I made it to Hanoi Saturday just in time to catch the bike tour. Whew! That evening we had the option of a food tour that included some local culture, such as the bizarre attraction of getting up close and personal with the train. Vietnam’s rail lines are very small gauge, so the trains to do not travel very fast, i.e. 48 hours from Hanoi to Saigon by train, or 45 minutes on a plane. However, when you’re standing next to one in motion, it seems fast enough!
Banh cuon (“roll overs”) are tasty thin rice crepes filled with minced pork, shallots, and mushrooms.Our informative food guide with Hanoi’s “old quarter” architecture in the background. The French were here so long that they’ve had a marked influence on building styles, which continue to this day. Like Bali, there are few restaurants. Most people seem to eat at tiny places. Unlike Bali, the dining spills out onto the sidewalk via tiny stools.Sunday we cycled 12 miles around the lake in soaring humidity at 100 degrees.Hanoi through its very poor air quality.
The Way to Mai Chau
After a bus ride on Monday, we cycled 23 miles along the Red River on relatively quiet and wide main roads with good shoulders. After lunch, the bus took us up into the mountains, which were relatively cooler as temps dipped into the low 90s.The last 12 miles were on village lanes and single track through the rice paddies. It was an incredible day!This is the region of the Thai and Hmong minorities, known for their beautiful weaving.
In Mai Chau, our accommodation was a homestay. All 16 of us shared the top floor of a traditional stilt house. I love the way our amazing leader Chi pronounces the insect our nets protect us from: “mosskweeto.” It was hot and a little noisy; most of us didn’t sleep much. Our group of Aussies, Kiwis, Irish, English, and Americans bonded quickly!
We range in age from 20s to 70s, and everyone is warm, funny, and generous.
On to Ninh Binh
53 miles Tuesday at 102 degrees and tropical humidity through rolling terrain Yes, it was hard. The word “brutal” came to mind on the uphills. All I could think about was ice cold water; it was all I wanted. Yet the scenery was just gorgeous!I’ve never sweated so much in my life. It is untelling how much water I’ve been drinking.
With your descriptions of high humidity and 100 degree temps, I was thinking I would sweat to death if I was you. Then I saw your second to last photo! Unbelievable!
Great post! So interesting seeing Vietnam today (as a child of the 60s, my early memories are full of not so pleasant views of the country). I would die in that heat/humidity. Your physical exertions are most impressive!
Wow, Jane! This is so exciting and I think you really ARE wonder woman. What a trip!! That little railroad…I can’t imagine what the seating must be like.
The Journey in Between 
With your descriptions of high humidity and 100 degree temps, I was thinking I would sweat to death if I was you. Then I saw your second to last photo! Unbelievable!
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You said it “incredible” !!
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OMG the trains! That sweaty photo! Holy heatwave, Wonder Woman!
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Great post! So interesting seeing Vietnam today (as a child of the 60s, my early memories are full of not so pleasant views of the country). I would die in that heat/humidity. Your physical exertions are most impressive!
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Wow, Jane! This is so exciting and I think you really ARE wonder woman. What a trip!! That little railroad…I can’t imagine what the seating must be like.
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