Christmas in Mai Chau. The Last Day

On our last day in Mai Chau, we got up early to visit the Sunday market in a Hmong village about 15 miles from the valley and higher in the mountains. The drive really reminded us of the drive from Guatemala City to Antigua, and the colorful clothing of the Hmong women reinforced the similarity.

The market was packed with people and goods.

Shovel and pick heads await their bamboo handles in this open-air hardware store.

Piggies for sale.

The carrying case is included in the price.

After the market, we walked through the surrounding village.

The setting is beautiful, but no one seems to worry about keeping it clean.
The livestock wander freely, and trash is simply tossed wherever.

We were invited to visit one of the families' home.

The floors are packed dirt, and the cooking fire is kept going at all times.

Note the hen and chicks in the background.

Almost every home has a satellite dish. The Vietnamese are proud
of their one satellite: Vinasat 1, which was built by Lockheed-Martin
and launched in 2008 by the European Space Agency.
Motorbikes, of course, are parked in the living room.

The decor includes pictures of pop stars and Uncle Ho.

The living room fire must come in handy during the cold months in these drafty homes.

We enjoyed spectacular scenery on the way back to Hanoi. O. spoke sharply to Mr. Toad,
who moderated his driving somewhat. At least at first.

It was a lovely break from the daily grind, and we got back to Hanoi just in time for the evening traffic.

P.