Final day to chill

What better way to start our final chill day but with a hot run into town?

The optics of the statue at the front of this hotel seemed curious to this history buff:

But the highlight was coming across the fresh meat and seafood markets right next to where the fishing boats come in. 

I loved watching as for each customer this man killed the fish with a mallet and then the woman gutted the fish. 

So many weird and wonderful sights. As far as I could tell I was the only tourist there. 

Then on the way back I came across this temple with striking statues 

and plenty of water ready for worshippers to devote to their deity or ancestor. 

Back to the resort for another delicious breakfast overlooking the beach. Then Elijah and I did some snorkeling just in front of the resort. It wasn't the greatest spot but I did enjoy seeing some stripy fish. Then another paddle board ride. This time it was a little windy but still very delightful. Elijah went down the street to 'the big store' for essential supplies and I chilled at the pool. 

A lazy afternoon in the shade by the beach before praising God for yet another beautiful sunset. 

Finally a Grab into town for Pokemon Go, the night markets, Banh mi, and a bbq frog. 

Feeling a little sad that it's our last night, I walked down to the beach. All week the sound system has been playing a short easy listening playlist on high rotation. Repetitive, though I have especially noticed 'Somewhere over the rainbow', the song on the photographic tribute at my brother's funeral. 

But in God's kindness - and somewhat surprisingly given only 1% of Vietnamese call themselves Protestant Christians, and I'd noticed this shrine in the hotel reception this afternoon 

- this time it was a playlist of Christian songs about God's goodness to us in Jesus. A lovely reminder of God's presence and grace wherever we are and whatever we're doing, and that he is at work in every nation - no matter the sadness of its history or the dynamism and contradictions of its present.