August 21,

We started with our morning Javas and breakfast of Muesli and yogurt. Now we set out to adventure!

We walked to the ticket office for the gondola to go to the water park and rollercoaster!  But the roller coaster is not going. We asked how long it won't be running, through Google translate. The ticket taker had to find out and then translate that back. She took awhile – like three minutes. (Thankfully there was not a long line.) Finally we were informed, it is supposed to be up and running the 28th. So we opted to wait as we are still here then. We hiked back up to our place and regrouped.

Adventure turned into Venture of Vietnam – well, this island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam. We loaded up on our scooter and set off. We are going north. The main road runs pretty much the middle of the island from north to south. Then the road connects along to the east coast and makes a big loop of the north-eastern two thirds of the island. We went up catching the east coastal road first.

Our first stop was Suoi Tien, translated as Fairy Waterfall. We had to do a little bit on some sand roads to get back into the waterfall. But the road was packed enough the scooter did fine. We arrived and parked. There was a 30,000 Dong ($1.20) charge for the parking, but no fee for the waterfall. We set off with a little trek to the stream of small, meandering waterfalls. It was great and we enjoyed this waterfall more than the prior one we had done two days ago. Because it was all natural – not a park of “cement” animals, or showcase of great wood sculptures. Simply, it was what we expected! There was another couple there enjoying, otherwise empty. So we meandered a bit further up the stream finding an area with a nice little pool. As we set up here the other couple left. We seemed to have it all to ourselves! We changed into our swimsuits and soaked. The water was cool and refreshing😅! So nice- we were revitalized and invigorated! There were tiny minnows we could see in our clear pool. They got used to us and actually came to check us out, even giving us a few little nibbles or kisses. We actually cooled off enough that we were had to get out. We changed our clothes and left – back to our scooter to our next stop.

Next place was called Love Rock on the coast. As we arrived – where it was supposed to be – the coastal area was so built up that we could not find it. So that was a bust, but we were enjoying the scenery and the forested areas of this part of the island. We were hungry at this point and found a place right on the coast. It was called Rory's Beach Bar. It was more than a bar- it was a small resort. There was a few rooms, a 9-hole mini golf course, a salt water pool, and a restaurant & bar. We were greeted by a hostess with an Australian accent. We looked at the menu and decided to stay. We ordered and while we were waiting for our food we talked some with the hostess and were introduced to the owner. He's a 70-ish man from Australia too. He's been in Vietnam for 13 years. He seemed a cheery mate. He pointed out mainland Vietnam and Cambodian Coasts! That's cool! It was nice to talk with him. Our food arrived and he excused himself.

We had Beer Battered Barramundi Fish, Chips, and Coleslaw with Aioli sauce; and Barramundi Fillet with Mango Salsa & Sauteed Green Beans. Both dishes were excellent! Barramundi fish is a great light flavored, flaky fish. I was talking with the hostess about how much we enjoyed the fish and she mentioned it is her favorite fish. This made me remember the great fish and chips we had just outside of Sydney. She said was probably Barramundi fish and I recalled that it was. That is the fish and chips that we fondly compare great fish and chips to. Anyway, our bill was 626,000 Dong ($25.11). We paid, thanked them, and moved on. Great lunch, good place!

As we were driving about it struck me the air smelled of corn! That surprised me! It was also great to hear cicadas. All day long, we saw so many different butterflies 🦋 and a few birds – one that was like a hummingbird. The bird was small with a long bill and reflecting brilliant color, but it did not hover in place, rather landing. We head back, just taking in nature all around.  

Back at our place, we showered and had a afternoon siesta. All that tootling around (approximately 5 and a half hours), took a toll on us- we were wind blown, little sunburned, and tired. But it was fantastic to have enjoyed the real island of Phu Quoc. 

Supper was acquired down at the Night Food Bazaar. We opted for couple different stands- having a Beef and a Pork Banh Mi; and an order of Grilled Pork Belly. We brought the food back (except the grilled pork did not make it, we ate it on the walk home🤣😂)- which we ate on our a balcony watched sunset. Later, we took in the fireworks – still loving them!! What a blessed day!