Vacation in Vietnam, Part I: The Beach

I posted a ton of photos on Facebook of our trip to Vietnam over Christmas and New Year's, so I'll try to post some different ones here.  First of all, I just want to say that if you ever find yourself in Mui Ne, Vietnam, than stay at the Grace Boutique Resort.  It was the lovliest, family-run boutique ever.

Our time in Vietnam was dreamy.  The weather was perfect, the food amazing, the people friendly and welcoming, and the non-stop tropical fruit smoothies delightful.  I know for a certain generation of Americans, a vacation to Vietnam seems odd, but it is such a beautiful country that feels like it is really going places.  People are on the move, busy, getting stuff done. 

Our drive from Saigon to Mui Ne.  It wasn't far but took 5 hours.  Mostly because of scenes like this.

It was worth the drive.

Even Matthew relaxed.

It was hard not to relax when this wonderful woman came to the poolside every day at 10:30 with a fresh fruit drink.

And Happy Hour...

Santa found us.

And so did the New Year.

Outside one of our favorite restaurants.

 

Outside our favorite castle.

We visited the fishing village.

Fresh catch.

The local boys were fascinated by Eli.  And vice versa.

Saying goodbye to his new friends.

We visited the red sand dunes.

 

And the Fairy Stream canyons.

It was all very exhausting.

 

Then we had to say goodbye.