Day 1 - Hanoi to Sapa

Anticipating a 6:30am pick up for our bus trip to Sapa, we were up early and went for a walk at Hoan Kiem Lake. It was bustling at 5:50am, people going about their daily exercise regimes, stretching and moving to the music being broadcast on the public address system. We returned to our hostel where we enjoyed a breakfast of hot French bread, jam and fruit.

Our bus arrived at 7:10am and after several other pick ups in the old quarter we were on our way. 

5 and bit hours later we arrived in Sa Pa. After a quick bite to eat we settled into our digs. 

At 2:30pm we headed to off on our trek. There a just no words to explain the beauty of the Sa Pa valley, so I'll show you some pictures instead. 

       

                                      

                                      

 This beautiful Black Hmong woman, carried her little bubba who is just 1 month and 20 days old with her for the duration of the trek, AND she helped me down the muddy slippery hills, making sure I did not fall, total Grrrl Power right there. I thanked her by purchasing items from her that she had handmade.