Bac Ha (elevation 900m), 144 km from Sa Pa, is a new paradise for tourists and dreamed destination for photographers where you can see 10 minority groups at Sunday Market, a weekly hill tribe event that draws locals in from all over the surrounding area.
Unlike Sa Pa, it is not staged for tourists and far fewer tourists make it up this way... It is warmer than Sa Pa and much less tourism industry than Sa Pa. The bad thing is the infrastructure in Bac Ha is not as good as in Sa Pa (hotel and power are in worse condition). Minority men are heavy drinkers and it is amazing to see groups of tribal women heading home, each one leading a horse behind her with her drunken husband on the saddle. Anyway, the people and landscape are far more interesting than Sa Pa. These minority people live highest in the mountains, and are renowned for their musicality, songs and word-play. The women wear tunic-style dresses of hemp fabric, dyeing with natural indigo to a deep purple-black. They wear strips of indigo cloth as leggings, and stunning silver bangles around their necks and arms.
To attend the Sunday (weekly) Market, minority people may have to walk for 20 km, most of the time with their merchandises in the back-basket. This photo shows a lady selling peanuts. I walked back and forth in front of her several times, but didn?t see a buyer. Shooting this picture, I wonder what if nobody is going to buy? Perhaps she was thinking the same as me!
I am trying one more time to see if O could send you the link for our planned trip:www.trekearth.com/read.php?f=8&t=47972&m=87300Thanks for asking. Regards,
Really? Me and my wife (she is a journalist) really want to visit those places and people. Thank you for kindly invitation. Is there any special event in february 2005? Can you give me any information details? By the way; did you ever think to visit Turkey? There are similar stories in Turkey too. You should have been heard about the Turkish hospitality. I'm waiting your feb-2005 program. Osman.
O.Cem GENCTURK: Thank you for your comments on both my photo and note. I wish you didn't say "I wish i were there and bought those peanuts.". Why only wish? You are more than welcome to visit this destination. I am serious! If you ever want to join our next trip in February 2005, just let me know.
I like your way telling the little stories about your photograph. It's great to see and understand that places, culture and people. Thank you for giving news from the other side of the earth. I wish i were there and bought those peanuts. Great frame and colors. Osman
Hello Gabry, and thank you so much for the pictures you took of Sardinia for me. Without your help, it is hard for me to obtain such beautiful photos of a remote island like yours.
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