On arrival into Yangon we are put onto a bus and taking to the terminal. The guys are staying at the hotel opposite from me so we decide to share a taxi. The first thing that strucks me is the number of cars everywhere! I've had a good 4 days with seeing all types of transportation but nothing too extreme of what I see here....yes of course it's normal as it's a big city. Our taxi driver decides he needs to stop and spit at least three times in the 40 minute journey, not the nicest thing to arrive too.
I have a couple of hours chilling in my room before meeting Eddie and Tommy in the lobby. We head across the road to the Sakura tower for a drink on the 20th floor - the views of the city are amazing; especially as day turns into night.
I'd read in my trusty lonely planet the pavements are all very uneven and there are often big holes, it is so true! You wouldn't want to be walking these streets in heels or after lots to drink.
Tommy had read about a restaurant for dinner, Monsoon, which is also in the LP book so off we trekked. Was interesting walking there taking in daily life - can't wait to wander the streets tomorrow with my camera out. Dinner was absolutely delicious, an IndoChine restaurant, and one I would highly recommend.
We wandered back to the hotel a different route and were surprised at how deserted the streets are: things really so come to a grinding halt in the evening and it's just gone 9pm as we leave the restaurant.
Friday I wake early after a fairly distributed night - the power kept going on and off. Had breakfast in the hotel before heading out at 8.45am; the heat was starting!! I did the walk from the lovely planet book; a great opening into life in Yangon. To start with people were getting themselves off to whatever they do, then slowly the streets started to get busy with all of the "shops" starting to open. From what I saw you can basically buy anything you want!!!
The heat increases as the morning goes on; finally at 11am I reach my final stop - the Bogyoke Aung San Market, which means for the most part I'll be out of the hot sun. Time for a fresh juice.
I head back to the hotel for a break from the sun for a short time before going off to the train station. I've been recommended by Paula and Andrew to do the Circle Line train trip. Not the easier place to find but thankfully a family helps me out and within a few minutes I'm on the train. My hotel told me there is 3 levels of trains, air conditioning train, trains with seats (open windows) and trains with bench seats (open windows). I opt for the bench seats and sit back to enjoy the 3 hour ride.
Great to see daily life. I was surprised how "clear" the water was given everyone seemed to throw their rubbish there. The SEA games have just been on, and even some still going on; along the journey I noticed numerous volleyball courts and even saw a few matches in play.
I enjoy watching the sunset from my room - talk about a view! Then head out for dinner, I'm not feeling the best so want somewhere close and good.
Saturday, December 28th I'm woken by my alarm, first time this trip, and I went to bed early. Still not feeling great so after a leisurely breakfast I relax with a book by the pool for a few hours. Hunger makes me move mid-afternoon - the one thing I'm craving is a tea leaf salad.
The one place that is a must to visit in Yangon is Shwedagon Paya which can be seen in quite a few places around the city. Getting their (by taxi) is an experience in itself - traffic is back-to-back for the first 10 or so blocks then we are off, perhaps on an F1 racing track???!
Shwedagon Paya is a lot bigger than I imagined; there are 4 entrances so I had thought I would carry around my jandels but this isn't allowed. I find a tour guide and ask the name of the entrance then I'm off :) Close up it's even bigger and more golder (is there such a word?!!). Clearly a lot of other people (both locals and foreigners) have the same idea as me coming for sunset. I'm approached a couple of times by guides but decline; I prefer to wander myself and this way I can just switch off and take in my surroundings.
I manage to get myself a taxi back to the hotel without any trouble, again having an F1 driver! Who will be moving to Singapore next year, thankfully not as a taxi driver!!!
Eddie and I meet in the lobby for a chat; Tommie has hurt his ankle so isn't going anywhere.
Being my last night I want to eat tasty food so decide to head back to Monsoon Restaurant. As I'm alone I decide to take a taxi and nearly freeze to death when I jump in as the a/c is on full bore. My driver laughs when I ask him to switch it off, preferring to have the windows down instead.
There are no tables for me so I sit at the bar for a while, it's 50% off the cocktails so yes thanks I will!! It's my last night after all. The tea leaf salad wins again - sorry eggplant I can eat you in Singapore.
After another enjoyable meal I head back to the hotel.
Sunday morning again I wake early, after a leisurely breakfast (which I'm really getting use too!!) I finish packing then head to the airport. I made sure for this flight I had checked in online, didn't want to be in a long line again.
The ride to the airport was another interesting one (especially given the taxi driver didn’t know where he was going…..), so much to see! And it's all just daily Yangon life.
All checked in within minutes, no line this time. Thank goodness I didn't arrive 2 hours before my flight - there is absolutely nothing to do at this airport!!
I've had a wonderful 9 night stay in Myanmar; it's a fascinating country that I do hope to return one day. One thing that amazed me the whole time was the locals staring at you (which I should be use to given I live in Singapore) but as soon as I smile at them they smile back then quickly look away. It’s a refreshing change from Little India in Singapore. Don't change too much Myanmar!!
23 February 2014
Lake Inle, Myanmar – 23-26 December 2013
We depart 50 minutes late from Bagan airport, on Monday, December 23, 2013. It was a bit of a scramble to get a seat - free seating doesn't seem like it’s a good idea, especially when you are traveling with someone. There are 6 Air Mandalay staff on the Tarmac waving us goodbye, a lovely touch and nothing I remember seeing before.
It's a quick 40 minute flight to Heho Airport with amazing views the whole way; as we get closer I notice the dirt / clay colour is changing to a deep red. A nice change from normal old brown dirt. We all have transfers so I say goodbye to Dan, Natalie and Lisa and head off with my lady - I feel sad saying goodbye and felt touched when they hugged me goodbye.
My car transfer is a massive car - now I can understand why the transfer was so expensive!!
After 50 minutes of interesting driving and very sudden stops (in parts I really should have had my eyes closed; this road wasn't made for two way traffic!) we arrive at the hotel (Inle Lake View Hotel). I'm given a lovely welcome followed by the staff then the French manager coming over to introduce herself and have a chat - a nice touch. I had made the mistake of looking up trip advisor last night to see the recent reviews of the hotel and they were all terrible so I was nervous about today. Thankfully I was able to check-in into my room straight away and it wasn't even 11am.
In typical Asian standard the man that took me to my room then explained everything :) Wow what a room! But I need to keep reminding myself that it should be given the price! I have a direct view into the lake - what else do I need?!
I've decided to have a slow day today, will venture out for lunch down to the "village" at some stage; for now I'm very happy with my cup of tea sitting on the balcony in the sun. This is the life :)
I have a gentle stroll down to Khaung Tai Village, taking in the sights of daily life along the way. It's nice to be in a small place. Life moves along at a lovely slow pace. For lunch I stop at what seems like the only restaurant (for foreigners) in the village and order the tea leaf salad; like the night on Old Bagan this does not disappoint....but I'm in desperate need for chewing gum or mints to get rid of the very strong garlic taste. For now a fresh papaya drink will have to do.
I continue to wander down the road, not getting very far until two older men stop to have a "chat". They send me on my Merry way to wander around the village. Within minutes I find the source of the extremely loud music, which can be heard from the hotel. I see drying racks everywhere; some empty others full with yellow rectangles after will rectangles. After stopping later on to have a "chat" I'm informed this is tofu drying.
I decide to head back towards the hotel and walk on to the next village, seeing a sign for Inle Lake 300 metres I head off down the "road" (dirt path). Again everyone is very friendly, either smiling, waving or stopping for a chat. This village seems to deal with corn by the truck load!
Walking back to the hotel I notice a snake, second sighting in two days, crossing the road heading straight for a chicken and her chicks. There was a motorbike that zoomed past while the snake was still crossing and both occupants screamed out, glad I'm not the only one. From what I could see all survived the encounter.
I enjoy a couple of hours relaxing on my balcony before having a glass of kiwi Chardonnay. By 5pm I'm freezing so need to do my chilling inside my room.....which is actually colder inside than out. I need to request for a heater quick smart.
Sunset is around 5.30pm in Myanmar and by 6pm it's pitch black so I'm off for a rest home meal!! Decide to eat at the hotel tonight as there is NO WAY I want to encounter a snake!!
Unfortunately this is where I come across the first rude person since being here and I'm shocked - I'm told I can't sit outside as I'm a table for one. Well I don't think so.....wrong answer buddy!
Christmas Eve I'm woken just before 5am by the music from the village next door, manage to get a bit more sleep before rising for the day. And what a sight greets me - the sun is rising leaving behind the mist.
I enjoy breakfast sitting in the sun with the lake in the background. What a great way to start the day!
I had chatted earlier to a guy in reception, who I'd seen yesterday; he too was planning on going out on The Lake today so we decided to go together. As I was eating breakfast he has sussed out a route for us to take - perfect!!
Within seconds of leaving the hotel jetty I was in awe; The Lake, which is huge, is amazing! So many things too look at. Being tourists we of course had to stop along the way at certain places where they not only made things but also sold them. Throughout the day we saw a weaving workshop, blacksmith, umbrella and canoe making, some kind of cigarette being made, Kayan Lahwi (Long-Necked Kayan) woman with neck rings. While these shops were all very interesting I was more than happy to continue cruising through the stilt house villages taking in daily life.
I was fascinated with the bridges in and around each village. Somewhere super basic while others where more "modern" - each one doing the task it's supposed to do, getting the villagers from one side of the cannel to the other.
Our last stop was at a “larger village” which seemed to be the ending place for a lot of the hikes in the area. Nice just wandering around, poking around some ruins and a pagoda before enjoying lunch.
We got back to the hotel at 4.30pm, perfect time to relax on my balcony with a glass of kiwi wine before the Christmas Eve dinner. It had been a great day on the Lake!
I got to experience the local Myanmar wine, to be polite I will not be rushing out to purchase any! The evening started with a cocktail reception watching a local group perform; followed by dinner. You were supposed to sit with who you travelled with.....that would have been nice and exciting for me not. Instead 4 of us sat together. It was a 7 course meal which was very tasty.
Christmas Day started early again with a wakeup call from the village next door. Please please please let's pray the festive ends today! After a relaxing start, again watching the sun rise over the misty lake, I headed to breakfast. Not my normal Christmas breakfast but I've definitely had worse.
The local market is on in a nearby village so I wander along - a huge variety on offer from fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, spices, clothing, oil, jewellery, and the list goes on and on. I enjoy wandering up and down taking it all in. It's starting to get hot plus I need a bathroom break so I stop off at my local restaurant for a fresh juice. My peace is soon interrupted by a bus load of tourists - time for me to escape!
After chilling at the hotel for a bit Lisa arrives, so lovely to see a familiar face!! After showing her my wonderful view we wander down to my "local" in the village for our Christmas Lunch. Very very different to normal but that's ok; after all we are in a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas. We have a wander through the village before enjoying a glass of wine on my balcony - this is the life!
I had read about a restaurant near the hotel so thought I’d try it for my Christmas Dinner; I was however talked out of it as I'm alone and it's very dark. So instead I head back to my trusty local :) It is very dark, with little street lights, so my pace increases. Thankfully it's no more than 5 minutes down the road.
I'm the only foreigner here and the staff recognize me - not sure that's a good thing or a bad thing. I desperate need to warm up so order beer (yes I know!), tomato soup and eggplant salad. All very delicious.
Boxing Day (December 26, 2013) starts early, this time though I'm to blame as the festival at the village next door is over. I have a leisurely breakfast before taking the 45 minute journey back to the airport arriving way before I need too!! And to make matters worse we are delayed by a good 30 minutes.
