Tam Dao National Park Part II

After our ca phe sua da, we continue north, entered the park and headed up into the mountains on the sole road to Tam Dao (which means "three islands" and refers to each of the three tallest peaks).  The tallest of the peaks is around 5200 feet, so it's quite a climb from near sea level to the top. 

Along the way were spectacular views, alpine-like forests (including pine trees, but only near the mid-section, not at the top), cool air and beautiful waterfalls.

At the top of the road we reached the village of Tam Dao and the day's market place was in full swing. 

Fresh vegetables on the left (XuXu) and fresh meat on the right

All sorts of good stuff inside the marketplace, under the tarp

This cute little old woman was basically baking rice cakes over an open grill

She'd fan the charcoals and turn the pancake over and over again.
The pancake itself was covered with something like sesame seeds.
We bought the one she's picture making and it made for a tasty snack.

Lots of bananas for sale; I'm not sure what the "produce" in front is.

A variety of herbal medicines of some kind.

Barbequed eggs.  Just like Hard boiled eggs. 
"Same, same, but different!"
We tried the small ones on the left and they were literally hard "grilled" eggs.
The big ones on the left were grilled alright.  But with a chicken fetus inside.
We didn't try those.

Pickled bamboo hearts.  With a bit of pepper flavoring?

After wondering through the marketplace, we walked around the village and took in the sights.

A very old church with what looked like a new steeple addition in the works.

Chickens in a pen sitting randomly on the side of the road.

Mr Thanh stopped to talk to these women for directions.
While they were talking, I used my Chapstick.  The woman on the left
proceeded to make fun of me for "decorating my lips!" 
They all had a good laugh at my expense I think.

Two very cute little pups who had no interest in any human interaction at all.
I suspect they've been told they could possibly be someone's dinner around these parts.

Tomorrow, the trip back home.