Early breakfast and out by 8:00 a.m. for a full day of temple visits. Two temples in the morning - Angkor Thom complex and Ta Prohm Temple which was the scene of the movie “Tomb Raider.” Buffet lunch in a nice hotel restaurant and then onto Banter Srei and Angkor Wat. Weather was in the high nineties. Headed to the lounge for beer and appetizers for dinner. We were in bed by 8:30pm.... read more

Today’s tour started at 1:00pm with a drive by bus through Chinatown. Disembarking in the flower district, we walked several blocks through stalls and stalls of people making flower decorations. They were beautiful and looked tedious to make and sold for very little. Next we hopped on a tuk-tuk which derives its name from the sound it makes. Thankfully we survived that experience as they drive rather erratically here. It is probably more dangerous as a pedestrian, a truck backing up very nearly hit me. Was looking forward to the huge reclining buddha but he is encased by the building and it is difficult to see him all at once as there are pillars in front of him, thus the long shot of buddha from his feet. Of course a tour wouldn’t be complete without entrapping ... read more

After a relaxing day at sea, we were up and at em for a day of circling the island of Ko Samui to take an elephant ride, watch a demonstration of a monkey retrieving coconuts (trained to do so because they are faster and more adept than people), watched an elephant do some tricks and visited a waterfall nearby. A cooking demonstration was thrown in for good measure (Papaya Salad) but I don’t think we will be trying it at home. Next stop was a rubber tree demonstration- fascinating to see the liquid pour out of the tree to eventually become a tire. Big export here along with coconuts. Then it was time for lunch which was at a beautiful seaside location. Picture of the setting below but what we didn’t take was the pile of ... read more

After breakfast we went on a hunt for vodka, not an easy task in Singapore. After walking two malls, the deed was accomplished and we were ready to check out of the Pan Pacific hotel and board the bus to the Insignia. Our cabin was filled with luggage (4 huge bags, 2 medium and 2 small) and left little walking space, but since it was time for lunch, we left that chore for later to gain strength for the task at hand. Two hours later we were organized and pleased with the results. We were ready for 109 days of life aboard Insignia and a glass of beer.... read more

Lucked out today when we arrived at the Singapore Flyer early in the morning. We were able to board our own capsule (usually holding 28 people) and get the most awesome view of Singapore. The humidity is so high here that after walking around we were quite wet and decided to cool off by the pool. We will be out even earlier tomorrow in order to not be overcome by heat.... read more