October 07, 2004 Sapa, Vietnam
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I was surprised that my guide today was a 16 year old Hmong girl. The girls start peddling stuff at about five years old, and some of them have an amazing ability to pick up English. Apparently those who do can become guides.
The fog was gone and the weather was warm today, so it was a pleasant walk through the beautiful valley lined with terraces. We walked through a couple hill tribe villages, and women and girls hounded us the whole way. I've never seen anything like it. If you need salespeople, this is where to come.
It was a six hour trek, including lots of breaks so our guide could talk to her friend, and a long lunch so she could watch Chinese soap operas.
When I got back I took a hot bath, then a nap. There's nothing to do here at night, so after I eat, I'll read.