Year of the Tiger

We left Hanoi a few days ago to escape the city chaos and all the people who are apparently rushing to get married or have babies since it is the year of the tiger (which is high on the luck scale). The past two days we have been in Sapa which is nestled in the northern hills making it very chilly and at times completely white with fog.

Luckily today it cleared up though as we went on a tour to visit the nearby hill tribes with a company boasting "we make you go wow!" At the entrance and throughout each village you are swarmed with women chatting you up and attempting to sell you things.

Most of the tribes are originally from China and distinguish themselves by colors of clothing, from black to red to green and so on. Rice can't be grown all year round here due to the harsh climates so they do a lot of weaving, sewing and plant other crops like cinnamon and cabbage. It does not seem like the concept of saving is very well known though because as soon as they get money from selling a large cinnamon plant they party and spend it all. Most families have a water buffalo or two and a motorbike. To my surprise, water buffalo cost about 1,000 USD and are therefore equivalent to motorbikes. I am also once again shocked to see women with big earrings (symbolizing marriage) that are 17 or 18 and have a child or one on the way. The calculation is too easy and scary that Zoe would have popped a baby out and I would have one due any day now. So glad that is not the case. At least there seems to be a schooling system that is paid for by the government to some extent. There are also some funny customs like if people do not approve of a marriage the groom can just carry off the bride and if they stay away for three days it is a done deal whether people like it or not. Well, beyond that check out the pictures... got a few of some darn cute little kids.