BUY FROM ME !!!

As far as I can tell, there are 3 main attraction bringing both nationals and foreigners to Sapa. The mountain scenery, the local ethnic minorites and the farming techniques.

All are good reasons to visit but our expectations of Sa Pa were dramatically different then what we actually experienced.

Xuan was disappointed with the behavior of the local Red Dao and the Black Hmong. I was just frustrated. These tribal groups each have a unique history, culture and language. The men work the farms and the women make arts and crafts to be sold at the local markets.

The funny thing is 95% of the 'authentic' Hmong/Dao trinkets available are mass produced. When you first arrive you are greeted by friendly locals who ask your name and country. Then they get right down to business. All foralities aside, they want you to purchase a handbag. Once you've made the mistake of buying something, the word goes out (through the internet??) and you are instantly surrounded. "Buy from me. Buy from me. Buy from me!" It doesn't matter that they are trying to sell you the exact same thing you bought already, you must buy from them as well. "You buy from her, now you BUY FROM ME!"

The first day I bought a set of postcards. Then the locals figured it was their turn. But they wouldnt offer you a different product. They figured you wanted postcards...."Buy from me!"

At first it was a surprise how agressive they were. Then it became rather frustrating. Xuan was sad that their 'traditional' lifestyle has changed so dramatically - especially when Xuan contrasts this experience with another village she traveled to over a year ago. The sad part about this, is they're agressive style probably scares away potential sales.

After a day, Xuan and I adapted to the locals, and made a little game of it - hide and seek. Just tiptoe real quite and maybe they wont notice us...... lol

One man made the mistake of purchasing a Black Hmong hat, while waiting for his pizza. After 30 minutes, he had roughly 10 women trying to sell him a hat. He made the mistake of pointing to his hat and saying, "I already have one!" This only encourages them...We finished our meal, and went for a walk. Passing by the pizzarea 30 minutes later the crowd had increased. Troi oi
Here are a couple pictures of the locals

A man surrounded by Red Dao - everyone of them selling the exact same thing. The Red Dao were much more agressive than the other groups. You had to completely ignore them for 5 minutes in order for them to give up. The baskets they carry were full of sugar cane, which they would chew on all day long.

"Wanna buy a hat??"



At one point Xuan and I laughed as he pointed to his hat probably saying, "I already bought one...."

"Wanna buy a hat?"

Very shortly he shares his pizza with them. Within 5 minutes there was a crowd of Hmong.

These kids would give you a free gift and then hassle you for as long as it took to make the sell. Xuan gave the free gift back - harder than you would think.

At the end of the trek tour Vans waited to take us back into town. This man couldn't escape the Red Dao...

BUY FROM ME !!!