Getting right into it in Viet Nam

So finally arrived here after months of planning...here in Hanoi getting a feel for the climate, the culture....and the traffic. For anyone who has been to Viet Nam...you know what I mean! For those who haven't, picture fish swimming in from all directions to a convergence of many rivers. Somehow they all seem to swim past each other - whether in a car, motorbike or bicycle - but it is a mystery how it all happens. Will be used to it soon I'm sure!

For now, I have 11 days of work before my lovely sister arrives. Here in Hanoi at the ChildFund National Office til Wednesday, then start the mega trek up to Cao Bang on Thursday. I will be able to get first hand updates for all you good people who have donated and show you exactly where the money is going to.

Very excited to be here and can't wait for my big sis! xx

Longest ride

Thought I would add an image of Mt Pirongia as it has been my constant companion on my bike trips. Managed 70kms today, very pleased with accomplishment but feeling a tad weary and sore. Especially my bottom, I think the Tour de France riders and the like must have a bionic bum because I know they are younger, fitter and smaller than me BUT eh! they have to sit on a smaller seat for a lot longer!!
Anyway my delightful sister is off tomorrow to start working in Vietnam, safe travels sis!
Gorgeous kids eh! from the previous image.
Another quote from Maria: "There is always novelty and the possibility of excitement, for it is unusual, on a bicycle trip, that everything happens as it is expected or has been planned for."

The kids of Cao Bang

Hi all.
Thanks to all Sally's amazing friends for her support, wow shows what a special girl I am going with!
Managed my longest bike trip yesterday around Te Pahu, Ngahinapouri and Whatawhata, 44kms. What a beautiful country we live in, lovely country scenery, cows and horses and a few cars to keep me amused. Sore butt though! And sore arm, 9 vaccinations (Rabies and Hep B needed 3 of each), 2 oral drinks and sore malaria tablets. All sorted now!
Another Quote from Maria 1896. Difficulties to Overcome: No matter what happens, keep it going, the faster the better, until a taste is acquired for the pastime; until the going-forward-fo0rever idea seems to have taken possession of you.

Danielle Cormack supports the Vietnam Malnutrition Campaign

ChildFund Ambassador, Danielle Cormack (NZ actress), visited the ChildFund project we are raising money for a couple of months ago and has come back transformed. She had an article in last months Women's Day and has written this letter out to ChildFund supporters telling them about the need for assistance in the Cao Bang area of Vietnam.

So don't take my word about the urgency of the need - listen the celebrity! Check out the latest Woman's Day or the ChildFund website from next week!

Two weeks to go!

Well two weeks to go until I depart for Vietnam to go and monitor the project that we are raising money for so I can give you all the latest from the field and let you know where your generously donated money is going to...also I will share stories and info from Cao Bang, and start the countdown to the big cycle - starting June 9! So watch this space....love the cycling sisters x

Enjoying the sunshine!

Hi all
Another bike ride around the lovely hills of Te Pahu this morning, 33kms
Thought I would share this quote from Maria E. Ward Bicycling for Ladies, 1896
Difficulties to Overcome: There is the mounting difficulty and the steering difficult and the pedalling difficulty; and then there is the general difficulty of doing all these things together.

Still going!

Well still keeping going, although after 20kms riding boy does my bum hurt!

Have had 2 lots of vaccinations, 3 injections per visit. Boy these were the things I didn't think about but necessary. Have been enjoying the lovely weather recently biking around Te Pahu.

Out and about on the hills by Pokuru (out of Te Awamutu) on my 31km trip on Saturday 

Me surviving the first 30km trip to Dinsdale, Hamilton on Anzac Day.

Thanks everyone for your amazing support - Kim and Sally