You might not believe this, but I am back in Colorado Springs already. I didn't know if it would be easy or difficult to get back, but I sure nailed it. Flew from Singapore to Japan on Friday, spent the night at Yokota, then caught the Patriot Express (an L-1011) from Yokota to Seattle. The L-1011 is a commercial aircraft that is contracted by the government to move people around. Cost me all of $27 to fly. When it was obvious I was getting on, I went over to the internet computer that they have in the terminal and used it to book a ticket from Seattle to the Sprins. Since I used Delta Skymiles, it cost me nothing. Great way to travel!
Mike picked me up from the airport. Got home and only a slightly messy house, which I mostly straightened up already. Time to go to bed, though. My body thinks that it's Sunday, although it is only Saturday here in the states. Fun trip, and when I do another, I will start up another blog. For now, though, this is Travelin Ted signing off.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Great Time on Sentosa Island, Singapore today!
I thought today was going to pretty much be a bust, since I am waiting for the plane to Yokota tomorrow. Several people had told me to go out to Sentosa Island, because there was tons to do there. Man, they weren't lying--I had a great time. Basically, it is an island that has been converted into a large recreation park. I would say amusement park, but there weren't any kiddie rides.
Started off with an uneventful bus ride this morning to the Harbourfront station. There you have a choice how you want to get out there. You can go by ferry, monorail or cable car. Of course, I chose the cable car/gondola. Had it all to myself and really enjoyed the terrific view of Singapore city and Sentosa Island. Takes about 15 minutes, and well worth the S$10 roundtrip (US$7.50). On Sentosa, you can purchase tickets for several different "adventures." They also, of course, offer bundled packages which, of course, I chose. I walked out to there exquisitely fashioned beach, which actually had a nice (natural) surf...and beach bunnies.
The, I walked over to MY main goal, which was Fort Sintosa, a British era guardian of Singapore harbor. Had a lot more about the Singapore experience during WWII, when they were taken over by the Japanese. It was one of the most embarassing losses and surrenders by the British ever. They actually far outnumbered the Japanese, but thought they were way outnumbered themselves. Thus, 100,000 British and allies, surrendered to 60,000 Japanese--quite an ignominious defeat.
After the fort, I watched a 4D experience, which was actually a pirate show, wearing those goofy glasses. It was well put together, the seats moved and jerked, and you were sprayed with water. The kids loved it; ok for me. What I did really like was the next "adventure." They actually created an "Underwater Adventure," where you walked through and under large fish tanks with jillions of fish, sharks, crabs, etc. Very interesting, though I've seen several that were much larger. The fish collection here was really cool.
Did a few more things, and then headed back. Turned out to be almost a 7 hour trip, which is exactly what I wanted. I know I've said it before, but Singapore and Singaporeans are very, very cool. Modern city with an easygoing atmosphere. Lots of different peoples--Chinese, Indians, Asian Moslems and tourists--and they all know how to get along together. I never feel pressured or uncomfortable. One of the things that I really wasn't looking forward to in Vietnam and Cambodia is that tourists are mobbed by begging children and adults everywhere. Also, sellers are actually hawkers, and I have heard they are really pushy--one reason that I might have a hard time in Istanbul, in the future.
Mike is in school and "digging it." I know that the 6 months that he spent in the real world really opened his fledgling eyes. I owe my litte chickie, Kathie, a lot for taking care of the details with Mike while I am away. He's been staying at the house, and with the dogs, which is very nice. He says that the boys I have watching them are doing a great job.
Glad I called about tomorrow's plane since it had been changed a bit. Thankfully, I don't have to be up so early to catch it now. It's an 8 hour flight to Japan, then a 13 hour flight to the west coast. I considered buying a ticket for about $1100, but then, that would be defeating the purpose of this trip, now wouldn't it!?
TTFN
Ted
Started off with an uneventful bus ride this morning to the Harbourfront station. There you have a choice how you want to get out there. You can go by ferry, monorail or cable car. Of course, I chose the cable car/gondola. Had it all to myself and really enjoyed the terrific view of Singapore city and Sentosa Island. Takes about 15 minutes, and well worth the S$10 roundtrip (US$7.50). On Sentosa, you can purchase tickets for several different "adventures." They also, of course, offer bundled packages which, of course, I chose. I walked out to there exquisitely fashioned beach, which actually had a nice (natural) surf...and beach bunnies.
The, I walked over to MY main goal, which was Fort Sintosa, a British era guardian of Singapore harbor. Had a lot more about the Singapore experience during WWII, when they were taken over by the Japanese. It was one of the most embarassing losses and surrenders by the British ever. They actually far outnumbered the Japanese, but thought they were way outnumbered themselves. Thus, 100,000 British and allies, surrendered to 60,000 Japanese--quite an ignominious defeat.
After the fort, I watched a 4D experience, which was actually a pirate show, wearing those goofy glasses. It was well put together, the seats moved and jerked, and you were sprayed with water. The kids loved it; ok for me. What I did really like was the next "adventure." They actually created an "Underwater Adventure," where you walked through and under large fish tanks with jillions of fish, sharks, crabs, etc. Very interesting, though I've seen several that were much larger. The fish collection here was really cool.
Did a few more things, and then headed back. Turned out to be almost a 7 hour trip, which is exactly what I wanted. I know I've said it before, but Singapore and Singaporeans are very, very cool. Modern city with an easygoing atmosphere. Lots of different peoples--Chinese, Indians, Asian Moslems and tourists--and they all know how to get along together. I never feel pressured or uncomfortable. One of the things that I really wasn't looking forward to in Vietnam and Cambodia is that tourists are mobbed by begging children and adults everywhere. Also, sellers are actually hawkers, and I have heard they are really pushy--one reason that I might have a hard time in Istanbul, in the future.
Mike is in school and "digging it." I know that the 6 months that he spent in the real world really opened his fledgling eyes. I owe my litte chickie, Kathie, a lot for taking care of the details with Mike while I am away. He's been staying at the house, and with the dogs, which is very nice. He says that the boys I have watching them are doing a great job.
Glad I called about tomorrow's plane since it had been changed a bit. Thankfully, I don't have to be up so early to catch it now. It's an 8 hour flight to Japan, then a 13 hour flight to the west coast. I considered buying a ticket for about $1100, but then, that would be defeating the purpose of this trip, now wouldn't it!?
TTFN
Ted
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Great time, but all things gotta end sometime!
Well, the Vietnam trip was a great plan. Unfortunately, I didn't play my cards right--most likely because I'm getting tired myself. I didn't realize that I had to have a visa to get into Vietnam until last night. So, this morning has been a flurry of activity: going to the airport to convince the airline to let me move my time for departure, then going to the Vietnamese Embassy to apply for a visa. Well, the wanted $130 to do it by tomorrow, plus the airline wants to charge me $40 to change the time. Since I only paid $175, and since I am tired, I thought about it and decided to forego that part of the trip. I'm going to try to catch a plane back up to Yokota on Friday.
I've had a great time going around Singapore for the past few days. Just had another great lunch. Will fill you in as soon as I make headway on my way back.
Ted
I've had a great time going around Singapore for the past few days. Just had another great lunch. Will fill you in as soon as I make headway on my way back.
Ted
Monday, August 20, 2007
Back in Singapore, but in town now!
