Le Chameau

Lazy beach was a 30 min walk across the island jungle, but mostly on a dirt road. It is a private bay with only one “ hotel” and corresponding restaurant , bar. We had a lazy afternoon swimming in the clearest water and enjoying great food. Even some stinging from jellyfish (eggs) and a hoard of mosquitoes couldn’t deter us.

What makes it truly special is its bioluminescent plankton, which lights up the sea at night, creating a surreal, otherworldly experience. We had tried to see it in Cat Ba, Vietnam but with no success as there was too much light pollution, and had considered doing a tour to see it. So it was even more magical to see it completely alone at lazy beach. We went out for a swim, as the glow gets stronger further out. Like swimming in white - blue glow worms. Our phone camera didn’t really pick up the glow, but the special memory will stay with us.

After another 30 minute walk home across the island in the dark, only hearing the sounds of the jungle, we were ready for a shower. Relaxed and feeling clean again, ready for bed, we unpacked and made a not so nice discover….Jeroen’s beloved sunglasses were missing. There have been many close calls in the past, but this time there was really only one place they could be….somewhere on the beach likely where we had changed after our last plankton swim…..across the island….oh no. The restaurant unfortunately couldn’t find them, but even if the chance was small and the walk long and sweaty, we had to try. So once again, we started walking. This time with temperatures lower, no sun, knowing the route and a goal in mind the walk seemed shorter. Arriving at the beach, the restaurant closed, we began the search for the needle in the haystack….sunglasses in the sand. It being pitch black we were happy we had brought some flash lights, after 20 minutes scouring every part of the beach, even parts we hadn’t been to yet, we felt a bit hopeless. Charly had brought 3 pairs of sunglasses ( very essential), so there were some options until getting new one. Sad but at least feeling like we tried everything we turned back.
“ Well at least tomorrow we don’t wake up thinking “ what if” …..” We stopped, staring at the path in front of us. What is that? Lying there at our feet.
Jeroen’s sunglasses.
We were in luck.Læs mere