Day 12 - Phu Quoc: A Sandy Start and a Relaxed End

Today, my unicorn Ursula and I jumped out of bed full of energy. With enough sleep under our belts and the knowledge that the sea was waiting for us, nothing could hold us back. Bikini on, sunscreen applied, and off to Khem Beach, which is right next to our hotel. But just a few minutes in, we fell victim to an unforgiving wind that shot sand at us like little projectiles. Result: We looked like breaded schnitzels – who says you need special breadcrumbs for Wiener schnitzel?

Since I didn’t intend to spend the day as a walking sandcastle, I whipped out the “Grab App” and ordered a taxi. Destination: “Long Beach,” on the other side of the island. My geography-genius plan was: “If the wind is coming from one side, it must be better on the other.” And indeed, at Long Beach, a wind-free zone awaited us along with an inviting beach club with loungers and bean bags.

I snagged a bean bag under a sunshade and got started on a colorful mix of reading, learning theater texts, and listening to podcasts. Now and then, I made a quick dip in the water. Bonus entertainment: planes heading to the Phu Quoc airport over the sea – almost like a tropical spotting paradise.

In the evening, of course, I stayed to enjoy the famous sunset. Just before it, a few clouds rolled in, but that didn’t bother me. The sun bid farewell in spectacular colors – a moment to cherish.

In the afternoon, I had a bruschetta that was so good that I stayed at the same beach club for dinner. At the table next to me, a family with two small children sat down. At first, I heard them speaking French, and then I noticed that the mother was speaking Swiss German with the kids. Bingo! We started talking. Miriam, the mother, shared about her two-month trip through Vietnam with her two little adventurers (ages 2 and 4). Respect, I thought – traveling with toddlers is, in my imagination, about as relaxed as a yoga retreat with crocodiles.

Eventually, the father went back to the hotel with the tired kids, and Miriam and I treated ourselves to another beer. After a pleasant exchange, we exchanged numbers – maybe there will be another dinner meeting.

It was a perfect vacation day filled with sun, sea, delicious food, and a touch of adventure. And of course, Ursula, who fell asleep contentedly with a bit of sand in her hooves – this time without a grumpy attitude.