Normandy Nights

It wasn’t long before the minivan pulled up outside the train station (near Surat Thani, I think). At the allotted time and after hooking up the engine, we were allowed to board the train for the 12 hour overnight run to Bangkok. We were a bit apprehensive after the uncomfortable night we had had the on the train from Singapore to KL. From the fluffy pillows, smartly dressed carriage staff, and the layout of the carriage, we could tell this would be a more enjoyable and comfortable trip. At a time of our choosing the carriage staff would come along, and offer to make the bed for you. Later I would spot one of them sleeping on piles of bagged linen, outside our carriage. The humbleness, service and professionalism of these people, is to be admired, ... read more

As New Years Eve dawned, and after having breakfast and collecting our valuables from the locker we went to the meeting point to prepare for our journey to the Khao Sok National Park. We boarded our long tailed boat again, and sailed off back to the real world. Once again our trusty little minivan was waiting for us. We loaded our bags onboard, and were on our way. After an uneventful journey we arrived at the Morning Mist Resort on the doorstep of the Khao Sok National Park. Now let me say we are not accustomed to rooms without air conditioning and all the usual pampering, but we were in for a big shock in comparison to what we normally expect when arriving at a hotel/resort. After a wait to ensure the rooms were available, we ... read more

Something not to be missed in Malaysia is a trip to the Hawker Centres. Though this may sound a bit dodgy, it actually isn’t, unless of course you think Asian singers are dodgy. Well actually some are very dodgy!! Okay forget about the Asian singers for a moment. A Hawker Centre is a brilliant place where there are many stalls serving all sorts of delightful dishes. There are a great many tables and benches in the middle of all the stalls, and each table is numbered. You pick a table, take note of your number, and then head off and follow the smells wafting from each of the friendly stalls. Make sure and have a good look around and then choose something from a menu. Order, and they will ask you for your table number. Go ... read more

This morning we began our Kumuka tour, starting with a guided minibus tour of Singapore. It really stands out how organised this city is when you tour it. We were told many fantastic statistics about the place, most of which I can’t remember of course. But apparently the government of Singapore plan 40 years in advance, I can barely see 30 seconds into the future!! Singapore also has a 90 something percent rate of home ownership, one of the highest in the world, if not the highest. Singaporeans seem to have an answer or solution to every question, its just not fair!! Its not just the quantity of skyscrapers that takes your breath away. Hidden behind all these concrete monoliths are countless little parks and green spaces, which are immaculately maintained. Even Suntec shopping centre has ... read more

Following a predictable route we decided we would head to Brugge for a day trip. After rising at the leisurely time of 9am, we had breakfast at the hotel, and took as much extra pastries and fruit away with us as our bag could comfortably carry. Seems you can't take the backpacker out of us, even on a short weekend away!! We walked to the train station (Brussels Noord again). On the way we were treated to the rather fetching sight of a real version of the "Manneken Pis" statue. Only difference was this person was older, and more haggered. Oh forgot to mention i could only describe his package as "rather generous". I think he was about to go, but got stage fright upon our arrival. Got to the train station, and succeeded as we ... read more