Left the hotel this morning at 10:30. Singapore airport is as clean and efficient as the rest of the city. Flight to Taipei left a few minutes late. Arrived Taipei at 6pm. Our flight to LA leaves at 11:45pm. So we have lots of time.
We've had dumplings and fried rice, beer and soda. We paid 14,000 Taiwanese things to upgrade to Business Class for the flight to LA. $500 USD I think. Things in Taipei are a lot less expensive than Singapore.
Beautiful airport here as well, just had an amazing chair massage and now we're waiting for the flight.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Feb 2 Singapore....my new favorite city
This is the most incredible city ever. It's spotlessly clean, littering is punishable by death (okay, that's a slight exageration), gum chewing is against the law, and they fine you for everything (thus it's nickname.."a fine city") from having standing water on your property (no mosquitos) to spitting on the sidewalk. Speed limits are only suggestions but they have the lowest accident rate in Asia. Alchohol is outrageously expensive. We think that how they keep the rowdiness in check. A singapore sling at Raffles is $27 US. Beer is $10 a bottle.
Water everywhere, this is the busiest port in the world. The infrastructure is state of the art and the architecture is the most beautiful I've ever seen. We visited Little India,
Chinatown,
where the regular people live, and dry their clothes,
the Merlion (half mermaid, half lion, the symbol of Singapore),
walked over incredible bridges,
went to the Botanical gardens
and the zoo where we rode a tram at night to see nocturnal animals in their habitat. We saw a bat that was almost a foot long hanging from a tree about 6 inches from our faces, lions, tigers, and yes, bears. Flying squirrels, hippos, rhinos, coyotes, and otters. Not necessarily in that order.
That was all yesterday. Today we walked to the river and took the water bus to the Marina to see the Marina Sands Hotel (three tower buildings with a large surfboard/boat looking structure on top)
and the Art/Science Museum that looks like a lotus flower.
We walked over the helic bridge and rode the Singapore Flyer.
It started to rain so we had lunch at O'Leary's Tavern where the decor is sports and the owner is from Boston. We had burgers and the check was $140.
Break this afternoon and back out tonight.
So tonight we walked from the hotel to Merlion Park, across the river from the Singapore Flyer and the hotel. There was a light show from the hotel that was amazing. Walking along the river on both sides is lined with shops and restaurants, lots of people, feels very safe.
We stopped for pizza and declared the end to an amazing vacation.
Water everywhere, this is the busiest port in the world. The infrastructure is state of the art and the architecture is the most beautiful I've ever seen. We visited Little India,
Chinatown,
where the regular people live, and dry their clothes,
walked over incredible bridges,
went to the Botanical gardens
and the zoo where we rode a tram at night to see nocturnal animals in their habitat. We saw a bat that was almost a foot long hanging from a tree about 6 inches from our faces, lions, tigers, and yes, bears. Flying squirrels, hippos, rhinos, coyotes, and otters. Not necessarily in that order.
That was all yesterday. Today we walked to the river and took the water bus to the Marina to see the Marina Sands Hotel (three tower buildings with a large surfboard/boat looking structure on top)
and the Art/Science Museum that looks like a lotus flower.
We walked over the helic bridge and rode the Singapore Flyer.
It started to rain so we had lunch at O'Leary's Tavern where the decor is sports and the owner is from Boston. We had burgers and the check was $140.
Break this afternoon and back out tonight.
So tonight we walked from the hotel to Merlion Park, across the river from the Singapore Flyer and the hotel. There was a light show from the hotel that was amazing. Walking along the river on both sides is lined with shops and restaurants, lots of people, feels very safe.
We stopped for pizza and declared the end to an amazing vacation.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Singapore tomorrow
Day two of uneventful, relaxing, smooth and calm at sea. Just put the luggage out in the hallway and set the alarm. We're meeting our pick up person at 9:30am for transfer to the hotel. The same 14 of us that arrived in Hong Kong together. We have become quite friendly with some of the group. It's a small ship with 450 people it seems you see everyone every day.
Singapore is an island microstate at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It has been independent since 1965 and is the busiest port in the world.
Can't wait! Good night everyone.
Singapore is an island microstate at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula. It has been independent since 1965 and is the busiest port in the world.
Can't wait! Good night everyone.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Jan 29 Floating Market
Todays tour was a trip to the Floating Market. On the way we stopped at a traditional Thai house and coconut plantation. Located on a klong (canal), and made entirely of teak. large living area, shrine, kitchen, dining table, bedroom for the wife, it seems the husband sleeps wherever he wants to.
On to the floating markey by longboat. A longboat is a long (duh) narrow boat that seats 6-8 people and is powered by a car engine and steered with a long handle attached to a propeller in the rear of the boat.
The ride was about 45 minutes through the klongs,
really fast and then slower when the wake threatened to swamp us. It was an exciting ride and the floating market was amazing. All the vendors are in boats and sell everything from fruit and vegetables, hats and souvenirs to noodle soup.
