We spent our last day in Sabah on Mamutik again, snorkeling and enjoying the nice weather. We ended the evening just hanging out at the hotel lounge and enjoying the sunset and a few cocktails.
On Monday morning we headed out to Kuala Lumpur and got to the Le Meridian about 2pm. A very nice five-star hotel, I could have gotten used to that. We spend a while unwinding before braving the metro and finding a place to eat.
Central Market, a shopping area for local craft, and home to Ginger Thai Restaurant is where we went. The food was very good and the price was so reasonable.
After a spicy meal we shopped around the market. I found a really inexpensive (or just honestly cheap) ring to wear on my left hand-for the times I get that not so wanted attention from locals.
Tuesday we did a walking tour of Colonial KL and little India before relaxing at the hotel for the afternoon. KL is interesting, the best part is by far the architecture. The skyline is dominated by minarets and domes, inspired by Moorish and Mogul, and even Colonial architecture. There is a square called Merdeka which is surrounded by government buildings and a large grassy area and fountains, one of the more pleasant areas of KL I have seen thus far.
Despite its charms, the city is horribly noisy with traffic, not a friend to the fellow pedestrian, and very dirty. Chinatown is seedy-knockoffs galore, hawkers galore, Little India comes in second-but the area around the Petronas towers is quite nice-reminiscent of Singapore I suppose.
Wednesday we spent the majority of the day at the Islamic Arts Museum, which was well done, and very enjoyable. It was amazing to see all the lavish décor and extravagance of Sultans through the years-and the different developmental periods of Islamic art.
In the afternoon we enjoyed a cocktail at the Meridian, before parting ways. My parents headed back to Singapore, and I to my hostel, which I can say I am somewhat disappointed with. The location is not the best, right off of the loudest street in KL, very clean, but lacking essentials like insulated walls which keep out sounds. Even though I went out with some new friends last night (German I forgot his name who is from Berlin and half Korean and buying books for his University here, and Frank the German speaking South African) to down a few beers in hopes of sleeping a bit more soundly… Needless to say, I found sleep a hopeless activity, and have decided to just get an early start on the day. I plan to go to the Batu Caves, more details to come.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas in Borneo
So Christmas came and went just like any other day. We really didn’t do anything special for the occasion, well beside vacation in Borneo.
We spent the day on another island, Manmukan. The beaches were a lot less sandy than the day before, and the water was very shallow, which meant dead coral and shallow reefs over 100 meters out. The marine life was fairly diverse, but the coral wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the day before. There were also some small jelly fish, which only stung like a fire ant bite for about twenty seconds. (Luckily I only got two.) There was this sort of fish with a long snout that looked sharp, it was maybe about 1.5 feet long and scared me for whatever reason, so I didn’t like that…I did, however, enjoy seeing several angelfish, parrot fish, clown fish, and various other damsels, and such.
Today we went on an organized tour to the Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs. We basically spent more time in the tour van than anywhere else, but I suppose it takes a long time to get from the beach to the mountain tops.
We went to a small village for a short break and a picture opportunity before getting into Poring to view the hot springs (not nice at all compared to Japan’s) and the rain forest canopy walk. The canopy walk was somewhat worthwhile, at forty meters high-making your heard palpitate. Instead of joining the local in the dirty hot sulfur water, my parents and I opted for the cool waterfalls instead. The waterfalls were only about a 400 meter walk from the main hot spring area, and so refreshingly cool.
The afternoon was spent eating a decent lunch at a small café nearby, then going to the actual National Park and seeing a small exhibit and botanical garden.
The weather was a bit disappointing, as we were unable to see the peak of the mountain. Much of the countryside reminded me of the Philippines, what with the wood, brick, or tin houses and shacks, wild dogs running amok, chickens clucking around the sides of all buildings, open markets of local fruits and veggies, etc. Although people appeared to be at some level of poverty in large here, compared to Egypt and the Philippines, the standard of living here still seems a bit higher, or perhaps its more that the gay between rich and poor isn’t quite as great.
There are plans to spend our last day here in Kota Kinabalu on one of the islands, doing four of my favorite things, again.
We spent the day on another island, Manmukan. The beaches were a lot less sandy than the day before, and the water was very shallow, which meant dead coral and shallow reefs over 100 meters out. The marine life was fairly diverse, but the coral wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the day before. There were also some small jelly fish, which only stung like a fire ant bite for about twenty seconds. (Luckily I only got two.) There was this sort of fish with a long snout that looked sharp, it was maybe about 1.5 feet long and scared me for whatever reason, so I didn’t like that…I did, however, enjoy seeing several angelfish, parrot fish, clown fish, and various other damsels, and such.
Today we went on an organized tour to the Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs. We basically spent more time in the tour van than anywhere else, but I suppose it takes a long time to get from the beach to the mountain tops.
