Overnight train arrived at Lai ca at 6am. Slept ok but quite bumpy. Walked across train tracks in the dark to get to station. Very cold about 1 degree Celsius and raining.
Cuong had driver organized to pick us up. About an hours drive to Sapa winding road all the way up the mountain. Still dark and also raining so never saw much. Went to wrong hotel first then to the Sapa Rooms where we were booked in. Owned by an ex pat this was a wonderful spot to be. Warm and friendly with a great spot to hang downstairs to eat and read. Got breaky when we arrived - yummy home baked coconut bread, corn fritters, Toasties etc. has great big glass doors with huge heaters inside so can still see what us going on outside but you are toasty warm. The Saturday market is right beside it and the road to Cat Cat Village just other side. Fantastic position. Rooms not ready till 11am but they did manage to get one for Grandy and Poppy earlier. Cuong staying with family.
About 10.30am headed into market, Cuong came with us for something to do as we never had a tour booked for today. Lots of colorful hill tribe ladies and then some really aggressive vendors. We stayed clear of them. Did buy Lewis and Grandy some gum boots as so much rain and huge puddles and they only had canvas shoes on. Also walked through the meat section where there was also dog on display. Found that pretty upsetting. Grabbed a warm drink at Buffalos in the main street. Cosy warm fire. Back to hotel and had some lunch. Poppy had stayed in the warm and dry so he joined us then.
After lunch the others watched DVD in their rooms and Grandy took Poppy out into the market and then the main street. They got caught in a massive rain burst and were drowned rats. Grandy also had brought an umbrella which had a blue cover on it made from the blue material the hill tribe people make. It is not a set dye so both of them ended up with blue dye on them - Grandys hands and coat in particular. What a mess. Don't think it will come out either.
Liam and Rob went back up the market to do some bargaining . Had a little bit of success. Torrential rain and the main street had rivers running down it . Persevered and walked up to Baguette and Chocolat , which is a French bakery with beautiful desserts. Brought one for each person then in the torrential rain took back to hotel! Enjoyed by all.
As rain didn't let up we enjoyed our dinner later downstairs at the hotel in the warm. Yummy and lots of it. Played chequers and cards then headed to bed.