When the boat is near the dock customers sit alongside and eat the noodles passed to them with their feet hanging over the side. When the boat is away from the dock they use a long handle with a scoup on the end to collect the money (baht) and send the food back. Interesting thing about Thai money, they have no coin, only paper. Actually in Vietnam there was no coin as well and the paper was a new type of currency with a see through plastic section. Some of the old currency is apparently still around and we were told to be careful not to take it from anyone. Back to the market, lots of people and hot as hell.
Couple of my favorite photos from today.
Thailand has three seasons, hot, hotter and monsoon. We're in hot season now. The humidity is also very high and we're all drooping at the end of a tour. Buses are all nicely air conditioned though and they pass out lots of water and cool wet towels. All in all we're being well taken care of.
After the market we made a stop at a wood carving place. This is one big unfinished piece.
Amazing stuff, lots of furniture and life size elephants and buddhas. What does one do with a carved wooden lifesize elephant?
On the way back to the ship we passed miles of salt flats. They sell the salt that they, what? mine, farm, gather, collect? I don't know but after they "get" it they sell it in large bags by the side of the road.
Back to the ship for a nap.
I haven't mentioned the food but it has been exceptional. The service has been incredible, the crew is amazing, the entertainment is good and we love the ship.
Usually on a cruise you see other cruise ships either on the ocean or at dock. Until a couple days ago we had seen none. In Hanoi the Seabourne Pride was docked and then today in Bangkok the Oceania Nautica came in behind us. Tidbit.
Move the clocks ahead 1 hr tonight. They said to move them at 2am, shouldn't we be moving them when the ship crosses the time zone? What are the chances that's at 2am?
Next two days are at sea. Then we arrive in Singapore and transfer to our hotel.
On to the floating markey by longboat. A longboat is a long (duh) narrow boat that seats 6-8 people and is powered by a car engine and steered with a long handle attached to a propeller in the rear of the boat.
The ride was about 45 minutes through the klongs,
really fast and then slower when the wake threatened to swamp us. It was an exciting ride and the floating market was amazing. All the vendors are in boats and sell everything from fruit and vegetables, hats and souvenirs to noodle soup.
When the boat is near the dock customers sit alongside and eat the noodles passed to them with their feet hanging over the side. When the boat is away from the dock they use a long handle with a scoup on the end to collect the money (baht) and send the food back. Interesting thing about Thai money, they have no coin, only paper. Actually in Vietnam there was no coin as well and the paper was a new type of currency with a see through plastic section. Some of the old currency is apparently still around and we were told to be careful not to take it from anyone. Back to the market, lots of people and hot as hell.
Couple of my favorite photos from today.
Thailand has three seasons, hot, hotter and monsoon. We're in hot season now. The humidity is also very high and we're all drooping at the end of a tour. Buses are all nicely air conditioned though and they pass out lots of water and cool wet towels. All in all we're being well taken care of.
After the market we made a stop at a wood carving place. This is one big unfinished piece.
On the way back to the ship we passed miles of salt flats. They sell the salt that they, what? mine, farm, gather, collect? I don't know but after they "get" it they sell it in large bags by the side of the road.
I haven't mentioned the food but it has been exceptional. The service has been incredible, the crew is amazing, the entertainment is good and we love the ship.
Usually on a cruise you see other cruise ships either on the ocean or at dock. Until a couple days ago we had seen none. In Hanoi the Seabourne Pride was docked and then today in Bangkok the Oceania Nautica came in behind us. Tidbit.
Move the clocks ahead 1 hr tonight. They said to move them at 2am, shouldn't we be moving them when the ship crosses the time zone? What are the chances that's at 2am?
Next two days are at sea. Then we arrive in Singapore and transfer to our hotel.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Jan 28 Grand Palace and Venice of the East
This is our 5th or 6th "Venice of the East", not counting the one in Florida. There are canals and boats so I suppose it qualifies.
We took the tour bus to the Grand palace.
An amazing place, built by King Rama I in 1782 and enlarged by subsequent monarchs. There are over 100 buildings.
The current King of Thailand does not live here, but at Chitlada palace a short distance away. We didn't see that. Strict dress code, Bob had to wear long pants, bare feet not allowed but you have to take off your shoes to enter Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Go figure. Wat Phra Kaew's claim to fame is a 31 inch Buddha image carved from a single piece of jade. No photos allowed so you'll have to take my word for it.
These folks are dipping the flowers into the water and dripping it on their heads. Forget why.
And this guy is cutting the
grass with clippers wearing a uniform.
After the Palace we got on a boat. The Chao Phraya River was pretty rough and it was high tide so the trip was interesting.
She looks like she thinks she might not make it.....not sure what she's selling.
They first took us to feed the catfish in front of a temple. These catfish are protected from being caught by virtue of the fact that they live in front of a temple. Point of interest....every male Thai over the age of 12 becomes a monk at some time (of his choosing) in his life. Some of the catfish are reported to weigh over 10 pounds. No wonder, tourists feed them bread all day.
