PITTER PATTER

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

We’ve seen this woman in her usual, uncomplaining way of life, toiling hard 24/7, passing so many sleepless nights, and girding for every day’s most challenging task. However, her role is often undervalued in the society. Her sacrifices often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Hey, have you thought of any meaningful ways to make your mom and all the wonderful women in your life feel loved on their special day?

Happy Mother's Day!

PHU QUOC ISLAND ESCAPADE - DAY 3

When the sun was well up, we started to set out on our last stretch looking for souvenirs then prepared ourselves for a homeward bound.

What an opportune time to learn, relax and enjoy!

Our sojourn in Phu Quoc Island was truly unforgettable!

PHU QUOC ISLAND ESCAPADE - DAY 2

We started the day with an offshore fishing and a sightseeing tour around An Thoi sea! Everyone enjoyed the fishing trip on the azure sea with lush mountains in the distance.

The bright morning was followed by a sunny day of blue skies, warm yet breezy. Could any other day be so completely exciting?

After taking our breakfast, we wheeled around the area surveying the seemingly limitless expanse of nature whose beautiful beach scenery is now garishly sketched in my memory. Then we visited the Pearl farm/shop, Simson Wine shop and Phu Quoc’s Tranh Stream.

Last stop was Sao Beach where a cluster of resort hotels jutted along the shoreline. The sea was lisping seductively with its powdery white sand. Swimming time! The day was fast fading away into a soft twilight.

The darkness finally dropped its cloak when we headed back home…drinking session followed. It was indeed an irksome trip from sun-up to sundown. It had totally worn us out.

PHU QUOC ISLAND ESCAPADE - DAY 1

SENTRY BOXES

IN ORDER TO CONTROL PRISONERS STRICTLY, SENTRY BOXES WERE BUILT AT FOUR CORNERS OF PHU QUOC JAIL WHICH WERE WELL-EQUIPPED WITH ARMS AND LIGHTHOUSES. PRISONERS WERE WATCHED 24 HOURS BY AMERICAN-PUPPET SOLDIERS WHO WERE ALWAYS READY TO SHOOT AT ANY PLACE THAT SEEMED UNUSUAL.

COCONUT TREE PRISON

SOME OF THE 500 STOCKADES BUILT TO IMPRISON NEARLY 40,000 REVOLUTIONARY MILITANTS

THE CAGE WAS MADE BY THICKLY KNITTED BARBWIRE ON SURROUNDING SIDES AND ON TOP

THE ENEMIES APPLIED MORE THAN 45 TORTURES TO PRISONERS

THE ENEMIES APPLIED MORE THAN 45 TORTURES TO PRISONERS

COCONUT TREE PRISON

CAM BEACH

CAM BEACH

CAM BEACH

CAM BEACH

The great joy we experienced cannot be kept onto oneself. It has to be passed on. But I shall only confine myself to recalling worthwhile memories and retracing the breathtaking paths we trod.

Full of life and merriment, we began our journey at 3am from Can Tho to Ha Tien. On board 25-seater van, everybody could not help the thrill and excitement. A variety of thoughts lingered in our minds, imagining the spots we were about to visit.

The sun finally rose and chased away the lingering chill. It was around 11:00 a.m. when we reached Phu Quoc Island via hydrofoil boat. We were accorded warm hospitality and accommodation (from Ai’s family and relatives) and enjoyed delish Vietnamese dishes for lunch.

After a repast, we visited the Coconut Tree Prison which was recently transformed from an operating prison to a museum. There are many exhibits showing the savage torture of the prisoners, struggle in the prison and relics of the witnesses. Then off to Cam beach where everyone began to wallow in warm seawater and engage in a shower of lively conversation and laughter…plus the grilled seafood (…and body warmers?) hjhj