Hope all is well with you all. This is just a short note since I am again near a computer. Since the last email, I met up with my Halong Bay tour guide, Tien, on the streets of Hanoi. I went and drank beer with him and his buddy who is a computer professor at the University. He took me to get ice cream, which means that I did the same thing in Hanoi as I would do at home... hung out with computer geeks, drank beer and ate ice cream :) The next day, Tien drove me on his motorbike to Cuc Phung to hike and visit the Primate Reserve. Long ride (3 1/2 hours and 140 km each way). He won't let me pay for anything, so I will have to send him a package when I return home. 
Spent the last several days trekking through the mountains near China with the Hmong tribes and Red Zao. It was a nice break from the heat, as the weather is quite brisk up in the mountains. Kids from the various tribes ran along side of us and asked lots of questions (and wanted handouts -- which we were told by our guide not to give them, as then their parents won't keep them in school). Did a few homestays, sleeping on the floor of barns and houses. Visited the Bac Ha open market of the Flower Hmongs. Very colorful and beautiful. 
Once I returned to Hanoi, Tien came and picked me up. We went to his house to visit and I met his sister who is studying Japanese in the University. Went to snake village and had a 6 course meal of snake. I liked everything except the snake skin dish, which was too chewy. But the crushed snake bone on rice cakes was tasty and the lot leaves stuffed with snake meat was also good. Drank shots of the snake blood and bile after watching them drain it. And as the guest of honor, I did a shot with the still-beating snake heart. Lots of alcohol involved (lizard, snake gonad, and bee wine). Then went to the zoo. So far, no stomach problems! Said goodbye to Tien... he was sad and would like me to move here. I said I would probably be back one day with my parents.
Took the night train to Hue. Visited Lam's mom (Lam is the man who did the paperwork and was the Vietnamese contact to get me adopted to the States) and dropped the digital camera off next door. Went with the neighbor to see some sites, but I am trying to figure out what to do, since there is a typhoon headed to the Central area where I am (and had planned to be for the next week or so). Keep getting mixed stories on where I should try to be, but if it hits, they say all transportation will be shut down for a while. Can't understand the news too well, since I haven't really picked up that much Vietnamese. So, just trying to get people to explain what is best to do. Most say to get out of the area by the 2nd, although something on Google news says it may touch done on Saturday? So, my itinerary is looking like tonight in Hue, tomorrow the bus to Hoi An and stay overnight there and catch the early morning bus off to the Central Highlands area of Da Lat or Bahnar villages in Kontum to get away from the coast line.Mom and Dad - In case you talk to Lam, tell him I met his mom and she is very sweet, but I decided to stay in a hotel because I needed to book a bus ticket and leave early in the morning. That isn't really the full story, but I will fill you in when I get home. I am fine... just think this is for the best.
Got to go find something yummy on the streets to eat and walk along the Perfume River. I will email again after the typhoon touches down and as soon as I can find another computer.
Love,
Betsy
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