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
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
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
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