How I got to Babe national park
Next destination was Babe national park in northeast Vietnam. Easiest way again through Hanoi. It seemed to me that not many tourists go there because they don't sell the bus ticket there in the hostels. I was only told to go directly to the bus station and buy the ticket there. The bus station is far from the centre so I took my backpack and went to the station on the cheap public bus. I found the counter, where the ticket to Babe was supposed to be sold, but I was told that the bus is at 6 pm and I can not buy the ticket before 4 pm.
It was just after midday so I decided to explore the neighbourhood. After a hearty lunch and a long walk with my backpack, I came back and played on my cell phone. The counter was empty. I was waiting after 4 pm, but nobody came. Also, other counters were deserted and the only employer sent me to the empty counter for the ticket. I was waiting, time was passing and my battery was getting lower and lower. After 6.30 I knew that there is no bus to my destination, and if there was any kind of transport there, it was definitely not for me. So I had to go back to the centre, find again my favourite hostel and find another way to get to my planned destination. Last 15% of my battery, wide road to cross and only hope. I took the first bus heading to the centre and my cellphone died. My power bank was in the backpack but the bus was full so I could not take it. Using only my memory and intuition I got off the bus not far from the hostel, on the way I found an agency selling tickets to the national park and arrived safely into the hostel, where the friendly receptionist was welcoming me with the biggest smile.
So next morning I was heading to the north, excited to see the beautiful tourists almost untouched nature. We were late and the way took a long time. I don't know why but I expected the bus would drop me somewhere in the middle of the national park. But when we arrived at the main gate I was told that the bus is not allowed to go into the natural reservation. Cars and motorbikes are of course alright, not the bus. There is a big expensive hotel before the entrance but I had booked a homestay almost seven kilometres from my location. I put my backpack and started the long evening walk.
It was already dark and I was still far far away from my homestay. I sent my wish to the universe, that I would appreciate somebody on a motorbike who would give me a lift. As we wish, we receive. The problem was that I did not want to pay, of course. After a few minutes walking a guy on a motorbike stopped next to me and offered me a ride. My first question, of course, was how much. He said 5 (5.000 dongs, which is like 20 cents). I knew that this price was ridiculous, so I asked him again and wrote the number 5 in the air. He accepted. So I got on his motorbike and rode towards my homestay. When we arrived I was giving him 10.000 but he said no, five. I was maybe selfish but I didn't want to understand. So when he showed me the 50.000 note I told him that he should learn numbers if he wants to get money from tourists. And then I ran away to my homestay. For the rest of my stay, I was always worried about meeting him again. Always when motorbikes passed, I pretended that I was invisible. Now I am wiser, it is always better to support locals. I won't be selfish anymore.
Do not be selfish...