At least 15 monks turn up and I was asked to move seats so they could sit in the front row - no skin off my nose. As it turned out I got chatting to the guy, who asked me to move, and his partner.
While I've had a wonderful time in Lake Inle but I need to feel warm again so am looking forward to heading to Yangon.
It's a quick 40 minute flight to Heho Airport with amazing views the whole way; as we get closer I notice the dirt / clay colour is changing to a deep red. A nice change from normal old brown dirt. We all have transfers so I say goodbye to Dan, Natalie and Lisa and head off with my lady - I feel sad saying goodbye and felt touched when they hugged me goodbye.
My car transfer is a massive car - now I can understand why the transfer was so expensive!!
After 50 minutes of interesting driving and very sudden stops (in parts I really should have had my eyes closed; this road wasn't made for two way traffic!) we arrive at the hotel (Inle Lake View Hotel). I'm given a lovely welcome followed by the staff then the French manager coming over to introduce herself and have a chat - a nice touch. I had made the mistake of looking up trip advisor last night to see the recent reviews of the hotel and they were all terrible so I was nervous about today. Thankfully I was able to check-in into my room straight away and it wasn't even 11am.
In typical Asian standard the man that took me to my room then explained everything :) Wow what a room! But I need to keep reminding myself that it should be given the price! I have a direct view into the lake - what else do I need?!
I've decided to have a slow day today, will venture out for lunch down to the "village" at some stage; for now I'm very happy with my cup of tea sitting on the balcony in the sun. This is the life :)
I have a gentle stroll down to Khaung Tai Village, taking in the sights of daily life along the way. It's nice to be in a small place. Life moves along at a lovely slow pace. For lunch I stop at what seems like the only restaurant (for foreigners) in the village and order the tea leaf salad; like the night on Old Bagan this does not disappoint....but I'm in desperate need for chewing gum or mints to get rid of the very strong garlic taste. For now a fresh papaya drink will have to do.
I continue to wander down the road, not getting very far until two older men stop to have a "chat". They send me on my Merry way to wander around the village. Within minutes I find the source of the extremely loud music, which can be heard from the hotel. I see drying racks everywhere; some empty others full with yellow rectangles after will rectangles. After stopping later on to have a "chat" I'm informed this is tofu drying.
I decide to head back towards the hotel and walk on to the next village, seeing a sign for Inle Lake 300 metres I head off down the "road" (dirt path). Again everyone is very friendly, either smiling, waving or stopping for a chat. This village seems to deal with corn by the truck load!
Walking back to the hotel I notice a snake, second sighting in two days, crossing the road heading straight for a chicken and her chicks. There was a motorbike that zoomed past while the snake was still crossing and both occupants screamed out, glad I'm not the only one. From what I could see all survived the encounter.
I enjoy a couple of hours relaxing on my balcony before having a glass of kiwi Chardonnay. By 5pm I'm freezing so need to do my chilling inside my room.....which is actually colder inside than out. I need to request for a heater quick smart.
Sunset is around 5.30pm in Myanmar and by 6pm it's pitch black so I'm off for a rest home meal!! Decide to eat at the hotel tonight as there is NO WAY I want to encounter a snake!!
Unfortunately this is where I come across the first rude person since being here and I'm shocked - I'm told I can't sit outside as I'm a table for one. Well I don't think so.....wrong answer buddy!
Christmas Eve I'm woken just before 5am by the music from the village next door, manage to get a bit more sleep before rising for the day. And what a sight greets me - the sun is rising leaving behind the mist.
I enjoy breakfast sitting in the sun with the lake in the background. What a great way to start the day!
I had chatted earlier to a guy in reception, who I'd seen yesterday; he too was planning on going out on The Lake today so we decided to go together. As I was eating breakfast he has sussed out a route for us to take - perfect!!
Within seconds of leaving the hotel jetty I was in awe; The Lake, which is huge, is amazing! So many things too look at. Being tourists we of course had to stop along the way at certain places where they not only made things but also sold them. Throughout the day we saw a weaving workshop, blacksmith, umbrella and canoe making, some kind of cigarette being made, Kayan Lahwi (Long-Necked Kayan) woman with neck rings. While these shops were all very interesting I was more than happy to continue cruising through the stilt house villages taking in daily life.
I was fascinated with the bridges in and around each village. Somewhere super basic while others where more "modern" - each one doing the task it's supposed to do, getting the villagers from one side of the cannel to the other.
Our last stop was at a “larger village” which seemed to be the ending place for a lot of the hikes in the area. Nice just wandering around, poking around some ruins and a pagoda before enjoying lunch.
We got back to the hotel at 4.30pm, perfect time to relax on my balcony with a glass of kiwi wine before the Christmas Eve dinner. It had been a great day on the Lake!
I got to experience the local Myanmar wine, to be polite I will not be rushing out to purchase any! The evening started with a cocktail reception watching a local group perform; followed by dinner. You were supposed to sit with who you travelled with.....that would have been nice and exciting for me not. Instead 4 of us sat together. It was a 7 course meal which was very tasty.
Christmas Day started early again with a wakeup call from the village next door. Please please please let's pray the festive ends today! After a relaxing start, again watching the sun rise over the misty lake, I headed to breakfast. Not my normal Christmas breakfast but I've definitely had worse.
The local market is on in a nearby village so I wander along - a huge variety on offer from fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, spices, clothing, oil, jewellery, and the list goes on and on. I enjoy wandering up and down taking it all in. It's starting to get hot plus I need a bathroom break so I stop off at my local restaurant for a fresh juice. My peace is soon interrupted by a bus load of tourists - time for me to escape!
After chilling at the hotel for a bit Lisa arrives, so lovely to see a familiar face!! After showing her my wonderful view we wander down to my "local" in the village for our Christmas Lunch. Very very different to normal but that's ok; after all we are in a country that doesn't celebrate Christmas. We have a wander through the village before enjoying a glass of wine on my balcony - this is the life!
I had read about a restaurant near the hotel so thought I’d try it for my Christmas Dinner; I was however talked out of it as I'm alone and it's very dark. So instead I head back to my trusty local :) It is very dark, with little street lights, so my pace increases. Thankfully it's no more than 5 minutes down the road.
I'm the only foreigner here and the staff recognize me - not sure that's a good thing or a bad thing. I desperate need to warm up so order beer (yes I know!), tomato soup and eggplant salad. All very delicious.
Boxing Day (December 26, 2013) starts early, this time though I'm to blame as the festival at the village next door is over. I have a leisurely breakfast before taking the 45 minute journey back to the airport arriving way before I need too!! And to make matters worse we are delayed by a good 30 minutes.
At least 15 monks turn up and I was asked to move seats so they could sit in the front row - no skin off my nose. As it turned out I got chatting to the guy, who asked me to move, and his partner.
While I've had a wonderful time in Lake Inle but I need to feel warm again so am looking forward to heading to Yangon.
Yangon (first night) and Bagan, Myanmar – 20-23 December 2013
I had decided during the week of December 16, 2013 not to answer the phone unless I knew who I was calling - I did NOT want a repeat of what happened 10 months ago thanks very much!! (I was called by the airline 13 hours before my flight to say I wasn't going, reason being "aircraft downgrade". Needless to say I was far from pleased as there is quite a lot of prep work that needs to go into a trip to Burma. Add to the mix it was Chinese New Year). Anyway back to the present.
No phone call so on Friday, December 20, 2013 I head to the airport with half to the world (plus rain rain and more rain). My Christmas holiday begins. For some crazy reason I had forgotten to check-in online so joined the massive line and eventually was served - only problem it caused was it cut down my time in the lounge. In hindsight as I had an early morning flight it was probably a good thing.
On arrival into Yangon, Myanmar I managed to get through immigration without any hassle, patiently waited for my bag then the fun started; exchanging USD into local currency. I had read they were super strict and boy did they live up to that! One of my 50 notes wasn't accepted as it was older than 2006......I was inwardly cursing my money changer guy! Right money sorted, now to find the travel agent who I needed to pay for 2 of my 3 internal flights. Thankfully it was a smooth process and ended with one of the ladies dropping me at my hotel - I was so overcome with her kindness.
I had chosen a hotel that was in spitting distance of the hotel as I have a 6.30am flight out tomorrow morning - not sure what I was thinking when I booked!! I was told I needed to be at the airport at 5.30am so it really was going to be a super early start.
A quick fact and thoughts so far - Myanmar is 1.5 hours behind Singapore; and from what I've experienced so far the Burmese people are all very very friendly.
I felt like I was in a disco all night; not only was the a/c machine crazy noisy but also super bright, I had pillows that were a foot high - made for interesting "sleeping".
Saturday morning after checking out and collecting breakfast I was off. The trip to the airport took approximately two minutes, definitely helps when there aren't that many people around. It's a cool 17 degrees - my taxi driver is dressed up like he is off to the Antarctica. As soon as the taxi stopped it's surrounded by 3 young boys wanting to sell me some souvenirs, no thanks was said and they quickly moved on. Wow! Check-in was chaotic to say the least.....in the end the airline staff got themselves sorted / turned up for work and assigned dedicated lines. Now I understand why they say to arrive one hour before your flight. I'm not known by my name on this flight - rather by number 17. Yet my seat is 3D.
We end up departing 8 minutes early after being driven to the plane by bus. Because of this I'm fortunate enough to see the sun waking up, what a sight seeing it go from a red, poking through the mist, to be fully up and very bright.
On arrival into Bagan my taxi was awaiting, although it did take me awhile to work out it was mine as the spelling was rather off!! New Bagan (where I'm staying) is a 15 minute drive from the airport; the whole way I feel like I'm sitting on the middle line at a tennis match. There are so many little pagoda's scattered everywhere.
We get to the hotel at 8.20am and I'm amazed I can check-in and go straight to the room. There is no way you would get this at a 5 star hotel unless you paid extra. I enjoyed coffee on the roof terrace just staring! Directly outside the gates of the hotel are pagodas - wow wow wow this view is amazing!! I've decided to stay local for the day and just wonder the streets (aka dirt roads). Within minutes to leaving two ladies recognize me from the hotel and we start chatting - we have arranged to do a boat trip this evening to see sunset followed by dinner. Yah I'm no longer Nigel no mates :) right back to wondering.
I stop at Si Thu restaurant, for a cool drink, which has views of the Ayeyarwady River. Directly across the river there are people walking their cows. The only noise I have for awhile is the sound of a generator and the birds - this is the life!
I continue my wandering and end up at Lawkananda Paya, my first (Buddhist) temple I visit in Myanmar. As soon as I reach the top of the stairs I have children after me to sell postcards among other things. These ones don't go away on the first "no thank you" like I've encountered before. The first thing I notice is the shinning gold. The views of the Ayeyarwady are amazing - I could stand for hours just staring out. Directly below the temple is a lady sitting on the waters edge doing her washing.....not sure how the clothes can come out cleaner in that water! Towards the end people just keep on turning up, time for me to exit.
Walking back the same way I came I stop at Ashe (East) and Anauk (West) Petkeik Paya, again Buddhist Temples. As my LP book tells me they are nothing to look at from the outside. One of the "caretakers" comes over after a little boy keeps yelling hello to me and unlocks the door, to I believe the West temple. The terracotta carvings along the corridor, as soon as you enter, are amazing!! I'm hesitated at first worried that I might get locked in. Not today thankfully!!!
I head into the main area of New Bagan, think very small and very basic - a world away from Singapore. Wandering along people either say hello or offer to lend me a bike for the day, no thanks lunch is in order!! Hopefully followed by a nap.
