Despite a stomach flue that had me feeling weak and tired, we flew out to DaLat on Saturday. It is a short hop by plane- 45 minutes. But the change in scenery and temperature is a welcome retreat. It is a national holiday and things were insanely busy. We spent our first night in The Red House Backpackers hostel (we were lucky to get any accommodation this long weekend). We had our own room but shared a shower and toilet. It was OK and still not a huge bargain as everyone put up the prices by 100 - 200%. The next morning we had booked a 2 day outdoor adventure tour - cycling, hiking and rafting. I was still not feeling great but managed a 24km ride and a 5 km hike. At least half of the bike ride and the hike were up hill.
Some of our biking scenery.
Stopped at a beautiful waterfall on our hike. We stayed the night at another hostel in the national park. Comfy but spartan. I am still not able to eat much and the smell of food puts me off but I was ready for day 2. I did a 40 km ride in total. We had made it to the highest point and the next was a 30m km downhill ride. It was amazing. The scenery stunning.
Frank and our guide taking a break by one of the numerous waterfalls along the route.
Our views
Enjoying the scenery before continuing the ride.
Once we reached the valley it was time to go rafting. The water was low but we still had to navigate some rapids. Frank and I were in one boat and our guide took another one. Before leaving there were two curious boys who wanted to go for a ride and since children here are 'free range', our guide took them along for the ride and then we returned them to our original spot. It was a beautiful sunny day but very windy and so at times we had to paddle hard or else not move despite going down river with a pretty strong current. We were then returned to DaLat but spent the night at a gorgeous hotel - Zen Cafe. It is nestled on the outskirts of town and very quiet.
The owner was German and the menu included some German dishes. We had pork Schneitzel and speszle. I just wished I had regained some of my appetite - still not myself :( but a great way to end the mini vacation. As we boarded the plane for Saigon, we watched as a large thunder and lightning storm threatened a flight delay but off we went.
