Saturday, 20th October 2007
Ningming, China
Annuity Dance
Tour de Vietnam
Survivors of CAITA 2007
Never leave home without cards
'Homecoming' celebrationsToday was essentially the last day of the Rally, although, to be accurate, our drive in convoy this Monday to Nanning will be the last leg. Our early 5.30AM start this morning went without a hitch and after a quick breakfast we were on the road in darkness, negotiating the streets of Hanoi.
We have not had the time to take a look at Hanoi but a number of things struck us on the way out. Firstly, heavy traffic was in evidence, even at this early hour. It was quite remarkable how many people were out exercising. Staying fit is clearly important to the locals. The Red River flows through Hanoi and we passed a very wide stretch of this famous body of water. The Ba Dinh Square, Parliament Building and Prime Minister’s Office were on our route.
We now faced a 180 kilometer drive to the Chinese border at Lang Son. The scenery on this stretch was about the best for the entire trip. Northern Vietnam is clearly very fertile and the farming is intense and almost manicured. Crops of wheat, corn, rice and, banana are everywhere in the most orderly patterns. The farming is conducted in between many large mountainous stone outcrops giving a beautiful backdrop to the landscape.
We reached the border after a morning tea break and leisurely drive at about 10AM. Participants and cars were cleared eventually by 11AM but what really moved us all was the welcome put on by the organizers. Immediately we crossed into China, we were greeted by the Deputy Governor of Guangxi Province (who saw us off in Singapore) and a number of other prominent officials. Also there were 40 or so dancers in costume greeting us in the local manner. It was a wonderful welcome when contrasted with our treatment by Vietnam yesterday.
The welcoming ceremonies continued for about 2 hours with more dancing, speeches and ceremony from our very generous hosts. Press were in attendance in force. Representatives of each participating nation were presented with floral bouquets. This must be one of the most photographed events this writer has ever attended. The scope of the welcome was beyond our expectations.
A short 40 kms drive from the border (making 234 kms for the day, 4,800 kms to date) is our accommodation for the next two nights, the Hua Shan Guest House. Basic but comfortable, we will stay here for two nights before driving to Nanning for the big closing ceremonies. We were interested to learn that this ‘hotel’ was a Military Command Centre during China’s brief war with Vietnam in 1979.
“Team Singapore, Motorsports (TSM) arrived safely in NingMing, a holding area for rest-and-relax, group photography and debrief by organizer prior to the grand finale in Nanning. Given the relative inexperience of TSM line up, both men and machines had completed the endurance test without any major incident. I am proud that we not only rode the wave but had established ourselves as exemplary ambassadors of TSM. Mr Winson Ow from SMSA who flew in today to take part in the closing ceremonies.”
Leslie Chang, Chief d’ Mission, TSM.
