December 8,

We were up and about by 0700. Today is another transition/moving on day. We had our Javas and breakfast. Then packed up and readied. Jeff got in touch with our hostess. At 1125, I went down to make sure we wouldn't miss our ride – they said they would arrive earlier, around 1130, not the 1145- 1200 as had been the original set time. So Jeff waited in the room, for the hostess to come and clear us. Meanwhile downstairs, I waited for 1130 Red Bus Limousine to show up. of course it did at 1130. I was attempting to WhatsApp with Jeff; as the driver was Google translating to me if I was his pick up going to Nha Trang; and Jeff showed up. All pretty much simultaneous!!!

Anyway that sorted, we got on the bus. We were the first ones on. The bus is pretty nice inside – lit up like a party limo. Our seats are comfy and pivot back as a unit. We each were given a mini bottle of water. The bus picked up a total of five more people, leaving two empty seats as we leave town. The driver went onto the toll road. Jeff saw that it cost 100,000 Dong, basically $4. The road went through the Ham Deo Ca – Deo Ca Tunnel. It is 13,190 m long, which is 13.19 km – that equals 8.196 miles. It was crazy long!! Then we went through another, much shorter tunnel, Co Ma Tunnel. As result of going through the tunnels, we missed the Ca Pass, which is 333m (1,092.5 feet) high. These mountains we went under separate two provinces here in Vietnam. At 1315, we stopped in town of Ninh Hoa at Cà Phê – Giải Khát Hoàng Yến cafe (amazing what you can find in Google!) for snack & toilet stop. We split a small bag of chips. At 1330, we loaded back up and moved on.

We now pass more water filled fields. We had come into Nha Trang, and our hotel/apartment complex, Wise Stay Gold Coast by 1400. The place is very tall, but the entrance is a mall! We went into the mall but did not see the way into the apartment area. Jeff got in touch in with our hostess. She sent a video… it was around on the side. We found it and got the key card from the security guard. We get in the elevator- realizing we are on the 38 floor! There are 40 floors total. We get into our place and it is great! We have a kitchen that is equipped – we have actual mugs, pots, a skillet, and forks/spoons! We haven't had a real kitchen for awhile, but this stuff should be in every kitchen– it's basics. Anyway, there is a really nice bathroom, a nice dining table, a couch and a great balcony with an ocean view! I love it! But this is the highest we have ever been! The height is intimidating, I don't know if I will overcome this one.

Anyway, we unloaded and went down to the mall below us for lunch. It also has a grocery store, very convenient! It was difficult to find a restaurant open as it was around 1500. We ended up at Soba in a food court around a game zone area that has bowling. We ordered Steamed Pork Dumplings (Ha Cao Hap Thit Heo) & Black Sauce Noodles (Mi Tuong Den). It was pretty good. I had a Korean Soju, traditionally a fermented rice drink; and Jeff had a beer. After eating, we went to the grocery store. We bought quite a bit, mostly breakfast stuffs. We went back to our place – having to go out of the mall in a bit of rain, but only around to the side of the building. I will get spoiled with this. Unloaded and went back out, walking, to a get some wine and rum. Successful, but it was raining after we started back, so Jeff hired a Grab to get back. Then we settled into our apartment. We did WhatsApp with my mom. After that, we ate a snack of crackers and PB. Later we did Zoom with our church back home. Bed by 2330.

     December 9,

We were up and around by 0700, both having slept well. Our place is nice and dark, and the bed is comfortable for both of us, which is a task with our differences. We had our Javas and breakfast of Muesli, yogurt/milk, and a great mango. The view this morning is well, gray, and looks like it will rain, yet again. 🤔 We watched the Chiefs–they pulled out yet another win! This one was luck! I think it should be coined the “dooiinngg” game. LOL!! 😂🤣

We did WhatsApp videos with our sisters and then it was 1300. I guess that was too much sitting, as my back started troubling me. So we ate in for lunch – a Greek salad we made and a bit of bread, a good brown sesame seeded loaf. It was a nice lunch. It rained a small bit. So the afternoon and evening was planning sessions for the next years' ventures. Our hostess did come shortly after 1500 for payment of the place. It is costing us just under $23/night for the five nights we are here. Also earlier, we had a housekeeper ring our doorbell for service, we just did a towel exchange and she gave us two mini bottles of water. That's interesting, we weren't expecting that.

For supper Jeff went to get us some take away Pho. We enjoyed Rare Beef Pho with a poached egg. The beef and egg were already cooked just in the short time of Jeff's return back, but it was still good and hit the spot. After dinner, we attempted showering. I phrase it this way because we get hot water but it only lasts briefly – like under five minutes! This is the only thing I have found wrong with this place. I went to bed with the TENS unit. The battery is starting to run out, so we'll have to find some of those tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be nice tomorrow and be able to get out … fingers crossed!🤞🏻