Thawing in Vietnam: Breathing in Paradise

The final full day on Phu Quoc Island was, by far the most relaxing and rejuvenating day, which was, in fact spurred on by the misfortune of the previous nights battle with chili peppers. Regardless, the day was a perfect routine of eating, laying out, soaking up the warmth of the sea breeze underneath the palm trees, swimming, napping, eating again, short walks on the beach, reading, and napping some more.

Only two things were unwelcome on this final day of vacation: 1) a horrendous sunburn EVEN though the Harrington's took proper precautions with sunscreen and staying in the shade. Note to others: do not trust Vietnamese brand sunscreen and 2) a power outage in the evening prevented the couple from eating any where other than their hotel since they were unfortunately low on cash and staying at the hotel would allow them to pay by card the following day at check-out. 

So it was, in true Island fashion - napping on the beach and turning a bright pink by the end of the day, the Harrington's concluded their Island stay and went to bed knowing the next day would bring the next round of travels before seeing them back at home in Daejeon.

Thawing in Vietnam: Following Red Dirt Roads

Waking up in a bit of paradise involves slowly making one's way to the resorts open air restaurant for a complimentary breakfast buffet complete with baguettes, jams, fresh fruits, pancakes, omelets, various vegetable salads and dressings as well as watermelon juice and strong coffee. Enjoying said complimentary breakfast while watching small waves lap the shore and listening to the rustle of palm fronds. Continue the morning by showering and renting a motorbike from the front desk ($10US for the entire day, although cheaper can be found on the island) and commencing on an exciting day of touring and soaking in the revitalizing vacation vibe.

Decked out in helmets and matching sunglasses, the Harrington's took to the red dirt roads and occasional paved roads that define Phu Quoc infrastructure to enjoy a butt-numbing day of wind in the hair, slightly secluded beaches and the passing of densely forested jungle-scapes. After a few wrong turns, otherwise known as intentional detours to get a better feel of the island, the couple arrived at the phenomenally beautiful Sao Beach. White Sand. Blue Water. Palm Trees. Seaside Table serving up beers, fresh lemon sodas and an assortment of snacks. By far one of the most gorgeous places the Harrington's had ever been.

Following a bit of swimming, floating, and lounging on the beach it was back to the motorbike to continue island exploration. The next destination was a pearl farm where the Harrington's saw a pearl harvested from an oyster and proceeded into a large shop filled with thousands of gorgeous, pearly jewelry (a couple of which just so happened to make up the pair of earrings Melissa would eventually purchase to add to her travel-souvenir-accessory-collection).



Bedazzled with pearls and in desperate need of a quick shower and short rest back in their hotel room the couple made a short stop over before climbing back onto the bike and heading out toward Mango Bay for Happy Hour and the sunset. Enjoying the extreme privacy and seclusion of Mango Bay Resorts beach, the Harrington's breathed in the fresh and rejuvenating air, grateful for these moments to explore and be together.

However, the main purpose of coming this way, a bit north of their own resort, was to sample the delicious fares of Sakura, the number one rated restaurant on Phu Quoc Island according to tripadvisor.com. As promised, the restaurant provided heaping portions of some of the most amazing Vietnamese dishes the couple had yet encountered including foot long fresh spring rolls, chicken in coconut sauce and beef fried with chilies. Unfortunately, a day of bouncing on the back of a motorbike with sunglasses that were too tight and a lack of water intake left the Mrs. feeling a bit nauseated and unable to help with the task of eating the mountains of food. Generally up to the challenge, the man easily packed away an ambitious amount of dinner, including the chilies which would soon prove disastrous.

However, unaware of the troubles to come and desperate to return to the hotel and drift off into a deep, restorative slumber, the Harrington's made their way back to Arcadia Resort, where they did not enjoy a deep slumber but rather, one of the two had an unfortunate battle which waged throughout the night and into the next day...

Thawing in Vietnam: Welcome to Luxury

After two hours of sitting on the ferry, listening and watching Vietnamese pop music videos, the Harrington's were able to see the first signs of land, an island to be an exact. Phu Quoc Island for greater accuracy.

Having been in charge of booking a few accommodations prior to arriving in Vietnam, Mike had amazingly managed to keep the couples hotel location, name and perks a secret from the Mrs. Unfortunately, the taxi driver wasn't as keen on keeping things secret as he desired to get the couple to their final destination on Phu Quoc Island. With another traveling couple, the Harrington's then loaded a taxi and made their way to Long Beach where the Harrington's would find themselves spending the nights at Arcadia Resort, recently built and boasting beautiful grounds and beach access, it was a nice step up for the ever frugal M and M.

With a few hours separating the couple from dinner time, they quickly unloaded their single packs and made way for the beach. Their arrival on the beach perfectly coincided with Happy Hour and the sunset, so it was, with a Grasshopper cocktail in hand, the Harrington's began their relaxing, rejuvenating and slightly luxurious stay on Phu Quoc Island.

With the sun dipped below the horizon the couple set out to find a romantic dinner spot to celebrate the joy of simply being together, on vacation and in a place of beauty. Within minutes of walking, Melissa noted a sign for Le Bistro, a French Cafe recommended by Lonely Planet as providing delicious French and Vietnamese cuisine. An added bonus for the evening was that the couple arrived right on the tail end of Le Bistro's happy hour and so enjoyed 2 Lemon Rum's for the price of 1 (less than $1US). Aside from Happy Hour however, the couple enjoyed a most fantastic meal which began with a raw tuna salad, seared tuna steak and rice for the man and a pork chop with a creamy bacon and mushroom gravy with french fries for the lady. Overly stuffed, the couple had to turn down tempting desert items such as ice cream wrapped in puff pastry with chocolate sauce, and contentedly made their way back to Arcadia for a restful evening in paradise.