We awoke in our picturesque stilt house, nestled in the bamboo forest, on the edge of the lake. After a breakfast of noodles we head onto the lake in kayaks, just as thunder rumbles across the mountains and the rain starts. It was so good to be out on the water kayaking freely around. We don”t go far, but it’s a great way to kick start the day. It’s really warm rain and after the kayaking we take to the water for a swim. The water is warm but deep and dark. The lake is formed from a flooded valley, part of a huge hydroelectric scheme. It’s the kind of water that you feel there may be monsters lurking … so I don’t hang about!
Finn was tired today and lacking his usual humour. I guess the strenuous exercise, the heat and the diet are all taking their toll.
Later that day we experience a real bone-shaking car ride to Ninh Binh, on the south. The roads are extremely pot-holed and we are thrown from side to side as the mini-bus weaves in and out, around and through the pot-holes. Finn somehow manages to sleep through much of the journey, with his head bouncing up and down on my lap. The first part of the journey had him feeling really sick, he went completely pale, and we had to stop by the roadside for him. One section of road was being re-laid, but there’s no hope – as soon as the new surface was laid, the traffic weaved in and out of the road maintenance vehicles, so before the stream roller even had a chance to flatten it off it was already all bumpy!
We stop on the way for refreshment – fresh sugar beat crushed up and served with cumquat. Very refreshing.
By early evening we reach our final homestay of the trip. This time we have stepped up a gear and have our own rooms, with a bed. We all help out in the kitchen to prepare supper, rolling spring rolls and preparing the vegetables. We dine on a feast outside, under the stars, with the local family comprising a couple with their two young daughters and grandmother. They have a small business making rice noodles which they sell daily at the local market. From the milling of the rice to the noodle making and drying we see all the simple equipment they use. The meal is delicious, one of the best we have had in the country, with the mix of good company and good food. Meal times are a very social affair here, all sharing food from the small bowls, taking a little at a time with your chop sticks, placing in a small bowl with either rice or noddles. After the meal Mr Lion and Mr Mouse play with riotous laughter again.
Our Sirius Adventure 