Part 2

Nha Trang is best known for its scuba diving and its incredible beaches. It was a must see on our Vietnam trip and upon our arrival, the sun chooses to shine on us. A nice evening walk on the beach and some street crepes and we are DONE…

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The forecast called for rain but the Gods would have nothing of it. The sun decides to sun down once again and this time it packs a punch! The beer also flows as much as the sun shines. Beer here is around $0.50CDN a can. It’s basically so affordable, it makes no sense to spend $1.00CDN on a bottle of water…

Bank machines here are not as friendly as they were in previous cities in Vietnam. Two machines that I tried today would not support my card. Kind of a pain in the ass but it comes with the territory. We were well prepared and had USD on us to exchange in case of a mix-up like this.

In the wee hours of the morning is where the FlashPackerZ would get their first taste of sickness. Around 1am, I awoke with cramps that would put a rhino down. It didn’t take us long to decide that a hospital was to be sought.

I have to hand it to Nha Trang and Vietnam. I had THE BEST hospital treatment. I did not wait for a bed. I was served a wonderful cocktail of oral medication, IV medication, given take home oral meds as well as topping it off with an ultrasound all for the price of $150CDN. Crisis averted.

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With Lela and Mom upstairs and not feeling 100%, Reid and I get a beach day to ourselves. We create a sand and surf billboard big enough for the girls to see from the 29th floor featuring our #TheFlashPackerZ logo. Nha Trang has really given us a great experience thus far but we make the best of it. Beach, Sick, Pho, Repeat…

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A little crocodile helps ease the pain of continually smashing noodles but doesn’t keep us from still feeling as if we are missing out somewhere. Patty suggests that we hit an Oceanography Museum on the upper west side. This was a good change of pace and since it was raining, kept us busy for most of the late morning, early afternoon.

Again, still feeling like we don’t belong here, we decide to change up our travel plans and head to Mui Ne instead of spending a full week in Ho Chi Minh City.

The weather is supposedly better here and the price is right for a place right on the beach. This unfortunately after a 4 hour train ride would be where we experienced a full hospital day for Lela.

Check out THE LONGER VERSION for more in depth detail. Again, the care was fantastic and the bill was under $100CDN. Unreal. I have a happy little girl and we can now enjoy the sun and the sand.

We also manage to get some shopping done here. Tonnes if little shops made just fir this Asian Christmas shopper’s wallet. Back and forth I go as I check in now and again to see how Lela is. It was quite the day in the Mui Ne sun and this family is ready for bed. The Red Sand Dunes await!

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The dunes are an incredible sight for sure. Goggles would have been a great idea though as the ultra fine sand found its way into every crack and crevice that it could. The wind is constantly carving and changing the landscape before your very eyes.

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The next day brings our departure form Mui Ne. I cab ride that allows for a couple stops along the way lets some more beautiful sightseeing chances unfold.

The Po Sah Inu Cham Towers are an 18th century tower group that was built to worship the Hindu God Shiva. The amazing architecture sure beats the concrete jungle of the major cities.

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Another few minutes to the train and we will be off to Ho Cho Minh.

This train ride proved very different. The constant shaking and rocking was not a friendly way to haul our butts to southern Vietnam but we endured.

The city formerly known as Saigon is rich in history yet very hip as we were shown in a fun filled evening with my high school friend Melanie and her family. The War Remnants Museum served as the children’s history lesson and we manage to hook up with another traveling family, The Tuckers. You can find them on Fbook and Instagram as well. Tucker World Tour is their catchy handle.

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A visit to Ben Tranh market to finish up some last minute Christmas shopping finds us in another monsoon like downpour. The rain soon subsides and its off to meet my high school chum and overseas traveling legend, Melanie Sylvester (Ethier) and her family.

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Good food and a great time was had by all. Our time in Vietnam has come to an end.

This country has been a wonder, that is for sure. I can’t say it has been the most hospitable but then again, we haven’t been the healthiest while we have been here. I hope that if I do return, the rains and the sick stay at home.

It’s off to spend Christmas with an old friend in Australia! I have waited a long time to visit this country/continent. We are all truly excited to out another shrimp on the Bar-B…

Good bye Vietnam.