We went to a small village for a short break and a picture opportunity before getting into Poring to view the hot springs (not nice at all compared to Japan’s) and the rain forest canopy walk. The canopy walk was somewhat worthwhile, at forty meters high-making your heard palpitate. Instead of joining the local in the dirty hot sulfur water, my parents and I opted for the cool waterfalls instead. The waterfalls were only about a 400 meter walk from the main hot spring area, and so refreshingly cool.
The afternoon was spent eating a decent lunch at a small café nearby, then going to the actual National Park and seeing a small exhibit and botanical garden.
The weather was a bit disappointing, as we were unable to see the peak of the mountain. Much of the countryside reminded me of the Philippines, what with the wood, brick, or tin houses and shacks, wild dogs running amok, chickens clucking around the sides of all buildings, open markets of local fruits and veggies, etc. Although people appeared to be at some level of poverty in large here, compared to Egypt and the Philippines, the standard of living here still seems a bit higher, or perhaps its more that the gay between rich and poor isn’t quite as great.
There are plans to spend our last day here in Kota Kinabalu on one of the islands, doing four of my favorite things, again.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Suspense-less in Sabah
Well it has been a good four days since the last time I wrote. Sorry to leave you all in suspense. Right, like anything I write has any element of suspense whatsoever.
The last few days have been, well let’s choose the right words-perhaps ‘trying’ and a bit ’interesting’ will do. Pretty much spent another two days in Singapore with my Mom. We shopped around mostly in Chinatown and Little India, didn’t make it many other places. We had a good few drinks at New Asia Bar, where both my parents seemed to enjoy the view from up top. On Wednesday we headed out in the late afternoon, and by the time the plane arrive, evening, to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
We finally got to our hotel 6 hours later, mind you the flight was only about 1.5 hours. Upon our arrival to the Promenade Hotel, we were informed that they had either “lost” or “never confirmed” our booking. Great, just fookin great. So after about at hour of thwarting the receptionist, a sweet little Asian boy named Tommy, and the asshole manager, we got a deluxe suite for a good price and checked in. The room is giant, very nice, and has an ocean view.
(Word to the wise: always look at your room before checking in and paying anyone-this makes it more likely that you will end up enjoying your stay/won’t get a shit room with mold, stains, and a dump view.)
We had a late dinner, if you can call it that, I ate crepes…and went to bed. This morning we set of in hopes of making it to an island and getting a good dose of vitamin D and C. We ended up at Pulau Mamutik, a small island with some “ok” snorkeling reefs. The reefs were not very diverse in marine life, however, and visibility was probably only about 5-10 feet depending on how far out you went. All and all it was a very good time. I did some snorkeling, reading, sleeping, eating, and sunbathing….five things I think I will be doing a lot for the next few weeks. I think I can live with it.
Well off to cocktail hour in the hotel lounge-I could get used to traveling with my parents… Yet come December 30th, its goodbye five star hotel, hello starless hostel (a place I feel like I fit in a bit more).
Selamat Natal.
Merry Christmas Eve day from Borneo.
The last few days have been, well let’s choose the right words-perhaps ‘trying’ and a bit ’interesting’ will do. Pretty much spent another two days in Singapore with my Mom. We shopped around mostly in Chinatown and Little India, didn’t make it many other places. We had a good few drinks at New Asia Bar, where both my parents seemed to enjoy the view from up top. On Wednesday we headed out in the late afternoon, and by the time the plane arrive, evening, to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
We finally got to our hotel 6 hours later, mind you the flight was only about 1.5 hours. Upon our arrival to the Promenade Hotel, we were informed that they had either “lost” or “never confirmed” our booking. Great, just fookin great. So after about at hour of thwarting the receptionist, a sweet little Asian boy named Tommy, and the asshole manager, we got a deluxe suite for a good price and checked in. The room is giant, very nice, and has an ocean view.
(Word to the wise: always look at your room before checking in and paying anyone-this makes it more likely that you will end up enjoying your stay/won’t get a shit room with mold, stains, and a dump view.)
We had a late dinner, if you can call it that, I ate crepes…and went to bed. This morning we set of in hopes of making it to an island and getting a good dose of vitamin D and C. We ended up at Pulau Mamutik, a small island with some “ok” snorkeling reefs. The reefs were not very diverse in marine life, however, and visibility was probably only about 5-10 feet depending on how far out you went. All and all it was a very good time. I did some snorkeling, reading, sleeping, eating, and sunbathing….five things I think I will be doing a lot for the next few weeks. I think I can live with it.
Well off to cocktail hour in the hotel lounge-I could get used to traveling with my parents… Yet come December 30th, its goodbye five star hotel, hello starless hostel (a place I feel like I fit in a bit more).
Selamat Natal.
