Our two suitcases are full but we still seem to be doing some shopping. Backpacks here are cheap, cheap, cheap. Ted is using my old ski backpack when I used one, from about 3 years ago. It pulls all the weight off the shoulders it's time to get a new one. We shop around and for $15 after a bit of bargaining. He got pushed out of a store the day before but with me, we do a deal together and it fits him well, with nice side and outside pockets to better organize his stuff.
We've also decided the shopping bag I'm plnning to take on our 4 day jaunt to Sapa isn't too good so we wi look for another small suitcase which he can either carry on or check on the way home too. There's a vast range and they are all so much better now, some spinners (extra cost, don't need that for one this small) and all pretty well with the built-in locks now.
The stores near all our hotels say it's a fixed price, 70,000 for a small cheap basic bag, that's BS. We carry on round the square, check out some more get an idea of price and finally settle on a Skywalkers knock-off, quite strong, good zip and lock, offer the guy 600,000 dong (US$30). I also find some cheap reef walkers with rubber soles ($15) as the weather foreacast for Sapa is looking grim! My leather slip-ons have been great but they won't handle torrential rain and all the animal poop at the Sunday market we plan to attend, especially if it's awash! Still might have to rent wellies!
After our street food/spa afternoon we take off in the drizzle, not far for dinner, I'm almost through with this filthy, polluted, frantic city where you take your life in your hands walking on the street after dark. We return to Highway 4, another lovely sea bass, succulent BBQ pork ribs and a few more cracks at the excellent liquers. We pick up a bottle of So Tinh Nep Cam,, Red Sticky Rice Liquer likened to a port, that should make the Sapa trip more palatable if it's going to pour the whole time.
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