I order a chicken with coconut curry for lunch, which comes with a soup that looks the colour of the water the lady was washing her clothes in. The taste though is amazing, or perhaps it's because I'm starving?! Either way it goes very quickly.
Like the rest of SEA there is always more than 2 people on a motorbike. The think that has struck me the most though in my less than 24 hours in the country is how friendly everyone is. A refreshing change.
After a couple of hours relaxing in my room, and being out of the direct heat, it's time to venture out again. I meet the girls (Lisa and Natalie) that I met this morning, in the lobby at 4pm, along with Natalie's fiancé, and we head by taxi to the jetty in Old Bagan to do a dusk boat tour on the Ayeyarwady River. No sooner had our taxi stopped we had someone right there trying to get is to go with them. One of the joys of traveling with others is being able to discuss amongst ourselves if we want to do something. Trip decided and we are off; a steep staircase leads us to the river where there are a number of colorful boats. Means the river isn't jammed packed :) Its great to be on the water again just cruising along and taking in all the sights - people swimming; ladies doing the washing; men carrying filled baskets on their heads from the boat to a place half way up the shore to monks cleaning themselves then swimming. Never a dull moment. Our driver of course has done this trip numerous times so is well aware of the "good" spot to get is into. There is something quite relaxing about being on the water watching the sun drop for another day and turn to dusk. The colours were amazing - bright yellows and oranges, dipping below the horizon at the back of a temple on a hill. I hope my photos do it some sort of justice!
Back to shore to find our driver waiting for us at the top of the stairs, we then set forth to negotiate a price for him to take us to dinner.....what an effort! And of course it's a captive market for him. But wow so worth the negotiation. The others had eaten lunch here yesterday but wanted to return and I can so see why. Dan and I ordered a beer, which had to be left on the floor in a black plastic bag. We shared a couple of appetizers (tea leaf salad and guacamole) then each had a curry - mine was Myanmar Eggplant Curry. Yum yum yum is all I can say; definitely one of the nicest meals I've had in a long time. I will absolutely be recommending this restaurant.
We are back to the hotel by 7.45pm and it's pitch black! Time to chill then head to bed.
We have arranged to meet at breakfast tomorrow before heading off for sight seeing on electric bikes, can't wait.
I've had a wonderful 24 hours, which seems like so much more!, in Myanmar and would even go as far as saying the people so far are the friendliest I've encounter during my travels around SEA.
Sunday morning I'm awake before 5.30am - thankfully no disco in my room last night so I slept ok. The "city" is slowly starting to stir; and I'm debating going for a run once the sun comes up but it's a chilly 11 degrees......the debating isn't for long, it's just too cold for me!!! Instead I take my time getting sorted for the day ahead. Having breakfast on the roof top watching the sun slowly make it's way up is amazing.
The girls and I hire electric bikes and after getting instructions and a wee practice we are off - watch out Bagan!!! We head off to Old Bagan and within minutes are driving in the middle of Temple land; I had seen these last night from the car but they are far more impressive close up and not speeding by.
We stopped off shortly after starting and within a couple of minutes had two boys of push bikes rushing after us wanting to sell us postcards and paintings as well as offer us their tour guide services. No thanks was said more than once!! The only way to get rid of them was to get back onto the bikes and bike away.
The first temple we visit (actually got into) is Gaw Daw Palin Phaya. Lisa and I head in for a look around and come out to find Nat as the tourist attraction! She is having photo after photo with the locals.
Just driving down the roads is great excitement for me – so much to see.
Just before we arrived at Ananda Phaya Nat left us, after watching six ox-carts pass by Lisa and I park our bikes and head inside Ananda Phaya. The first thing that I notice is the number of hawker stalls on both sides of the narrow path leading you to the entrance. Not the nicest thing to be seeing! On entering I’m struck by the huge teak doors. There is no way unfortunately that I could get even just one side of the door in a photo – ooh how I’d love to be able too though. Wandering around the inside, which is nice and cool, you come across 4 very large (more in height) standing Buddha statues amongst other much smaller Buddha statues.
After a pit stop we head off on the back streets, much nicer driving as you don’t have to worry about anyone else around other than us.
We are happily cruising along minding our own business when a bright green snake decides to cross in front of me. Eeks alive I tell you (plus a few other words)! It took all my might to keep going and not to crash; with my heart rate pounding pounding pounding. I'd read you needed to be careful in Myanmar for the snakes but never thought I would see one. We continue on to our next temple Dhammayangyi Pahto, a walled 12th century temple.
Our final stop is at Shwesandaw Paya which is famous for sunrise and sunset. After walking up the super super steep stairs we arrive at the top. WOW WOW WOW the view is absolutely speculator. For miles and miles all you see are hundreds of temples in-between patches of green. An amazing sight.
Lisa and I end our morning biking with lunch and a well-deserved beer (much needed after the snake encounter) on the Ayeyarwady river before heading back to the hotel to get out of the mid afternoon heat and of course for a wee rest :)
Natalie, Dan and I head out late afternoon for a wee drive before stopping to see the sunset at a random temple - another amazing sunset!
Lisa and I have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, nice not to be going out but I did feel rushed a bit and the food wasn't anything to write home about.
Highlight of the day is by far cruising along the roads seeing all of the temples!
Monday morning is another early start, after getting sorted I head to the roof top to watch night turn into day. I'm too early to see the sunrise but seeing the sky changing colour is a great start. We meet at 6.30am in the lobby, with our taxi patiently waiting. No issues getting to the airport and there is nowhere near the chaos in Yangon airport - check-in is nice and easy! I'm on the same airline as my flight from Yangon so again not known by a name and this flight is free seating so not even known by a seat number.
I've had a wonderful time in Bagan, it's an amazing place that one day I hope to return. 2 days just isn't enough! Next stop is Lake Inle.
No phone call so on Friday, December 20, 2013 I head to the airport with half to the world (plus rain rain and more rain). My Christmas holiday begins. For some crazy reason I had forgotten to check-in online so joined the massive line and eventually was served - only problem it caused was it cut down my time in the lounge. In hindsight as I had an early morning flight it was probably a good thing.
On arrival into Yangon, Myanmar I managed to get through immigration without any hassle, patiently waited for my bag then the fun started; exchanging USD into local currency. I had read they were super strict and boy did they live up to that! One of my 50 notes wasn't accepted as it was older than 2006......I was inwardly cursing my money changer guy! Right money sorted, now to find the travel agent who I needed to pay for 2 of my 3 internal flights. Thankfully it was a smooth process and ended with one of the ladies dropping me at my hotel - I was so overcome with her kindness.
I had chosen a hotel that was in spitting distance of the hotel as I have a 6.30am flight out tomorrow morning - not sure what I was thinking when I booked!! I was told I needed to be at the airport at 5.30am so it really was going to be a super early start.
A quick fact and thoughts so far - Myanmar is 1.5 hours behind Singapore; and from what I've experienced so far the Burmese people are all very very friendly.
I felt like I was in a disco all night; not only was the a/c machine crazy noisy but also super bright, I had pillows that were a foot high - made for interesting "sleeping".
Saturday morning after checking out and collecting breakfast I was off. The trip to the airport took approximately two minutes, definitely helps when there aren't that many people around. It's a cool 17 degrees - my taxi driver is dressed up like he is off to the Antarctica. As soon as the taxi stopped it's surrounded by 3 young boys wanting to sell me some souvenirs, no thanks was said and they quickly moved on. Wow! Check-in was chaotic to say the least.....in the end the airline staff got themselves sorted / turned up for work and assigned dedicated lines. Now I understand why they say to arrive one hour before your flight. I'm not known by my name on this flight - rather by number 17. Yet my seat is 3D.
We end up departing 8 minutes early after being driven to the plane by bus. Because of this I'm fortunate enough to see the sun waking up, what a sight seeing it go from a red, poking through the mist, to be fully up and very bright.
On arrival into Bagan my taxi was awaiting, although it did take me awhile to work out it was mine as the spelling was rather off!! New Bagan (where I'm staying) is a 15 minute drive from the airport; the whole way I feel like I'm sitting on the middle line at a tennis match. There are so many little pagoda's scattered everywhere.
We get to the hotel at 8.20am and I'm amazed I can check-in and go straight to the room. There is no way you would get this at a 5 star hotel unless you paid extra. I enjoyed coffee on the roof terrace just staring! Directly outside the gates of the hotel are pagodas - wow wow wow this view is amazing!! I've decided to stay local for the day and just wonder the streets (aka dirt roads). Within minutes to leaving two ladies recognize me from the hotel and we start chatting - we have arranged to do a boat trip this evening to see sunset followed by dinner. Yah I'm no longer Nigel no mates :) right back to wondering.
I stop at Si Thu restaurant, for a cool drink, which has views of the Ayeyarwady River. Directly across the river there are people walking their cows. The only noise I have for awhile is the sound of a generator and the birds - this is the life!
I continue my wandering and end up at Lawkananda Paya, my first (Buddhist) temple I visit in Myanmar. As soon as I reach the top of the stairs I have children after me to sell postcards among other things. These ones don't go away on the first "no thank you" like I've encountered before. The first thing I notice is the shinning gold. The views of the Ayeyarwady are amazing - I could stand for hours just staring out. Directly below the temple is a lady sitting on the waters edge doing her washing.....not sure how the clothes can come out cleaner in that water! Towards the end people just keep on turning up, time for me to exit.
Walking back the same way I came I stop at Ashe (East) and Anauk (West) Petkeik Paya, again Buddhist Temples. As my LP book tells me they are nothing to look at from the outside. One of the "caretakers" comes over after a little boy keeps yelling hello to me and unlocks the door, to I believe the West temple. The terracotta carvings along the corridor, as soon as you enter, are amazing!! I'm hesitated at first worried that I might get locked in. Not today thankfully!!!
I head into the main area of New Bagan, think very small and very basic - a world away from Singapore. Wandering along people either say hello or offer to lend me a bike for the day, no thanks lunch is in order!! Hopefully followed by a nap.
I order a chicken with coconut curry for lunch, which comes with a soup that looks the colour of the water the lady was washing her clothes in. The taste though is amazing, or perhaps it's because I'm starving?! Either way it goes very quickly.
Like the rest of SEA there is always more than 2 people on a motorbike. The think that has struck me the most though in my less than 24 hours in the country is how friendly everyone is. A refreshing change.
After a couple of hours relaxing in my room, and being out of the direct heat, it's time to venture out again. I meet the girls (Lisa and Natalie) that I met this morning, in the lobby at 4pm, along with Natalie's fiancé, and we head by taxi to the jetty in Old Bagan to do a dusk boat tour on the Ayeyarwady River. No sooner had our taxi stopped we had someone right there trying to get is to go with them. One of the joys of traveling with others is being able to discuss amongst ourselves if we want to do something. Trip decided and we are off; a steep staircase leads us to the river where there are a number of colorful boats. Means the river isn't jammed packed :) Its great to be on the water again just cruising along and taking in all the sights - people swimming; ladies doing the washing; men carrying filled baskets on their heads from the boat to a place half way up the shore to monks cleaning themselves then swimming. Never a dull moment. Our driver of course has done this trip numerous times so is well aware of the "good" spot to get is into. There is something quite relaxing about being on the water watching the sun drop for another day and turn to dusk. The colours were amazing - bright yellows and oranges, dipping below the horizon at the back of a temple on a hill. I hope my photos do it some sort of justice!
