In Singapore

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Hi all and happy holidays! I'm currently in Singapore and, wow, what a great place. I spent about a week in Malaysia, few days in KL, few days in Penang, few days in Langkawi and found myself to be a bit bored. I've been to Malaysia before so there wasn't much that I was dying to see again so I thought I was due for some beach time. Loved it, don't get me wrong, but I really just needed a bit more stimulation thus my early move to Singapore. I did have a friend who happened to be here the same time, Allan, so boredom coupled with a desire to see my good friend, I decided to move on.

Singapore is a wonderful country, I almost feel civilised again. Strange mixture here, definitely Asian in feel but with modern lifestyle everywhere. In fact, super organized with their mass rapid transit and bus system, you can definitely plan your trip and arrival time to within minutes. There is no shortage of shopping, there are malls everywhere and with it being Christmas, decorations galore. The famous Orchard Street is rife with malls but at Christmas, they put up the most amazing lights and spare no glitz, kind of reminds me a bit of Las Vegas. Fear not, those who know I love to shop, I have little room in my luggage so I've been able to control my spending plus it's far more fun to people-watch. If you're a fan or architecture, then you'll love their downtown area. However alongside all the huge skyscrapers, they've kept some of the older buildings and turned them in to restaurants so it's just a unique blend that is so sweet to the eye. Then throw in tons of gardens and trees and greenery, you might get a feel for this amazing place. One last 'Vegas' note, they have two casinos here, only two, and their proceeds are second to Las Vegas - only two casinos are taking second place, there is money here.

I'm also posting a few pics of Myanmar that I missed when I posted my last blog. So in two days I move to Bali for Christmas and New Years then after that, I decided to squeeze in the Phillipines. I have 10 days before my flight home and rather than waste that time meandering through places I've already been, why not add another stamp to my passport? A wonderful suggestion by Allan and I think it is the best I've had in a while. So with that, have a super Christmas everyone and a happy new year. Miss you all, have an egg nog for me!

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Photos

Myanmar1
They make the most of the space available on a vehicle. This is lightly loaded compared to some I saw.

Myanmar2
A novice monk looking out the window at this wonderful teak monastery.

Myanmar3
Watching the novice monks, you can miss the idea that they're little boys until I found two of them outside flying a kite, this is only one of many pics I took of them laughing like the little boys they are.

Myanmar4
This is Shnezana, a gal from Slovenia from our trek. They managed to fit on another two people before the pick up left. I rode to the bus station the next day that exact same way.

Myanmar5
Sunrise at the Shwedagon Pagoda. That stupa is 98 metres tall and has apparently accumulated more than 53 metric tonnes of gold leaf. Dazzling...

Myanmar6
More gold stupas at the Shwedagon.

Langkawi1
Me from my rented beach chair to the left...

Langkawi2
Me from my rented beach chair to the right...

Singapore1
Allan (right) and his friend KK in front of the downtown skyline.

Singapore2
This is at the top of the Marina Bay Sands -- there is a picture later of what this building looks like from a distance. It is really high up...

Singapore3
A huge container awaiting unloading.

Singapore4
See the old buildings in front and the skyscrapers behind? This is boat quay.

Singapore5
Me and Allan in front of the Marina Bay Sands, that's the building we were on top of.

Singapore6
Pictures just don't do the Christmas lights on Orchard justice.

Singapore7
More lights on Orchard.

Singapore8
Me, Allan and Johnathon on Orchard, notice my teeny, tiny Christmas hat? Super fun!

Singapore9
A chinese temple in Singapore, very long name and really cool architecture.

Singapore10
Another building at the Chinese temple.

Comments

[Michelle]

Merry Christmas
So weird to have a Christmas without you..glad your having fun and I'm counting down the days till you come home...make sure you let me know the details so I can pick you up at the airport...no matter what time.. Miss ya lots ....xoxo mich

[Willie Mitchell]

Mele Kalikimaka
Hey Travel Star, I can't believe you've been there sooo loooong that it's almost time to come home. Another 10 days and it's flight time? That's twice my Christmas break! That's it.... I'm getting into the oil business, damn it. Wait...can you say "damn it" this close to Christmas? Thanks again for staying in touch and offering up all of those great photos. Should make for a nice album once you get home. Travel safe and Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou....

[Rob Watson]

end of year
Merry Christmas and a very happyNew Year

[Derdrie]

Hello Cheryl
Cheryl I think of you often. I hope you have had a great journey. Your pictures are fabulous and your stories even more so, you are such a great writer. Travel safe my friend and let me know when you are homw and settled and perhaps maybe a drink is in order!! Merry Christmas!!!

[marlene]

Hey Cheryl...great to hear from you as usual....have a fabulous xmas.