Mai Chau - Market, Village Walk

The next day began with a walk through the local market in Mai Chau.

Then we parked in a small lot behind some buildings and walked a short distance to the home where we would return for lunch. Below is a picture of the view from the home and a picture of one of the family's dogs.

The main activity of the day was a walk through the village and the surrounding frields. At first we passed by a number of stilted houses where women sat weaving and selling various crafted items.

A "local guide" appeared to show us around, but she didn't speak English, and Fun said she couldn't understand her because she was speaking a local dialect. We followed her past the houses and into the fields.

There was no shade in the fields, so it began to get very hot. We gazed longingly at the open trams filled with tourists that occasionally passed us. We came upon areas with things that were probably built with tourists in mind, but no one was doing anything with them.

Finally we came upon a person who had set up a stand selling frozen treats and beverages, and a cry went up for a rest and refreshments.

Somewhat refreshed, we mushed on.

Eventually we finished our circuit of the fields and returned to the house where we would have lunch.

The food tasted especially good that day, and as a special treat an elderly man played a vintage instrument for us.

On the way back to the resort, the driver stopped so we could take pictures of a waterfall we had admired.

All in all, it had been an enjoyable, if exhausting day.