Vietnam - Ninh Binh

We were collected at 8.30 this morning and we set off for Cuc Phuong National Park which was about an hour away. This park was established in 1962 and is the oldest park in Vietnam. It was a hot and sunny day, the low cloud and grey skies caused by the weak monsoon we experienced in Hoa Binh (Mai Chau area) was over.

When we arrived we went to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. This houses many species of primates from mainly Vietnam but also a few species from Cambodia and Laos. These primates are endangered due to being hunted for meat and also as they are sold into China for medicinal purposes, and in some cases there are two left of a certain species. Of the 25 species of primates in Vietnam, 19 of those are endangered or critically endangered. The primates are mainly various types of Langurs and some Gibbons. If they are rehabilitated successfully they are released back into the wild. In addition they have a very successful breeding program there with 20 babies being born this year across the various species. We were asked to wear masks to protect the primates from disease - and in general, many people in Vietnam do wear masks all the time particularly the women, the men to a lesser extent. Our guide tells us it is also a way of protecting their face from the sun and not just to avoid viruses, and for pollution.

We also visited the turtle rehabilitation centre. Turtles are eaten in SE Asian culture and are also used for medicinal purposes in China, and some rare ones sell for US$ 22,000 per kg!

We then had lunch in the cafe there. It had been pre-organised and they brought us 10 dishes of various foods - I really could not eat all that food so asked our guide to join us. Tofu, spring rolls, chicken pieces, chicken kebabs, omelette, pork meat balls, a lamb and vegetable pho, cabbage, vegetables and of course rice! Too much food.

After lunch we set off on an 8 km walk through the jungle which was on a narrow concrete path built through the dense vegetation, mainly steep steps up the mountain and down again and up and down. It was quite a tough hike! We saw many ancient trees, one that is 1000 years old. 

On our way back to the hotel we passed an area where some farmers were in the rice paddy fields, either shrimping or collecting snails. This sampan had two farmers in it going home after their work, and as the paddy fields are full of water now they could go by sampan. The extras are of some smart houses in this area with the karsts in the background and the flooded paddy fields in the foreground.

Back in the UK, Anna was meant to graduate from her post graduate Masters degree today but the Pro-Palistinian protestors prevented that from happening by protesting in Senate House where the graduation ceremonies take place. I really wish they would protest in more appropriate places aimed more directly at those who can influence the Gaza war, instead of causing upheaval for students who wish to celebrate their success by graduating after working so hard to achieve their degrees.