Rock of Ages

 Imagine a cave that would snugly fit a cathedral. And in fact, there was a feeling of reverence in the cavern we visited in one of the karsts. Limestone is solvable and because of the age of these Methuselahs, water has had time to do its job. 

Even though it was tenish degrees outside we sported a sheen of sweat on our faces from the underground heat. 

On the way back to Hanoi, the group stopped at Green Life that turns scrap plastic into sturdy bags for shopping or the beach etc. Many old Communist posters are used. They also recycle strapping that holds heavy loads together to  weave smaller bags. 

In 1999, Jimmy Pham, a Viet tour guide, started a charitable organization called Know One Teach One. He funds two year programs open only to disadvantaged and underprivileged young people to become certified in the hospitality industry. His KOTO restaurant in Hanoi helps to fund the program. We were served by some recent grads and others cooked in the kitchen. Intrepid Travel paid for the meal. It was amazing. 

And so our tour ended. I will however be completing several more catch up posts and a few reflections.