Merry Christmas Eve day from Borneo.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Highest and Most Happening Spot in Town
Yesterday was not a very exciting day in the life of a tourist, however, it was a nice day for me. I woke up really late since it was rainy and overcast, then spent till around 3 in the afternoon chatting with a few people, researching airlines and hostels for the months ahead, and just being a bum. When I finally did get out, I went to Orchard road and did a bit of shopping. I didn’t do too much damage. I bought a pair of shorts that I have been wanting, then when I got them out of the bag today, the button had fallen off, and I cannot find it! What a pain. I guess I will just go and find either a store that sells buttons, or a tailor. I am thinking this will be easier than taking on the crowds and lines at the shopping malls on a Friday.
Tuesday night my Dad and I went to a banana leaf restaurant. It is basically just an Indian restaurant where they serve your food on a banana leaf instead of a plate. Its quite an eco-friendly concept, that in India, has been going on forever-of course then one can worry about the banana trees. The food was delicious, we ordered way too much, but wow.
I love Indian food.
Yesterday after doing a bit of shopping I went to Chinatown again. This this I was in search of a massage and reflexology clinic. I found one right away, and one with great prices too! I got about a 50 minutes of foot reflexology, and then a neck and shoulder massage for about 15 USD. Phenomenal. Afterward I met my Dad at Maxwell food center in Chinatown for the “best” chicken and rice in Singapore, according to Anthony Bordain. It was good….the best, who knows.
Last night I met up with a few new friends, Frank, Ben, Andy, Sam, Sam, (all British or South African guys, I have yet to find any girls here my age) etc, at The Prince of Wales, bar and hostel. One of their co workers is in a band so we went to watch. They were all British and quite talented. We threw back a few drinks and had a good time listening to the bands and chatting. I hope to hang out with them again.
Today I will deal with some logistics: paying for my flights from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, then from Vietiane to Hanoi, etc. Then finding a button for my shorts. It sort of overcast again. Not sure what I will do. I would like to go to Sentosa, but I think since my mom wants to go, I will wait.
20-12-09
Friday was spent doing, like I said, some practical things. I made all my airline reservations, delt with Bank of America/Bank of Inefficiencies, got a new button for my shorts, and did a bit of laundry.
I spent the evening with my new friends. We went to the New Asia Bar, the bar on the Swiss-hotel Stamford’s 71st floor. The views from the top were tremendous, you could see all the way to Indonesia, not exaggerating. We had a few drinks and some snack chips there, all very good. My friend Frank talked about the drink he ordered last time he was there, called the Merlion. This was the drink named after the mythical character that is famous in Singapore, turns out the drink was served in a porcelain glass, shaped like the actual Merlion figure. After all this, he ends up ordering a different drink called the Stamford Tower. Ironically enough, this drink ends up also being served in a fruity looking porcelain glass, which resembled the Stamford Tower, the building we were in. Quite funny.
Afterward we went to Lau Pa Sat food center for some Malaysian Satay, simply delicious meat grilled on a stick, served with peanut sauce. After a bit of wandering around and a stop at another bar to listen to some nice guitar music, we made our way back to New Asia Bar to check out the night club scene, which was sadly quite disappointing, laden with old folks trying to dance to techno music. I guess Fridays are not nearly as exciting as the Thursday nights there.
Saturday my Dad and I set off for East Coast Park in hopes of going sailing. In a battle between rain clouds, lightening, thunder, and our sailboat rental, the former won. We ended up sitting at the seaside café and having drinks, after two hours of watching the torrential down pour, we ordered a pizza. The day was spent watching the rain, the children playing in it, and the back of the taxi’s driver’s head.
Late Saturday night my Mom got into Singapore.
Sunday was spent at the beautiful botanic gardens. Afterward we ate THE best chicken and rice, the actual one were Anthony Bordain ate…my mistake for the last one. Then Mom and I walk around Chinatown and bought a few things here and there.
Last night we walked around downtown, the river, then to Lau Pa Sat, my signature spot, apparently, where we had some Satay.
I think today Mom and I will go to Little India to start off the day.
Tuesday night my Dad and I went to a banana leaf restaurant. It is basically just an Indian restaurant where they serve your food on a banana leaf instead of a plate. Its quite an eco-friendly concept, that in India, has been going on forever-of course then one can worry about the banana trees. The food was delicious, we ordered way too much, but wow.
I love Indian food.
Yesterday after doing a bit of shopping I went to Chinatown again. This this I was in search of a massage and reflexology clinic. I found one right away, and one with great prices too! I got about a 50 minutes of foot reflexology, and then a neck and shoulder massage for about 15 USD. Phenomenal. Afterward I met my Dad at Maxwell food center in Chinatown for the “best” chicken and rice in Singapore, according to Anthony Bordain. It was good….the best, who knows.
Last night I met up with a few new friends, Frank, Ben, Andy, Sam, Sam, (all British or South African guys, I have yet to find any girls here my age) etc, at The Prince of Wales, bar and hostel. One of their co workers is in a band so we went to watch. They were all British and quite talented. We threw back a few drinks and had a good time listening to the bands and chatting. I hope to hang out with them again.
