contraditions

When we walked with the hilltribe women the other day, we only had so much money with us and there were more of them than us.  When we asked whether they might share the money, oh no, they keep what they are given.  It appers that they children of people who have been educated get an education.  The children of farmers are farmers.  The hilltribe are subsidized and they can have as many children as they are able.  The people of Sapa...can have 2 but if they have more, they must pay a tax.   The car can be purchased for $15K but there is a 100% tax...so it will cost you $30K.  You can borrow money to buy a house, but first you must own the property.  When I think of a commune, I think more equal or sharing.   not the case.  This poor developing country offers health insurance for $10 a year... and US?  We have gotten snatches of TV and news and followed CNN for a little in Sapa.  This is a remote coastal area so the electricity went off and with it...the TV..   The electric came back but not the cable.  It is strange...and just a few minutes ago, the room went dark but not the computer.  This is the most luxurious place we have stayed and it is almost time for dinner.   I do not wish to say more until we are back in BKK....