November is the coolest time in Northern Vietnam. These days are sunny, windy, crystal blue sky and a little dry air to let our skin more brighter with happy smile on our face... So we decided to have a picnic in Sóc Sơn - 35km far from Hanoi center.
We started from 9am and it was took 50mins from Mỹ Đình, Hanoi to Sóc Sơn - by drive moto bike, where locates this camping site called Bản Rõm. It is deep inside the pine forest. We rent big tents, mattresses, bbq hubs then held a BBQ party there.
We did BBQ with shrimp, pork and beef, also some vegetable... This job is simple and fast enough to let people can stay together but easy to get a good meal. It made the feeling that we can help and support, also, chit chatting when preparing the meal could make us understand more about our private life...
We spent 2hrs underneath the pine trees to eat and chit chat, also drinking some rice wine could make people open their stories more easier. Because some of us would drive moto bike back to Hanoi, so we did not. But in the air which included the nice smell from traditional rice wine also could let us more happier than a normal.
In the afternoon, we spent time to explore the camping site which included the free services. Visited the pool for children and a massive pond which we could catch the colorful fishes. Playing in the playing ground as 10 year old child could help me forget all the stress from working and looks younger.
Later, we joined in the class which teach us how to make a traditional Bánh trôi. This cake is one of the most simple one that I've ever known. Just rice flour with water, sugar..rolling to be round then boil it... Surprisingly it could be a nice white cake which melted sweet in your mouth.
This camping site also provide free kumquat tea, which can fresh your mind and reduce the heavy feeling in your stomach after eating many meat.
We finished all activities at 4pm then do cleaning before leaving. My friend's kids really wanted to stay more and longer but all have to say goodbye and hope we can meet each others in another camping time.
Whenever hang out outside with family or friends, specially if I could stay with natural long time, my soul and body look peaceful and healthy more than anytime after get treatment in spa. And really happy that my friends also feel same to not stop planing another trip in the future.
Hope you had a nice weekend and your soul now better than ever to ready for new week tomorrow~
-Jessica-