Ahhhh ... Singapore! It is a very small, but modern country. The streets are clean, things run very efficiently here. Better than anywhere else we've been in the last 5 weeks. The travel book tries to make it sound like Singapore is trying to project itself as a modern place, but not a totally westernized place. I don't know why this is. Everything here reminds me of home, just a bit cleaner and without the bubble gum.
Shopaholics, beware! So far, all of the tourist places we've visited are mall-centered. The largest fountain in the world is at the base of a 5 tower giant mall & office complex. They have a historic hotel, "world famous", that dates from the later 1800s and it is also attached to a mall. The war memorial that we saw is across from yet another mall. Bored, Mike and I tried to hit the cinema. Unfortunately for us, they are only showing three English flicks over here. Shrek 3, Pirates 3, and Ocean's 13. We've already seen them. (2 in Bangkok and 1 yesterday in Malaka, Malaysia.) What a drag, eh? So here we are at the Internet cafe... since there is no TV at the hostel we're staying in. Unlike the hostels in Malaysia, this one is immaculate. Very clean, has locks for our stuff that are reliable, and AC at no extra charge! Yippie. It'd be perfect if there was a TV for us to sit around and veg out watching.
Ohhh ... I just realized I didn't write about yesterday in Malaka. It was fantastic fun. [I don't know if I'm in a mood today or Mike's in a mood ... perhaps both of us are? Or we're just tired?] Malaka is an older, small historic town. They have churches, which are locked up even on Sundays with signs that say "open to the public daily" and an cute little old city center. The old and historic buildings are something to look at, and they have of course, a fantasticly huge and modern mall. I did cave and buy this super cute little sweater for almost $10 USD (a small fortune!) but I'm sure I'll need it as we're going south to winter in Australia in 2 days. Totally a justified purchase. He he he. We also found Chinatown. There were a few temples we walked by (booooring ~ we've been to too many temples to care now) and some fantastic antique shops. I wish I had the space to buy some of the really amazing antiques. They have all sorts of stuff from 300 years ago. Mike is a coin collector and we stumbled upon a great old shop. He bought a VOC (Dutch East India Company) coin from 1766 along with 10 other coins for about $35 USD. The lady even tossed in a simple silver ring I was eyeing and didn't feel like paying for. Lovely lady, lovely shop. After we got the coins, we ended up at the mall and watched Ocean's 13 and went bowling. Such a lovely evening!!
Perhaps we'll get lucky tomorrow and find something non-shopping related to do ...
Either way, it's almost time for Australia! We fly there on the 13th and are spending two days in Sydney. I can't wait....
UPDATE: Met two super cool Canadians back at the hostel and spent all of Tuesday hanging out with them. Had great girl chat while the boys complained about us girls not being "team walkers." Blah. It was a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon and it was a shame to say goodbye to our North American friends. :)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Shopaholic Finds Chinatown! :)
Oooh chinatown! I'm loving it!! We managed to find another decent market with all sorts of wonderfully cheap things to buy. My backpack is getting close to full, its also getting quite heavy.... But I have been so good so far. Almost all the way through Southeast Asia and yet to purchase a designer handbag or wallet. Talk about self-control! I should get a medal! ;) But alas, I will go to the market next and score a bag and ideally, a matching wallet for myself. Last night I bought two pairs of sunglasses for less than 10 USD. Fab, fab.
Yesterday we went to the Malaysian history museum. As far as museums go, it was pretty average. The Museum in Bangkok was 10 times better. Oh well. We learned a lot about pre-historic times and a bit about trading, then the usual colonization by the Europeans bit. We also read up on the Japanese invasion and occupation and the "glory" of modern Malaysia. Across the street is the largest flagpole and biggest flag in SE Asia or Asia (can't remember). Oooh aahhh. Then we got Oreo McFlurries at McD's and waited out the rain. For dinner, we found a reggie bar which had great ambiance. We got a candle for eating, I got the "ladys drink special" meaning my drink was 1/2 as much as Mike's (sweeet!) and a yummy snack. The portions over here are quite small in comparison to what we're used to, but our waitress (?) was a trani, so that keeps it interesting. (They are all over the place here.)