Today I will deal with some logistics: paying for my flights from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, then from Vietiane to Hanoi, etc. Then finding a button for my shorts. It sort of overcast again. Not sure what I will do. I would like to go to Sentosa, but I think since my mom wants to go, I will wait.
20-12-09
Friday was spent doing, like I said, some practical things. I made all my airline reservations, delt with Bank of America/Bank of Inefficiencies, got a new button for my shorts, and did a bit of laundry.
I spent the evening with my new friends. We went to the New Asia Bar, the bar on the Swiss-hotel Stamford’s 71st floor. The views from the top were tremendous, you could see all the way to Indonesia, not exaggerating. We had a few drinks and some snack chips there, all very good. My friend Frank talked about the drink he ordered last time he was there, called the Merlion. This was the drink named after the mythical character that is famous in Singapore, turns out the drink was served in a porcelain glass, shaped like the actual Merlion figure. After all this, he ends up ordering a different drink called the Stamford Tower. Ironically enough, this drink ends up also being served in a fruity looking porcelain glass, which resembled the Stamford Tower, the building we were in. Quite funny.
Afterward we went to Lau Pa Sat food center for some Malaysian Satay, simply delicious meat grilled on a stick, served with peanut sauce. After a bit of wandering around and a stop at another bar to listen to some nice guitar music, we made our way back to New Asia Bar to check out the night club scene, which was sadly quite disappointing, laden with old folks trying to dance to techno music. I guess Fridays are not nearly as exciting as the Thursday nights there.
Saturday my Dad and I set off for East Coast Park in hopes of going sailing. In a battle between rain clouds, lightening, thunder, and our sailboat rental, the former won. We ended up sitting at the seaside café and having drinks, after two hours of watching the torrential down pour, we ordered a pizza. The day was spent watching the rain, the children playing in it, and the back of the taxi’s driver’s head.
Late Saturday night my Mom got into Singapore.
Sunday was spent at the beautiful botanic gardens. Afterward we ate THE best chicken and rice, the actual one were Anthony Bordain ate…my mistake for the last one. Then Mom and I walk around Chinatown and bought a few things here and there.
Last night we walked around downtown, the river, then to Lau Pa Sat, my signature spot, apparently, where we had some Satay.
I think today Mom and I will go to Little India to start off the day.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Missing Buttons
Yesterday was not a very exciting day in the life of a tourist, however, it was a nice day for me. I woke up really late since it was rainy and overcast, then spent till around 3 in the afternoon chatting with a few people, researching airlines and hostels for the months ahead, and just being a bum. When I finally did get out, I went to Orchard road and did a bit of shopping. I didn’t do too much damage. I bought a pair of shorts that I have been wanting, then when I got them out of the bag today, the button had fallen off, and I cannot find it! What a pain. I guess I will just go and find either a store that sells buttons, or a tailor. I am thinking this will be easier than taking on the crowds and lines at the shopping malls on a Friday.
Tuesday night my Dad and I went to a banana leaf restaurant. It is basically just an Indian restaurant where they serve your food on a banana leaf instead of a plate. Its quite an eco-friendly concept, that in India, has been going on forever-of course then one can worry about the banana trees. The food was delicious, we ordered way too much, but wow.
I love Indian food.
Yesterday after doing a bit of shopping I went to Chinatown again. This this I was in search of a massage and reflexology clinic. I found one right away, and one with great prices too! I got about a 50 minutes of foot reflexology, and then a neck and shoulder massage for about 15 USD. Phenomenal. Afterward I met my Dad at Maxwell food center in Chinatown for the “best” chicken and rice in Singapore, according to Anthony Bordain. It was good….the best, who knows.
Last night I met up with a few new friends, Frank, Ben, Andy, Sam, Sam, (all British or South African guys, I have yet to find any girls here my age) etc, at The Prince of Wales, bar and hostel. One of their co workers is in a band so we went to watch. They were all British and quite talented. We threw back a few drinks and had a good time listening to the bands and chatting. I hope to hang out with them again.
Today I will deal with some logistics: paying for my flights from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, then from Vientiane to Hanoi, etc. Then finding a button for my shorts. It is sort of overcast again. Not sure what I will do. I would like to go to Sentosa, but I think since my mom wants to go, I will wait.
Tuesday night my Dad and I went to a banana leaf restaurant. It is basically just an Indian restaurant where they serve your food on a banana leaf instead of a plate. Its quite an eco-friendly concept, that in India, has been going on forever-of course then one can worry about the banana trees. The food was delicious, we ordered way too much, but wow.
I love Indian food.
Yesterday after doing a bit of shopping I went to Chinatown again. This this I was in search of a massage and reflexology clinic. I found one right away, and one with great prices too! I got about a 50 minutes of foot reflexology, and then a neck and shoulder massage for about 15 USD. Phenomenal. Afterward I met my Dad at Maxwell food center in Chinatown for the “best” chicken and rice in Singapore, according to Anthony Bordain. It was good….the best, who knows.
