Easy Rider - Day 3

We covered quite a big distance on the bikes today, from Buon Ma Thuot to Kon Tum.

Unfortunately just before we left, Hung had an accident while he & Loc were messing about with the plastic wraps for our backpacks. He got hit in the eye by the rubber tie and had to go to hospital because someting shattered in his eye (either a glass eye, or contact lens)...very unlucky.

Loc had to quickly find another motorbike driver (and one that he trusted) for us to take Hung's place. Our new guy, Man, couldn't speak a word of English...a bit annoying but nothing we could do.





We stopped at various war memorials, and saw some Russian tanks. This area was heavily bombed by American B-52 raids during the war. At another plantation, 'funny-man Loc' made us try a "different type of coffee bean"...turned out to be a peppercorn! Rubber trees are planted over much of the area as well, and the sap is collected in small bowls hanging from the tree every month or so. They put coloured strips around the tree to mark when the sap has been taken....kind of interesting.



On arrival in Kom Tum, we went briefly to another minority village, and saw the Communal rong house - a tall thatched-roof buildings on stilts used as a meeting house. There was also a wooden Catholic church (built by the local people) nearby.

For dinner we all ate at a wild foods restaurant - it was excellent (again!)...wild boar & deer which we cooked on the table in front of us. All for about $1 each :)