of the trail brought us to yet to another wonder of this region. The spirit of this culture, deep within the valley, touched our hearts. It was only the first day, and our journey had just begun.
If You Go
Vietnam Travel Tips
November through February is the best time to visit Vietnam. The northern cities of Sapa and Hanoi are clear and cool during this time. The central cities of Danang and Hoi An are pleasantly warm, while the southern cities of Saigon and Can Tho are warming up, but are not yet the steamy temperatures of the spring and summer season.
Soul Adventures offers two-week adventure tours for small groups spanning the entire country of Vietnam in December and January, as well as custom tours, upon request. Prices include 4- to 5-star accommodations, all in-country transportation, meals and fees for activities. Pre-and post-trip excursions to Cambodia can also be arranged. Small-group travel and meticulously planned details ensure a quality experience.
Mid-afternoon, after a leisurely lunch along the banks of the Muong Hoa, we continued our hike. A long, beige, dust-covered concrete building drew us from the winding trail. Deep within its walls, we could faintly hear young voices reciting the ABCs. Thang noted that mastering English is a prized accomplishment for the youth of Vietnam today, as they seek a secure future. Reaching the building, we cautiously peered through one of several open doorways.
Worn wooden desks lined the small room, with two children per desk huddled over books. We counted 10 children who couldn’t be much more than six years of age. A young woman who looked no older than 20 stood in front of the room as the children intently read aloud. We stood quietly in the doorway as we watched.
Then we were discovered. The grins of the children gave way to a round of giggles as they shyly peered up from their books. Without missing a beat, they continued repeating the words of their teacher. “DOG.” “Dog.” “BALL.” “Ball.” A bell rang and their recitation stopped. The children were instantly on their feet, hurriedly making their way outside through open doorways.
It was their midday break, and now the children could follow us, at least for a little way, as we continued on the path to the next village. Hand in hand, the children walked at a safe distance behind us. The giggle of innocent excitement serenaded our journey.
Up ahead a group of women dressed in the bright reds of the Red Zhao village awaited our arrival to display their wares. The most assertive of all the hill-tribe villagers, these women had a mission: To sell us the fruits of their labors. With friendly smiles, the women invited us into their homes to view their crafts.
The dark, wooden huts with dirt floors were simply laid out. A mattress on the floor in one corner, a cooking pit in another, and a sitting area with just enough small wooden chairs for the family was at the center of the home. Here is where the negotiations began.
Brightly woven purses and shawls suddenly appeared. Several of the Red Zhao women begged for our attention. “Good price for you” they said, in English. Asking what that price might be, we learned that $1 US was the special for that day. Banter back and forth, many friendly smiles and an occasional word from Thang helped us to our final negotiation of two beautiful needlepoint purses for $1.
All of us were happy with the exchange. We gathered our things and went on our way. As we looked back along the trail, the village women and children waved at us with big smiles.
Each turn of the trail brought us to yet to another wonder of this region. The spirit of this culture, deep within the valley, touched our hearts. It was only the first day, and our journey had just begun.
If You Go
Vietnam Travel Tips
November through February is the best time to visit Vietnam. The northern cities of Sapa and Hanoi are clear and cool during this time. The central cities of Danang and Hoi An are pleasantly warm, while the southern cities of Saigon and Can Tho are warming up, but are not yet the steamy temperatures of the spring and summer season.
Soul Adventures offers two-week adventure tours for small groups spanning the entire country of Vietnam in December and January, as well as custom tours, upon request. Prices include 4- to 5-star accommodations, all in-country transportation, meals and fees for activities. Pre-and post-trip excursions to Cambodia can also be arranged. Small-group travel and meticulously planned details ensure a quality experience.
Author: www.goworldtravel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment