Tag: asia

Exploring Singapore Before Your Flight

Disembarking our ship in Singapore, I was facing a full day before my late evening flight. My friend Judy and I decided to do what I’ve done many times in the past: take an excursion that would end up dropping us at the airport in the afternoon. When I booked the excursion, however, I hadn’t counted on the heat and humidity. We did have a nice tour, although it was again a day of ending up with clothing wet from perspiration. Not the most comfortable way to begin a 22 hour trip; I’m heading to Malta from here. If you’re anywhere near as old as I am, you probably remember the TV program “Sweating to the Oldies” with Richard Simmons. Well, this was sweating WITH the oldies (fellow passengers) from my cruise.

Let me advise you from the start: the Singapore airport is a destination in itself. Had I realized this before (I arrived in Singapore at midnight and didn’t take much time to look around) I would have just gone straight to the airport. More about that later.

Our first stop was the National Orchid Garden, which, of course, was nearly all outside in the heat. The garden is big, with many winding paths. Since it is an easy place to get lost and we had limited time, our guide offered to take us through if we wished. I’m glad we stayed with him, since his knowledge of the various orchids made it more interesting. There was one place in the garden that was my favorite: the cool room. Have I mentioned that it’s hot in Singapore?

These orchids made me smile: don’t they look like they are smiling back?

Our next stop took us to Chinatown, which was great since we missed it when we were there before the cruise. We were given time to have lunch in the hawker mall, which was a maze of dozens of food vendors, all delicious. With the Chinese New Year approaching, the area was awash in red decorations and people making purchases for the coming holiday. After our lunch I went to explore the temple nearby.

We then headed to the Bay for a river cruise. We made a stop at Raffles, which was essentially an opportunity to peruse their (very expensive) gift shop. Then down to the river. It was a different perspective on the area we have visited before, with another look at the Merlion from the water. What I found the most interesting were the historic former warehouses along the waterfront. Built mostly by Chinese merchants, they were situated on the river before it was made into a bay.We were told the size of the building reflected the wealth of that particular merchant. Today they are restored buildings with shops and restaurants.

The contrast between the former warehouses and the skyscrapers show the history of Singapore’s growth.

We were finally off to the airport, and relieved that we would be in air conditioning again. When I had a long wait in the Buenos Aires airport, I got into a conversation with a fellow traveler who told me about the Singapore airport. He encouraged me to set aside some time to explore when I flew there. I’m so glad he did.

When we arrived a the airport I learned that the airline I was flying, Emirates, would allow me to check my bags up to 24 hours ahead of time. Not all airlines do this, but it’s a nice perk. If that isn’t possible, there’s a luggage storage desk right next to the early luggage drop. I checked my bags and friend Judy went to check in to her hotel room, which was also in the airport. Then we enjoyed a refreshment break at one of the many little cafes, and wandered through the gigantic shopping mall attached to the airport. And there in the middle of the mall is a lovely green space with a waterfall.

And there’s even a Disney-style ride!

All in all, this trip to Singapore and the cruise has been a great adventure. Next I’m off to Malta to hang out by the Mediterranean for a month.

Exploring Ayutthaya: A Day in Thailand’s Ancient Capital

The final port of call on our cruise was Leam Chabang, near Bangkok. We opted to take an excursion to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. While today it is a modern city, the entire area is dotted with ancient temples.

First, though, we made a stop at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. On the long drive north, our guide schooled us in the history of the Rama line of Thai kings…and made it interesting!

The palace grounds are quite large, with man-made lakes, monuments, elephant topiary, and various buildings used for the King’s palace, visiting dignitaries, ceremonies, and one small gingerbread house that was used by the king to get away from everyone. Our guide told us that when the king went to that little house, no one was allowed in: no servants, no family, no officials. This was his place for “me time.”

After a stop for another delicious Thai luncheon at Kantary Ayutthaya, we were off to visit the temples. A note about the meals we had in Thailand: I love Thai food. Interestingly enough, my favorite Thai restaurants are in Alaska-go figure. There’s a Thai food truck that operates in the summer near a hotel just South of the entrance to Denali National Park, and I always make it a point to visit whenever I’m in the area as I lead tours. But I always wondered just how authentic the food really was. Two years ago I had a Thai couple who told me they approved of the food from the truck, which I took as a good sign. I now know that the Thai food in Alaska is absolutely authentic. And yummy!

I couldn’t resist a photo of another unique vehicle for tourists. There are benches in the back and you just hang on for the drive!

Next we were off to visit the whole reason we took this tour: the ancient temples. The first stop was at Wat Yai Chaya Mongkoi (Wat meaning temple.) As soon as we neared the temple grounds, my friend and I said at the same time, “THIS is what we came to Thailand for.” Well, that and the food.

There was again the opportunity to climb up to view the complex from the main temple, and I again decided to be smart and not go there. I did climb a few steps, but with uneven and ancient bricks, no handrails, and soaring temperatures, we both decided a few steps was plenty. Oh, to be twenty again and able to scramble up to the top! The entire area was amazing, however, and there is a feeling of serenity about it, even with the many visitors.

Our next stop was Wat Maha That. This temple complex was even older than the first, and our guide explained how to tell the difference based on how the towers were constructed. The older ones look like corncobs! By this time the heat was getting brutal, and the park provided umbrellas to help keep the sun from beating on our heads.

The Buddha above is the only one in the complex that is complete. When the area was invaded by the Burmese they destroyed the many images of the Buddha, and when the Thai people tried to restore their temple the found most of the Buddhas had been destroyed and the heads smashed. The Buddha above was reassembled from the pieces.

The only other Buddha head that survived has become a symbol of the temple: it became encased in the roots of the tree above.

The final stop on our tour was at Wat Phra Is Sanpet, the oldest of the three sites we visited, and there are no photos to show you. It was truly so hot that several of us on the tour were becoming the worse for wear. After climbing around and up and down ancient steps and being literally drenched in perspiration, I was beginning to feel faint. Several of us on the tour opted to stay on the bus and look from afar. Hailing from Montana and Alaska, I just don’t have the ability to function in the heat and humidity. My usual coping mechanism of taking it slow and not going out in the hottest part of the day just doesn’t work on a sightseeing excursion!

Exploring Koh Samui: Temples, Food, and Culture

Another island, another port, another excursion. After two sea days, which we were grateful to have so we could relax a little and stay cool, we headed out to explore the island. Our route took us completely around the island and gave us a sampling of the temples and shrines that dot the island.

Our guide was funny and irreverent, and explained the variety of cultures that live together on the island. There is a mixture of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures that create a rich mixture of food, language, and customs. He explained that in his language the same word is used for “happy” (if it’s a verb) and “toilet” (if it’s a noun). His name means “Happy,” but he claims his mother named him that because she has a great sense of humor! At each stop he would point out the “happy place” so we would know where the toilets were.

Our first stop was at Plai Laem Temple. This stop actually had several religious sites at the same place. Our guide explained the significance of each area, and then allowed us time to explore on our own.

Right next to the temple above sits a statue dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

The area was a feast of sights and colors, and I couldn’t resist capturing all the details in my photos.

Next we were off to see The Big Buddha, a huge gold-plated statue that sits atop a high platform with steps leading up to it. What is the penchant for making everyone climb steps? I decided to view the Big Buddha from the bottom, given the heat and humidity. Have I mentioned that it’s very hot in Thailand?

Our next stop was the restaurant in a beautiful resort hotel on the coast: Nora Buri. Actually, on Koh Samui pretty much everything is on the coast! We had a buffet lunch that Polly approved of, and then took time to enjoy the view. Polly was more interested in the food.

One more stop before heading back to the ship. This was a memorial to Guan Yu, a general from nearly 2000 years ago who is revered as a God of War. He is respected for his integrity and loyalty, and apparently is known around the world in the Chinese community.

Along the way around the island our guide pointed out the Four Seasons Hotel where the third season of the “White Lotus” was filmed. He told us to look carefully through the trees and we could see the hotel…then he laughed as he said “Sorry, you can’t see it from the road!” He said they closed the hotel for several weeks during filming, and they laughed all the way to the bank.

When I grow up I think I want to be a scout for filming sites. Oh, wait, I’m already grown up…and retired. OK, so I want to do that in my next life. My luck I’ll come back as a frog. Or they would send me to scout a site for a remake of “The Thing” or “Mosquito Coast.”

I do have to share one more photo of the day. In keeping with the sense of humor of our guide, I want to share the decor in our bus. Equipped with huge speakers and decked out in red, it brought to mind a courtesy shuttle for a brothel. Maybe it would make a great filming site for my first effort.

Our final stop was at Chaweng Beach, where we were given time to walk along the beach or browse the many shops in the area. There was also a mall. By this point my friend Judy and I were shopped out and feeling the heat. We discovered a Starbucks, and while I prefer to sample local cuisines while traveling, an iced tea in an air conditioned store won us over.