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Published: August 26th 2006
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cable car ride
I had 3 goes on the cable car, it was so much fun In bad need of some rest, I holed up for 5 days in a reasonable posh 'otel, called the New York at Johor bahru, (25 floors, I was on level 14, with huge window, sitting area etc) I read a couple of excellent books, slept alot, swam each day, shopped a little in the nearby plaza and as my sense of adventure returned, caught the bus to City Square plaza, right near the causeway to Singapore. I spent quite alot of time in a great, nearby, internet cafe, where John and I could MSN with vid cam and sound, so we could talk and make faces at each other at the same time.
I have received many emails and comments of encouragement and THANK YOU all very much. How did travellers used to manage without contact from home, without email, internet?? Even as a tool to look at next place being visited, I can get an idea of locations for accommodation, possible trips, exchange rates etc etc.
In my time at the New York, as I've got my energy back, my sense of humour returned, and have had fun 'people watching' which starts at breakfast (first few days I took my
boat trip at boat quay
boat trip was 45 mins along the river by clarke quay and on up to river point. paper to read or my book), watching the very 'camp' waiters, who are always freindly to me, being from England (England football). I wonder at the location of the hotel, which seems to be in a poor area. Each day I've walked down to plaza/internet cafe/bus stop, I have passed someone with the wheely bin or bin bags emptied and they are scavenging through the contents. Does make me a little nervous. Still, am all rested now, head off tomorrow for 'Singers' (sinapore)
Singapore and sentosa
It took several hours to work out the bus to get over and find some reasonable accommodation, I decided to try a dorm here, as I don't intend to be in the room much, need to get out and make the most of Singapore, and will have more money to spend on sight seeing and shopping of course. First try was a bit of disaster, at the YMCA, really lovely place with nice cafe, internet and a huge swimming pool on the roof. But the dorm rooms were too small, two sets of bunk beds, (so four beds in about 10ftx10ft room) with one wardrobe, one dressing table and one chair, then an en-suite
with shower. When I got there the 3 girls had their bags and clothes on floor, and dressing table covered and the bathroom full of their bits too, including thier knickers hanging to dry all over the place. Next day I looked around some more, and found the Hang out, (Hostelling International). Much better laid out,with a locker each that you can lock. Has free internet and a lounge area with movies, tea and coffee, so ideal.
I can fully recommend Singapore to anyone who is planning a holiday, Doreen, make sure its on your list when you book a cruise, Brad, this is where the lovely girls are at, apparently they have ladies nights at the clubs. Probably the only downside, would be, booze seems a little expensive.
It is the nicest city I have ever been to. Its clean, safe and friendly, easy to get around, dry and hot, many free clean propper toilets, there is so much to see and do, and of course the shops and restaraunts are amazing. I spent the first day on Orchard road, not just in the shops but poking around in the posh hotels, going up and down in the glass
view from carlsberg tower
even higher than cable car, at sentosa fronted lifts, asking thier rates (cheapest 100GPB a night). Not cause I wanted to stay, but cos I could and I was curious. Next couple of days I got hop on/ hop off bus tickets, which are excellent, take you all around to the visitor spots and you just get off when you want and get on next one, carry on the circuit (you could stay on bus to have a look all around, takes about 2 hours). You eventually end up back where you started, unless like me, one of the days, I ended up at Sentosa Island, sentosa meaning peace and tranquility (which is a whole day event) and decided I wanted to go in cable car back, which was fantastic, I had the whole car to myself, and the views were out of this world, I could look down onto the deck of the cruise ship which was docked in the Harbour. When I got off there, I wasn't on bus route, so asked a few questions, and got on the MRT (monorail) back to Orchard road, which isn't far from where I am staying. I have to have another go on the cable car, I found
orchid garden
Lovely orchid garden within the botanic gardens, singapore out since it carries on up the mountain (Mount Faber), so I'm up for that. I went on a boat trip at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, the skyline and all buildings here are like no-where else I've seen. Walked around at the Botanic Gardens, the Orchid Garden was so beautiful. Booked on a night Safari at Sinagapore Zoo. I have aslo booked on a trip to Raffles for my Singapore Sling, thought it may be better with a group, rather than be billy no mates with my sling. I really think you should all come over and have a Sling or two with me!!
I am hoping to maybe do a beach one day? maybe.
This has been so good after the struggle of the last couple weeks. So glad that I saved it till last and left myself a week here. I would definately like to come back here one day. It is the icing on the cake.
That ends my first leg in Asia - 8 weeks, 4 countries visited and well, I know you are all wondering. 1500 spend so far, includes, dive trip I didn't do, some accom that I didn't stay in, all food,
transport (buses, taxi's and trains), accom I did stay in which included the odd 'posh' one. Some new togs and a dodgy mobile phone that doesn't appear to work and joining some of the Touristy day trips. You could do it much more cheaply in Asia, dependant on your own needs. I am happy with this, certain I'll need more for Oz and NZ.
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Hugh O'Rourke
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Lovely to find you in high spirits
Hi Lorraine Sorry i missed your last message as very busy. Now it seems everything is going very well. I do not share your joy in cable cars. Had one trip at Malceisine on Lke Garda but my inner fears left me a little out of the oohs and aahs of all the other passengers. Love your adventurous spirit in the hostels. I did wash and hang out underware to dry on long russian assignments but it is many years since i slept in bunks in closely packed dorms. Probably do me good to try it again. The way the city comes alive under your writing including all strata of people and places is a wonder of descriptuion. Go well and we look forward to the lands down under.