Hoa Binh-Mai Chau

TOtal Distance:74.27km
Total Time:4h26m22s
Average Speed:14.0km/h
Maximum Speed:46.0km/h
Total Distance So Far:6337.25km

I haven't had access to a computer for a few days, so excuse me if I use present tense for things that obviously have happened in the past. I've been keeping entries in my journal so I wouldn't forget anything.
Hills, hills, and...did I mention the hills? I'm back in the mountains now. I'd almost forgotten how gruelling those heavy climbs can be. I guss I had better get used to it, as I suspect I'll be in the mountains for some time to come. Today was particularily hard. The climbs were long, though not nearly as steep as those I encountered on my way to Delat. There were a few downslopes, one great one just before I hit Mai Chau. However the majority of the ride was uphill. I guess the days of 200km rides are done. It was insanely hot. I got a flat tire, which I have become a pro at changing by this point. Around 11:00 I started to get really hungry. Biking in the scortching heat with a rumbling tummy is a recipe for disaster, so I thought it best to stop and fuel up. I attempted to stop at three different roadside restaurants, all of which full on ignored my presents when I walked in. They didn't acknowledge me, wouldn't servre me. It was a complete waist of my time. I would understand if they were busy, but all three of them had nobody in the place except for me. Even when I tried to talk to them, the would just ignore me. Finally I found somewhere willing to serve me. I ordered, not really knowing what I had ordered. As I was sitting there waiting I peered into the kitchen and what sis I see? A dog head with the meat shaved off almost to the bone. Needless to say, I ate the rice and vegtables they brought, but neglected the meat.
I made it to Mai Chau. I would have liked to press on a little further. I've heard good things about Mai Chau though, so I thought it was worth visiting. I'm sure glad I did. What a great place. Nestled in the mountains of Northern Vietnam lays this quiet and serene litle village. The guesthouses come in the form of stilt houses, and run at only about $3 or $4/night. The furnishings include nothing more than a matress and a fan. It's absolutely fantastic. Just what I needed. I'm sitting at a table beneath my stilt house, writting in my journal, with a beer in hand (yes, I am breaking the no beer before biking rule, but I bloody well deserve it so LAY OF!!!), with a stunning view of the mountains before me. It's agreat change from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Perhaps there is hope for Vietnam after all.