Last night I met up with a few new friends, Frank, Ben, Andy, Sam, Sam, (all British or South African guys, I have yet to find any girls here my age) etc, at The Prince of Wales, bar and hostel. One of their co workers is in a band so we went to watch. They were all British and quite talented. We threw back a few drinks and had a good time listening to the bands and chatting. I hope to hang out with them again.
Today I will deal with some logistics: paying for my flights from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, then from Vientiane to Hanoi, etc. Then finding a button for my shorts. It is sort of overcast again. Not sure what I will do. I would like to go to Sentosa, but I think since my mom wants to go, I will wait.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wednesday, wandering...
Wednesday. So I have been in Singapore for about a week now. I wandered around Kampung Glam again, the Arab quarter. This time a took a look inside of the Sultan Mosque. It was fairly plain in comparison to several of the Mosques I went to while in Egypt a few years ago.
I ate at the same place, Zam Zam, for lunch, where I met an Irish woman, Gillian, who has been teaching in Kuala Lumpur. She had some great advice about traveling in Laos, as well as some really interesting stories.
I then went to Little India again and just wandered. Bought a pair of $1.60 sunglasses, doubtful they are actually UV protective…hum.
I then went to Harbor Front, near where me Dad works. I walked around a bit but the uber retail atmosphere turned me off. I think caught a bus back to Park Avenue, where I am now relaxing.
This afternoon it rained really hard. There was extremely loud thunder and some intense lightening-for a moment thought I was going to die whilst waiting for the bus. I was covered but it was perhaps the loudest thunder I have ever heard.
I ate at the same place, Zam Zam, for lunch, where I met an Irish woman, Gillian, who has been teaching in Kuala Lumpur. She had some great advice about traveling in Laos, as well as some really interesting stories.
I then went to Little India again and just wandered. Bought a pair of $1.60 sunglasses, doubtful they are actually UV protective…hum.
I then went to Harbor Front, near where me Dad works. I walked around a bit but the uber retail atmosphere turned me off. I think caught a bus back to Park Avenue, where I am now relaxing.
This afternoon it rained really hard. There was extremely loud thunder and some intense lightening-for a moment thought I was going to die whilst waiting for the bus. I was covered but it was perhaps the loudest thunder I have ever heard.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Chinatown and Bermese food
I had a slow morning, getting up at 9 and relaxing in the apartment until about noon. I took time to call my mom and David, enjoyed talking to them both. I also attempted to begin planning the month of January. I think I will need to go to the Vietnamese Embassy and get a visa-I have decided that is a place I’d really like to go. Perhaps I will do that tomorrow if I can get up and around earlier.
About noon I headed out for Chinatown. I walked up and down the streets, which were full of vendors pedaling various trinkets, t-shirts, and Chinese odds and ends. The streets were somewhat colonial in appearance, with a mix of Chinese here and there. I did stop in a temple for sometime, read a bit about the different levels of hell as seem by Buddhists, yet thought it odd that the temple basement was a retail parking garage. That is Singapore for you.
I ate some interesting food today. In Chinatown I had some sort of Paliah roll, essentially some sort of spring roll, it was very tasty. I also had sugar cane juice, and then some sort of almond paste dessert, with was served hot. It was alright. For dinner I met up with my Dad and his co-workers, a bunch of lively young adults, like myself. We all went and ate at a Burmese restaurant, as one of the girls is from Myanmar. The food was quite good, a bit more spicy than I expected. I tried roasted tea leaf rice and chicken with bird’s nest drink-interesting… It was pretty good- the drink, eh not so much.
This evening I met up with one of the guys I met at the pool who lives in the building. He is from South Africa and is working here. He is quite nice and interesting. He grew up on a sugar cane farm, speaking German. We talked a lot about our impressions of Singapore, and about our own countries, experiences at University, etc. It was a nice chat over a decent beer.
Now I am exhausted and about ready to turn in for the night. I hope to wake up early tomorrow and make it to the Vietnamese Embassy-then perhaps a bit of shopping and yoga tomorrow night.
I have been trying to post pictures but due to the slow connection have not really succeeded. Bare with me.
About noon I headed out for Chinatown. I walked up and down the streets, which were full of vendors pedaling various trinkets, t-shirts, and Chinese odds and ends. The streets were somewhat colonial in appearance, with a mix of Chinese here and there. I did stop in a temple for sometime, read a bit about the different levels of hell as seem by Buddhists, yet thought it odd that the temple basement was a retail parking garage. That is Singapore for you.
I ate some interesting food today. In Chinatown I had some sort of Paliah roll, essentially some sort of spring roll, it was very tasty. I also had sugar cane juice, and then some sort of almond paste dessert, with was served hot. It was alright. For dinner I met up with my Dad and his co-workers, a bunch of lively young adults, like myself. We all went and ate at a Burmese restaurant, as one of the girls is from Myanmar. The food was quite good, a bit more spicy than I expected. I tried roasted tea leaf rice and chicken with bird’s nest drink-interesting… It was pretty good- the drink, eh not so much.
