A hard start as we were straight into exploring without a shower. still hot and humid - lovely drive in a Merc 13 seat van up to 1650m  - roads resembling ours between Franz & Fox - breakfast - left luggage got a few pics from the restaurant before travelling on  - No shower - eek!!!  - rooms not ready at 9 am.

 The town was built by the French occupiers from 100 yrs ago as a holiday town. They also built the rail network.    There is a shortage of rain in the north this year. In Sapa they need the rain for the rice planting - One growing season summer only (June to Sept) and the they are only now planting the spring fed plots. Monsoons expected soon to get the rest going - different cultures here come from China according the Jo. Cooler dryer and less haze temp about 24°C much more comfortable   Developing sole blisters but they will harden up. The walk took us down through a mountain village area about 3k in 3 hours.  Then lunch at the village restaurant (costs about $8) than back to the creature "comforts" shower & free time to sleep than before another most informative and enjoyable "walking tour"  

That Music is so loud!