Not sure what happened - but my blog for today was 900+ words - and somehow it's has "disappeared" I thought it was in "saved" status - waiting for me to "publish" - but alas I cannot find it. So now I will do a shortened version - sad because the original blog was informative - if I do say so myself. A little late to the beach this morning - so had it to myself except for 2 locals and the "regular" fisherman. The sea was warm again, and a slight swell - probably from the passing fishing boats (again). Only saw a couple of jellyfish - so I am sure it has something to do with the temperature of the water and the current. About 40 minutes of swimming, aerobics and then I make ... read more

It's been a week now - so I need to get into some kind of routine. The morning seems to come around earlier when your retired. I am waking up "naturally" between 05-06:00am - although sometimes the rooster in the yard next door makes sure I hear him!! A quick check in with Kathie via FB - and then its swim shorts, singlet, thongs and goggles - and on the treadly and cycle 2kms to the 500m stretch of beach between the Victorian Beach Resort and the Golden Sands Resort. The number of other people on the beach depends on my arrival time. If it's before 06:00am - there's usually a dozen or so locals there having their morning "bath". Sand is a great exfoliant - and it's not uncommon to see them rolling around in ... read more

6.30am wake-up and down to the beach by bicycle. Lots of "xin chau"'s along the way. I am a little late this morning - so I have the beach to myself except for the fisherman and the hotel guys setting up the beach chairs and safety flags. A little swimming, a little water aerobics - then head back to the homestay. For breakfast I try the noodles and veggies just to see what that does to my sugar level. I ask for only a little condensed milk in the coffee. But there's quite a bit of sugar in the fruit - pineapple, watermelon, banana and pear. But the insulin shot should take care of that. Off to the ATM and bank to get money for house rent deposit and for the motorbike (moto) deposit. You have ... read more

I wake early this morning - and decide I should again get into the habit of riding a bicycle the 2kms to the "secluded" section of beach between the Victoria Beach Resort and the Golden Sands Resort at Cua Dai beach. The relatively short ride is interesting because it's a chance to see regular "locals" during the journey. Like the little old lady who has the "ban mi" (Vietnamese bread roll filled with pate, veggies, various meats, oils) that is not far from the homestay. Or those at the many coffee stands enroute to the beach. And precariously making your way along the road at the point where the local market spills out on to the road - so it's a menagerie of stall holders, buyers, seller, bicycles, motos, cars, trucks, locals going to the beach ... read more

Breakfast at the hotel was nothing to get excited about - although they did have some good cheese which is what is lacking at most other 2-3 star hotels. They tend to offer the processed cheese slices which when warm up on the serving table makes them soft and sticky. I decided to go to the airport about 2 hours before the flight departure to make sure I got check-ed in time. This time I took a taxi instead of the public airport bus. At check-in the agent informed me the flight - due to "technical problems" - would now depart 2 hours later. Bummer!! At least she gave me a meal voucher!! The domestic departure area in SGN airport is not the most relaxing place. Over the next couple of hours I am wondering why ... read more