This evening I met up with one of the guys I met at the pool who lives in the building. He is from South Africa and is working here. He is quite nice and interesting. He grew up on a sugar cane farm, speaking German. We talked a lot about our impressions of Singapore, and about our own countries, experiences at University, etc. It was a nice chat over a decent beer.
Now I am exhausted and about ready to turn in for the night. I hope to wake up early tomorrow and make it to the Vietnamese Embassy-then perhaps a bit of shopping and yoga tomorrow night.
I have been trying to post pictures but due to the slow connection have not really succeeded. Bare with me.
Monday, December 14, 2009
A Taste of India
Today was another full day. I met up with Brenda Watson, an old family friend, and went to Little India. We took a cab over there, perhaps 7-10 minutes away from Park Avenue. We began with an Indian breakfast. We ate various vegetarian foods. Paper dosa, several types of curry, some sort of sweet fried bread that came with coconut milk and sugar-I am a fan, and masala tea-also a huge fan.
We then set out to browse the shops along the busy streets. There were so many shops selling anything and everything from cell phones to saris, jack fruit to deer meat. It was really an amazing sight to see. Brenda took me to Tekka mall, the place to buy sari and Punjabi. I bought a Punjabi, a traditional, casual type of women’s clothing. I also got some henna done-as you will see from the pictures.
Side note: There are so many types of fruits and vegetables available here it is really amazing. I have seen, not yet sampled, several fruits I had never even heard of before.
After wondering around, and deciding I could so some serious financial damage in Little India, even though everything is so cheap, we settled down for lunch. We ate more curry-of course-and some briyani (rice with veggies), naan, etc.
I love Indian food.
We ended the afternoon with a trip to Mustafa. This is the mega-mega-all you could ever want-for the best price you can ever find it-better than walmart- open 24hrs-you cannot even imagine how huge- shopping center. All I can say is---wow.
I then hopped on the MRT, and got back to the apt in no time. Oh how I wish that Texas didn’t sit on a giant bed of limestone, and we could all enjoy the wonders of fast and convenient underground public transportation.
The internet connection here at the apt has actually been quite horrible…perhaps I will go to the star bucks downstairs to upload pictures.
I think tomorrow I will go to Chinatown for the day.
We then set out to browse the shops along the busy streets. There were so many shops selling anything and everything from cell phones to saris, jack fruit to deer meat. It was really an amazing sight to see. Brenda took me to Tekka mall, the place to buy sari and Punjabi. I bought a Punjabi, a traditional, casual type of women’s clothing. I also got some henna done-as you will see from the pictures.
Side note: There are so many types of fruits and vegetables available here it is really amazing. I have seen, not yet sampled, several fruits I had never even heard of before.
After wondering around, and deciding I could so some serious financial damage in Little India, even though everything is so cheap, we settled down for lunch. We ate more curry-of course-and some briyani (rice with veggies), naan, etc.
I love Indian food.
We ended the afternoon with a trip to Mustafa. This is the mega-mega-all you could ever want-for the best price you can ever find it-better than walmart- open 24hrs-you cannot even imagine how huge- shopping center. All I can say is---wow.
I then hopped on the MRT, and got back to the apt in no time. Oh how I wish that Texas didn’t sit on a giant bed of limestone, and we could all enjoy the wonders of fast and convenient underground public transportation.
The internet connection here at the apt has actually been quite horrible…perhaps I will go to the star bucks downstairs to upload pictures.
I think tomorrow I will go to Chinatown for the day.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Days gone by.
Thursday night was topped off with a Persian grilled lamb wrap of sorts and a Tiger beer. My Dad, Francis, and I sat down by the river at Clark Quay and people watched for a bit.
Friday I set off by my self for some much needed Melanie time. I wandered around the Arab quarter before stumbling upon the Sultan Mosque, and being Friday, prayer day, unfortunately I could not visit the inside of the building. I will have to do that another day. After perusing the shops filled with various trinkets and beautiful fabrics, I settled down at Zam Zam Singapore, a lonely planet recommended lunch spot, for some mutton pancake.
I spent the afternoon walking around the shopping area known as Orchard road, and sadly, after about two hours, had only covered maybe 1/10 of it. Right now the street is covered in Christmas lights and displays. At night it is really quite pretty. I plan to go back to Orchard Road some time this week and actually play the part of consumer instead of tourist.
Friday evening we attended the Park Avenue Suites holiday gathering. It was poolside, and perhaps 20 people were there. I visited with a woman from Florida. She shared some of her experiences here in Singapore as well as her time in Bali, quite encouraging. I also met a few people my own age. First a couple from Switzerland, very entertaining and lively. Ended up being the people that live next door. I have plans to hang out Karine this week. Also, a few guys from Germany, one from Paris, and two girls from China. We had great conversation among a few drinks late into the night, and to my advantage, everyone spoke English-and for once-I was the best at it. The girls from China talked about how they choose an English name to go buy at school and work when they are about 12, and how they often change it if they feel the need. It just seemed strange to me-to pick your own name .