Well, I ahd hoped to get a room back at the navy base, mainly because it was the perfect price, but that was not to be. All full at the inn. I'm in a part of Singapore City called Gaylang--where really much of the night life is. More important for me, it's where good hotels for a good price are. The hotel is nice and just a little walk from lots of stuff...that I will do tomorrow.
The flight down from Chiang Mai went really smoothly--jsut like the trip up. Tiger Airways is a new carrier and prides itself on new airplanes and a professional staff and crew. I can vouch for both. Thailand really took hold of me and has moved to the top of the list of places that I've visited. I liked being with Mike, but the Thai people, food and prices were just great. I didn't make it down to Bangkok, but it was never really in my plans, especially since Tokyo and Singapore, not to mention Saigon, are huge cities in their own right.
I can finally feel myself getting tired. I think that I've kept up an amazing pace for the past almost month. When you get my age, and you think you've seen it all, not much is exciting anymore. This trip has been exciting. I can't let my guard down either, because both Vietnam and Cambodia are places to be on your toes. Not dangerous, mind you, but a bit more chaotic than places I've been. Singapore is ruled by a dictator, who really does seem to have the good of his people and country at heart. Thailand is governed by the military, but their presence was certainly underwhelming. Both places feel and felt very safe--and remember that I was in the "wild north" of Thailand. I would definitely recommend it--or anywhere in Thailand for that matter. Many people ahve said that I'm missing such great beaches by not going to Phuket or Koh Pi Pi or such, but I have to remind them that nothing, NOTHING touches the Emerald Coast of Florida.
I do wish that I could stash some things in Singapore before heading to Vietnam. In fact, I think I might do just that. I met some folks down at the navy base who surely wouldn't mind me leaving my larger backpack there while I travel light. I'll work that out tomorrow. My plane ticket has me in Vietnam until 27 Aug, but I may ask to extend until the 28th. The hop back to Yokota leaves on the 29th, and I don't really feel the need to hang around Singapore again.
Massages galore over here and in Thailand. I had a Thai massage, which feels good but hurts too, yesterday. Cost was $4 for an hour. I had to have a nice easy massage later last night to chill out--same price. I must have had 10 massages since I've been in SE Asia. I had a chili crab for dinner and it was amazing. Not cheap though--about $30 for a huge crab, beer and all the trimmings. Same meal would have cost $8 in Thailand, maybe.
Just hanging out tomorrow. Let me know how you're doing.
Ted
The flight down from Chiang Mai went really smoothly--jsut like the trip up. Tiger Airways is a new carrier and prides itself on new airplanes and a professional staff and crew. I can vouch for both. Thailand really took hold of me and has moved to the top of the list of places that I've visited. I liked being with Mike, but the Thai people, food and prices were just great. I didn't make it down to Bangkok, but it was never really in my plans, especially since Tokyo and Singapore, not to mention Saigon, are huge cities in their own right.
I can finally feel myself getting tired. I think that I've kept up an amazing pace for the past almost month. When you get my age, and you think you've seen it all, not much is exciting anymore. This trip has been exciting. I can't let my guard down either, because both Vietnam and Cambodia are places to be on your toes. Not dangerous, mind you, but a bit more chaotic than places I've been. Singapore is ruled by a dictator, who really does seem to have the good of his people and country at heart. Thailand is governed by the military, but their presence was certainly underwhelming. Both places feel and felt very safe--and remember that I was in the "wild north" of Thailand. I would definitely recommend it--or anywhere in Thailand for that matter. Many people ahve said that I'm missing such great beaches by not going to Phuket or Koh Pi Pi or such, but I have to remind them that nothing, NOTHING touches the Emerald Coast of Florida.
I do wish that I could stash some things in Singapore before heading to Vietnam. In fact, I think I might do just that. I met some folks down at the navy base who surely wouldn't mind me leaving my larger backpack there while I travel light. I'll work that out tomorrow. My plane ticket has me in Vietnam until 27 Aug, but I may ask to extend until the 28th. The hop back to Yokota leaves on the 29th, and I don't really feel the need to hang around Singapore again.
Massages galore over here and in Thailand. I had a Thai massage, which feels good but hurts too, yesterday. Cost was $4 for an hour. I had to have a nice easy massage later last night to chill out--same price. I must have had 10 massages since I've been in SE Asia. I had a chili crab for dinner and it was amazing. Not cheap though--about $30 for a huge crab, beer and all the trimmings. Same meal would have cost $8 in Thailand, maybe.
Just hanging out tomorrow. Let me know how you're doing.
Ted
Sunday, August 19, 2007
A Little Change of Plans!
I've had a nice, laid back day in Chiang Mai. Just got back from the special Sunday Night-market, and it was really cool. Most of the stuff for sale was kitsch, and most of the buyers were tourists, primarily Japanese. Just zillions of food vendors with so many different things to eat. I probably walked for a couple of miles, and certainly lost no weight. It basically costs a quarter to try something. I could name a few, but I would leave off so much that it wouldn't be fair. Just let it be said that a large plate of sushi can be had for maybe $3.
So, I finalized my plans for the next few days. Since Chiang Mai is in the middle of nowhere, you basically have to go to Bangkok or Singapore to really get to a destination. Unless you go by bus or train, that is, and those are notoriously slow and unreliable. So, I am flying back down to Singapore in the morning (Monday). Thailand charges huge taxes for international flights--and flying from Thailand to places other than Singapore seems kind of expensive.
On Wednesday morning, I'm flying from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Lots of cool things around there, and it is a lot easier to get to Angkor Wat from Vietnam. I'm staying in Vietnam/Cambodia until Monday, the 27th of Aug when I will head back to Singapore. On Wednesday, I will catch the hop back up to Japan on my way back to the US.
Will write again tomorrow from Singapore, where I will be staying for free again...not that the $20 per night here has really set me back that much. Umm, not that I've actually paid $20 per night, since I spent much of my time in the jungle with lions and tigers and bears.
Oh, my.
Till tomorrow.
Ted
So, I finalized my plans for the next few days. Since Chiang Mai is in the middle of nowhere, you basically have to go to Bangkok or Singapore to really get to a destination. Unless you go by bus or train, that is, and those are notoriously slow and unreliable. So, I am flying back down to Singapore in the morning (Monday). Thailand charges huge taxes for international flights--and flying from Thailand to places other than Singapore seems kind of expensive.
On Wednesday morning, I'm flying from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. Lots of cool things around there, and it is a lot easier to get to Angkor Wat from Vietnam. I'm staying in Vietnam/Cambodia until Monday, the 27th of Aug when I will head back to Singapore. On Wednesday, I will catch the hop back up to Japan on my way back to the US.
Will write again tomorrow from Singapore, where I will be staying for free again...not that the $20 per night here has really set me back that much. Umm, not that I've actually paid $20 per night, since I spent much of my time in the jungle with lions and tigers and bears.
Oh, my.
Till tomorrow.
Ted
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Big Ted: Trekker, Rafter & Elephant Rider Extraordinnaire!
Well, that was just 3 days of sheer adventure and bliss for a great outdoorsman like myself! Wow, talk about start to finish action. I started in Chiang Mai--which really isn't the center of the civilized universe to begin with--and then we drove 2 hours out into the the mountains and jungle near the Burma border. When I say drive, I mean we actually rode in the back of a pickup truck with a top and seats--the Thai version of a taxi. It was a hot, bumpy ride--and then we started going off road.
Hiked for a couple of hours through the jungle to a hill-tribe village belonging to the Hmong. Those familiar with Vietnam and Laos certainly have heard of this tribe. Let me tell you about living primitively, whew! No electricity, no running water, rudimentary facilities. Their main way of living is terrace rice farming and whatever they can eke out of the hikers by selling baubles for almost nothing. The nights are surprisingly cool, and we slept in a large hut on stilts with mosquito netting over each bed. Not that we really needed mosquito netting since we were, by no means, swarmed at all. They did have a large bucket of clean water that we used to take a washrag bath and become human again. We had great, locally cooked, meals at each pace we stopped--always a Thai curry or soup an water or warm beer (carried and sold by guide).
Yesterday (2nd day) was great. We hiked another couple of hours to an elephant camp and hopped a ride on some pachyderms. Asian elephants are much smaller than African, which means diddly when you're 8 feet up. Also means diddly when the 120 lb guide think he's going to stop an always hungry elephant from grabbing snacks (sometimes whole sappling trees) along the way. I have pictures and will post them on www.myspace.com/mikesdaddy. Rode for about 1 1/2 hours, then hike a little more to a Karen tribal village, where we had lunch and a little nap. Finally, hiked down into a valley along a stream which, thankfully, turned into a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. Since there were no villages above the stream, it was organically clean. Very nice to wash the muck and grime with a good shower with soap. The waterfall created a nice breeze which flowed right through the raised hut we were staying in. Mozzie nets again. Both nights, we played a fun Thai card game, appropriately called "shithead." Just wonderful food last night--several choices. Met up with a few other people, which made our group 8. Walked down some more to a truck, which then took us to a fast flowing river, where we jumped onto bamboo rafts. Many more people here--mostly tourists and the obligatory hawkers--and floated down the rapids and waterfalls for the next hour. Finally jumped back onto our "taxi" and headed back to Chiang Mai. It's amazing to think of this place as civilization, but it is what it is!
What next? Tomorrow, I'm either going to take a slow boat to Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos ***OR*** catch a flight down to Siem Reap, the little town near Angkor Wat. Both would be cool, but only one will be chosen...probably AW. Been gone basically 3 weeks, and I have at least another week in me. Those who know me KNOW that I must be having a good time or I wouldn't have extended my vacation down here. Fun meter so far: 1) Hawaii with Mike, 2) Singapore, 3) Thailand, 4) Japan.
Well, I'll talk to you later. Don't know from where yet.
Ted
Hiked for a couple of hours through the jungle to a hill-tribe village belonging to the Hmong. Those familiar with Vietnam and Laos certainly have heard of this tribe. Let me tell you about living primitively, whew! No electricity, no running water, rudimentary facilities. Their main way of living is terrace rice farming and whatever they can eke out of the hikers by selling baubles for almost nothing. The nights are surprisingly cool, and we slept in a large hut on stilts with mosquito netting over each bed. Not that we really needed mosquito netting since we were, by no means, swarmed at all. They did have a large bucket of clean water that we used to take a washrag bath and become human again. We had great, locally cooked, meals at each pace we stopped--always a Thai curry or soup an water or warm beer (carried and sold by guide).
Yesterday (2nd day) was great. We hiked another couple of hours to an elephant camp and hopped a ride on some pachyderms. Asian elephants are much smaller than African, which means diddly when you're 8 feet up. Also means diddly when the 120 lb guide think he's going to stop an always hungry elephant from grabbing snacks (sometimes whole sappling trees) along the way. I have pictures and will post them on www.myspace.com/mikesdaddy. Rode for about 1 1/2 hours, then hike a little more to a Karen tribal village, where we had lunch and a little nap. Finally, hiked down into a valley along a stream which, thankfully, turned into a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. Since there were no villages above the stream, it was organically clean. Very nice to wash the muck and grime with a good shower with soap. The waterfall created a nice breeze which flowed right through the raised hut we were staying in. Mozzie nets again. Both nights, we played a fun Thai card game, appropriately called "shithead." Just wonderful food last night--several choices. Met up with a few other people, which made our group 8. Walked down some more to a truck, which then took us to a fast flowing river, where we jumped onto bamboo rafts. Many more people here--mostly tourists and the obligatory hawkers--and floated down the rapids and waterfalls for the next hour. Finally jumped back onto our "taxi" and headed back to Chiang Mai. It's amazing to think of this place as civilization, but it is what it is!
What next? Tomorrow, I'm either going to take a slow boat to Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos ***OR*** catch a flight down to Siem Reap, the little town near Angkor Wat. Both would be cool, but only one will be chosen...probably AW. Been gone basically 3 weeks, and I have at least another week in me. Those who know me KNOW that I must be having a good time or I wouldn't have extended my vacation down here. Fun meter so far: 1) Hawaii with Mike, 2) Singapore, 3) Thailand, 4) Japan.
Well, I'll talk to you later. Don't know from where yet.
Ted
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Dances With Elephants: A Bald Man's Trek thru Thailand
Alright guys, I'm going to really be out of pocket for a few days. As I said yesterday, I am going on a trip in the country for a few days. Seems like a lot of my trip has been around big cities. Japan was nothing but one massive city--but I liked it anyway. We'll be staying with the hill tribes up in far northern Thailand and doing tons of fun things. Will fill you in when I get back Saturday--sooner if it is possible.
Well, let me tell you--the spa treatment yesterday was totally awesome. That Thai honey bullied my poor body for 3 hours. Not just a massage, but a full foot massage therapy, a complete facial massage/detox, and a scalding hot, steam sponge bath. Oh, poor me! And no, I didn't get a...!" Cain't finish that one for you.
The king size bed was pretty hard last night, but I had no trouble sleeping as usual. Most small electronics are made to plug into 110 or 220v--and the sockets allow American plugs. So, I recharged my Ipod, camera battery and cell phone last night. Funny enough, even though they said that American cell phones don't work here, the phone rang last night. It was actually the office calling as I asked to extend my leave by a week. I apparently don't know how to call out, but people can call me. Don't though, because I won't be taking the phone on the trip.
If anybody has special requests while I'm over here, it's time to let me know. Thailand IS cheap, and I can pick up nice things or touristy stuff. Well, will talk to y'all later.
Ted
Well, let me tell you--the spa treatment yesterday was totally awesome. That Thai honey bullied my poor body for 3 hours. Not just a massage, but a full foot massage therapy, a complete facial massage/detox, and a scalding hot, steam sponge bath. Oh, poor me! And no, I didn't get a...!" Cain't finish that one for you.
The king size bed was pretty hard last night, but I had no trouble sleeping as usual. Most small electronics are made to plug into 110 or 220v--and the sockets allow American plugs. So, I recharged my Ipod, camera battery and cell phone last night. Funny enough, even though they said that American cell phones don't work here, the phone rang last night. It was actually the office calling as I asked to extend my leave by a week. I apparently don't know how to call out, but people can call me. Don't though, because I won't be taking the phone on the trip.
If anybody has special requests while I'm over here, it's time to let me know. Thailand IS cheap, and I can pick up nice things or touristy stuff. Well, will talk to y'all later.
