After bus mix-ups and the dreaded 10 hour sleeper bus from Kunming, we are now settled in at a hotel with a view in Sapa, a hillside resort town 35 km from the Chinese/Vietnamese border. For $5 a night we have a gorgeous view of a valley of rice paddies and lush mountains, hot water and a tv to boot.This afternoon we strolled through the market and eyed up the goods, mostly embroidered and dyed clothing and blankets made by minority people similar to the stuff we saw in northern Yunnan but seemingly cheaper. I like the leg-warmer and huge loop earing style that they go for here. The first thing I noticed after we crossed over was the vietnamese charm. Everyone smiles! The tropical heat is welcome but I'm sure the novelty will wear thin soon. Still, as long as there is good coffee and beaches nearby, I'll be happy. We have our pastries for tomorrow's breakfast and plans for a dinner with wine (have to treat ourselves!)--all is well in Sapa.
