Day 3: Ride to Dalat
My third day of riding was my first day of mountain climbing on my bike. So far the motorbike had been running pretty well, if not fast. Climbing up the mountains brought on the anxiety that can only truly be known by people who have relied on crappy vehicles at some point in their life. Every noise, smell, or vibration had me convinced that my bike was going to die. The bike made it up the mountains with unexpected ease.
I don't remember much about this day's ride. For this post I'll just use some of the day's photos and try to describe them.
Random photo taken during a rest break on the side of the road.
At the top of one mountain was this red tree. It was the only red tree that I saw on the mountain.
One of my favorite things about Vietnam is the blending of the old with modern. Many of the techniques used for making a living in Vietnam have been around for hundreds of years.
Animals in the road are common in Vietnam. Luckily I didn't get stopped by many herds like this one.
I smelled tea blossoms for the first time on this day. After driving past burning trash, dead animals, and other things that stink, the smell of tea blossoms quickly became one of my favorite smells. "Heavenly" was the word that first appeared in my mind when I smelled it.
Gratuitous scooter shot.
Random road shot.
When I arrived in Dalat, a lady pulled her bike next to mine as we were driving. She asked if I needed a room and I said yes. I followed her and got a pretty decent room for $5. This was probably the easiest place for me to find a room on my trip.
Riding through Dalat.
Random Dalat Photo
I can't explain why I like these buildings so much.
Random photo
Route from Phan Thiet to Dalat (~ 160 km)