Back to shore to find our driver waiting for us at the top of the stairs, we then set forth to negotiate a price for him to take us to dinner.....what an effort! And of course it's a captive market for him. But wow so worth the negotiation. The others had eaten lunch here yesterday but wanted to return and I can so see why. Dan and I ordered a beer, which had to be left on the floor in a black plastic bag. We shared a couple of appetizers (tea leaf salad and guacamole) then each had a curry - mine was Myanmar Eggplant Curry. Yum yum yum is all I can say; definitely one of the nicest meals I've had in a long time. I will absolutely be recommending this restaurant.
We are back to the hotel by 7.45pm and it's pitch black! Time to chill then head to bed.
We have arranged to meet at breakfast tomorrow before heading off for sight seeing on electric bikes, can't wait.
I've had a wonderful 24 hours, which seems like so much more!, in Myanmar and would even go as far as saying the people so far are the friendliest I've encounter during my travels around SEA.
Sunday morning I'm awake before 5.30am - thankfully no disco in my room last night so I slept ok. The "city" is slowly starting to stir; and I'm debating going for a run once the sun comes up but it's a chilly 11 degrees......the debating isn't for long, it's just too cold for me!!! Instead I take my time getting sorted for the day ahead. Having breakfast on the roof top watching the sun slowly make it's way up is amazing.
The girls and I hire electric bikes and after getting instructions and a wee practice we are off - watch out Bagan!!! We head off to Old Bagan and within minutes are driving in the middle of Temple land; I had seen these last night from the car but they are far more impressive close up and not speeding by.
We stopped off shortly after starting and within a couple of minutes had two boys of push bikes rushing after us wanting to sell us postcards and paintings as well as offer us their tour guide services. No thanks was said more than once!! The only way to get rid of them was to get back onto the bikes and bike away.
The first temple we visit (actually got into) is Gaw Daw Palin Phaya. Lisa and I head in for a look around and come out to find Nat as the tourist attraction! She is having photo after photo with the locals.
Just driving down the roads is great excitement for me – so much to see.
Just before we arrived at Ananda Phaya Nat left us, after watching six ox-carts pass by Lisa and I park our bikes and head inside Ananda Phaya. The first thing that I notice is the number of hawker stalls on both sides of the narrow path leading you to the entrance. Not the nicest thing to be seeing! On entering I’m struck by the huge teak doors. There is no way unfortunately that I could get even just one side of the door in a photo – ooh how I’d love to be able too though. Wandering around the inside, which is nice and cool, you come across 4 very large (more in height) standing Buddha statues amongst other much smaller Buddha statues.
After a pit stop we head off on the back streets, much nicer driving as you don’t have to worry about anyone else around other than us.
We are happily cruising along minding our own business when a bright green snake decides to cross in front of me. Eeks alive I tell you (plus a few other words)! It took all my might to keep going and not to crash; with my heart rate pounding pounding pounding. I'd read you needed to be careful in Myanmar for the snakes but never thought I would see one. We continue on to our next temple Dhammayangyi Pahto, a walled 12th century temple.
Our final stop is at Shwesandaw Paya which is famous for sunrise and sunset. After walking up the super super steep stairs we arrive at the top. WOW WOW WOW the view is absolutely speculator. For miles and miles all you see are hundreds of temples in-between patches of green. An amazing sight.
Lisa and I end our morning biking with lunch and a well-deserved beer (much needed after the snake encounter) on the Ayeyarwady river before heading back to the hotel to get out of the mid afternoon heat and of course for a wee rest :)
Natalie, Dan and I head out late afternoon for a wee drive before stopping to see the sunset at a random temple - another amazing sunset!
Lisa and I have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, nice not to be going out but I did feel rushed a bit and the food wasn't anything to write home about.
Highlight of the day is by far cruising along the roads seeing all of the temples!
Monday morning is another early start, after getting sorted I head to the roof top to watch night turn into day. I'm too early to see the sunrise but seeing the sky changing colour is a great start. We meet at 6.30am in the lobby, with our taxi patiently waiting. No issues getting to the airport and there is nowhere near the chaos in Yangon airport - check-in is nice and easy! I'm on the same airline as my flight from Yangon so again not known by a name and this flight is free seating so not even known by a seat number.
I've had a wonderful time in Bagan, it's an amazing place that one day I hope to return. 2 days just isn't enough! Next stop is Lake Inle.
Hong Kong, China – 6-8 December 2013
Went to Hong Kong for the weekend (from Singapore) for good friends wedding dinner celebration. Awesome to see everyone again!
Stayed with Kat and Sean.
Stayed with Kat and Sean.
Bangkok, Thailand – 16-18 November 2013
Weekend in Bangkok with Bridget. I went from Singapore and Bridget from Krabi.
Caught up with Clare (from CIT) for coffee with lots of wine.
Bridget unwell. Post leaving Bangkok and her coming to Singapore (a few days later) we found out she had dengue fever.
Caught up with Clare (from CIT) for coffee with lots of wine.
Bridget unwell. Post leaving Bangkok and her coming to Singapore (a few days later) we found out she had dengue fever.
Koh Samui, Thailand – 19-22 September 2013
It’s never a wise idea to pack when you are hungover…..or worse yet still drunk. Ooh well thankfully it’s just one day of work before I fly out.
I somehow manage to get through the day at work then it’s straight to the airport – I’m off to Koh Samui for three nights to meet up with my very good friends Ann and Patrick.
No lounge visit for me this time as I’m not flying an Oneworld airline….not the smartest move I’ve ever done but hey ho.
On arrival at the tiny airport I’m greeted by the hotel and presented with a super delicious fresh coconut juice. Hmm this would be amazing with gin or vodka. Thankfully it’s not a long journey to the hotel (Renaissance Koh Samui Resort), and after the check-in which seemed to take a long time I’m taken to my room and given the full tour. As soon as the hotel staff member has left my room I repeat the tour but this time opening and closing all the draws and cupboards. It’s like I’ve never stayed at a hotel before.
Friday morning after a wee sleep in and head to the beach for a run. Great way to start the day but boy it’s hard work running on sand.
Ann and Patrick aren’t arriving for a few more hours so I’m in no rush to have breakfast or get ready.
I’m sitting in the lobby waiting for them to arrive and every car that pulls up I stand up excited only to sit back down again. Always love catching up with old friends, no matter where I am in the world. As Ann was coming out to HK (from NY) for work Patrick tagged along and we decided to meet in Koh Samui. Finally they arrive!
They are upgraded to a one bedroom apartment with a private pool – think I’ll be spending a lot of time in their room rather than mine.
Over lunch and free flow beers (do they know who they are dealing with??!) we chat like it was just last week we saw each other. This is something I always love with good friends.
The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing by the pool.
Saturday after breakfast it’s straight to the pool where we stay for a few hours…..until it’s time to eat again.
The afternoon is spent back at Ann and Patrick’s room drinking bubbles…..this is the life!!
Saturday night Ann passes out from jetlag so Patrick and I head down to the pool/beach bar – great sitting outside hearing the waves crashing against the shore while we change from day to night.
For the majority of Sunday it’s a repeat of the yesterday, until I need to pack up and head to the airport
It’s been absolutely wonderful seeing Ann and Patrick again – where in the world we meet again is anyone’s guess.
For now it’s back to Singapore I go.
I somehow manage to get through the day at work then it’s straight to the airport – I’m off to Koh Samui for three nights to meet up with my very good friends Ann and Patrick.
No lounge visit for me this time as I’m not flying an Oneworld airline….not the smartest move I’ve ever done but hey ho.
On arrival at the tiny airport I’m greeted by the hotel and presented with a super delicious fresh coconut juice. Hmm this would be amazing with gin or vodka. Thankfully it’s not a long journey to the hotel (Renaissance Koh Samui Resort), and after the check-in which seemed to take a long time I’m taken to my room and given the full tour. As soon as the hotel staff member has left my room I repeat the tour but this time opening and closing all the draws and cupboards. It’s like I’ve never stayed at a hotel before.
Friday morning after a wee sleep in and head to the beach for a run. Great way to start the day but boy it’s hard work running on sand.
Ann and Patrick aren’t arriving for a few more hours so I’m in no rush to have breakfast or get ready.
I’m sitting in the lobby waiting for them to arrive and every car that pulls up I stand up excited only to sit back down again. Always love catching up with old friends, no matter where I am in the world. As Ann was coming out to HK (from NY) for work Patrick tagged along and we decided to meet in Koh Samui. Finally they arrive!
They are upgraded to a one bedroom apartment with a private pool – think I’ll be spending a lot of time in their room rather than mine.
Over lunch and free flow beers (do they know who they are dealing with??!) we chat like it was just last week we saw each other. This is something I always love with good friends.
The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing by the pool.
Saturday after breakfast it’s straight to the pool where we stay for a few hours…..until it’s time to eat again.
The afternoon is spent back at Ann and Patrick’s room drinking bubbles…..this is the life!!
Saturday night Ann passes out from jetlag so Patrick and I head down to the pool/beach bar – great sitting outside hearing the waves crashing against the shore while we change from day to night.
For the majority of Sunday it’s a repeat of the yesterday, until I need to pack up and head to the airport
It’s been absolutely wonderful seeing Ann and Patrick again – where in the world we meet again is anyone’s guess.
For now it’s back to Singapore I go.
Sydney, Australia – 15-20 August 2013
Yes it’s that time again – I’m in a taxi to the airport. This time I’m off to Sydney, Australia to surprise my old boss (who is visiting Australia for the first time from NY).
After a quick bite to eat and drink in the lounge (on Thursday, August 15) I’m off to board the plane. I’m using my Cathay points for this flight and flying BA……
We land into Sydney at the lovely hour of 5am (what was I thinking?!); I’m staying with my friend Susan in Neutral Bay/Cremorne area and as it’s well before the crack of dawn I decide to take the train into the city then a bus. This at least will take time and I shouldn’t arrive to her place before 7am.
After a quick shower and putting on all my winter clothes I have (man it’s cold) we drive into the city. Such a luxury for me! Susan has a car park at work. There’s something special about driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I know it will never get old.
I leave Susan at her work and walk the few blocks down to my work. Stopping enroute to get a decent cup of coffee, which I know I’ll be consuming lots of today as I already feel like I’ve been hit by a bus and it’s not yet 9am.
I manage to remain at work until about 4.30pm then leave to meet up with my driver
I could really get used to this!
We decide to walk down to the road for a delicious Italian dinner then it’s straight home to bed for me.
Saturday (August 16, 2014) after waking early Susan cooks a delicious breakfast then drops me at a train station nearby. I’m heading out to St Johns area to meet up with Juliana and Pete and to surprise Aisha and Thomas. The boys are at the station to meet me which is lovely!
Walking into JJ’s house is nerve wracking, while I love surprises I’m also worried how the person being surprised will take it.
It’s absolutely awesome to see them all again, and especially Aisha and Thomas since it’s been SOO long!! We have a couple of hours catching up before JJ’s sisters and families come over for a seafood lunch. I’m in heaven!!!
Mid-afternoon we head off to catch the bus to Homebush - we are off to watch the AB’s play Australia. Of course I’m the only one out of the 5 of us with the black top on……
Lot’s more chat and laughs then the seriousness comes!! Thankfully we win – aah I can breathe a sigh of relief
After getting back to JJ’s parents house Pete is wonderful and drives me back to Susan’s. Thankfully there isn’t that much traffic on the road.