This morning, we awoke and headed over to the Patronas Towers. They're the largest twin towers in the world, the 3rd largest buildings in the world. They were in Entrapment if you saw that one. Anywho, we waited in line for our free ticket to the sky bridge on the 41st floor (about 1/2 way up). It only took us about 1/2 hour and our tickets were for 4:15 pm. Then off to Times Square, which is really just a boring mall. Boo. From there, we navigated over to the KL Tower and went up that. It was really quite fun and we got great views for pictures. Yippie!! After the KL tower, we ate like real locals. My food was 5.20 ringet (about $1.5) and Mike's was 8.40 ($2 something). I can't tell ya what we ate, but it was a little self-serve buffet and yummy. :) Then we went back towards the KLCC and Patronas Towers. They have the most insanely upscale mall there. Not just Tiffanys, but stores I've never seen in a mall at home. Everything from Cartier, Gucci, Gergigo Armani, Hermes, A/X, and so on. Mike and I couldn't have afforded anything there ... well, maybe a cup of coffee but that looked too expensive too and neither one of us drink it anyway. Then we hung out in their lovely park. It has a playground (I got some good height on the swing), a splash pool (no lifeguards needed, they don't sue like Americans do), an actual running track, a pond with fountains, lovely landscaped overhangs of vines for shade, all pulled together very nicely. So pretty. Why don't we have more lovely park space back home??
And now I better jet... Mike's been giving me the "are you done yet" eye from across the internet cafe. I think he probably was done 20 minutes ago....
Yesterday we went to the Malaysian history museum. As far as museums go, it was pretty average. The Museum in Bangkok was 10 times better. Oh well. We learned a lot about pre-historic times and a bit about trading, then the usual colonization by the Europeans bit. We also read up on the Japanese invasion and occupation and the "glory" of modern Malaysia. Across the street is the largest flagpole and biggest flag in SE Asia or Asia (can't remember). Oooh aahhh. Then we got Oreo McFlurries at McD's and waited out the rain. For dinner, we found a reggie bar which had great ambiance. We got a candle for eating, I got the "ladys drink special" meaning my drink was 1/2 as much as Mike's (sweeet!) and a yummy snack. The portions over here are quite small in comparison to what we're used to, but our waitress (?) was a trani, so that keeps it interesting. (They are all over the place here.)
This morning, we awoke and headed over to the Patronas Towers. They're the largest twin towers in the world, the 3rd largest buildings in the world. They were in Entrapment if you saw that one. Anywho, we waited in line for our free ticket to the sky bridge on the 41st floor (about 1/2 way up). It only took us about 1/2 hour and our tickets were for 4:15 pm. Then off to Times Square, which is really just a boring mall. Boo. From there, we navigated over to the KL Tower and went up that. It was really quite fun and we got great views for pictures. Yippie!! After the KL tower, we ate like real locals. My food was 5.20 ringet (about $1.5) and Mike's was 8.40 ($2 something). I can't tell ya what we ate, but it was a little self-serve buffet and yummy. :) Then we went back towards the KLCC and Patronas Towers. They have the most insanely upscale mall there. Not just Tiffanys, but stores I've never seen in a mall at home. Everything from Cartier, Gucci, Gergigo Armani, Hermes, A/X, and so on. Mike and I couldn't have afforded anything there ... well, maybe a cup of coffee but that looked too expensive too and neither one of us drink it anyway. Then we hung out in their lovely park. It has a playground (I got some good height on the swing), a splash pool (no lifeguards needed, they don't sue like Americans do), an actual running track, a pond with fountains, lovely landscaped overhangs of vines for shade, all pulled together very nicely. So pretty. Why don't we have more lovely park space back home??
And now I better jet... Mike's been giving me the "are you done yet" eye from across the internet cafe. I think he probably was done 20 minutes ago....
In the Jungle, the mighty Jungle the Lizzy sleeps tonight....