Ted
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Suwadikup! Hello from Thailand--land of milk and honeys
OMG you wouldn't believe this place. Singapore was great, but I just love where I'm at right now--in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I flew up this morning--took about 3 hours--cost 85 bucks--cheap. Great flight on a new plane. ANyway, I met an Australian on the plane, and we just chatted the whole way about cool things to do here. He also got me into this great hotel. It's actually very traditional Thai--like a Mom and Pop bed and breakfast. Everything here is so cheap. The nice room overlooks a neat Thai garden, has a king size bed, AC, etc and cost 20 bucks a night. I just had a plate of pad-se-ew and a large coke, delish, for less than 2 bucks.
One of the cool things about this place is that they have so many things set up to do--trips, tours, etc. So, tonight I'm getting a full body massage, foot massage and 9 point facial massage treatment for 3 hours. Costs all of 30 bucks.
Tomorrow, I'm going out for a 3 day trip through the Thai countryside. Includes hiking, elephant rides, jumping off of waterfalls, rafting on bamboo rafts, visiting the tribe whose women wear those rings around their necks which totally stretches them, and lots more. It will be a blast. I will be incommunicado for a few days, though. So many things to do from here--and all nicely set up. It's just a small operation--probably 30-40 folks here. I'm sure they draw from other places around town as well.
Ted
One of the cool things about this place is that they have so many things set up to do--trips, tours, etc. So, tonight I'm getting a full body massage, foot massage and 9 point facial massage treatment for 3 hours. Costs all of 30 bucks.
Tomorrow, I'm going out for a 3 day trip through the Thai countryside. Includes hiking, elephant rides, jumping off of waterfalls, rafting on bamboo rafts, visiting the tribe whose women wear those rings around their necks which totally stretches them, and lots more. It will be a blast. I will be incommunicado for a few days, though. So many things to do from here--and all nicely set up. It's just a small operation--probably 30-40 folks here. I'm sure they draw from other places around town as well.
Ted
I really do love Singapore!
This place really grows on you. I mean, they let you stay for free and everything! The people down here are "folks." Believe, Japanese are NOT folks. I like it here better...and...the temps are cooler, believe it or not. I was a man about the island today. Went to Changi Airport to get my ticket to Thailand--I leave early in the morning to go to Chiang Mai. I've heard that Chiang Mai is a nice, cultural town in northern Thailand. I'll go there first, then make my way down Thailand to Bangkok and then the coast.
I had just an amazing lunch today in a little town about 10 miles from where I'm staying. I'm at Sembawang, which is in the far south (well, as far as you can get on a small island). The lunch was a huge plate of massive, butteflied prawns lightly coated and topped with kind of a crunch cereal and these amazing crunchy, fried chili pepper leaves. Washed it down with a local brewski and it was yummy. Came back to the room for a couple of hours then headed back to Chinatown for dinner. I ate Chinese dim sum at around 10pm--and the downtown was humming. Problem was: I ate dim sum and den sum and den sum more. I'm stuffed even now, and it's almost midnight.
Anyway, I'm heading off to bed. By the way, travel around SE Asia is cheap. Airfare to Chiang Mai was $85 one way. It was cost me $39 to fly from there down to Bangkok, but I might just end up taking the slow boat to China. Arh, arh.
Next message WILL be from Siam.
Ted
I had just an amazing lunch today in a little town about 10 miles from where I'm staying. I'm at Sembawang, which is in the far south (well, as far as you can get on a small island). The lunch was a huge plate of massive, butteflied prawns lightly coated and topped with kind of a crunch cereal and these amazing crunchy, fried chili pepper leaves. Washed it down with a local brewski and it was yummy. Came back to the room for a couple of hours then headed back to Chinatown for dinner. I ate Chinese dim sum at around 10pm--and the downtown was humming. Problem was: I ate dim sum and den sum and den sum more. I'm stuffed even now, and it's almost midnight.
Anyway, I'm heading off to bed. By the way, travel around SE Asia is cheap. Airfare to Chiang Mai was $85 one way. It was cost me $39 to fly from there down to Bangkok, but I might just end up taking the slow boat to China. Arh, arh.
Next message WILL be from Siam.
Ted
Monday, August 13, 2007
Singapore is NOT like Japan! Much more easygoing
Yesteday afternoon, I found out about getting around Singapore by bus and metro train/subway. It is very easy and everything is in English. Singapore is warm and very muggy. It certainly doesn't seem as hot as Japan, but maybe that is because I expect it to be tropical down here. I went into the city and spent most of my time in Little India and Chinatown. Singapore has 76% Chinese, 20% Indian, and the rest. Little India was rather rundown while Chinatown was certainly bustling and far more vibrant. Unfortunately, I was full from my Indian meal. I'll need to head back to Chinatown because there are so many little food vendors selling everything that I MUST eat.
Tomorrow, I will try to get to Thailand. I won't go much into that until it actually happens. Loving my trip. Mike is back safely, as I knew he was anyway. I plan on being on the road for a couple more weeks--need to be back to Colorado by 27 Aug.
Ted
Tomorrow, I will try to get to Thailand. I won't go much into that until it actually happens. Loving my trip. Mike is back safely, as I knew he was anyway. I plan on being on the road for a couple more weeks--need to be back to Colorado by 27 Aug.
Ted
I'm NOT intimidated! Heading straight into Singapore
Caught the flight down here with no problem at all. I've discovered a cool trick that really makes it easy. Last night, I stayed up late and just kind of catnapped until the alarm at 0330. Signed up for the plane to Singapore, and we took off on a big DC-8 at 0600 sharp. Got a full row of seats to myself, popped an ambien, and we wre landing by the time I woke up. I love it. I flew with a lady whose husband works at the navy "presence" on the island. I got into their TLF using my permissive TDY orders--and they aren't even charging me. The quarter are definitely of old British stock and gloriously nice (with AC).
I feel so good that I am getting ready to head into the city. I've done some studying of their rail and subway system and have it mastered. I've been told that everythng down here is cheap, including cabs. The metro station is about 20 minutes walktime, so after a week of walking to Fussa station, I might just take the cab. I plan on going into Little India and Chinatown tonight. I will get the necessary paperwork to choose an all-Singapore tour tomorrow. I don't really drink, but I've been told that imbibing a Singapore Sling is a tradition. I will spend most of Wednesday exploring more around Singapore, and loving it's food and sights, before heading up to Chiang Mai, Thailand on Wednesday evening. I've been told that it is MOST interesting. Best of all, the cost from Singapore on an Airbus 320 is about $50. I've given an idea of my plans earlier, but will et you know as I go along. Getting to internet hasn't been a real problem.
Anyway, it is 1545 on Monday here. Take the time differences that I listed below for Japan and add an hour.
Love everyone--heading into the city--Ted
I feel so good that I am getting ready to head into the city. I've done some studying of their rail and subway system and have it mastered. I've been told that everythng down here is cheap, including cabs. The metro station is about 20 minutes walktime, so after a week of walking to Fussa station, I might just take the cab. I plan on going into Little India and Chinatown tonight. I will get the necessary paperwork to choose an all-Singapore tour tomorrow. I don't really drink, but I've been told that imbibing a Singapore Sling is a tradition. I will spend most of Wednesday exploring more around Singapore, and loving it's food and sights, before heading up to Chiang Mai, Thailand on Wednesday evening. I've been told that it is MOST interesting. Best of all, the cost from Singapore on an Airbus 320 is about $50. I've given an idea of my plans earlier, but will et you know as I go along. Getting to internet hasn't been a real problem.