Next stop to see the Royal Barges, capitalization seemed indicated here. The Royal barges are long, fantastically decorated boats used in ceremonial processions on the river, The largest is 164 feet long and requires a rowing crew of 50 men, seven umbrella bearers, two navigators (seems like overkill), a flagman, two helmsmen, a chanter and a rhythm keeper. Must be something to see.
Lunch was next.
This is the restaurant.
Val will be glad to hear that we really liked it. So, assuming it was authentic Thai, we can have it again. While we were lunching it started to rain, came down in torrents and we had to get back on the boat. They kept us there as long as they could and used the umbrellas from the outdoor tables to help but by the time we were back on the boat we were pretty wet. It wasn't bad considering a couple hours earlier we were so hot we were looking for rain.
Next stop, in the rain, was Wat Arun, Temple of dawn. The 269 foot "prang" (Khmer-style tower) was constructed during the first half of the 19th century. Boat back to the bus, which was late due to traffic, then back to the ship.
Dinner buffet was English. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, roast beef and yorkshire pudding. Yum!
Early day tomorrow, our last tour leaves at 7:30. We're going to the floating market.
We took the tour bus to the Grand palace.
These folks are dipping the flowers into the water and dripping it on their heads. Forget why.
And this guy is cutting the
grass with clippers wearing a uniform.
After the Palace we got on a boat. The Chao Phraya River was pretty rough and it was high tide so the trip was interesting.
She looks like she thinks she might not make it.....not sure what she's selling.
They first took us to feed the catfish in front of a temple. These catfish are protected from being caught by virtue of the fact that they live in front of a temple. Point of interest....every male Thai over the age of 12 becomes a monk at some time (of his choosing) in his life. Some of the catfish are reported to weigh over 10 pounds. No wonder, tourists feed them bread all day.
Next stop to see the Royal Barges, capitalization seemed indicated here. The Royal barges are long, fantastically decorated boats used in ceremonial processions on the river, The largest is 164 feet long and requires a rowing crew of 50 men, seven umbrella bearers, two navigators (seems like overkill), a flagman, two helmsmen, a chanter and a rhythm keeper. Must be something to see.
Lunch was next.
This is the restaurant.
Val will be glad to hear that we really liked it. So, assuming it was authentic Thai, we can have it again. While we were lunching it started to rain, came down in torrents and we had to get back on the boat. They kept us there as long as they could and used the umbrellas from the outdoor tables to help but by the time we were back on the boat we were pretty wet. It wasn't bad considering a couple hours earlier we were so hot we were looking for rain.
Next stop, in the rain, was Wat Arun, Temple of dawn. The 269 foot "prang" (Khmer-style tower) was constructed during the first half of the 19th century. Boat back to the bus, which was late due to traffic, then back to the ship.
Dinner buffet was English. Fish and chips, bangers and mash, roast beef and yorkshire pudding. Yum!
Early day tomorrow, our last tour leaves at 7:30. We're going to the floating market.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Jan 27 Arrive Bangkok
Sailed up the Chao Phraya River to the center of Bangkok. Another example of small ship flexibility. We're docked at Khlong Toey. The trip up the river was beautiful and diverse. We saw tankers and tugboats, small fishing boats, naval ships (who knew Thailand had a navy?), river ferries and barges full of rice.
It's warm (high 80's) and muggy. It's also a little overcast or smoggy, we're not sure.
The stilt houses by the side of the river are built on cement filled 5 gallon pails stacked into pilings. It was suggested that if we get invited to a local stilt home we should take the life jacket from our stateroom.
There are temples everywhere on both sides of the river. Bob said he feels like he's back in Florida, "a church on every corner".
We all plan to take the shuttle bus to the center of Bangkok later and check it out. Tomorrow we have an early tour to the Grand Palace, former home of the King of Siam (King and I king), and the next day to the Floating Market.
So the trip to the center of Bangkok was hot and long. The traffic is incredible, it took 45 minutes to make a 30 minute trip, then it took 1 1/2 hours to return to the ship. From the dropoff point we walked through an outdoor market, mostly clothes and mostly for teens. we were in the shopping district, not really our thing but it's still amazing to think we're in Thailand. Back to the ship for an early night for an early tomorrow.
The stilt houses by the side of the river are built on cement filled 5 gallon pails stacked into pilings. It was suggested that if we get invited to a local stilt home we should take the life jacket from our stateroom.
So the trip to the center of Bangkok was hot and long. The traffic is incredible, it took 45 minutes to make a 30 minute trip, then it took 1 1/2 hours to return to the ship. From the dropoff point we walked through an outdoor market, mostly clothes and mostly for teens. we were in the shopping district, not really our thing but it's still amazing to think we're in Thailand. Back to the ship for an early night for an early tomorrow.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Vietnam Wiring
All over Vietnam we saw this in every city. The wires, electrical, telephone and cable all look like this. They don't know which ones work and which ones don't so yhey just run new ones when they need to. At a home you will see wires that leap from this mess and go to all the floors.
It's amazing and as you can imaging it's driving Bob crazy!
It's amazing and as you can imaging it's driving Bob crazy!
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