Saturday Dad asked me, “What does a hangover feel like?” After some discussion we concluded that he did in fact have a hangover. We spent the morning dilly dallying and then headed out to the east coast park in the afternoon. The park was nice. It was mainly an area along the coastline that has various paved trails for recreation, a few open grassy areas, and a man-made beach-all shaded with trees. The water looked disgusting, what with all of the pollution from the giant ocean liners and tankers in the bay. I didn’t even come within 30 feet of it, now come to think of it, but Francis really soaked it up, literally. The beach was fairly hot, the weather here is always hot and humid, but the sea breezes felt nice.
That night we met up with some old family friends from Bartlesville, the Watsons. Brenda and Larry were so generous and pleasant to talk to. We ate at Clark Quayside Seafood, I had a sampling of chilly crab, pepper crab, sauytay, etc. The meal was delicious. Even better was the home made pie I got once we went back to the Watson’s home-a gorgeous home at that-and had dessert. I also tried Indian black rice flavored icecream-I would put it right up there next to black sesame. Love that shit.
Sunday-today-was a full day yet again. I got up in hopes of joining a yoga class. I took a taxi to the location, or so I thought, but I must have written the address down wrong. I was in the vicinity, but just not quite there-maybe another day this week it will happen. Once I got back to the hotel, I went out and laid by the pool for a while. I ended up meeting some more people my age. This time a few guys from England and South Africa. They were alright-no one was really all that friendly, however.
The afternoon was spent on an outing to Palau Ubin/Ubin Island. It is about 40 minutes away from the Park Avenue. We took a taxi to Changi Village and then a bum boat from there to the island. Pulau Ubin is basically and undeveloped slab of land for tourists. You go, smell the polluted water and exhaust fumes, eat some mediocre food, then rent a bicycle. Once on the bike, it’s a fun place-more beautiful on the inland areas than the “beach.” On the ride we saw a few of the native islander’s homes, falling coconuts, and plenty of mosquitoes. The coconut drinks were phenomenal. Francis was disgusted by it. I had two.
This evening we headed over to Lau Pa Sat Hawker center for dinner. I had some more chicken and rice, but wasn’t impressed this time. I am now ready for bed-tomorrow I am meeting Brenda to go see Little India and Chinatown. Very excited for some good Indian food.
Oh- and pictures will come soon.
Friday I set off by my self for some much needed Melanie time. I wandered around the Arab quarter before stumbling upon the Sultan Mosque, and being Friday, prayer day, unfortunately I could not visit the inside of the building. I will have to do that another day. After perusing the shops filled with various trinkets and beautiful fabrics, I settled down at Zam Zam Singapore, a lonely planet recommended lunch spot, for some mutton pancake.
I spent the afternoon walking around the shopping area known as Orchard road, and sadly, after about two hours, had only covered maybe 1/10 of it. Right now the street is covered in Christmas lights and displays. At night it is really quite pretty. I plan to go back to Orchard Road some time this week and actually play the part of consumer instead of tourist.
Friday evening we attended the Park Avenue Suites holiday gathering. It was poolside, and perhaps 20 people were there. I visited with a woman from Florida. She shared some of her experiences here in Singapore as well as her time in Bali, quite encouraging. I also met a few people my own age. First a couple from Switzerland, very entertaining and lively. Ended up being the people that live next door. I have plans to hang out Karine this week. Also, a few guys from Germany, one from Paris, and two girls from China. We had great conversation among a few drinks late into the night, and to my advantage, everyone spoke English-and for once-I was the best at it. The girls from China talked about how they choose an English name to go buy at school and work when they are about 12, and how they often change it if they feel the need. It just seemed strange to me-to pick your own name .
Saturday Dad asked me, “What does a hangover feel like?” After some discussion we concluded that he did in fact have a hangover. We spent the morning dilly dallying and then headed out to the east coast park in the afternoon. The park was nice. It was mainly an area along the coastline that has various paved trails for recreation, a few open grassy areas, and a man-made beach-all shaded with trees. The water looked disgusting, what with all of the pollution from the giant ocean liners and tankers in the bay. I didn’t even come within 30 feet of it, now come to think of it, but Francis really soaked it up, literally. The beach was fairly hot, the weather here is always hot and humid, but the sea breezes felt nice.
That night we met up with some old family friends from Bartlesville, the Watsons. Brenda and Larry were so generous and pleasant to talk to. We ate at Clark Quayside Seafood, I had a sampling of chilly crab, pepper crab, sauytay, etc. The meal was delicious. Even better was the home made pie I got once we went back to the Watson’s home-a gorgeous home at that-and had dessert. I also tried Indian black rice flavored icecream-I would put it right up there next to black sesame. Love that shit.