The Cameron Highlands is a nice mountainous region in Malaysia. We arrived via a 'VIP' bus (it costs a few extra ringet for the Super VIP) on a very windy, twisty road. I have to admit my stomach was a bit jiggly and not happy when we arrived. As usual, people from the hostels greet you and try to convince you to come along with them. We picked Daniel's Lodge and headed off in a small van. The hostel was basic, but it only cost 8 ringet (slightly more than $2) so I didn't complain. Mike liked our crumbly hostel back in Georgetown better, I preferred the showers in the Cameron Highlands for no particular reason. (I think I'm starting to develop thicker backpacker skin.) In Malaysia they always have tons of DVDs for you to browse and watch at the hostels since they are all pirated copies anyway. We watched Blood Diamond. It ruled!! I strongly recommend it for all.
After we watched Blood Diamond, Mike and I got chatting with another couple from England. They had picked up an American traveler along the way and the 5 of us went to grab some dinner. I don't know where this crazy American kid came from, he was so odd. He doesn't watch or own a TV ~ need I say more?? The British couple were delightful for conversation (they brought up things they hated while traveling, most people gloss over and say nice things) and the food was very filling and yummy. Mike got some delicious venison. I was a bit jealous after it arrived.
After dinner, we went around the campfire and had a beer. Oh how I was wishing for a s'more. None to be had, of course. We met the craziest German guy ever. He was rude and insulting as well as nuts. He picked on us for being Americans (big surprise) and went off on a range of other things. Mike and I shared numerous glances back and forth while he was ranting and we were trying to figure out how we could end the conversation and get to bed. Eventually we got around to his dogs and off the hook. Yikes. I am glad we didn't run into him again. Total asshole.
We woke up the next morning and bought a "map" of the Cameron Highlands so we would be able to pick a good walking trek. The map was nearly useless, but only 4 ringet so whatever. We had some breakfast but the portions were so small that both Mike and I being "fat" americans ordered two. Jeepers. Anyway, we selected track 8. It went by a waterfall that was totally lame after being to Chang Mai (or is it spelled Mei?). We didn't even bother snapping a picture of it. 8 is listed as being the steepest in the guidebook. It was a mountain to climb. It was a good adventure though and I enjoyed the strenuous trek... I think. Mike was faster than I and I do believe I slowed us down. Ah well. Whacha gonna do??
After our trek and lunch, we decided we'd go visit a tea plantation. (They are a big thing in the area, that and strawberry farms.) The lady at the hostel told us a local bus goes nearby and its cheap, so we figured we'd do that. Ha ha ha. No such luck. We waited at the bus station for about 1/2 hour for the bus we thought would take us there. The bus hung out at the depo for another 1/2 hour before the driver appeared to board. When he was collecting money, he asked where we wanted to go and told us we were on the wrong bus. We could wait another 1/2 hour or so for the next one. Mike and I gave up and negotiated with a taxi driver. Of course, by the time we arrived the tea plantation and factory was closed. Joy! And it was pouring rain! Double fun. And our taxi was gone. Triple fun! We decided to pay the 5 ringet for the butterfly farm. It was totally lame. I'm super happy it was cheap. With nothing else to do, we started to walk back in the rain. We managed to do okay for a bit, while continually looking for a taxi to hail. Eventually we did get one and ended up back in town. Thank goodness!! Time for another relaxing night with cool mountain air back at the hostel. They even have hot water for showers. Ahhhh....
After we watched Blood Diamond, Mike and I got chatting with another couple from England. They had picked up an American traveler along the way and the 5 of us went to grab some dinner. I don't know where this crazy American kid came from, he was so odd. He doesn't watch or own a TV ~ need I say more?? The British couple were delightful for conversation (they brought up things they hated while traveling, most people gloss over and say nice things) and the food was very filling and yummy. Mike got some delicious venison. I was a bit jealous after it arrived.
After dinner, we went around the campfire and had a beer. Oh how I was wishing for a s'more. None to be had, of course. We met the craziest German guy ever. He was rude and insulting as well as nuts. He picked on us for being Americans (big surprise) and went off on a range of other things. Mike and I shared numerous glances back and forth while he was ranting and we were trying to figure out how we could end the conversation and get to bed. Eventually we got around to his dogs and off the hook. Yikes. I am glad we didn't run into him again. Total asshole.
