When came back from our nice cruise in Halong bay just in time to meet our group for what turned out to be the BEST part of this trip...Off we were up north to the Yen Bai province for a three-day visit to the hill tribes. This visit was special in many ways: not only were we to live with some family of the Dao community but also were to witness the century-old tradition of lacquer harvesting.
We drove a little over three hours on the back roads north of Hanoi to reach the tapper’s hideaway. The ride took us far away from the noise and pollution of Hanoi and allowed us to saunter postcard like scenery. Next to us, the Red river, then the Clear River, and finally the Black river. To our left, the calm and grey lazy water reflects a red setting sun. To our right, field worker are slowly getting back home, walking on a dam build to protect the fields and dwellings. Magical.
We arrived at destination in Song Thao as the sun completely sets. We were obviously expected: glasses are filled as soon as we step in the courtyard next to the old tapper’s house. Our host happily hugs one of the tapper and introduces him as is “uncle”. We are here among family, the uncle smiles around and, for a second, the language barrier disappeared. After the long road, our first meal is welcome and whatever shyness one might had quickly dissolved in the general relaxed and family atmosphere. This was priceless, and this was only the beginning... H.