Anyway, it is 1545 on Monday here. Take the time differences that I listed below for Japan and add an hour.
Love everyone--heading into the city--Ted
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A Quiet Day Before the Storm!
OK, so I've been hiding it. I've so enjoyed all the places that I've visited so far, and I loved being with my sonny boy. Tomorrow, I delve completely into somewhere that I've NEVER been before--Singapore. I feel very confident about making the Space A hop tomorrow. By the way, to get the time here: for Colorado, subtract 9 hours and add a day; for Texas and FWB, subtract 10 hours+day; for Asheville, subtract 11 hours+day.
Today has been a chill out day since I've really been busting my hump lately. I've tried to sneak in a couple of naps, since showtime is 4am. OK, what have I been hiding? Southeast Asia has been my main goal all along. Catching a flight from Singapore to Bangkok is cheap--and I plan to go up to Chiang Mai, then stay on the coast for awhile. If I can sneak in sidetrips to Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia or whatever, I'm game.
I have some pictures posted on MySpace at myspace.com/mikesdaddy
Click "view pics" right under my picture, and you will see them. OK, Boyce, OK, OK, man?
Leave me a comment or pop me an email if you get the chance. Thanks to Jackie, Mom, Boyce, Oisin and Michelle for being great writers. I love you guys. I miss my pack mule...uh...I mean, Mike. Actually, we had a total blast together--truly a bonding experience. As Jackie said, "it's really cool to be me right now."
Hopefully, my next message will be from far, far away.
Ted
Today has been a chill out day since I've really been busting my hump lately. I've tried to sneak in a couple of naps, since showtime is 4am. OK, what have I been hiding? Southeast Asia has been my main goal all along. Catching a flight from Singapore to Bangkok is cheap--and I plan to go up to Chiang Mai, then stay on the coast for awhile. If I can sneak in sidetrips to Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia or whatever, I'm game.
I have some pictures posted on MySpace at myspace.com/mikesdaddy
Click "view pics" right under my picture, and you will see them. OK, Boyce, OK, OK, man?
Leave me a comment or pop me an email if you get the chance. Thanks to Jackie, Mom, Boyce, Oisin and Michelle for being great writers. I love you guys. I miss my pack mule...uh...I mean, Mike. Actually, we had a total blast together--truly a bonding experience. As Jackie said, "it's really cool to be me right now."
Hopefully, my next message will be from far, far away.
Ted
Another Day in Tokyo! A Gaijin among millions of Japanese
The day after Mike left opened my eyes to several things, the primary one being--it's cheaper to support just one person! Another hot day brought new adventures in Tokyo. I was actually headed to Nikko, but I got a late start and Nikko is about a 4 hour trip from Yokota. That still wouldn't have been a problem except for the fact that this is vacation season in Japan and EVERYTHING is booked solid. I mean the bullet trains, the hotels, etc. Crowded everywhere.
So, I decided to go to Asakusa Station and area. This is the area that is close to the Emperor's Palace in downtown. There is a large temple here called Sensoji, which is surrounded by numerous enclosed streets of food and kitsch vendors. In other words, my kind of place. The Japanese have perfected the art of putting anything on a stick and selling it for about 100 Yen (approx $1). I had rice cake balls dunked in a sauce, Yakitori, boiled octopus in a bread coating, roasted corn, and finally some REAL GOOD yakisoba.
I have to take a paragraph to speak about Japanese prices. Contrary to what people believe, they are very reasonable. Food is reasonable, trains/subways are fine, drinks are fine, entrance fees are fine, kitsch is fine. They are far lower than Europe, and also cheaper than American cities. Cokes/drinks in stations cost $1. From Yokota to Shinjiku (25 mins on a good train) is $6; to downtown Tokyo is $8. I had soba with 2 huge tempura shrimp for $5.50 at Shinjuku station. Our big meal the other night was Shabu Shabu, all you could eat plus drinks, for a total of $45 and it was a show!
If you come to Japan to travel on the bullet trains and elsewhere (very cool and FAST), then buy the Japan Rail Pass. Gets you on all trains, except the very fastest bullets--and even those don't save you more than maybe 20 mins on a 3 hour journey to Kyoto. You can't buy the passes in Japan--only outside. And during this two week period, you would have to travel outside peak times because bullet trains are by reservation.
So, it is 1730 here on Saturday, which makes it 0430 Saturday morning Asheville time for anyone concerned. I'm going to check out the Yokota O'Club tonight for anything interesting. I hope I'm not idsappointed, because there are so many good choices off base. I bought a great curry at Fussa Station (Yokota) a little while ago "just to snack on." More likely, hedging my bets on what I'll find at the O'Club!
Mike should be back in Colorado now or very soon. He will be totalled for a week. Tata for now.
Ted
So, I decided to go to Asakusa Station and area. This is the area that is close to the Emperor's Palace in downtown. There is a large temple here called Sensoji, which is surrounded by numerous enclosed streets of food and kitsch vendors. In other words, my kind of place. The Japanese have perfected the art of putting anything on a stick and selling it for about 100 Yen (approx $1). I had rice cake balls dunked in a sauce, Yakitori, boiled octopus in a bread coating, roasted corn, and finally some REAL GOOD yakisoba.
I have to take a paragraph to speak about Japanese prices. Contrary to what people believe, they are very reasonable. Food is reasonable, trains/subways are fine, drinks are fine, entrance fees are fine, kitsch is fine. They are far lower than Europe, and also cheaper than American cities. Cokes/drinks in stations cost $1. From Yokota to Shinjiku (25 mins on a good train) is $6; to downtown Tokyo is $8. I had soba with 2 huge tempura shrimp for $5.50 at Shinjuku station. Our big meal the other night was Shabu Shabu, all you could eat plus drinks, for a total of $45 and it was a show!
If you come to Japan to travel on the bullet trains and elsewhere (very cool and FAST), then buy the Japan Rail Pass. Gets you on all trains, except the very fastest bullets--and even those don't save you more than maybe 20 mins on a 3 hour journey to Kyoto. You can't buy the passes in Japan--only outside. And during this two week period, you would have to travel outside peak times because bullet trains are by reservation.
So, it is 1730 here on Saturday, which makes it 0430 Saturday morning Asheville time for anyone concerned. I'm going to check out the Yokota O'Club tonight for anything interesting. I hope I'm not idsappointed, because there are so many good choices off base. I bought a great curry at Fussa Station (Yokota) a little while ago "just to snack on." More likely, hedging my bets on what I'll find at the O'Club!
Mike should be back in Colorado now or very soon. He will be totalled for a week. Tata for now.
Ted
Friday, August 10, 2007
Just to show you how flexible I really am!
Well, now! Mike was ready to head back to take care of his business. I was going to have to take him back within the next few days anyway, but I still have 17 days till I HAVE to be back. Oh, and I wanted to stay over here and keep traveling. So, I stopped by the tickets and tours office to find out how much a ticket cost to Denver. Here's my payoff: I don't have to fly the 15 hours or so to California, then work on getting something to CSprings, then finding something to do with my vacation time. I decided to spring for the $700 ticket and keep going.
