The ethnic minorities here are like the Aborigines in Australia - butt of many jokes, source of frustration and tension for the government, and beset by many internal problems in dealing with modern life, like cheap alcohol. We saw a couple completely off their faces at 10.30am Sunday morning. Friendly individuals. Most of them wave or smile when we pass them, though many have surly expressions. They constantly carry a woven basket on their back, containing tools or the day's pickings.
Lashing rain this morning - hoped it was just in the clouds in the highlands, but it's persevered as far as Hoi An. First stop of the day was a Ktu tribal hall. Spencer explained how every year the tribe kill a sacrificial buffalo, and decorate the hall with its skull, meaning a large collection of skulls for this particular tribe. They kill the buffalo at short range, each man spearing it with a bamboo stake. At the accompanying celebration, children as young as one year old will get drunk.
Following the course of a swollen, muddy river, we passed a hydro-electric dam, and a high waterfall. Then a Cao Dai temple, a religion made up of (as far as I can tell) all other religions. Incredibly tolerant of each individual's belief, here you worship as you wish, as long as it doesn't disturb others. Very friendly ministers/monks, it had a warm atmosphere, fitting for such an inclusive place. Bang An cham tower was the last stop before the city. Nearly forgot - had some fresh pineapple - watching the woman cut it with a knife was a pleasure - such skill and craftsmanship.
Had to say goodbye to Peter and Sinh then. Such a wonderful pair. Peter, always laughing and joking. Sinh constantly teaching us about Vietnam. They'll get the bus back to Dalat, and a well-earned rest. Met Spencer for lunch, and then farewell to him also.
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Lashing rain this morning - hoped it was just in the clouds in the highlands, but it's persevered as far as Hoi An. First stop of the day was a Ktu tribal hall. Spencer explained how every year the tribe kill a sacrificial buffalo, and decorate the hall with its skull, meaning a large collection of skulls for this particular tribe. They kill the buffalo at short range, each man spearing it with a bamboo stake. At the accompanying celebration, children as young as one year old will get drunk.
Following the course of a swollen, muddy river, we passed a hydro-electric dam, and a high waterfall. Then a Cao Dai temple, a religion made up of (as far as I can tell) all other religions. Incredibly tolerant of each individual's belief, here you worship as you wish, as long as it doesn't disturb others. Very friendly ministers/monks, it had a warm atmosphere, fitting for such an inclusive place. Bang An cham tower was the last stop before the city. Nearly forgot - had some fresh pineapple - watching the woman cut it with a knife was a pleasure - such skill and craftsmanship.
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| Bang An tower |
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