Sunday I have a wee sleep in then Susan’s nephew arrives. They head off shortly after for a busy day! Karyn, Andrew, Molly and Charlie then pick me up and we head back to their place (after stopping for a much needed coffee!). I have the day and night with them - and like my many previous trips always love having time with them and always wish it could be longer.
Monday morning it’s a very early start! Karyn drops me at the bus stop just after 7am…..even though it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day it’s chilly as!!!!!
After another full day in the office I take the bus back to Susan’s; then head out (locally) for dinner. Of course a stop at the supermarket is needed for me!!
Tuesday (August 20, 2013) we head into the city, this time with my bag
I have the morning in the office before taking the train to the airport.
I’ve had another awesome few days in Sydney – and even though it’s been full on I am so glad I came!
After a quick bite to eat and drink in the lounge (on Thursday, August 15) I’m off to board the plane. I’m using my Cathay points for this flight and flying BA……
We land into Sydney at the lovely hour of 5am (what was I thinking?!); I’m staying with my friend Susan in Neutral Bay/Cremorne area and as it’s well before the crack of dawn I decide to take the train into the city then a bus. This at least will take time and I shouldn’t arrive to her place before 7am.
After a quick shower and putting on all my winter clothes I have (man it’s cold) we drive into the city. Such a luxury for me! Susan has a car park at work. There’s something special about driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I know it will never get old.
I leave Susan at her work and walk the few blocks down to my work. Stopping enroute to get a decent cup of coffee, which I know I’ll be consuming lots of today as I already feel like I’ve been hit by a bus and it’s not yet 9am.
I manage to remain at work until about 4.30pm then leave to meet up with my driver
I could really get used to this!
We decide to walk down to the road for a delicious Italian dinner then it’s straight home to bed for me.
Saturday (August 16, 2014) after waking early Susan cooks a delicious breakfast then drops me at a train station nearby. I’m heading out to St Johns area to meet up with Juliana and Pete and to surprise Aisha and Thomas. The boys are at the station to meet me which is lovely!
Walking into JJ’s house is nerve wracking, while I love surprises I’m also worried how the person being surprised will take it.
It’s absolutely awesome to see them all again, and especially Aisha and Thomas since it’s been SOO long!! We have a couple of hours catching up before JJ’s sisters and families come over for a seafood lunch. I’m in heaven!!!
Mid-afternoon we head off to catch the bus to Homebush - we are off to watch the AB’s play Australia. Of course I’m the only one out of the 5 of us with the black top on……
Lot’s more chat and laughs then the seriousness comes!! Thankfully we win – aah I can breathe a sigh of relief
After getting back to JJ’s parents house Pete is wonderful and drives me back to Susan’s. Thankfully there isn’t that much traffic on the road.
Sunday I have a wee sleep in then Susan’s nephew arrives. They head off shortly after for a busy day! Karyn, Andrew, Molly and Charlie then pick me up and we head back to their place (after stopping for a much needed coffee!). I have the day and night with them - and like my many previous trips always love having time with them and always wish it could be longer.
Monday morning it’s a very early start! Karyn drops me at the bus stop just after 7am…..even though it’s going to be a beautiful sunny day it’s chilly as!!!!!
After another full day in the office I take the bus back to Susan’s; then head out (locally) for dinner. Of course a stop at the supermarket is needed for me!!
Tuesday (August 20, 2013) we head into the city, this time with my bag
I have the morning in the office before taking the train to the airport.I’ve had another awesome few days in Sydney – and even though it’s been full on I am so glad I came!
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – 8-12 August 2013
Thursday, August 8 I’m woken up at 5am by the rain – did contemplate getting out of bed but decided to wait to my alarm went off at 5.45am. What a stupid move that is!! After a quick shower I spend 45 minutes trying to get a taxi…..of course no taxis due to the weather. Finally I get one and am off to the airport – Kota Kinabalu here I come!
Unfortunately this isn’t the end of my waiting; the lines at the airport are absolutely ridiculous!!! More fool me for not checking in online. I’m flying Silk Air so no ability to jump the line L After what seems like ages I’m through and have 30 minutes in the lounge (nowhere near as nice as the Qantas one) with Anna before we meet Kate and head to the gate).
Somehow I end up with a middle seat….honestly what did I do wrong today! The ladies on my row are traveling together and want to swap seats with me – no issues here!!!! Flight was nice and easy tried to get a bit of shut-eye.
Quick taxi ride from the airport to the city; Anna and my room isn’t ready yet so we dumb our bags in Kate’s room then head out for a walk. Our lunch stop was sitting by the water – nice and relaxing. I’m surprised how many places are closed, but then again it is a major holiday in Malaysia.
Anna and I had an awful time getting into our room – first room had mould everywhere so we were out of there pretty quickly!! Second room was dirty….not a good start to our holiday. Requested housekeeping to come and clean; no need to stay around for this. Instead we enjoyed the “wine flight” downstairs. Now we are talking.
Wondering around the markets (clothes and food) before watching an amazing sunset over dinner. Very hard to beat this!
Friday morning the alarm went at 4.50am – FAR TOO EARLY WHEN ON HOLIDAY!! But we are off to Sandakan for the day to see the Orang-utan’s so up we get. Our flight is at 7am but for some reason we are collected at 5.35am. Very easy flight over to the other side of the island.
We had signed up for a ½ day tour so was collected at the airport and taken out to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. After a much needed coffee it’s time for a video before we go into the forest to hopefully see some Orang-utan’s. There are twice daily feedings which the public can come and see; it’s hit and miss if the Orang-utan’s decide to come out. We were VERY lucky and saw at least 8. What absolutely amazing creatures they are!!! I snapped away on my camera like there was no tomorrow…..it’s going to take months to go through them all! And of course the photos won’t do it justice. I absolutely loved this and would recommend it to anyone, although as I said its hit and miss if any show. We stayed for the whole 2 hours, even though it was unbelievably hot. Nothing was going to make me move.
Right, now I can go back to KK town – nothing I see this afternoon is going to come even close to this. After a very average lunch in Sandakan town we leave the tour. Walked around the town, which was far from pleasant. The majority of the shops closed due to the holidays. Lots of groups of “ young” just hanging around smoking…..so time to get out of here. We hired a taxi and headed out to the Rainforest; not sure I would head there normally but it definitely beat hanging around the town.
Of course because we were all so keen to get back to KK town our flight was delayed by ½ hour….bloody typical!! Finally back to the hotel at 9.30pm – a very long day!
Saturday morning after a leisurely breakfast we taxi out to the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resport – aah paradise!! We choose this resort as there is a smaller orang-utan sanctuary. Again Anna and my room isn’t available; they outdo themselves by sending us to have high-tea until it is. A very nice touch!
We spent an hour at the orang-utan sanctuary and was very fortunate to see a very cheeky baby orang-utan! Another amazing experience.
Two nights here just isn’t enough! It’s absolutely beautiful and super relaxing. It’s a struggle to leave on Monday to take the flight back to Singapore.
Unfortunately this isn’t the end of my waiting; the lines at the airport are absolutely ridiculous!!! More fool me for not checking in online. I’m flying Silk Air so no ability to jump the line L After what seems like ages I’m through and have 30 minutes in the lounge (nowhere near as nice as the Qantas one) with Anna before we meet Kate and head to the gate).
Somehow I end up with a middle seat….honestly what did I do wrong today! The ladies on my row are traveling together and want to swap seats with me – no issues here!!!! Flight was nice and easy tried to get a bit of shut-eye.
Quick taxi ride from the airport to the city; Anna and my room isn’t ready yet so we dumb our bags in Kate’s room then head out for a walk. Our lunch stop was sitting by the water – nice and relaxing. I’m surprised how many places are closed, but then again it is a major holiday in Malaysia.
Anna and I had an awful time getting into our room – first room had mould everywhere so we were out of there pretty quickly!! Second room was dirty….not a good start to our holiday. Requested housekeeping to come and clean; no need to stay around for this. Instead we enjoyed the “wine flight” downstairs. Now we are talking.
Wondering around the markets (clothes and food) before watching an amazing sunset over dinner. Very hard to beat this!
Friday morning the alarm went at 4.50am – FAR TOO EARLY WHEN ON HOLIDAY!! But we are off to Sandakan for the day to see the Orang-utan’s so up we get. Our flight is at 7am but for some reason we are collected at 5.35am. Very easy flight over to the other side of the island.
We had signed up for a ½ day tour so was collected at the airport and taken out to Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. After a much needed coffee it’s time for a video before we go into the forest to hopefully see some Orang-utan’s. There are twice daily feedings which the public can come and see; it’s hit and miss if the Orang-utan’s decide to come out. We were VERY lucky and saw at least 8. What absolutely amazing creatures they are!!! I snapped away on my camera like there was no tomorrow…..it’s going to take months to go through them all! And of course the photos won’t do it justice. I absolutely loved this and would recommend it to anyone, although as I said its hit and miss if any show. We stayed for the whole 2 hours, even though it was unbelievably hot. Nothing was going to make me move.
Right, now I can go back to KK town – nothing I see this afternoon is going to come even close to this. After a very average lunch in Sandakan town we leave the tour. Walked around the town, which was far from pleasant. The majority of the shops closed due to the holidays. Lots of groups of “ young” just hanging around smoking…..so time to get out of here. We hired a taxi and headed out to the Rainforest; not sure I would head there normally but it definitely beat hanging around the town.
Of course because we were all so keen to get back to KK town our flight was delayed by ½ hour….bloody typical!! Finally back to the hotel at 9.30pm – a very long day!
Saturday morning after a leisurely breakfast we taxi out to the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resport – aah paradise!! We choose this resort as there is a smaller orang-utan sanctuary. Again Anna and my room isn’t available; they outdo themselves by sending us to have high-tea until it is. A very nice touch!
We spent an hour at the orang-utan sanctuary and was very fortunate to see a very cheeky baby orang-utan! Another amazing experience.
Two nights here just isn’t enough! It’s absolutely beautiful and super relaxing. It’s a struggle to leave on Monday to take the flight back to Singapore.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 22-25 February 2013
Had a long weekend in KL (from Singapore). Unclear on why and what I did there.
Hong Kong – 8-11 February 2013 (CNY)
Thursday, February 7, 2013 I'm at home packing for my weekend to Yangon, Myanmar (Burma) when my cell phone rings. I answer it of course and am greeted with someone from Jetstar calling.....this can't be good!!
Eventually I'm told due to aircraft downgrade I won't be on the flight to Yangon. What??! Ooh my goodness me......I need time to digest and work out what next, but my jetstar customer service wants an answer now. So I ask him to repeat the options I have - 1) get a full refund; 2) take the next flight out..... Ooh yes this sounds like a good option - except the next flight out is Monday and my return flight is Tuesday so that's not going to work or 3) go somewhere else. So 3) it is and after a quick decision I choose Hong Kong. Means I can visit my friends and don't have to worry about a hotel. Given it’s CNY hotels would have been booked out months ago.
So I unpack my bag and repack for cold cold cold Hong Kong.
Friday, February 8 I head to the airport; I'm still feeling very annoyed I'm not heading to Yangon. My annoyance increases tenfold when I get to the airport and notice the HK flight and Yangon flight check-in desks are on the same on pod. Grrrrrr.
On arrival into HK I head straight to Kat and Sean's place in Park Island - is nice to be back! I have a couple of hours relaxing before heading to Central to meet Matt and Piyanut for dinner.
I have time on my hands so walk from the ferry pier to the mid-levels escalator then along Caine Road to Matt’s- ooh it's nice to be back in HK. Even better when I walk past quite a few places I use to go too often.