We woke up the next morning and bought a "map" of the Cameron Highlands so we would be able to pick a good walking trek. The map was nearly useless, but only 4 ringet so whatever. We had some breakfast but the portions were so small that both Mike and I being "fat" americans ordered two. Jeepers. Anyway, we selected track 8. It went by a waterfall that was totally lame after being to Chang Mai (or is it spelled Mei?). We didn't even bother snapping a picture of it. 8 is listed as being the steepest in the guidebook. It was a mountain to climb. It was a good adventure though and I enjoyed the strenuous trek... I think. Mike was faster than I and I do believe I slowed us down. Ah well. Whacha gonna do??
After our trek and lunch, we decided we'd go visit a tea plantation. (They are a big thing in the area, that and strawberry farms.) The lady at the hostel told us a local bus goes nearby and its cheap, so we figured we'd do that. Ha ha ha. No such luck. We waited at the bus station for about 1/2 hour for the bus we thought would take us there. The bus hung out at the depo for another 1/2 hour before the driver appeared to board. When he was collecting money, he asked where we wanted to go and told us we were on the wrong bus. We could wait another 1/2 hour or so for the next one. Mike and I gave up and negotiated with a taxi driver. Of course, by the time we arrived the tea plantation and factory was closed. Joy! And it was pouring rain! Double fun. And our taxi was gone. Triple fun! We decided to pay the 5 ringet for the butterfly farm. It was totally lame. I'm super happy it was cheap. With nothing else to do, we started to walk back in the rain. We managed to do okay for a bit, while continually looking for a taxi to hail. Eventually we did get one and ended up back in town. Thank goodness!! Time for another relaxing night with cool mountain air back at the hostel. They even have hot water for showers. Ahhhh....
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Another Temple???
We arrived safely in Malaysia yesterday. I have to admit we were a bit skeptical before we got to the border. In Kho Samui, the travel agent explained only 1 bus company was still serving the route we wanted to go because Southern Thailand has some small terrorist factions or something. We didn't have any trouble and didn't hear anything about it during our LOOONG day from Kho Samui to Phanag, Malaysia. We had our travel agent lady drive us to a mini-bus, got on a ferry, back on the mini-bus, switched mini-buses and then drove all the way down here. It took us all day ~ roughly 13 hours to travel this distance. It seems like it should have gone quicker, but what else can you do but be a good sport about it?
After crossing into Malaysia, instantly you notice their infrastructure. Their highways are very modern and extremely good -- they remind me of home. The roads through the rest of southeast Asia are a bit patchy, particularly in Cambodia & Vietnam. We certainly survived them, but its nice to be a bit closer to civilization. We spent today cruising around Georgetown, Malaysia's second largest city but still very small when compared to home. We climbed up Kek Lok Si Temple which has a fantastic view out over the city. The temple is very different from the ones we've seen already. The color scheme is all bold colors in contrast with one another and I think it looks a bit tacky. It's also no where near as ornate as the Temple of the Jade Buddha which is covered in gold back in Bangkok. Its so funny ~ I never pictured myself to be one who'd be comparing the decorations of Buddhist temples. We also walked down by the waterfront, which is a bit scuzzy and polluted (think Atlantic City) and then crossed by Little India. We'll go back that way for dinner, I hope the Indian food is yummy! :)
After crossing into Malaysia, instantly you notice their infrastructure. Their highways are very modern and extremely good -- they remind me of home. The roads through the rest of southeast Asia are a bit patchy, particularly in Cambodia & Vietnam. We certainly survived them, but its nice to be a bit closer to civilization. We spent today cruising around Georgetown, Malaysia's second largest city but still very small when compared to home. We climbed up Kek Lok Si Temple which has a fantastic view out over the city. The temple is very different from the ones we've seen already. The color scheme is all bold colors in contrast with one another and I think it looks a bit tacky. It's also no where near as ornate as the Temple of the Jade Buddha which is covered in gold back in Bangkok. Its so funny ~ I never pictured myself to be one who'd be comparing the decorations of Buddhist temples. We also walked down by the waterfront, which is a bit scuzzy and polluted (think Atlantic City) and then crossed by Little India. We'll go back that way for dinner, I hope the Indian food is yummy! :)
