Into Vietnam: The Northern Mountains

We finally reached Vietnam on the 29th of June. China was a great experience. We headed back to Kunming from Dali, and in the same day took an overnight bus to the border of China and Vietnam. If you've never been on an overnight bus, let me tell you that it can be a very intimate experience with other passengers. Imagine a coach/greyhound bus with the seats gutted. There are three rows of bunkbeds that run the long way of the bus, with two isles separating them. The space is very unforgiving for a man my height. I sat down next to a cute Chinese woman. I mistakenly told her in Mandarin that she was beautiful. Moments later, she had moved seats and Mike swooped in to take the newly available room. 12 bumpy, stinky, and loud hours later, we arrived at the border. After crossing the river into Vietnam, we took a bus up through mountains to the village of Sapa. It is quite possibly the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. Picture being on the side of a mountain with green jungle and fog surrounding you. There is a waterfall that runs into a stream a short walk away. We went swimming in the crystal clear water and walked around a few Hmong villages. Lots of chickens, pigs, and cows (which look more like water buffalo here). We'll be here a few more days, then on to Hanoi, where we plan to celebrate the 4th of July (definitely being much more inconspicuous of course). Mike and I weren't sure of what reception we would get from the Vietnamese (with the war and all). So far, they've been very similar to the Chinese: curious, friendly, and eager to practice their english. We'll try to get some pics and videos up very soon. Stay tuned.