With 125cc from socialist avenues into the adventurous mountains

We have become very fond of riding a moped and our bottoms have also become more durable and can now last longer. Our route leads from the big city of Vinh via the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh (with a beautiful park) to a small homestay in the middle of the tea growing area. There were actually other travelers here who, like us, discovered the country on mopeds. An evening to exchange experiences together was nice, but always meeting at hostels where everyone is traveling wouldn't be for us. We love our peace and quiet and the contacts with the local people, no matter how big the language barrier may sometimes be.

The mountainous region of the Pu Mat National Park gave us four wonderful days with lovely valleys, angular mountains, tea and rice terraces, lots of farm animals and grazing water buffaloes, which are practically at home on the village street.

The absolute highlight was that on our way we stumbled upon an honorary ceremony for a deserving member of the village community. We don't know how old the dignitary was, his chest was full of badges and we often toasted him with rice liquor. The local English teacher was quickly brought in to translate and now we will soon be able to join her lessons digitally. The children speak the language of their minority and barely speak Vietnamese when they start school, so their willingness to learn English is rather low. Maybe we can motivate them a little.

The children in the villages often looked at us very surprised and took a moment to wave back or exchange a few words. We were able to enjoy a welcoming culture here, whether at the day of honor, at the ox duel or at the market stall, which really touched us.

And there was this one day when our bungalow simply disappeared into the clouds and we enjoyed the third Advent while watching fairytale films. For us, this is also part of life while traveling.

The return journey was simply wet and cold. Now in Hanoi the inflamed ear is healed, laundry is washed and life without Pho is tried out 😊.

Kathleen