Vietnam - Da Lat - 8/07

On our way to Da Lat

Dalat, also Da Lat, located in the South Central Highlands, was originally the playground of the French who built villas in the clear mountain air to escape the heat and humidity of the coast and of Saigon.  Dalat's high altitude 1475 meters (the equivalent of 4,839 feet), and fertile landscape make it one of Vietnam's premier agricultural areas.  Because of Da Lat's elevation the weather is always on the cool side.  People have to wear a sweater all year round.

Because of the rain the main road was closed so we had to take a detour and end up on a  whining and torturous road.  The scenery was beautiful and lust. 

Da-Lat is also the jewel of the central highland, with lakes, waterfalls, evergreen forests.  Local industries include growing garden vegetables and flowers, which are sold all over South Vietnam. 

Little girl waiving as we drove through...

Because this is a detour and this road is practically deserted, villagers kids get excited to see a car pass by their village.  We saw kids running out of their hut to wave to us.  The whole time we were driving by (a good 30 minutes) one kid after another cheerfully wave at us or rush out to meet us at the road so they can see us go by.  This is a rare occasion in the 21st century to see kids excited to see people driving by.  Too bad we did not have any candy or something to give it to them.. They are not interested in money!  there is nothing to buy in this remote part of the country.

Herd of Goats crossing the road.  We had to slow down to make way for them.

I understand now why a lot of goats are roaming the road in this remote part of the country!  It is because this area is populated by the Tram and Goats are they primary meat resource.  They do not eat Cow or Pork.

After driving for a few hours we took a break and decided to stop for some Pineapples.  Vendors and small kids are gathering around Vinh offering all kind of food such chips etc...

Vinh decided to give the little kids some money 10,000 dong = 60 cents and that was the end of it.  They all rushed even the older street vendors to collect money!  What a sight!  They surrounded Vinh for a least a good 5 minutes.

We bought 3 ripe Pineapples and the lady cut off the peel for you right there on the ground lined up with a thin plastic sheet and Pineapples peels on the floor.  This definitely will not pass inspection in the US !  and that's the point we are not in the U.S.  so we got to adapt wherever we go.

Next...The Arrival in Da Lat Sofitel