Piyanut and I enjoy some vino before Matt gets home. For dinner we head down to Hollywood road.
I somehow manage to get myself a taxi to the ferry pier then take the ferry back to Park Island.
Saturday morning Kat arrives back after an overnight flight from India.
That afternoon we have Namrata's Indian baby shower. While I'm still feeling annoyed I didn't get to Yangon it is lovely to be here and be part of the weekend celebrations. Plus it makes it so much easier catching up with everyone when they are all here celebrating.
Sunday we have Eryn's birthday celebration, again on Park Island.
Monday late morning we head into HK Island for a ladies afternoon tea baby shower at Shangri-la hotel.
Tuesday Kat, Sean, Lee and I head to ICC (Kowloon) to meet Matt for lunch before coming back to Park Island for a few hours.
Before too long it's time to head to the airport. My long weekend has unfortunately come to an end.
Eventually I'm told due to aircraft downgrade I won't be on the flight to Yangon. What??! Ooh my goodness me......I need time to digest and work out what next, but my jetstar customer service wants an answer now. So I ask him to repeat the options I have - 1) get a full refund; 2) take the next flight out..... Ooh yes this sounds like a good option - except the next flight out is Monday and my return flight is Tuesday so that's not going to work or 3) go somewhere else. So 3) it is and after a quick decision I choose Hong Kong. Means I can visit my friends and don't have to worry about a hotel. Given it’s CNY hotels would have been booked out months ago.
So I unpack my bag and repack for cold cold cold Hong Kong.
Friday, February 8 I head to the airport; I'm still feeling very annoyed I'm not heading to Yangon. My annoyance increases tenfold when I get to the airport and notice the HK flight and Yangon flight check-in desks are on the same on pod. Grrrrrr.
On arrival into HK I head straight to Kat and Sean's place in Park Island - is nice to be back! I have a couple of hours relaxing before heading to Central to meet Matt and Piyanut for dinner.
I have time on my hands so walk from the ferry pier to the mid-levels escalator then along Caine Road to Matt’s- ooh it's nice to be back in HK. Even better when I walk past quite a few places I use to go too often.
Piyanut and I enjoy some vino before Matt gets home. For dinner we head down to Hollywood road.
I somehow manage to get myself a taxi to the ferry pier then take the ferry back to Park Island.
Saturday morning Kat arrives back after an overnight flight from India.
That afternoon we have Namrata's Indian baby shower. While I'm still feeling annoyed I didn't get to Yangon it is lovely to be here and be part of the weekend celebrations. Plus it makes it so much easier catching up with everyone when they are all here celebrating.
Sunday we have Eryn's birthday celebration, again on Park Island.
Monday late morning we head into HK Island for a ladies afternoon tea baby shower at Shangri-la hotel.
Tuesday Kat, Sean, Lee and I head to ICC (Kowloon) to meet Matt for lunch before coming back to Park Island for a few hours.
Before too long it's time to head to the airport. My long weekend has unfortunately come to an end.
Tuscany, Italia – 28 June - 5 July 2013
It's been 82 days since I was last on a plane (a record that I never want to get to again nor go over!!) so I'm glad the day has finally arrived that I'm flying away. After a full day at work (Friday, 28 June 2013) I head to the airport much earlier than needed, I've forgotten how long it takes to check-in and pass through immigration.....then I remember this is Singapore so it takes no time at all!! The longest and most painful part was lining up at duty free.
I'm flying BA to London, where I have 1.5 hours, then onto Roma. Still in denial that Qantas doesn't fly to London from Singapore anymore. Not the biggest fan of BA but hey ho - the things you (ok me) do to keep ones Qantas gold card.
After a fairly smooth flight where I managed to sleep a large chunk of it we land into London early (5am local time) where it's a chilly 16 degrees. Thank goodness I'm not staying here!! I have time for a shower and some breakfast before boarding the plane to Roma. Getting very excited now and trying to remember all of my Italian.
Vino si, caffe si si - perfecto what else does one need to know?!!
I arrived into Roma at 10.30am, and have a good hour until Mum, Dad, Michael and Lyn Thomas arrive. Finally they arrive at baggage as I’m about to fall asleep. We head over to where all the car hire places are and I immediately nearly pass out as there are SOOOO many people, with more people arriving and no-one leaving. After a 4 hour wait we finally get a rental car…….we are now off on holiday! Tuscany here we come
Bridget was also flying in today (from London), however she made the right choice by flying into Pisa which is so much closer than Roma. So after we finally got to the Villa we dropped our bags and headed out to Poggibonsi (somewhere I NEVER wanted to return too) to collect Bridget. Unfortunately it wasn’t as easy as it sounds….however in the end we found her and ended back to the villa in desperate need for food and more importantly vino! Bridget had been in charge of picking food for dinner in Florence and once we were back at the Villa the men went driving again to locate desert and vino. Great we are set, well for this evening anyway!!! After a well-deserved drink for the amazingly patient driver (Michael) time to eat!!!
After a fairly slow start on Sunday (June 30) we manage to drag ourselves up the hill to the “local” café / bar / restaurant for a much needed coffee.
At some stage the ladies and Michael (the driver) head off in search of a supermarket in Poggibonsi. Honestly all roads lead to this bloody place and I’m sick of it already!!!! (Bridget and I had been through, around, past this place countless times where we were traveling around a few years ago hence the dislike). After following the signs we find one and it’s closed. Time for me to start speaking Italian with a big mix of English. Eventually we locate one – woo hoo! Even better that it’s a decent size supermarket with a great selection. Boot packed we are off to the villa.
We decide to head up the hill for dinner – countless bottles of wine later, ooh and a bit of food, we head off back the road giggling away with one small touch. It’s super dark!!! Thankfully the road is basically empty but then comes a very big truck. Eeks alive.
Monday after breakfast we all head into Castellina di Canti, which is the closest town/village about 7 kms up a very windy road (the same road 5 of us have driver in on from Roma). Quaint little place with shops not just for the tourists.
In the afternoon Michael, Bridget and I head off to Monteriggioni, a medieval walled town, about an hour’s drive from our Villa. Great to be seeing more of the countryside – always so much to look at. It’s a very small town but nice just to potter around. Did a bit of wine tasting and of course the compulsory gelato was had!
Everyone is pretty had it from last night so it’s a meal in this evening – much better than last night and a lot less wine!
Tuesday (2 July) is the day of the famous horse race in Siena (IL Palio) which happens twice a year. It’s something that I said I would definitely return to Siena for so I’m stoked that we are in Tuscany when it’s on. So of course today we are off to Siena. Bridget and I take the train and the others drive. We had arranged to meet at the Duomo, finally Mum and Lyn arrive. Where are the men?? Due to IL Palio traffic there are no car parks so they unfortunately head back to the Villa.
We have a couple of hours wondering around the streets of Siena (including doing a lap of the campo where the horse race will be on later, and a delicious lunch we start to walk to the train station. Immediately we are surrounded by the different contrade (town districts) parading around in their costumes. It’s an amazing sight and sound. We had made a deal with the men that we would be back to the villa in time for the race – but right now I’m wishing we could stay.
We continue to walk, often in between the flags and banners, to the train station. I had forgotten how far the train station was from the town and with it being hot it was tough going!!!!
Michael collects us at the train station in Poggibonsi after what seemed like ages – this place is not easy to get around with all it’s one way streets and no real sense of direction. Anyway he is here now thank goodness.
Back to the villa for drinks and the horse race. Great to see it live on TV and after seeing the crowds (so many of them in the direct hot hot sun) I’m glad I’m sitting here with my vino and food in comfort!!!!
Wednesday and Thursday we spent some time relaxing at the villa with a trip to San Gimignano thrown in for an afternoon. I loved being back there but did remember how much treasured the place more once all of the tourists left for the day, unfortunately today we were the tourists who were there just for a few hours.
Michael, Dad and I had a trip to Castellina di Canti for Dad to visit the Doctor as his ear was playing up so it’s a couple of very quiet days for him. Not the best end to his European holiday.
Thursday night the ladies and Michael headed down to the road to a winery / balsamic vinegar place / restaurant for a meal. After a tour of the winery and being shown how the balsamic vinegar is made it’s time to eat. Dinner was good – but nothing to write home about!
Friday the ladies and our driver J head into Florence. We have about 2 hours together before I head back to Roma (by train) for my flight to London then onto Singapore.
What a great week it’s been! Loved being in a Villa and can’t wait to return to Tuscany / Italia.
I'm flying BA to London, where I have 1.5 hours, then onto Roma. Still in denial that Qantas doesn't fly to London from Singapore anymore. Not the biggest fan of BA but hey ho - the things you (ok me) do to keep ones Qantas gold card.
After a fairly smooth flight where I managed to sleep a large chunk of it we land into London early (5am local time) where it's a chilly 16 degrees. Thank goodness I'm not staying here!! I have time for a shower and some breakfast before boarding the plane to Roma. Getting very excited now and trying to remember all of my Italian.
Vino si, caffe si si - perfecto what else does one need to know?!!
I arrived into Roma at 10.30am, and have a good hour until Mum, Dad, Michael and Lyn Thomas arrive. Finally they arrive at baggage as I’m about to fall asleep. We head over to where all the car hire places are and I immediately nearly pass out as there are SOOOO many people, with more people arriving and no-one leaving. After a 4 hour wait we finally get a rental car…….we are now off on holiday! Tuscany here we come
Bridget was also flying in today (from London), however she made the right choice by flying into Pisa which is so much closer than Roma. So after we finally got to the Villa we dropped our bags and headed out to Poggibonsi (somewhere I NEVER wanted to return too) to collect Bridget. Unfortunately it wasn’t as easy as it sounds….however in the end we found her and ended back to the villa in desperate need for food and more importantly vino! Bridget had been in charge of picking food for dinner in Florence and once we were back at the Villa the men went driving again to locate desert and vino. Great we are set, well for this evening anyway!!! After a well-deserved drink for the amazingly patient driver (Michael) time to eat!!!
After a fairly slow start on Sunday (June 30) we manage to drag ourselves up the hill to the “local” café / bar / restaurant for a much needed coffee.
At some stage the ladies and Michael (the driver) head off in search of a supermarket in Poggibonsi. Honestly all roads lead to this bloody place and I’m sick of it already!!!! (Bridget and I had been through, around, past this place countless times where we were traveling around a few years ago hence the dislike). After following the signs we find one and it’s closed. Time for me to start speaking Italian with a big mix of English. Eventually we locate one – woo hoo! Even better that it’s a decent size supermarket with a great selection. Boot packed we are off to the villa.
We decide to head up the hill for dinner – countless bottles of wine later, ooh and a bit of food, we head off back the road giggling away with one small touch. It’s super dark!!! Thankfully the road is basically empty but then comes a very big truck. Eeks alive.
Monday after breakfast we all head into Castellina di Canti, which is the closest town/village about 7 kms up a very windy road (the same road 5 of us have driver in on from Roma). Quaint little place with shops not just for the tourists.
In the afternoon Michael, Bridget and I head off to Monteriggioni, a medieval walled town, about an hour’s drive from our Villa. Great to be seeing more of the countryside – always so much to look at. It’s a very small town but nice just to potter around. Did a bit of wine tasting and of course the compulsory gelato was had!
Everyone is pretty had it from last night so it’s a meal in this evening – much better than last night and a lot less wine!