I brought him to Narita International Airport today, and that was some journey. Not just a little joyride into Tokyo--it is fully 3 hours from Yokota by fast (not bullet) train. I got back a little while ago, made a pitstop at my favorite curry place at the train station, and I'm not at the Yokota Rec Center loading this message.
I would tell you what I'm going to do next, but I don't even know that.
...and you wouldn't believe me anyway, given the track record!
Mike had a great time, as he let me know over and over again. I know it was his favorite trip we've ever taken--and we've taken many.
As for me, I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.......!
Ted
I brought him to Narita International Airport today, and that was some journey. Not just a little joyride into Tokyo--it is fully 3 hours from Yokota by fast (not bullet) train. I got back a little while ago, made a pitstop at my favorite curry place at the train station, and I'm not at the Yokota Rec Center loading this message.
I would tell you what I'm going to do next, but I don't even know that.
...and you wouldn't believe me anyway, given the track record!
Mike had a great time, as he let me know over and over again. I know it was his favorite trip we've ever taken--and we've taken many.
As for me, I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.......!
Ted
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Tokyo from the air!
So, our big trip today was actually a little more than an hour long, but it was 3000 feet up. The Yokota Aero Club provides a sightseeing tour over Tokyo in a Cessna for $90 total for up to 3 people. I just couldn't believe the immense size of the greater Tokyo metro area. As far as the eye could see, it was complete urbanity. I saw a picture of Tachikawa from the air, taken around 1970, and it had plenty of pastureland and green around it. Now, except for the planned park, and it IS pretty big, all that is built up. The pilot did spend time over the old Tachi Air Base, where we spent about 5 years. Since American Village was still there, I had an idea about where everything was, but a kid's perspective is different than an adult's. I posted the air pictures with some interested people who are going to do an overlay of the old Tachi on them.
The flight was fun and only a little shaky. We flew over Tachi, Shinjuku, downtown, the Emperor's Palace, down to Yokohama, then back to Tachi and Yokota. Good landing, which always make for an enjoyable trip. We ate REAL Chinese last night, and it was so much better than American. Still hot and humid as blazes here--makes Hawai'i seem like the very temperate paradise that it is, particularly on the north side of Oahu.
I'm going on a trip to Nikko or somewhere cultural today. I think that Mike is going to hang around the base as he is getting body/mind tired. There is a shuttle, which makes everything accessible. We will probably try to get him back to the states pretty soon, as he is getting ancy to get an apartment and job set up before school starts in a bit over a week. He is registered, but I think that he wants to get into the groove and recover from jet lag. I can understand that, but it kind of amazes me that HE is the one bringing it up.
Well, tata for now.
Ted
The flight was fun and only a little shaky. We flew over Tachi, Shinjuku, downtown, the Emperor's Palace, down to Yokohama, then back to Tachi and Yokota. Good landing, which always make for an enjoyable trip. We ate REAL Chinese last night, and it was so much better than American. Still hot and humid as blazes here--makes Hawai'i seem like the very temperate paradise that it is, particularly on the north side of Oahu.
I'm going on a trip to Nikko or somewhere cultural today. I think that Mike is going to hang around the base as he is getting body/mind tired. There is a shuttle, which makes everything accessible. We will probably try to get him back to the states pretty soon, as he is getting ancy to get an apartment and job set up before school starts in a bit over a week. He is registered, but I think that he wants to get into the groove and recover from jet lag. I can understand that, but it kind of amazes me that HE is the one bringing it up.
Well, tata for now.
Ted
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
A Night on the Town! Shinjuku--District of Lights!
Yesterday, we needed a bit of a break since we have been going like gangbusters for the past almost 2 weeks now. We kind of hung around Yokota for the day with the determination that we were going to have a great night out on the town (Tokyo). Decided not to do the big Kyoto trip because it is high season for Japanese vacations--all the kiddies are out on vacation. The bullet trains are booked solid with a just a few scattered seats available and strange tavel times. Anyway, since it was going to cost about $400 each minimum, we just decided to hit alternative cultural points.
For lunch yesterday, I had an amazing Japanese curry right at the Local train station. Came highly recommended. It was cheap and soooooo good! I make a good curry, but this knocked my socks off--and it was spicy hot as well. Mike didn't want to make the 10 minute walk to the train station so he missed out.
Last night was just a good time. We took the train to Shinjuku station--the busiest in Japan, which probably means the busiest in the world. The nightlife around the station is just amazing. Street after street, alley after alley of lights and shopping and clubs and restaurants. It was like 10 Times Squares all next to each other. We walked and people watched for the better part of 6 hours. Did a little shopping and had a great dinner. We ate a traditional Japanese dish called shabu shabu, and it was excellent. You sit around a stove with a pot filled with spiced water. They have bowls and bowls of different very thinly sliced meats and various vegetables. Basically they par boil the veggies and you dip-dip (shabu shabu) your meat into the broth. It cooks almost instantly and then you dip it into one of a variety of sauces. Eat with rice and a beer. Yummy. We got back late and straight to bed.
This am, I went early to find the old Tachikawa Air Base. It went away about 30 years ago, and I had heard that there was basically nothing left. I had to do some real searching, but I found it. Luckily, there was an old landmark that we as kids used to hang out at called American Village. Back then, it was old, dilapidated, uninhabited single family houses from when Tachi was much larger. Anyway, I definitely recognized it, but the Japanese had rehabilitated it. Very different for the Japanese, because they were separated, single level houses with yards. Anyway, I located the runway area that was at the end of our street. Most of the base was converted into a very large peace park, but the area near where we lived was a Japanese Defense Force area. Very interesting. Took a lot of walking to get to where I wanted. Learned the way to really work the buses and trains to get where you want to go.
Well, the Aero Club has a great deal. They fly 1 hour tours in little Cessnas over Tokyo. They take up to 3 people for the trip for a total of $90. I thought that was a bargain, so we head out about 3pm--in a couple of hours. Heading to get some lunch at the little Indian restaurant right off base. Talk to you later.
Ted
For lunch yesterday, I had an amazing Japanese curry right at the Local train station. Came highly recommended. It was cheap and soooooo good! I make a good curry, but this knocked my socks off--and it was spicy hot as well. Mike didn't want to make the 10 minute walk to the train station so he missed out.
Last night was just a good time. We took the train to Shinjuku station--the busiest in Japan, which probably means the busiest in the world. The nightlife around the station is just amazing. Street after street, alley after alley of lights and shopping and clubs and restaurants. It was like 10 Times Squares all next to each other. We walked and people watched for the better part of 6 hours. Did a little shopping and had a great dinner. We ate a traditional Japanese dish called shabu shabu, and it was excellent. You sit around a stove with a pot filled with spiced water. They have bowls and bowls of different very thinly sliced meats and various vegetables. Basically they par boil the veggies and you dip-dip (shabu shabu) your meat into the broth. It cooks almost instantly and then you dip it into one of a variety of sauces. Eat with rice and a beer. Yummy. We got back late and straight to bed.
