Mist-erious

The town of Sa Pa, at a height of 1600 metres, is known to expel four seasons (or perhaps, more) a day.
It can be charming, some might say.




I’m a creature of heat comfort - largely so. I spent my early days in Sa Pa drenched in a gloom of mist. These futile days, being cold and slightly painful, restricted me from just about doing anything.

I’m aware we only reached about 6°C or so, but try coupling that with a non-insulated cold-tiled room. Nights were spent in layers upon layers, socks, two heavy duvets, one silk sleeping bag (you did wonders, silk!).. and so on [Good on you locals! For putting up with your heavy winters]. It's no wonder the restaurants that advertised 'heating' or 'cosy fireplace' were heaving, regardless of how expensive they were.

Such a complainer as I can be…I now reflect on these cold dramatic pains, as not only has my hair moistened (from a week of avoiding a wash!), the mist seems to have developed some mysterious photos. They extract a number of senses; even so on my evident cruddy camera. Mist-erious...


Have a gander!

A cold re-welcome to mountainous Vietnam

Sa Pa - a popular mini town nestled within the mountainous region of the Lao Cai province that shines in northwest Vietnam.




I’ve made it back!
My three-everlasting-year aims of arrival accomplished. Almost.

Scurrying from a fumed and bellowing Hanoi, it’s here in this region one can breathe a cleaner and more succulent moist air whilst relishing the quiet natural green beauty of unprovoked rice terraces and diligent water-buffalo. As it sits magnificently under the overpowering China, an abundant number of organic hill-tribe folk live harmoniously... Simplicity at its best, these ethnic minority groups also express a keen spirit to ‘sell, sell, sell’!

Arduent trekkers, backpackers, tour packs, holidaymakers and the like, may pounce onto the town and explore its appealing surroundings. Me…I aim to take part too, all in good time. Without borders, I seamlessly plan on flinging with this town for a wee while.

Upon my first encounters, I have noticed some changes that have taken place in the green hills. The three years have yielded strewn areas, new convenient roads developing, buildings arising, new restaurants, hotels.. all very bound to take place. The inevitable. Though, of my mild detections, what hasn't changed is the admirable pushing of sales from the smiley little tribal ladies. Some may summarise them as 'annoying'. I'm impartial. They're sweet.

Braving the changeable passing cold weather (thank the Lord, it’s now warming up) that the tiled bedrooms cannot cope with (do you hear my murmuring cries for help?), I’m oozing with discovery ideas; and have mild attempts in unleashing some trapped creativity…


..Behold!


Please note: Of great sadness, my beloved quality camera broke whilst on me travels and in replacement I am using a lame lackluster piece of material, so please excuse the lacking quality my photos induce.
top two>bedroom window's views. bottom left>misty Sa Pa town. bottom right> grinning hill-tribe seller.