Tuesday (2 July) is the day of the famous horse race in Siena (IL Palio) which happens twice a year. It’s something that I said I would definitely return to Siena for so I’m stoked that we are in Tuscany when it’s on. So of course today we are off to Siena. Bridget and I take the train and the others drive. We had arranged to meet at the Duomo, finally Mum and Lyn arrive. Where are the men?? Due to IL Palio traffic there are no car parks so they unfortunately head back to the Villa.
We have a couple of hours wondering around the streets of Siena (including doing a lap of the campo where the horse race will be on later, and a delicious lunch we start to walk to the train station. Immediately we are surrounded by the different contrade (town districts) parading around in their costumes. It’s an amazing sight and sound. We had made a deal with the men that we would be back to the villa in time for the race – but right now I’m wishing we could stay.
We continue to walk, often in between the flags and banners, to the train station. I had forgotten how far the train station was from the town and with it being hot it was tough going!!!!
Michael collects us at the train station in Poggibonsi after what seemed like ages – this place is not easy to get around with all it’s one way streets and no real sense of direction. Anyway he is here now thank goodness.
Back to the villa for drinks and the horse race. Great to see it live on TV and after seeing the crowds (so many of them in the direct hot hot sun) I’m glad I’m sitting here with my vino and food in comfort!!!!
Wednesday and Thursday we spent some time relaxing at the villa with a trip to San Gimignano thrown in for an afternoon. I loved being back there but did remember how much treasured the place more once all of the tourists left for the day, unfortunately today we were the tourists who were there just for a few hours.
Michael, Dad and I had a trip to Castellina di Canti for Dad to visit the Doctor as his ear was playing up so it’s a couple of very quiet days for him. Not the best end to his European holiday.
Thursday night the ladies and Michael headed down to the road to a winery / balsamic vinegar place / restaurant for a meal. After a tour of the winery and being shown how the balsamic vinegar is made it’s time to eat. Dinner was good – but nothing to write home about!
Friday the ladies and our driver J head into Florence. We have about 2 hours together before I head back to Roma (by train) for my flight to London then onto Singapore.
What a great week it’s been! Loved being in a Villa and can’t wait to return to Tuscany / Italia.
Krakow, Poland – 12-16 August 2012
After wasting time walking
around the train station I head down to the platform to take my train to Krakow
(Sunday, August 12, 2012). Thankfully the entrance I take leads me directly to
my wagon. Having a reserved seat is awesome as the train is completely
packed!!!! I want to run upstairs to the lady that booked my seat and hug her.
Getting down the wagon takes patience; I am of course right at the other end -
typical!! We depart dead on time, my kind of country.
As the journey progressed through the Polish countryside it became more and more apparent that the train was overbooked and a lot of people would be sitting on the floor. Even more hugs now for the woman who sold me my ticket.
The close to 3 hour journey seems to go quickly and before long I'm wandering the streets of Krakow's old town trying to find my hotel. I've chosen somewhere that is right on the main square, right now I'm regretting that as I seem to be walking around in circles trying to find it! Finally I'm in :)
The view from my room is great, so many famous sights within a stone’s throw.
As I'd been sitting for so long and didn't go for a run this morning I head out for a walk with no fixed abode. 40 minutes in the heavens open, I'm in jandels and no umbrella......this better not be the norm for the next 4 days, I won't be pleased!!
After drying off and planning my must see/do/eat list for tomorrow the rain comes to a stop so I make a run for it and head out for a beer. Better to start with the easy stuff. I'm surprised that a beer is 4 Polish Złoty....close to being free in Singapore language. I will be returning! I then decide to order a water which would you believe costs the same. What is the world coming too I ask.
As luck would have it (from the umbrella sellers point of view) as I'm leaving the bar the heavens open...bloody hell this is not my day. I'm close to my hotel so decide to go somewhere nearby for dinner. Looking like a drowned rat twice it a day does not appeal to me at all.
I pick a vodka, water and soup and within 2 sips of my vodka am thinking I should have ordered something more hearty...I'd brought my book to read but can't see it being read tonight!!!
Observations from today - there are more local people that speak English than they did in Warsaw; there are definitely many more "non-local" tourists in Krakow, I hear English spoken wherever I walk; alcohol is cheaper yet water costs the same as alcohol??; the old town is very pretty with many side streets to wander down.
Monday morning I wake early, no surprises there, and head out for a run. Brrrrr it's much colder than Warsaw (below 10 degrees). The city is just starting to come to life when I return.
I decide today will all be about wandering and stopping as and when I see fit. As soon as I leave the front door I'm amazed at how many people are around (it's just gone 9.30am), an hour ago there was next to no one.
I stumble across the Rynek Underground and am pleased its 5 minutes to opening time. I'd read it's a scrum to get in, whoever wrote that wasn't wrong! Luckily I was near the front and managed to get in, buy my ticket all within 5 minutes.
Rynek Underground is beneath the market square and consists of medieval market stalls. I find it quite surreal walking around and hearing lots of noise; it's as if I'm in the middle of the market many years ago! Not sure I'd rate it as a top spot but it was interesting.
Crossing over the square I come to the amazing St Mary's Church - what a sight this is!! I enter in the door for worshipers and am overcome with how beautiful the inside is. My head is moving from side to side trying to take it all in. There is a service going on which I decide to join. Not easy following along when there is no service sheet or book and it's all in Polish. I felt special though being part of the service, even just for 15 minutes.
I'm now in desperate need for coffee and fast, unfortunately everywhere I see is a chain then I see KFC and McDonalds....um that will be a NO! I find one with a perfect spot for people watching, and after waiting what seems like forever decide to leave. You don't want my money fine I'll take it elsewhere!!
Instead I go to the opposite side of the square and am served before I even sit down. The lady at the table next to me has a really nice bag so I ask her if she speak English (to ask where she got it from). She looks me up and down then walks off......rude cow!!! Not the best start to my day, which means it can only get better.
I'm feeling much more better good now; decide to walk away from the main square to Saints Peter and Paul Church and right next door St Andrew' Church. I'm a bit churched out now!!
I decided to join a walking tour for the afternoon on the Jewish Quarter. Great not to have to think where I was going, just listen and follow. I was blown away by the huge amount of knowledge our guide had and how passionate he was about his city.
At the end of the tour I got speaking to a couple, she's from NZ and he is from Slovenia and they have been living in Slovenia but in a couple of months will return back to NZ for good. We ended up going for one drink that turned into quite a few!!! They hadn't tried the vodka since being here so of course I insisted they did......not the best idea I've ever had :)
Tuesday (August 14) I wake to my alarm with a bit of a sore head. It's raining again, no surprises there! I thought it was summer.....clearly not. Out of all the mornings today would have been good to go running to clear the head but alas it's not to be. Today I'm heading down to Auschwitz Concentration Camp (to the Polish it’s known as Oswiecim) which is about 1.5 hours south of Krakow.
After getting breakfast, which was a big struggle, I'm all set. Now if I could shake the head sore feeling I would be aok.
The drive is 1.5 hours south of Krakow, time passes quickly as we watch a documentary - I'm left wondering why on earth I'm coming here. I visited a Concentration camp about 12 years ago in Germany and vowed and declared I'd never return again!!
Auschwitz was the scene of the largest attempt at genocide…….an awful experience being here but I feel it’s also important to at least try to understand more about history.
We visited two sights, Auschwitz and Birkenau (Auschwitz II) which are about 2 km apart, both as bad as each other.
I needed to get away from here – I really hope never again to visit.
I wanted to walk around a bit before having dinner but only managed to walk 3 minutes before finding a cool laid back restaurant. I know 12 hours earlier I was never drinking again but I'm now feeling much better, just very tired. Plus I think the beer might help me sleep a bit :) and get over the day.
Wednesday August 15th I wake early and head for a run. Just as I'm finishing the heavens open....buggar! Thankfully its short lived.
I enjoy wandering the outskirts of the Old Town making my way to the Royal Castle. I have no idea how the tickets work so join a line - one hour later it's my turn and I'm informed the next free slot isn't for another 1 hour 40 minutes and you don't need to buy a ticket to enter the Cathedral. Double buggar, I've been starting in line for nothing. One of the negatives of traveling alone, you can't go and suss things out then return to your place.
So for now I'll walk around and take everything in. The Wawel Cathedral was only opened at certain times; I happened to be there when it was closed so joined the many lines. As soon as the doors open there was a scrum to get in! I was pleased I was near the front so that the scrum ended soon after it started for me! Once inside it was busy but with lots of look at the crowds were soon forgotten. I know people say once you have seen one Cathedral/Temple you have seen them all – but the insides are always so different and the Wawel Cathedral does not disappoint.
Walked back to my apartment, love being so central! Before going for lunch at a place I'd walked by numerous times - had a small compromise, had a chicken salad (not exactly Polish) and big beer. There goes all the running I did this morning, ooh well I'm on holiday and life is for living.
The afternoon passes in a bit of a blur - is that due to the beer? Or lack of sleep? Who knows?
I visit St Mary's Church, this time entering in the tourist door. I'm struck with the sheer beauty, the vibrant colours and amazing frescoes. Wow I could spend all day here just looking and wouldn't get bored. One of the staff come and speaks to me in what I assume is Polish, she is taken back when I say I only speak English. I'm not allowed to take photos unless I brought a special ticket....strange but ok I'll be good and won't take any more photos.
Today is a public holiday in Poland so there are so many more people around than the past couple of days.
After having a wee rest I head out to the Pierogi (Polish Dumpling) festival; I've only tried these once since being in Poland and wasn't that fused by them. I decide to give them one more try - wow these are tasty!! Now I understand why people rave about them....yum yum.
After enjoying a beer I head off in search of a place for dinner - never an easy task and after walking around for what seems like hours (probably only 5 minutes) I choose somewhere near my apartment. First thing I order is wodka and water – never something I'd order at home with dinner but hey ho....I’m definitely not disappointed!
Thursday August 16th after waking early I head out for a short run - great to be out early and running around a park.
I enjoy breakfast sitting on the main square in the sun watching the world go by. This is the life! I wander around the Old Town one more time before completing my packing and heading to the train station.
We depart dead on time - I'm in first class this leg but it definitely doesn't feel like it. I'm heading to Warsaw where I'll take a flight to London. Ye ha! The journey seems to go on and on and unfortunately we make a few stops along the way. Not as quick as going to Krakow.
After taking the bus to the airport I discover there is another 45 minutes before they open the check-in counters, time for a late lunch.
We depart Warsaw a little late but as I have a spare seat next to me its ok, I don't feel squashed in like a sardine. Unfortunately I have a complete moron sitting on my row -- he's already drunk when he boards and sits in the row behind (a shame he didn't stay there!!); he listens to his music VERY loudly the whole journey not once switching it off when asked; he continues to drink and then the kicker of all kickers - he starts to smoke....WTF!!!! One small positive is it’s an electric smoke, but still. Unbelievable - I want to open the door and jump out.
On arrival into London I jump up straight away, need to get away from this guy and fast. Of course my plan doesn't go too well as we need to wait for buses to take us to the terminal. I'm pleasantly surprised with the immigration line, it moves quickly and within 10 minutes I'm next...then I am in!
Now we all know the debacles I've had with my luggage around the world, well let me tell you it continues tonight. Firstly there are bags on the belt when I get there but it's not moving, after waiting a good 20 minutes we have movement but no bag. Then there is just two of us waiting, we were one of the first to check-in in Warsaw so I wonder if that has something to do with it. In the end I claim a missing bag report and after a while our bags appear - woo hoo!! Thankfully, I'm now ready to get the heck out of this airport.
I had a wonderful time in Poland and would happily return! For now it’s London-town for 3 days.