This am, I went early to find the old Tachikawa Air Base. It went away about 30 years ago, and I had heard that there was basically nothing left. I had to do some real searching, but I found it. Luckily, there was an old landmark that we as kids used to hang out at called American Village. Back then, it was old, dilapidated, uninhabited single family houses from when Tachi was much larger. Anyway, I definitely recognized it, but the Japanese had rehabilitated it. Very different for the Japanese, because they were separated, single level houses with yards. Anyway, I located the runway area that was at the end of our street. Most of the base was converted into a very large peace park, but the area near where we lived was a Japanese Defense Force area. Very interesting. Took a lot of walking to get to where I wanted. Learned the way to really work the buses and trains to get where you want to go.
Well, the Aero Club has a great deal. They fly 1 hour tours in little Cessnas over Tokyo. They take up to 3 people for the trip for a total of $90. I thought that was a bargain, so we head out about 3pm--in a couple of hours. Heading to get some lunch at the little Indian restaurant right off base. Talk to you later.
Ted
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Japan is ichiban! Traveling and Eating Japanese.
So, if it looks like I took a long time to post, it really wasn't as long as it seem. We are a day ahead here, so it looks to you guys like we lost a day. Mike and I had a great day yesterday. We went to Kamakura and managed to navigate the trains with no problems--even with train changes. Left pretty early in the morning and got to Kamakura in time to get some sightseeing in before lunch. It is a former capital of Japan, and consequently has plenty of shrines, temples, and of course the Great Sitting Buddha. The buddha is made of bronze and was constructed in 1208. It has seen plenty of action. In 1498, the temple covering it was destroyed by "an unprecedented tidal wave." It really must have been a doosy because the buddha is raised a bit and well away from the sea.
We saw other temples as well and made our way back in the afternoon. Ate off base at a Japanese curry restaurant, which was totally delish. All-in-all an excellent day. The temps and humidity are just amazing, though. Temps I can deal with, but we are damp and sweaty just as soon as we go outside. Worse than Florida weather. At least we get to come back to AC--most Japanese don't have it.
Today we are heading to Tokyo. We are leaving a bit later in the day so that we can walk around the streets of the Ginza, etc in the late afternoon and evening. We want to see the people, lights and have cooler temps. We will take the train from Yokota (Fussa station) to Shinjuku station. Will eat real gyoza, yakisoba, etc! Eat your heart out, Mom!
I'm thinking that we will take a bullet train trip to Kyoto and Hiroshima over the next few days. It is pricey, but how often do we get here anyways? Been 30 years for me. I'm not sure if we will head down to Singapore. It is far, out of the way, and I need to have Mike in school by 20 Aug. We will try for any combo of Osan, Kadena (Okinawa) and Guam. Then back to the states anyway we can get there.
Will try to write soon, but if you don't hear from me, then we are incommunicado on the trip to Kyota, etc.
Ted
We saw other temples as well and made our way back in the afternoon. Ate off base at a Japanese curry restaurant, which was totally delish. All-in-all an excellent day. The temps and humidity are just amazing, though. Temps I can deal with, but we are damp and sweaty just as soon as we go outside. Worse than Florida weather. At least we get to come back to AC--most Japanese don't have it.
Today we are heading to Tokyo. We are leaving a bit later in the day so that we can walk around the streets of the Ginza, etc in the late afternoon and evening. We want to see the people, lights and have cooler temps. We will take the train from Yokota (Fussa station) to Shinjuku station. Will eat real gyoza, yakisoba, etc! Eat your heart out, Mom!
I'm thinking that we will take a bullet train trip to Kyoto and Hiroshima over the next few days. It is pricey, but how often do we get here anyways? Been 30 years for me. I'm not sure if we will head down to Singapore. It is far, out of the way, and I need to have Mike in school by 20 Aug. We will try for any combo of Osan, Kadena (Okinawa) and Guam. Then back to the states anyway we can get there.
Will try to write soon, but if you don't hear from me, then we are incommunicado on the trip to Kyota, etc.
Ted
Sunday, August 5, 2007
A Crazy Night in Hawai'i, but Now We're in Japan!
Yeah, so it wasn't a crazy night because of me, I want you to know that. Mike had been showing signs of teenage angst deprivation, so I dropped him off at the bus stop in Kailua, near Kaneohe Marine Base on the north side of Oahu. We did a bit of training on he he would get to Honolulu and Waikiki and find some fun 18 year old stuff to do. He got there fine and called as requested. I decided to go swimming at the beach on base and had fun. Then went for dinner in Kailua. I knew that I would probably be picking him up from Honolulu around midnight, but I had decided that was OK. So, I napped and woke up at midnight. Since I hadn't hear from him, I called--well, the voicemail automatically picked up. Right away, I knew there was a problem, not that Mike was in trouble, but that the cell phone had probably died. Problem was that it was our only line of communication. It had the number to the room WHICH DIDN'T CORRESPOND TO ANY KIND OF ROOM NUMBERING SYSTEM! Thus, since everything was closed, including the front desk, we were in a conundrum. After an hour of fretting, I called the base cops, thinking that they would be the only ones someone could call. I just didn't know what Mike's abilities were in coping with a crisis. Anyway, we go back and forth for a few minutes, and it seems obvious to me that it's going to be a bad night. Just then, I hear a car pull up, and a second later Mike enter his room. He had a look on his face that said disgust, but it was disgust with the $50 taxi fare. I paid the guy and assured Mike that he saved the night with the good decision to use a taxi. Believe me it was money well spent.
ANYHOO This morning, quite dead I might add, we got up and drove to Hickam to make a 610 showing for a plane to Yokota. Smooth as silk, and it really needed to be. It was a huge C-17 transport with no cargo. They threw out blankets and pillows, everybody stretched out full length, I slipped a full ambien pill, and off we went. I woke up, had a bite of the box lunch they provided, and went up to ask the loadmaster how much time left, thinking we were probably only 3-4 hours into the 9 hour flight. He said we would land in 45 minutes. Whew! Fastest, bestest flight I ever took.
Yokota is absolutely, miserably hot right now. Easily the hottest place we've been in, including the 100 degrees in Cali. We're in the Rec Center, passing a little time, and waiting to get into billeting in just over an hour. Being Ted, I've collected a huge amount of material to review so that I can start planning our time here. Went and got about 60,000 yen ($525), so we're golden. I'm thinking we will go acclimate with the "Japanese way" tomorrow and just take a short trip to Tachikawa, a place where we lived when I was a kid. Most of it is a park now, but my whole family's always wondered what it looks like now--so lots of pics. If we feel brave, then we will go into Tokyo tomorrow. I'm thinking that we will take a few day trip, sponsored by the base, to Kyota, Kamakura and perhaps even Hiroshima. Remember, TODAY 62 years ago, it was a lot hotter,than it is now in Yokota, down in Hiroshima.
Well, I've yak yaked enough for today. I've been pretty good at getting my logs in, so will make sure to provide an update in a day or two.
Ted
ANYHOO This morning, quite dead I might add, we got up and drove to Hickam to make a 610 showing for a plane to Yokota. Smooth as silk, and it really needed to be. It was a huge C-17 transport with no cargo. They threw out blankets and pillows, everybody stretched out full length, I slipped a full ambien pill, and off we went. I woke up, had a bite of the box lunch they provided, and went up to ask the loadmaster how much time left, thinking we were probably only 3-4 hours into the 9 hour flight. He said we would land in 45 minutes. Whew! Fastest, bestest flight I ever took.
