After meeting the team in Son La city, we are ready to head to our collecting site. This is the last stop for tea before leaving the highway. I grab the opportunity to have a photo taken of two friendly hill tribe women.

The man in uniform is Mr. Shan, a representative from the local Forestry Products Department, who accompanies us throughout our expedition. On the far left is Dr. Nuyen Tien Hiep, leader and coordinator of our expedition.