Lunar Craziness and Scenic Bungalows
They say that the full moon brings out the crazies. In Kho Phangan, Thailand; when the full moon is out they throw a party that is not for the week. The Full Moon Party is probably the most insane party I've been to in my life. The beach is full of party people and music floods in from all directions. Mike and I choose not to stay on Kho Phangan, but picked Kho Samui ~ a very nearby island ~ instead. The ferry ride between the two is only about an hour. As we walked from the ferry pier to the beach party, they sell everything from Full Moon Energy drinks, buckets, and neon body paint to splash all over your scantily clad body. Mike and I did feel slightly overdressed when we arrived in clothing, as opposed to our swimsuits. Oh well. They sell 'buckets' for about 250 baht ($6-7 USD) all over the place. They give you a cute little pail (the kind a child would play with on the beach) and dump a flask of the local whiskey, your soda of choice, and red bull into the pail and fill it to the brim with ice, and throw in a few straws for good measure. If you some how manage to finish one, I'm not so sure how you're still standing. Most people drink part the way through and trashed and therefore abandon it on the beach to go enjoy the party. [Drugs also are available at the party from random sketchy people walking the beach... but I wasn't game for trying any of that schnanagins.] They warned us not to take off our shoes or set anything down, the locals scrounge the beach and steal it all. Many a backpacker has awoken on the beach without anything and needing to go buy their shoes back from a local. Regardless, the moon is full and lighting the beach and the music plays loud and clear all night long. The different bars belt out different tunes -- techno/house stuff as well as pop and classics mix on the beach. I have to admit that I throughly enjoyed the party and went a bit crazy with the other full mooners. :)
We arrived to Kho Samui on June 1st, which was the date of the full moon party, and therefore enjoyed our first night partying all night. We crashed back at our beach bungalow -- New Hut Bungalows which cost us 300 baht/night until about 2 pm the next day. Kho Samui is a very scenic island and we were apparently there during off-season. We didn't see too many people around and were able to walk the long stretch of beach and enjoy ourselves. Most of the day we lazied around, read a little, listened to the iPod, and just relaxed. You can get a Thai massage on the beach for only 200 baht/hour. So cheap!! Time becomes irrelevant as you just waste the day away. When we went to check out, they tried to charge us for 4 nights and we seriously had to think about how long we spent on the island because it just sort of melts away. We also had the pleasure of catching a fantastic thunder and rainstorm on the 2nd night. The lightening was just illuminating the sky as we were walking back to the bungalow from dinner. It also served to nicely cool off the evening and make it comfortable to sleep, since we were not paying for Air Conditioning ~ just a fan to get by. Next time I'm in Thailand, I'll certainly wash up on Kho Samui and lounge around for a bit ... it was so reasonable and relaxing.
We arrived to Kho Samui on June 1st, which was the date of the full moon party, and therefore enjoyed our first night partying all night. We crashed back at our beach bungalow -- New Hut Bungalows which cost us 300 baht/night until about 2 pm the next day. Kho Samui is a very scenic island and we were apparently there during off-season. We didn't see too many people around and were able to walk the long stretch of beach and enjoy ourselves. Most of the day we lazied around, read a little, listened to the iPod, and just relaxed. You can get a Thai massage on the beach for only 200 baht/hour. So cheap!! Time becomes irrelevant as you just waste the day away. When we went to check out, they tried to charge us for 4 nights and we seriously had to think about how long we spent on the island because it just sort of melts away. We also had the pleasure of catching a fantastic thunder and rainstorm on the 2nd night. The lightening was just illuminating the sky as we were walking back to the bungalow from dinner. It also served to nicely cool off the evening and make it comfortable to sleep, since we were not paying for Air Conditioning ~ just a fan to get by. Next time I'm in Thailand, I'll certainly wash up on Kho Samui and lounge around for a bit ... it was so reasonable and relaxing.
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