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
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