Singapore

Day 6. Tuesday, January 17, 2006. The Jurong Bird Park of Singapore is home to over 9000 birds of 600 species. A highlight was a parrot which sang and counted to 10 in both Chinese and English. It also sang happy birthday in English. What I found particularly entertaining was that this bird had a distinct accent. A large enclosure called the “Lory Loft” houses over 1000 “lory’s” of every possible colour and combination thereof. They will land within inches of you on a railing or branch looking for a sip of nectar that visitors can offer them. However, if something startles them, hundreds will fly at blinding speed around the enclosure, missing your head by only millimeters.
Next we visited the Asian Civilization Museum only to find it closed for renovations until 2008. Damn, now we will have to come back.
We dined on a marvelous selection of baby squid, lobsters and mussels at the Chin Wah Heng restaurant, outdoors and overlooking the beach. And for dessert we drove to a less affluent part of town for a taste of durian. It tasted better, …no, it tasted not as bad as I had imagined, nor did it smell as bad as I had imagined, except the smell just wouldn’t go away. Nearby was Singapore’s Red Light District. Rows of street level accommodations each displaying a large red street number, 28, 30, 32, etc. Some doors had an “open” sign, others, no sign. Maybe these meant “closed”, probably not. “Occupied” was more likely. Sorry, no pictures, they’re all over exposed.
Bob’s Blog

Singapore

Day 5. Monday, January 16, 2006. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a vibrant accumulation of tropical plants, specializing in a collection of thousands of varieties of orchids. With endless shades of colour, it is a photographer’s paradise. (Dave: the quick release tripod was invaluable. I could shoot and run, being able to keep up with the others).

For a change of pace, we headed for Arab Street, an area of small shops selling carpets, clothing, and fabric, lots of fabric. Sharron’s vow to not buy more fabric evaporated here under the thousands of temptations adorning the shops. We are now looking for another suitcase.

The Night Safari is a unique zoological park providing access to nocturnal animals, viewed from a tram or walking paths. We were surprised at how active the animals were, as they went about their business, largely unaware of us. A short show of trained animals (the creature feature) was very entertaining, especially the otters which gathered up discarded tins, plastic bottles and paper containers, and deposited each in the proper recycling bin. A tribal dance with flaming batons and blowguns kept us entertained before the Safari began. Oh, did I mention the python, ….pretending to be a necklace, you could have your picture taken with it. Uh, no!

Bob’s Blog

Singapore

Day 4. Sunday, January 15, 2006.
Today we visited Little India with our hosts Andy and Swee Hua. It encompasses several blocks of small shops, selling everything you can imagine; groceries, jewelry, clothing, fabric, CD’s. You can even have your fortune told. (I didn’t want to know). There are many restaurants including an Indian Fast Food place. Being Sunday, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was a mass of humanity.

We dined at “Muthu’s Curry“, where we sampled spicy southern Indian cuisine and later at the Delhi Restaurant, specializing in the northern Indian cuisine of a milder taste. Both were outstanding.

The Raffles Hotel (the present building was constructed in 1899) is a monument to the British Colonial period. It is an architectural goldmine with magnificent displays of colonial period artifacts. The Long Bar on the second level was rocking, even for a Sunday night. The live band was so loud we dared not venture up the spiral staircase to have a look. Instead we were content to sip our Singapore Slings in the very spot where they were invented.

Just across the street is Chijmes, now restaurants, bars and specialty shops, surrounding a magnificent cathedral, used for weddings, concerts, etc. Originally built in 1854 as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, (hence the CHIJ in the name), it operated as such until 1983.

Notable beverages that we have enjoyed: coconut water, lime juice, sugar cane juice, lassi (yoghurt and other stuff) and hot ginger tea. And of course the Singapore Sling and Tiger beer.

Bob and Sharron’s Blog

Singapore

Day 3. Saturday, January 14, 2006. Poh Seng and Swee Chin took us to the Bedok South Hawker Centre for brunch, with dozens of food kiosks and a market. We enjoyed a variety of authentic ethnic foods, all delicious, including this roti prata bread, created before our eyes. This evening our hosts were Bob and Goretti, who showed us a wonderful time in Chinatown. (Yes, Singapore has a Chinatown). First we visited the Chinatown Heritage Centre, a marvelous little museum depicting the harsh life of the early migrants who first settled Singapore. Later we joined the huge crowds who were on the streets enjoying the buildup to the fast approaching Chinese New Year.


This huge lantern, one of many adorning the streets, heralds the coming “Year of the Dog”. Bob and Goretti’s daughter, Marisa and her friend Nicholas joined us for supper. We enjoyed an excellent selection of authentic Chinese cuisine, including an unforgettable “snake head fish soup”. (Undoubtedly better than fish head snake soup.) Hey, kids, I vowed that I would try everything, and it’s all been delicious.
Bob’s Blog

Mt. McKinley

Day 1, Thursday, January 12, 2006. While flying along the coast of Alaska, we were treated to a captivating view of Mt. McKinley. (Yes, I know. I had told everyone that we were heading south, ???). Fellow traveler, Ty, clearly an accomplished photographer, took this outstanding photo. Visit www.secondecho.com for an array of Ty’s exceptional photographs from around the world.
Everything went according to plan and we arrived in Singapore in the early minutes of Saturday, January 14th, 24 hours after leaving Calgary. Singapore Air was excellent, providing a fine choice of meals, with nice extras such as wine, juice, apples, ice cream.
Bob’s Blog

We're Outta Here

Just like these snowy ponies, we're heading south. After months of anticipation and preparation, our departure date has finally arrived. We have packed a few clothes, some other necessities and of course all of my toys - digital camera, laptop computer and a global positioning system (GPS). Hopefully I will remember how to use them. Our next post will be in a couple of days from Singapore.
Cheers.

Australia Map

Click on the map to enlarge

New Zealand Map, North Island

To view the map, click on it. It will reappear on a separate page. Move your pointer to the map and click the magnify button on the bottom right of the map.

New Zealand Map, South Island

To view the map, click on it. It will reappear on a separate page. Move your pointer to the map and click the magnify button on the bottom right of the map.

Just a Test

Testing photo image transfers, titles and dialog.

Charting a Course

With an assortment of maps, travel books and advice from friends who have been there, we begin to chart a course.

Preparation for our trip to the Southern Hemisphere

Bob and Sharron will be departing on a trip to Singapore, Australia and New Zealand in January 2006. Preparations are well underway for our trip to the Southern Hemisphere. Watch this site commencing in January 2006 to accompany us on our southern adventure.