Saturday, January 21

Off to Phu Quoc

Saturday, January 21

We had wanted to go to the island of Phu Quoc for a few years now, but unless you plan well in advance the hotels are quite often sold out.  This year we had hoped to go to Cambodia to see the work Wullie is doing in Cambodia, but between the flights being rather expensive (for an hour flight) and our being here such a short time, we decided that wouldn’t work.  We looked at Phu Quoc once again and were able to book a very nice hotel on the water for a reasonable price and very reasonable flight costs, so the decision was made.

 If you want to read about what he is doing/has done (it is very interesting) you can check out this webpage --  Wullie: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=ABC

Phú Quốc is a Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. It's known for white-sand beaches and resorts, most of which are along the palm-lined southwest coast. More than half of the island is part of Phú Quốc National Park, which features mountains, dense tropical jungle, hiking trails and wildlife. Duong Dong is the largest town, with day and night markets selling crafts, produce and fish.

We had decided to leave our large suitcases in storage at the hotel and simply take our smaller bags for our short get-a-way.  Last year when we checked out of this hotel they had housekeeping come up to check on its condition before they would let us go.  To be efficient, we decided I would head down to the front desk with our 2 large suitcases for them to store and tell them we were ready to check out, leaving Julie in the room for the housekeeping quality check.  (last year they couldn't find a hair dryer that was supposed to be there, but we had no idea, had never looked for nor used it and they let us go anyway, so not really sure the purpose of this final check.)   

I show up at the front desk with our two suitcases, explain we’re checking out and want to store the luggage.  The man looks at me with a very quizzical expression on his face (Oh no, am I talking too fast again?  Or lacking in my explanation skills? )  He finally speaks and says he is confused because he understands I am checking out, but  "sees only one person". (Was he wondering what I had done with Julie Bulie???)   I told him I thought someone needed to be in room for the checkout inspection.  Nope, he says we are ready to go.  Oh boy … we tried.  He took our luggage to storage and I went back up got Julie and we were on our way to the airport.  :-)

Due to the upcoming Vietnamese new year we have been advised to arrive to the airport early because this is the time of year everyone travels to spend time with their family.  However, we got there in plenty of time so treated ourselves to a foot massage (ahhhhh). 

Quick 40 minute flight – 10 minute ride to airport and we have been transported from the city of cars, motorbikes, honking horns and buses to palm trees, cool breezes, and beautiful views.  Again …. Ahhhhh.  We spent the late afternoon by the pool and beach, watched an absolutely beautiful sunset (and as it dropped below the horizon we asked it to provide a nice day for you guys as you were waking up!)

We dined at the hotels Italian restaurant – a bit expensive, but good. And we indulged in rather expensive, but well worth it, ice cream for dessert, a scoop of carmelized banana ice cream and a scoop of chocolate for me, (I repeated this dessert on Sunday night too!)  Heavenly.  My mom would be proud of me!!

Off to bed – looking forward to another relaxing day tomorrow.