Don't remember if I mentioned it, But decided to spend my last 3 days on Phu Quoc Island about a mile further North up the road. Found a hotel for $15 a night, booked three nights. A little further to the beach, about an 8-9 minute walk, but a bit better beach too (cleaner). Gorgeous Day at the beach today, but didn't bring my phone for pictures, hope it's nice tomorrow to get pictures. Warning! It will make you jealous if you love the beach and aren't at one currently. Here it's the Gulf of Thailand, the water is pretty calm and warmer than in Da Nang where it's South China Sea (Vietnamese call it the South Sea) with cooler (not cold) water and surf.
I sorted out the credit card problem I think by going to the website and updating my travel itinerary and dates. Next day was able to book my flight to Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang on the same day, New years eve. I booked the very first hotel that I stayed in the day I got to Vietnam. I got a message thru the booking site from the receptionist saying; "Thank you for booking our hotel, are you the guy that stayed in November in room 204? If so looking forward to seeing you again". Made me feel a little special!
Yesterday (new hotel arrival day) I mainly just wandered around, there is a larger city about 2 miles further North from here, I walked to where I could see the city, thought about walking further, decided not to and walked back. Picked up a six pack of the local's favorite beer, Bevina. Cheap ($.43 a can) 4% alcohol by volume (Bud Light is 5%) for my evening in the room.
My first morning I had no hot water, sucked it up and took a cold shower. Then went to reception with my laundry (2 pounds, $1.08 washed dried, and folded) and told them about the lack of hot water. So Mom (manager) calls Daughter (speaks better English) and we go to the room so they can see the problem. I show them no water flows on the hot water side, Ok, Ok we check! On the way out of the room, Mom sees the empty beer cans on the top of the fridge (6) and says "You drink lot of beer!" I laughed, and said, "Yes I do!" Mom and daughter were laughing on the way back to reception. I thought it was funny too!
Will post more pictures tomorrow (weather permitting) Phu Quoc has been a good experience, but so far have been more impressed with Da Nang because of the cheaper accommodations, and the close and very nice beach. And the beach area East of Hoi An! Enjoyed Hoi An City too, if it hadn't been raining so much it would have been awesome!
I have no idea what made me so sick my second week in Da Nang, though I suspect Dengue Fever (mosquito-borne). There is no vaccine and no cure currently, you can get it again, but if you survive the first infection your chances of a second infection are reduced. I'm using repellant every day now.
There are no guarantees in life, you can eat healthily, not drink, not smoke, and not take chances, but that won't necessarily mean you will live to be as old as me :) And you could die bored!
In short, I'm having a blast! Every day is a new adventure, I'm bucking my fears of what I don't know, I'm pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, and being rewarded with fabulous memories. Glad you're along for the ride.
P.S. Don't comment on my beer consumption, I'm 71, Retired, and on vacation! Cheers.
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