Yokota is absolutely, miserably hot right now. Easily the hottest place we've been in, including the 100 degrees in Cali. We're in the Rec Center, passing a little time, and waiting to get into billeting in just over an hour. Being Ted, I've collected a huge amount of material to review so that I can start planning our time here. Went and got about 60,000 yen ($525), so we're golden. I'm thinking we will go acclimate with the "Japanese way" tomorrow and just take a short trip to Tachikawa, a place where we lived when I was a kid. Most of it is a park now, but my whole family's always wondered what it looks like now--so lots of pics. If we feel brave, then we will go into Tokyo tomorrow. I'm thinking that we will take a few day trip, sponsored by the base, to Kyota, Kamakura and perhaps even Hiroshima. Remember, TODAY 62 years ago, it was a lot hotter,than it is now in Yokota, down in Hiroshima.
Well, I've yak yaked enough for today. I've been pretty good at getting my logs in, so will make sure to provide an update in a day or two.
Ted
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Lovin' Hawai'i, but ready to go international!
So, we've been in Hawai'i for several days now, and they have all been barn burners. Yesterday was really cool. In the morning, we went extreme parasailing together down in Waikiki. We were up in the air probably 1000 feet. The view was just amazing. We were tethered next to each other and haven't actually done anything like that since some things down in Panama City. I told the guy that he could dunk us if he wanted. That means he lowers us just into the water, then takes off again to pull us back up. Well, we were under for several seconds as he dragged us and were quite pleased when we actually popped out of the water and way back up into the air.
Yesterday, we spent just having a good time around the island. Took our customary dunk in the Pearl Harbor pool to cool off and get the salt off, then were just mean about the island. Last night, we went to a luau on the southwest side of the island. Great show and good food. Kind of a strange area for an event that is supposed to put you in the mood of the island, but fun anyway. Got back home last night at about 10 and off to bed pretty quickly.
This morning, we drove over to the north shore to see if the waves were up or anything. They weren't. Lots of people up there just enjoying the beach and snorkeling. We stopped, grabbed some lunch, then headed down here to Hickam to check on flights. Looks like we probably won't be heading from here to Austalia since the clerk said that they do that every TWO weeks--and this ain't one of them. They have a flight headed to Japan tomorrow and we will probably try to get on it.
Heading back up to Kaneohe in a few, but just wanted to put a few words in.
Ted
Yesterday, we spent just having a good time around the island. Took our customary dunk in the Pearl Harbor pool to cool off and get the salt off, then were just mean about the island. Last night, we went to a luau on the southwest side of the island. Great show and good food. Kind of a strange area for an event that is supposed to put you in the mood of the island, but fun anyway. Got back home last night at about 10 and off to bed pretty quickly.
This morning, we drove over to the north shore to see if the waves were up or anything. They weren't. Lots of people up there just enjoying the beach and snorkeling. We stopped, grabbed some lunch, then headed down here to Hickam to check on flights. Looks like we probably won't be heading from here to Austalia since the clerk said that they do that every TWO weeks--and this ain't one of them. They have a flight headed to Japan tomorrow and we will probably try to get on it.
Heading back up to Kaneohe in a few, but just wanted to put a few words in.
Ted
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Aloha from Sunny Hawai'i!
Well, we DID make it to Hawai'i and we're loving it. Remember all that stuff about spending some time in San Francisco, etc, etc? Well, it didn't happen because we figured that our trip was all about getting OUT of the US. Well, Hawai'i isn't actually out, but it certainly is good enough. We found out about a plane heading to Hawai'i out of San Diego, even though we were waiting near Travis AFB near San Francisco. Nothing was heading out of Travis for a few days, and anyone who knows about taking military hops know that you have to work for your free flights.
We drove from Travis down to San Diego on Tuesday, and that is a pretty good haul. We did get to see all of central California, though, and we are both trying to figure out what all the hoopla is! Lots of agriculture, mountains with no trees and hot weather (102 degrees). Spent the night in San Diego (an expensive proposition) and took a taxi (never cheap) to North Island Naval Air Station. Got there and found out that the C-130 (noisy, slow) that was heading to Hawai'i with 50 seats at 0830 was actually taking only 35 and, since the crew decided to leave early, had already filled up. They DID have, however, an unplanned Navy C-40A (Boeing 737--fast, comfortable) going to Hickam AFB at noon. They also slimmed down the number of seats advertised, but since we were flying active duty, we made it. Still a 5 hour flight, but it was great. NO bumps (always best), good leg room, and best, it got us here.
We decided to stay the night up at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base on the north side of the island (25 minutes), and then stay the remaining couple of days at Hickam. Well...... I got a beautiful corner room facing the ocean, and I share a bath with Mike who is in the next door room. Very nice Visiting Officers Quarters, so we decided to plant roots till Monday. Room costs for both rooms is $50 a night.
Why Monday? Every Monday, very early in the morning, a plane heads to Australia (10 hours, ugh, but did I mention it IS Australia!) with 10 seats. The guy at the terminal said that if we showed up flying active duty, we were almost certain to get on.
So the plan here. Swim in a few minutes on Hickam. Germaine's Luau tonight (good food, good show), extreme parasailing tomorrow (1200 feet up), then I don't know. I was thinking about us flying to the big island, and we could do it, with a car rental, for a total of $246, but I'm thinking that we will stay on Oahu. Cali, and getting to Cali, was more expensive than I expected, so we'll slow down a bit.
Mike is having a great time and is greatly enjoying spending my money. Will talk to you tomorrow with an update on the Luau and parasailing and more.
We drove from Travis down to San Diego on Tuesday, and that is a pretty good haul. We did get to see all of central California, though, and we are both trying to figure out what all the hoopla is! Lots of agriculture, mountains with no trees and hot weather (102 degrees). Spent the night in San Diego (an expensive proposition) and took a taxi (never cheap) to North Island Naval Air Station. Got there and found out that the C-130 (noisy, slow) that was heading to Hawai'i with 50 seats at 0830 was actually taking only 35 and, since the crew decided to leave early, had already filled up. They DID have, however, an unplanned Navy C-40A (Boeing 737--fast, comfortable) going to Hickam AFB at noon. They also slimmed down the number of seats advertised, but since we were flying active duty, we made it. Still a 5 hour flight, but it was great. NO bumps (always best), good leg room, and best, it got us here.
We decided to stay the night up at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base on the north side of the island (25 minutes), and then stay the remaining couple of days at Hickam. Well...... I got a beautiful corner room facing the ocean, and I share a bath with Mike who is in the next door room. Very nice Visiting Officers Quarters, so we decided to plant roots till Monday. Room costs for both rooms is $50 a night.
Why Monday? Every Monday, very early in the morning, a plane heads to Australia (10 hours, ugh, but did I mention it IS Australia!) with 10 seats. The guy at the terminal said that if we showed up flying active duty, we were almost certain to get on.
So the plan here. Swim in a few minutes on Hickam. Germaine's Luau tonight (good food, good show), extreme parasailing tomorrow (1200 feet up), then I don't know. I was thinking about us flying to the big island, and we could do it, with a car rental, for a total of $246, but I'm thinking that we will stay on Oahu. Cali, and getting to Cali, was more expensive than I expected, so we'll slow down a bit.
Mike is having a great time and is greatly enjoying spending my money. Will talk to you tomorrow with an update on the Luau and parasailing and more.
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