The last hoorah

June 8-12
My position at the school is now over and the final details are wrapping up.  We are now on Whale Island, a small island  marine reserve with an eco hotel on it.  In 1997, a couple decided to try and save some of the coral and the fish habitat by making the waters around this island safe from fishing and environmental damage.  The resort is spartan, only LED lights in the room, no air conditioning (fans available), bamboo straws in the drinks.

Getting on our boat.  A 15 minute ride to the island.

Sunset on the bar dock.

All meals are set.  There is a variety of 3-4 dishes for lunch and dinner which always includes rice and a dessert.  Most dishes have a fish element to them and are very tasty.  Only the mango salad with anchovies did not agree with me.

Sunset view from our cottage and one of our little friends to keep us amused as we lounge.  

On one of the days, we took a boat to do some snorkelling.  There are a few shallow reefs near the resort but the boat trip afforded more to see.  The coral was interesting and the fish were small but fun to watch.

getting ready to jump into the water.  Today we took a short hike to a look out point on the island.

Tomorrow we fly back to Saigon .  We have all day Thursday to finalize accounts with the housing agent and then we move into an airport hotel after one last dinner out with friends before Friday's flight home.

mini get away

April 28-May1
Despite a stomach flue that had me feeling weak and tired, we flew out to DaLat on Saturday.  It is a short hop by plane- 45 minutes.  But the change in scenery and temperature is a welcome retreat.  It is a national holiday and things were insanely busy. We spent our first night in The Red House Backpackers hostel (we were lucky to get any accommodation this long weekend).  We had our own room but shared a shower and toilet.  It was OK and still not a huge bargain as everyone put up the prices by 100 - 200%.  The next morning we had booked a 2 day outdoor adventure tour - cycling, hiking and rafting.  I was still not feeling great but managed a 24km ride and a 5 km hike.  At least half of the bike ride and the hike were up hill.

Some of our biking scenery.

Stopped at a beautiful waterfall on our hike. We stayed the night at another hostel in the national park.  Comfy but spartan.  I am still not able to eat much and the smell of food puts me off but I was ready for day 2.  I did a 40 km ride in total.  We had made it to the highest point and the next was a 30m km downhill ride.  It was amazing.  The scenery stunning.  

Frank and our guide taking a break by one of the numerous waterfalls along the route.

Our views

Enjoying the scenery before continuing the ride.

Once we reached the valley it was time to go rafting.  The water was low but we still had to navigate some rapids.  Frank and I were in one boat and our guide took another one.  Before leaving there were two curious boys who wanted to go for a ride and since children here are 'free range', our guide took them along for the ride and then we returned them to our original spot. It was a beautiful sunny day but very windy and so at times we had to paddle hard or else not move despite going down river with a pretty strong current. We were then returned to DaLat but spent the night at a gorgeous hotel - Zen Cafe.  It is nestled on the outskirts of town and very quiet.  

The owner was German and the menu included some German dishes.  We had pork Schneitzel and speszle.  I just wished I had regained some of my appetite - still not myself :( but a great way to end the mini vacation.  As we boarded the plane for Saigon,  we watched as a large thunder and lightning storm threatened a flight delay but off we went.

Going Solo

April14-15
With Frank exploring the northern part of Vietnam, I decided to check out district 2 a bit more.  I checked into a boutique hotel that is right on the Saigon river.

The view from my room makes it hard to believe that I am still in Saigon. The hotel is called the River Cottage and the rooms are elegant with a rustic flavour.  I love the tiles that are so common here.

Plumbing is exposed and really gives the industrial/rustic/elegant look.  

Entrance.

View from the deck.  I next walked to a clothing store I like - The Closet.  On my way back I saw a roof-top bar that was hosting a garage sale of clothing no longer needed.  Perfect time to get a refreshment while enjoying people watching.  

Back at the hotel the sun was setting and a great opportunity to watch the big ships glide by.

Looks like time for another refreshment:) The next morning I found an art gallery to visit.  The building was made of shipping containers brightly painted.  There was a meagre display  but it was still interesting.

Then it was off to find lunch.  After some research, there was a great spot, again on the river not far from The Factory (the art gallery).

Lunch was spinach ravioli, a glass of proseco and a trio of creme brûlée.

The grounds were beautiful and encouraged you to linger.

A great weekend in town.

March Long weekend

March 22-25th
Friday was a day off and so we booked a one hour flight to Da Nang with reservations at a hotel outside of Hoi An called Christina's.

part of our room

view from our balcony

This area is an organic gardening district and has beautiful gardens and the area is quiet, the temperatures moderate.  We could sleep with the windows open.

beautiful bathroom

We used the bikes each day to tour the area.  It was 1 km to the beach and 4km to the village of Hoi An.  The next morning was my birthday and since the staff had my passport, they knew it was my birthday and so for breakfast brought flowers and a delicious cake - very sweet.

cake and flowers for breakfast

The gardens were beautiful and the small restaurants in the area served fresh vegetables

freshly picked.

On the way to the beach we saw a small shop with shoes and found out we could have some custom made in 24 hours.  So we had our feet measured and we each ordered a pair of sandals and a pair of shoes.  Total cost for all 4 was $150.US

getting our feet measured and then choosing the style of shoe we wanted

We spent the morning on the beach.  Cost of a lounge chair and umbrella right on the beach - $2.50 for the day.

Always time for a chilled glass of Rosé 

family and friends

March, 2018
We have enjoyed the company of family and friends for the last two weeks.

Cocktails and tapas on the roof of the Pullman. A great way to enjoy the city.

The Lobby of the historic Majestic Hotel in Saigon.  

Sunrise from Grace Boutique hotel in Mui Ne.

Our hosts at Grace.  We have developed a cherished friendship with Van and Loan.  We have returned many times and will make at least one more visit before heading home.

Local fishing village.

A Selfie

Our room with a view.

Lunch at a road side food court.  Excellent choices and an amazing ginger lemonade.