Yesterday was the most challenging riding we've done thus far. More than undulating hills, we had a four kilometer climb with other minor climbs proceeding. Accompany all that with fierce headwinds. It was a grueling day. We completed a century; okay, by metric standards. 100K. This was our third straight day of riding and that makes for sore legs and tired bodies. Everyone was able to complete the ride with the exception of Ron who was the third of our troop to have flu-like symptoms. He said riding in the van was a complete bore and we all felt bad for him.
The morning ride that including the climbs was beautiful. The coffee groves against the mountainous scenery was different than anything else I've seen. As I mentioned in the last post Viet Nam was the number one exporter of coffee last year. Many of the front yards of the homes we passed had their coffee harvest drying in the sun. Ever thing is still quiet primitively done here or so it seems.
The afternoon portion of the ride was the most difficult. That's when the headwinds kicked in and the so called 'undulating' hills were more true climbs. The area we passed through was dirty and the roads were rutted or plain gravel. You really had to pay attention to the road. Along with all that, there were many fires being burned. Perhaps it was part of the harvest time but along with the dirt, dust and grime you had smoke. We were all relieved to see the vans waiting for us at the end of the ride.
Today has been a rest day in the beautiful city of Da Lat, the flower city. There is a strong French influence here both in the architect and the atmosphere. Everywhere there are flowers and endless rows of greenhouses. Many of the flowers are flown to Europe, China and Russia. It is also the city of lovers. Our guide shared with us that newlyweds come here for their honeymoon.
As always we're staying in a first rate hotel. There is one five star hotel that I know of and my friend Rick and I walked through there (Jennifer is another who is suffering through the flu). The hotel, The Dalat Palace is over 100 years old. It was filled with that old world charm. We walked into the cigar room where you could have superior Johnny Walked Gold, Blue or Green scotch for $25 a glass. Apparently that's cheap compared to what it would cost you in the US. I don't know because I think scotch tastes like poison.
For lunch I had a cup of Vietnamese coffee; 'white coffee' which tastes just like coffee candy in my opinion. It is super thick, almost thick enough to hold a spoon up. At the bottom was a thin layer of condensed milk. Although they only give you about 1/4 cup full it was plenty. I feel so wired right now and can't wait to have another cup. I wish there was some where in Seattle I could find it, that may be my mission when I return home!
Tonight I am going to dinner with my friends Jennifer and Rick. I told them I am their adopted middle-aged daughter: do you remember Strangers With Candy - Amy Sedaris??? I have really enjoyed my day off today and hope I'm ready for tomorrow's ride: 128K. We've been told a great deal of it is down hill! I've heard that before. Keep posted and I'll report tomorrow. It's back to the coast for us and the next two hotels are supposedly right on the beach.
(March 5th, added: we also went to this awesome embroidery factory. The women who are accepted to this company are part of 2000 women who go through a rigorous training and discernment process where they take a life time commitment to a life of embroidering silk fabrics. It is really more of a vocation rather than just a job. They do marry and when accepted they create a wedding gown and funeral gown for themselves. It was fascinating to learn about. I wish I could give you more detail but I don't have time! We're leaving for the coast in 50 minutes and I have to finish packing. I just didn't want to forget this detail.
Ps. one of my team mates has links to more pictures. I'll post more pictures tonight. I need to goooooo!
http://picasaweb.google.com/smrtus
I am sooo glad you are writing this blog! I bet you have recorded things that you would have trouble remembering when you arrived home.
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Love the pictures, gives me more of an idea of what you are seeing!
ReplyDeletelove you,
K
Johhny Walker Gold is nice, but a bottle of JW Blue label will run around $500/ea.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where you can get Vietnamese coffee in Seattle. I don't want to ruin your fun search, though, so I will only tell you if you ask me!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle!! It's Betsy Warme :) I've been following your amazing bike adventure and it seems as if you're having the time of your life. Random...I was looking at some of your pictures and noticed that I went to high school with someone in your group....Martin (I can't spell his last name). He was in my older sister's class...small world!! Happy Biking! Love, Betsy
ReplyDeleteTalk about an adventure! I think all of us are living vicariously through you! And thanks for posting links to the other photos! I'm really liking the costume at the beginning of your trip. Maybe they would have had you wear that for the Macy's fashion show??! Ah, if only they had known! Hope your knee is healing well. Sending you more wishes for happy trails and much love, Denise
ReplyDeleteMichelle! I am LOVING your blog!!! I keep meaning to comment but I have been very "blog lazy" lately. You are really keeping me entertained and your journey sounds absolutely fascinating. I'm very jealous and excited for you at the same time. Take care and keep those posts coming! - Kristina Koser
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