22 February 2014
Warsaw, Poland – 9-12 August 2012
When
trying to decide where to go for this trip I had a really hard time – Poland definitely
wasn't my first, or even second choice, but here I am in the first class (yes
that’s right first class) lounge in Singapore waiting for my flight to London where
I have two hours before flying to Warsaw. I thankfully got upgraded to business
class (my points) which is going to make the flight to London so much better.
Qantas decided to kick start my holiday nice and early by sending me a text at
12.20am on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 a good 23 hours before my flight.
So
yes I'm off to Poland - Warsaw and Krakow.
I’ve
had interesting reactions when telling people where I'm going - some look at me
as if I have two heads, some say they've always wanted to visit and others rave
about the place. I'm going not knowing a great deal about the country but know
when I leave it will be a different situation.
After
a bloody long flight (yes I know it's my choice...) we land into London at the lovely
hour of 5.20am (yes again my choice). It's a tropical 14 degrees - I'm left wondering
if perhaps the pilots got lost and I'm in Antarctic????!
Thankfully
I got a few hours’ sleep, aided by my business class seat and half a sleeping
pill so I wasn't the walking dead when I got off the plane. I was amazed at how
many of the shops in Terminal 3 were already open. No time for shopping for me
- shower and breakfast was calling.
As
soon as I step foot onto my next flight (London to Warsaw, August 9) I'm hit
with the head - look at that within a couple of hours I've gone from Antarctic
right back to Singapore. Bloody hell the
a/c needs to be cranked up and quickly. Not to be as there is a problem with
the planes power, which once we are close to take off (when the engines are
going) we should then be "cooler".
I
breeze through Warsaw immigration although I feel the lady was a little mad
with me as she had to get out her stamp - everyone else in front of me clearly
had an EU passport so a glance was all that was needed.
Bags
collected, bus ticket brought now the waiting begins. There's a timetable but who
knows how reliable it is..... How wrong I am - the bus pulls up dead on time. Given
Poland borders Germany I'm hoping the German time keeping has feed through to everything
not just this bus!!
35
minutes later I get to my stop, for the last 10 minutes of my journey I have an
old woman sitting next to me who is chatting away to me - absolutely NO idea
what she is saying but I'm assuming she is trying to help me work out where we
are on the map and how long to go. She got off one stop before me and in
English tells me I have one stop to go. I feel so embarrassed that I can't even
say thank you in Polish.
I
decided to head out for a run - help me to stay awake and see some of Poland.
It was sunny when I started and towards the end the heavens opened, just
slightly but enough for me to pick up my speed. Not easy when you are running
up hill!!!! As soon as I walked indoors the rain really came down......and I
realize I didn't bring an umbrella. Buggar
Thankfully
when I venture out its bright sunshine - let’s hope it stays this way. First
stop was food, so many options to decide from.
From
here I walked towards the Old Town admiring the amazing buildings. How I love and
miss being in Europe! The Old Square is as I would have expected lots and lots of
restaurants in the middle with souvenir shops surrounding the outer buildings.
Wondering
down the small cobble stone streets I come across a couple of Churches, St John's
Cathedral and St Martin's Church. Both so different yet amazing in their own
way. Am thinking I'll be visiting a number of Churches during my time in Poland
- if anything it's good to rest my feet :)
I had
been told a must see was the Royal Palace so off I headed. Now I'm not big on
museums and the fact it's around midnight Singapore time and it's hot inside I
basically run from room to room. If I don't get out soon I'll need to lay down
and have a wee nap. Not exactly appropriate here Sarah!!!!
After
more wondering around the Old Town I decide to head back in the direction of my
hotel. Haven't got very far when I decide to go into St Anne's Church – another
amazing Church which has been around for many a year.
It's
a beautiful evening with lots of people sitting drinking and eating. I'm worried
that if I do that now (6pm) I'll be asleep by 8pm. Time to keep walking!
I
don't exactly venture far for dinner - will save that for tomorrow and Saturday
nights. I find a brew house within a stone’s throw of the hotel and nearly pass
out at the costs, SOOO much cheaper than in Singapore!! Brilliant.
Observations
from today - there are a large number of ice-cream shops; it seems like every
second person smokes; when it rains it's like Asia...for a short time when dries
up completely; fashion is bright colours all mixed up (not my style!); there are
police everywhere with guns the length of my legs (BIG).
I
wake at silly o'clock on Friday, August 10 (how I love jetlag), after catching
up on the world news I head out for a run. Am nearly knocked backwards when I
step outside....it's a cool 16 degrees. Time to get my run on!! Given the crazy time of the morning I
basically have the streets to myself.
I
have a leisurely breakfast, no need to rush as places won't be opening for
another hour or so.
My
first thing to do today is go and buy my train tickets to/from Krakow.
Thankfully there is a Polish lady in line behind me who lives in the US - I'm
so very grateful for this when I get to the counter and the lady doesn't speak
English. Phew! It's not even 11am and all of the trains to Krakow today at
full, glad I'm buying my tickets in advance.
I
visit Fotoplastikon which is a large rotating drum set with individual
eyepieces displaying 3D photos from the 17th to 19th century. Amazing to see,
although the majority is about the war.
From
here I master the underground walkways again and have a brief look on what I believe
is a semi new shopping mall. I locate a supermarket and of course have to enter
(it goes back to the small supermarkets I had to put up with when I lived in NYC).
The alcohol section is great and ooh so cheap (compared with Singapore). I've never seen so many spirits (vodka) on
display.
I'd
got some directions from the information centre at the train station to get to the
Warsaw Rising Museum but wanted to walk - although half way there I'm
definitely regretting this!!! A bathroom is needed followed very tightly behind
in second place is food. There are of course neither choices available....so I
pick up my pace.
The
Warsaw Rising Museum is packed - and with the huge amount of information to
read it's not entirely easy getting around without bumping into people.
Thankfully the majority of the material is in both English and Polish so I get
a sense of what people faced during the war. At one point there is a film with
personal accounts of those who survived. Another film shows life does go on as
a couple get married. I leave feeling
ever so grateful I was born and raised in the 20th century in New Zealand where
thankfully there was no war.
The
need for food is now very very high, but given I had seen nothing walking to
the museum I decide to take a different route. The first place I come to is a
Polish noodle restaurant with a menu on the big blackboard, I understand
nothing which is far from helpful - the English menu I'm provided with sheds a
lot for me!!!
I had
been told of a famous hot chocolate shop so decide to head off in that direction.
I’d been walking for km's and with my run this morning decided to treat myself.
This would have worked out if I could locate it....not to be today so instead I
return to the hotel to rest my legs.
Finding
motivation to go out again is tough but I know if I don't go out I'll end up sleeping
early then waking again before 5.30am which isn't ideal!! Plus I have vodka to drink :)
After
warming myself up with a hot chocolate it's now time to warm myself with a vodka.
I'd been recommended a restaurant by a friend and was thrilled to know it’s within
a stone’s throw of my hotel.....perfect for the trip home! It's a strange building
with what I would call "small kitchens everywhere". I don't have the
best seat in the house but the smells are great, along with my shot of vodka!
After
having my first mouthful I'm definitely warm - I can totally see why everyone here
drinks it! I order the house specialty steak tartare, which they make in front of
you and veal escalope in a tomato sauce. If this doesn't help me sleep who
knows what will!
I
really want to take a photo of my steak tartare guy but do not think it will be
appropriate in this restaurant, by looking around I'm the only foreigner. Which
of course is great!
The
steak tartare is melt in your mouth delicious - by far the best I have ever had...and
this is not the vodka speaking :)
I
came at the right time as the restaurant is now chockablock, always an
excellent sign.
For
my main I've ordered another vodka and veal escalope in a tomato sauce....might
need to run it off by running to Krakow tomorrow (approximately 300 km's away)!
My
meal arrives similar to the preparation of the steak tartare, on a trolley
table in the pots they were cooked in. I have veal escalope in a tomato sauce,
sautéed carrots and local noodles (which I'm told are healthy). It looks and
smells amazing. Time to mangia.
When
my plate was cleared I was asked if I wanted dessert, absolutely not!! There is
no room left at the inn. A few minutes later my waiter arrives and informs me
he is sad I don't want dessert....whatever.
Observations
from today - you do not cross the road until the green man tells you too; cars
DO NOT wait for pedestrian when
they are crossing the road (at the crossing); fashion is anything goes and
typically a lot of bright colours in one outfit; the majority of Polish (in
Warsaw) can speak English.
Saturday
August 11 I wake even earlier than yesterday - how can this be when I went to
bed later and thought I'd had enough vodka to keep me sleeping to at least 6.30am.
Not today.
After
a run around the near deserted city it's time for breakfast and making my plan for
the day.
I
trace my steps from earlier this morning and head towards The Tomb of the Unknown
Solider, which is guarded by two scary looking Polish soldiers! There is
obviously something going on today given the volume of soldiers just hanging
around. Some laying on the grass others
sitting on park benches with the gun in hand like it’s a coffee!! Others
walking around on their mobile phone. The majority of them have set their guns standing
up like a tepee that I remember having as a child.
There
are so many more people around today than the previous two days (of course it is
the weekend), makes for interesting people watching.
I
find myself back in the main square and enjoying taking it all in. In some ways
I feel like I could be in one of the main squares in Lucca although not quite
as big here it's still very impressive.
Given
the large number of people around today I decide to take one last stroll around
the Old Town before leaving - too many people for my likening.
I've
now been for basically 3 days and have not tried one of the national treasures -
dumplings. So for lunch a find a good place, order a beer and a set of Russian dumplings
and I'm set. Unfortunately it starts to rain while I'm enjoying my lunch and I
don't have an umbrella. Hmm more beer perhaps?? No I need to sleep past 5.30am tomorrow
and as I'm already feeling sleepy I need a coffee to stay awake.
One
of the perks of having your hotel in the middle of a lot of the
"sights" is you get to return there many times during the day, I take
shelter while it's raining. After a while I realize if I don't go outside I
going fall sleep and that won't be helpful for me tomorrow morning! So I head
off to visit the National Gallery of Art.
I
have a small issue trying to get into the building until I spy a couple leaving
- great I'm in!!! So much for staying awake, it's so warm in here. I'm sure I
had my quickest visit ever to any museum/gallery, it's just too warm for
me. Time for a coffee.
There
was a couple of other Churches I had wanted to visit, one I went into had just started
a wedding ceremony. I had also seen other wedding parties/guests while wandering
around, clearly a good time to get married.
I
decided to try to go out late to eat tonight on the hope I would be able to
stay up later than the previous two nights. The doorman recommended a place
(which I had walked past numerous times and always thought of going in) which
was perfect - beer, chicken soup and salad. Just what the doctor ordered. And the huge positive was I left the
restaurant after 9pm :)
Observations
from today - if the sky is dark make sure you take an umbrella or poncho with
you as it will rain; the police walk around in pairs chit chatting away; Polish
people are thin....how do they stay this way with all the beer, vodka and hearty
food??; whenever I asked for the bill I was always asked 'cash' or 'card'. Really
not sure why it matters.
This
morning (Sunday, August 12, 2012) I wake at 4.44am - I THINK NOT! Thankfully I snooze for another 3 hours, it’s
a rest day for most so I decide for me too for the running :)
After
a leisurely breakfast I pack then head to train station. In typical Jordan fashion
I arrive 45 minutes before my train departs.....really not necessary!! I manage
to speak on broken English to a lady selling tickets and find out I have a reserved
seat - brilliant, means I'm not trying to find one along with everyone else.
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