Those brilliant green Sa Pa rice terraces gleaming in the sun ... Actually, we had the mud and rain version, but still a great experience.
Black Hmong woman and child. So named for the predominance of black in the traditional costumes.
Our trek - I like it to sound impressive and hard but really it was a fairly straightforward 13 kilometre walk through rice terraces from Sapa into the Muong Hoa Valley. We had a lovely guide, Lan, on the left, and we were quickly joined ad hoc by two local women.
We wound through muddy paths and I wished I'd come equipped with more sensible shoes. Still 12 kms to go and I was sliding all over the place. But thanks to the local women accompanying us, I didn't actually go over, just a little pride lost here and there as they steadied me.
The overnight rain left terraces full of water. Which is the whole point I guess.
Pretty typical views along the way in the higher reaches.
I was urging the sun to come out just a little more, but the low cloud was persistent.
The views were still impressive even with the mist.
The ducks thought so too.
The pig was a little more interested in ground level.
Don't forget me!
Lan kept us moving along at a pretty good pace but was very patient when I kept interrupting for photos.
Meanwhile, the two local women who had joined us were an absolute delight to get to know. So glad they came. Of course a transaction for some handicrafts was involved at the end but that's all a perfectly reasonable aspect of visiting their country. Photographed with permission.
No end of rice terraces and rustic houses. How many photos can you take and which do you choose?
Yep, more water buffalo.
Suddenly one of the women dived into some shrubs on the side of the track. She emerged after a few minutes with wild mushrooms.
Approaching the valley more buildings were evident. More on the Muong Hoa Valley in part 2.
I was there 10 days ago. Things do nor look different from what I had. Good to know the one that shared the same expression!