At first the road was well-maintained, with concrete
stairs designed to accommodate people and motorbikes.
Ma #2, leading the way, has her baby in a traditional carrier; the colorful blanket is blocking most of it but some blue and white embroidered material is visible at the bottom. We wanted to buy one! This was an unusual request, because it was an authentic item that didn't usually interest tourists, and also because they knew we didn't have kids and weren't expecting one. Back home, six months later, we have our Mong carrier, and--surprise--we have a baby son through open adoption (right, with Kristin)!
Top: Viet Nam - June 2009. Bottom: Whittier, California - October 2009.