Sunday-today-was a full day yet again. I got up in hopes of joining a yoga class. I took a taxi to the location, or so I thought, but I must have written the address down wrong. I was in the vicinity, but just not quite there-maybe another day this week it will happen. Once I got back to the hotel, I went out and laid by the pool for a while. I ended up meeting some more people my age. This time a few guys from England and South Africa. They were alright-no one was really all that friendly, however.
The afternoon was spent on an outing to Palau Ubin/Ubin Island. It is about 40 minutes away from the Park Avenue. We took a taxi to Changi Village and then a bum boat from there to the island. Pulau Ubin is basically and undeveloped slab of land for tourists. You go, smell the polluted water and exhaust fumes, eat some mediocre food, then rent a bicycle. Once on the bike, it’s a fun place-more beautiful on the inland areas than the “beach.” On the ride we saw a few of the native islander’s homes, falling coconuts, and plenty of mosquitoes. The coconut drinks were phenomenal. Francis was disgusted by it. I had two.
This evening we headed over to Lau Pa Sat Hawker center for dinner. I had some more chicken and rice, but wasn’t impressed this time. I am now ready for bed-tomorrow I am meeting Brenda to go see Little India and Chinatown. Very excited for some good Indian food.
Oh- and pictures will come soon.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Habitual Behavior
I tried to quit. I only lasted 4 months before I relapsed.
Now I am going where I can get it good and cheap- South East Asia.
Tuesday at 3:50 am I was picked up by the shuttle service. Riding in a blue 15 passenger van, driven by a seemingly drunk and or tired (I'd like to think the driver was simply driving by Braille) African man, I began to wonder if I would make it to DFW airport, let alone half way around the world to Singapore. From DFW to SIN, things went rather smoothly, as smoothly as a flight with two layovers, 25 hours of flight time, spouts of turbulence, and several crying babies can be. I arrived two days later at 12:20am Thursday December 10th. Eyes blood shot, breath stale, I breezed my way through immigration and customs, grabbed a taxi, and made my way to the Park Avenue Suites. There I was greeted by a man dressed in khakis and an orange crew neck tee named Randy, he showed me to my room, I took a shower, and then slept for a glorious 7 straight hours.
I set off with our family friend Francis, who is also visiting my Father here is Singapore, to see the city. We walked through Robertson and Clark Quay (pronounced Key by the locals) to get to the nearest metro stop, hopped on the rail, and emerged at Raffles Place. We soon came upon the Victorian Style Hawker center, Lau Pa Sat, where we ate some lunch. I had chicken and rice. This dish is just chicken and rice, but its not just chicken and rice. It is delicious. The most tender, juicy magnificent chicken and rice. I will be eating this dish again--soon. After lunch we walked down to Fullerton Place, towards the Esplanade theaters, and around the Colonial District. We saw the old Parliment, Cricket Club, Raffles Hotel, and more.
Having been here less than 18 hours, I have already grown quite fond of Singapore. It is exquisitely laid out, wondrously clean, lusciously green, and is truly a place where east meets west. Its like Tokyo and Vienna had a child, and that child grew up and met the offspring of Paris and Madrid...or something contorted like that.
I wonder what sort of delightful food I will have for dinner tonight....
Now I am going where I can get it good and cheap- South East Asia.
Tuesday at 3:50 am I was picked up by the shuttle service. Riding in a blue 15 passenger van, driven by a seemingly drunk and or tired (I'd like to think the driver was simply driving by Braille) African man, I began to wonder if I would make it to DFW airport, let alone half way around the world to Singapore. From DFW to SIN, things went rather smoothly, as smoothly as a flight with two layovers, 25 hours of flight time, spouts of turbulence, and several crying babies can be. I arrived two days later at 12:20am Thursday December 10th. Eyes blood shot, breath stale, I breezed my way through immigration and customs, grabbed a taxi, and made my way to the Park Avenue Suites. There I was greeted by a man dressed in khakis and an orange crew neck tee named Randy, he showed me to my room, I took a shower, and then slept for a glorious 7 straight hours.
I set off with our family friend Francis, who is also visiting my Father here is Singapore, to see the city. We walked through Robertson and Clark Quay (pronounced Key by the locals) to get to the nearest metro stop, hopped on the rail, and emerged at Raffles Place. We soon came upon the Victorian Style Hawker center, Lau Pa Sat, where we ate some lunch. I had chicken and rice. This dish is just chicken and rice, but its not just chicken and rice. It is delicious. The most tender, juicy magnificent chicken and rice. I will be eating this dish again--soon. After lunch we walked down to Fullerton Place, towards the Esplanade theaters, and around the Colonial District. We saw the old Parliment, Cricket Club, Raffles Hotel, and more.
Having been here less than 18 hours, I have already grown quite fond of Singapore. It is exquisitely laid out, wondrously clean, lusciously green, and is truly a place where east meets west. Its like Tokyo and Vienna had a child, and that child grew up and met the offspring of Paris and Madrid...or something contorted like that.
I wonder what sort of delightful food I will have for dinner tonight....
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