Today we woke up to a much drier Dalat. We had breakfast at the hotel, which was amazing - it was buffet style and had tonnes of exotic fruit so we got to try all the things we'd seen in the markets but had no idea what they were. They even had Marmite!
We then went to meet Gurn to collect our motorbike for the day. We thought it would be some rubbish moped but it was a pretty powerful Yamaha. Automatic fortunately!
Gurn showed us on a few maps some places to go and still a bit unsure where we were going we ventured out of the city. Mark was driving but Rach did get to have a go this time (further than 3 metres!) We first went to the Elephant Falls. The drive there was spectacular and we stopped on various occasions to take pictures. It took a while to find and we got a bit lost but didn't mind as we were having so much fun whizzing around the mountains. We eventually found it and were very impressed by this huge waterfall. We saw people climbing down next to it so did the same. It really was amazing and one of the coolest things we've ever done. We clambered down the wet slippery rocks, got soaking wet and covered in mud but eventually managed to get right down behind the waterfall. It was incredible; the sound was deafening and the spray of water drenched us. We wanted to take pictures but we didn't dare get the camera out as it was so wet. (Yes Beck we've bought a little digital in Bangkok but even this wouldn't have survived.)
Back on the bike we soon dried off in the blaring sunshine. We drove back towards Dalat and then headed south in search of some more falls. Instead we somehow stumbled upon a stunning lake surrounded by little restaurants and bars. We decided to get some lunch so pulled up at a little place where we were warmly welcomed by a group of women. They gave us tea and asked what we'd like to eat. We explained that Rach was vegetarian which they fortunately understood. They gave us little baguettes and laughing cow cheese cubes. Sounds funny but it was so simple, we loved it! We sat overlooking the lake and discussed wanting to come back before we'd even left.
After lunch we got a bit lost again - too blinded by the stunning views to pay attention to where we were going. After getting our bearings we headed towards another set of waterfalls. About half way there the clouds darkened and the heavens opened. We pulled in under a bus shelter hoping it would be a short downpour but it continued for the rest of the afternoon. Back on the bike we didn't care as it was so much fun speeding through puddles and getting soaked by tidal waves of water as trucks passed us. We decided to sack off the waterfalls though and head back to Dalat as we could bearly see 10 yards in front of us! We've never seen rain like it, we were soaked through to our undies by the time we got back which Gurn found hilarious as it had been completely dry there.
We came back to the hotel and warmed up in our high powered, swanky shower.
Tomorrow we are going canyoning and can't wait. Dalat is by far our favourite place so far and we can't wait to see more of it. We may even do another day on the bike!
Love to all
Rach & Mark. xxx
We then went to meet Gurn to collect our motorbike for the day. We thought it would be some rubbish moped but it was a pretty powerful Yamaha. Automatic fortunately!
Gurn showed us on a few maps some places to go and still a bit unsure where we were going we ventured out of the city. Mark was driving but Rach did get to have a go this time (further than 3 metres!) We first went to the Elephant Falls. The drive there was spectacular and we stopped on various occasions to take pictures. It took a while to find and we got a bit lost but didn't mind as we were having so much fun whizzing around the mountains. We eventually found it and were very impressed by this huge waterfall. We saw people climbing down next to it so did the same. It really was amazing and one of the coolest things we've ever done. We clambered down the wet slippery rocks, got soaking wet and covered in mud but eventually managed to get right down behind the waterfall. It was incredible; the sound was deafening and the spray of water drenched us. We wanted to take pictures but we didn't dare get the camera out as it was so wet. (Yes Beck we've bought a little digital in Bangkok but even this wouldn't have survived.)
Back on the bike we soon dried off in the blaring sunshine. We drove back towards Dalat and then headed south in search of some more falls. Instead we somehow stumbled upon a stunning lake surrounded by little restaurants and bars. We decided to get some lunch so pulled up at a little place where we were warmly welcomed by a group of women. They gave us tea and asked what we'd like to eat. We explained that Rach was vegetarian which they fortunately understood. They gave us little baguettes and laughing cow cheese cubes. Sounds funny but it was so simple, we loved it! We sat overlooking the lake and discussed wanting to come back before we'd even left.
After lunch we got a bit lost again - too blinded by the stunning views to pay attention to where we were going. After getting our bearings we headed towards another set of waterfalls. About half way there the clouds darkened and the heavens opened. We pulled in under a bus shelter hoping it would be a short downpour but it continued for the rest of the afternoon. Back on the bike we didn't care as it was so much fun speeding through puddles and getting soaked by tidal waves of water as trucks passed us. We decided to sack off the waterfalls though and head back to Dalat as we could bearly see 10 yards in front of us! We've never seen rain like it, we were soaked through to our undies by the time we got back which Gurn found hilarious as it had been completely dry there.
We came back to the hotel and warmed up in our high powered, swanky shower.
Tomorrow we are going canyoning and can't wait. Dalat is by far our favourite place so far and we can't wait to see more of it. We may even do another day on the bike!
Love to all
Rach & Mark. xxx
Wow and double wow....sounds stunning AND I got here before the down and out no workers! Can't wait for the photos and feeling a bit jealous of the motor bike....definitely something I have got to have a go at but your Dad is not too keen! Don't you just love waterfalls - everything about them is stunning. Sounds fabulous...love to both and hope to talk soon. xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Mark & Rach,
ReplyDeleteIt's Dad and Sally here. Nice to know you're having a great time. It would appear a glass of beer features predominantly in your messages and pictures!
Although it doesn't have the same ring to it as HCMC, we're trying to match you with a curry cooked by Sally's daughter.
Talking of chasing the sun, your influence is apparent in chasing the sun towards the UK! The weather is exceptional for October and as a result we're off to the beach tomorrow.
Looking forward to meeting up in December for a bbq on the beach and a spot of cricket!
Have fun and look forward to the next installment!
Dad & Sally.
This sounds absolutely incredible! You two sound like two little kids whizzing around, getting lost and soaking wet!The rain in that area of the world does catch you by surprise on occasions!!
ReplyDeleteReally cant wait to see some pictures! Very glad to hear you have bought a digi camera, bet you wish you bought a waterproof one (dont worry i wnt say i told you so)
Missig you both loads
lots of love
xxxx