peace

The four of us had three days of peace on Phu Quoc Island. Taking the earliest flight we arrived in the early morning and enjoyed the tranquil island, deserted beaches, lonely roads, fresh seafood, salt water, sand, sun, freedom and being with each other. Every moment was beautiful – it was the best time we ever had.

perfect tranquillity at the river mouth

my three beloved ones

Our beautiful traditional style bungalow situated in a lush private garden overlooking the ocean has spent us the privacy and the balance we were in need of. The secret spot we were guests at is one of the remaining sanctuaries on an island currently being in the process of rapid touristification. It is a true piece of paradise, secluded on a lonely corner of a long beach.

discovering the countryside far off the concrete hell of Saigon

While Be had fun feeding the monkeys near the house Thuy Hang paid all her attention to the flowers and fruits, of which many cannot be found in Saigon. We were surrounded by lizards and birds and could breathe fresh air. On the second day we had rent an old jeep and drove around the island, visiting a small museum and eco-reservation, a pearl farm, a beautiful beach with white sand and green water. Here, we had fresh seafood and paddled around in the shallow waters. I have never been to Fiji, but that must be like on the Pacific islands. On the way back to town we went to a fish sauce factory to see how the flavour we enjoy every day in Vietnam is produced. We have spent the evenings on the night market and enjoyed the relaxing and somewhat mystic atmosphere at the Dinh Cau, a seaside-temple on a small headland near the river mouth.

enjoying sand, water, sun and fresh air, and being in need of nothing else

driving around the island – no traffic jams, no stress

Yet, the return to the big hostile city was a return from heaven to hell. Will this story find a positive end? And when? Hang is back to the clinic, Be is back to his grandmother, I am back to office. And everybody around follows the values and valuables of a new commercial world most of the followers do not even understand. From a post-industrialist perspective, the eager approach to compete in the fight for the new values looks ridiculous and poor. This is not my life, and possibly not our life.

the Dinh Cau temple where sailors use to pray for their safety on the sea – we have been praying for the future of our new family member

evening mood upon our last night on the island