Da Lat Day 4- Walking aound town and doing chores

Much shorter post for today (I promise)....I forgot to mention that yesterday my inkeeper, Miss Chi, let me know that the bike was leaking oil. I could see where it was coming from- a seam where the
oil sump meets the transmission (I think). I wanted to know how much it was losing so I resolved to wash the bike today and put a clean piece of paper under it to check the size of the leak. Before that I wanted to see the town on foot so I set off to walk around some of Da Lat. After wandering for about 40 minutes I saw a large lake probably 5 k around with a green space all around it. I strolled along enjoying the green and the views and the traffic and came to a large garden park with tour buses all over and people taking pictures of each other in front of the 20 meter tall gate. A ticket was only 20,000 VND- about 50 cents - so why not?
Inside were many interesting sights- dragon, giraffe and other animal topiaries, a covered rose garden, walkways with fountains and statues, a cactus garden and many different flower beds. Also there were men with horse carts and pony photo ops which the aduls seemed to enjoy as much as the kids. Many muligenerational families with the grandmas all dressed up and the kids in their shorts and sneakers, but all very neat and tidy. Today I had prepared by wearin my nicest dress shirt and clean slacks to explore so I wouldn't feel so out of place.
After awhile I found some small sack stalls and bought an ice cream cone and I felt very at ease and relaxed. A beautiful experience watching the families and seeing how we are all the same when it comes to sharing the joy! Cool...
Leaving the garden I continued around the lake finally coming to downtown area with highrise shops and some modern looking storefronts. I had three shopping goals today- 1) get snacks for the room, which I accomplished by buying chips at the garden's little snack area. The bags are unusual in that they are puffed up like a balloon and taut. I don't know if that is because of the manufacturing process or to show the consumer they really are sealed!
2) check on a new sim card for the phone; I had made a mistake when I got my sim card and only purchased 60 megs of data when I could have had unlimited for pennies more, really, and I wanted to dump my card and start with a new one or pay a little more an upgrade. Somehow I never found a Mobiphone place and the Vietphone people did not understand that I wanted to change plans and just kept pointing across the street or somewhere and saying "Mobiphone".
I never did find where the pointed area was. So failure!
3) Buy oil for the bike- found it and bought .8 liters, kind of expensive at 70,000 VND, but it was a posted price so I know I was paying what the locals do. Nice little family ran the shop. The had an empty birdage in front which had obviously had a bird at some point, but no bird now.
On my travels I found a restaurant that served pizza so I figured I'd go there for dinner. Found another one at the main traffic circle in town and was delighted to get a menu with pictures and prices! They had a fruit plate that looked awesome in the picture and they had glass of milk on the menu which sounded really good. Placed my order and settled in to watch the traffic circle ballet.
These guys can carry anything on motorbike! The wildest thing I saw today was a chest of drawers that was being balanced on the seat between the rider and the passenger!! Just fun to observe.
Fruit plate came and it was good but competely different from the picture. It included avocado though which was great and salty and hot spice you could dip the fruit- hot peppers so needed to go sparingly, but quite good.
After getting home, changing and cooling off I put the bike across the street and using a wash basin borrowed from the guesthouse I started washing it. I think everyone within four blocks came by to see me do this. They may even have called their relatives! I think they get used to backpackers having dirty bikes or paying someone to wash it so I was an abnormality. My Landlady had a small coniption when she came out and checke on me and saw how dirty her washbasin was getting. I had carefully explained it was for washing the Mowtow, but I felt bad anyway. She brought me a five gallon bucket and some soap powder though and asked me politely if I ould clean the buckets with the soap when I was done. No problem. Took an hour to give the bike its first wash and clean up then back into the hotel with a fresh piece of paper and a new rag fromthe landlady under it to check the leak. After 5 hours it was less than a teaspoon so I will just add oil every couple of days and keep an eye on it inbetween. When something else breaks I will see about getting it tightened up, but little bikes like this are probably going to leak now and then.
For dinner I walked back to the pizza place, but apparently they are only open for lunch! It was pouring again and I was in my full rainsuit and OR Seattle Sombrero for the trek. I saw a very fancy place and went in for a really expensive dinner intead- french cuisine- and my first glass of wine in Asia- a delicious French Cabernet Saugvinon and m Chicken in Rosemary reduction sauce with Mashed Potatos and mixed vegetables (steamed carrot, broccoli, and cauliflower) was very good- especially the rosemary sauce! Topped off with Creme Caramel and black coffee mmmmmm...but expensive- first time I ever spent a million on a meal! Still, in USD it wa only about 60 bucks for a fine french meal including a Ceasar Salad (with anchovies, Dad), so no complaints from me, plus it was the FIRST place to take my check card! Hurrah!!!
Back home stuffed and now done with my writing I will check out tomorrow and flip a coin to see what direction I go- Heads, the Beach- tails, the Hills!

Da Lat Day 4- Walking aound town and doing chores

Da Lat, Vietnam