Things are going great in Singapore. Really enjoying every minute of it.
I went to the Singapore zoo today with the daughter of one of Kim's friends. Kelly, the daughter, is getting her degree in musical theatre from Lindenwood University, also in St Louis. It has been fun getting to know Kelly, she is a riot.
I feel like such an old fart here (but love it) because I am up fairly early by my standards, 8am, so I haven't really had any interest in going out late at night. When the kids head to bed, I feel like it is time for me to start heading that way too. Although, Kim and I usually have a Bailey's Irish Coffee and a long talk while we are closing up shop for the night.
After Kelly and I went to the zoo, we headed over to Chinatown and did a little bit of souvenir shopping for me and cloths shopping for her. After walking around the amazing market for a little while and gawking over the incredible swarm of old Asian guys playing chinese checkers in the courtyard, we had lunch at one of the local hawker stands. Hawker stands are a really big thing in Singapore, and I guess throughout Southeast Asia. It is a place lined with different kinds of little food stands so you can get a little bit of everything (including chicken feet) and eat it all for really cheap. Luckily for us, a young girl from Holland pointed us in the direction of one stand that apparently had the best chicken and rice in all of Singapore. It was so well known that Anthony Bourdain had formerly eaten there on his food network show. It was delicious. A perfect lunch, and only 3 sing dollars.
I spent a bit of the evening learning how to play "PURE," a ATV racing game for the X-Box. Carter was quite the instructor, showing me all the different techniques for doing tricks and getting bigger air. I ended up being pretty good and the two of us where able to beat a few of the levels (after about two dozen miserable and hilarious attempts).
Have a few things on the roster for tomorrow, so I will have another fun filled day in Singapore. I really am enjoying getting to know the city.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Singapore
Singapore is great. The weather is beautiful, and I have been having a fun time being shown around by Kim, and hanging with the family. Yesterday we had to go pick up a sculpture that her daughter, Jackie, had done. It was in a little industrial area of Singapore, and I got to see these incredible artists work on incredible traditional Sing artifacts and status. It was so much fun. My mouth was in a constant "WOW" shape. I was lucky enough to get a piece of the special wood clay that the guys used to take home.
Last night I went with Kim, her husband Robert, son Carter, and daughter Jackie to a neighborhood get-together. I met a lot of their neighbors and school friends and got to tell a few stories of my travels. Plus I received tons of tips on places to go and things to see while I am in Southeast Asia.
Today the family and I went to watch Jackie play a softball game, and Carter play a basketball game. A good time was had by all, and Carter's basketball team won, while Jackie's team nearly pulled back a win in the last inning but unfortunately fell a little short.
The food here is great, I am super relaxed, and excited by everything I see. This place is definitely exactly what I needed at this point in my travels, a little feeling of home.
Last night I went with Kim, her husband Robert, son Carter, and daughter Jackie to a neighborhood get-together. I met a lot of their neighbors and school friends and got to tell a few stories of my travels. Plus I received tons of tips on places to go and things to see while I am in Southeast Asia.
Today the family and I went to watch Jackie play a softball game, and Carter play a basketball game. A good time was had by all, and Carter's basketball team won, while Jackie's team nearly pulled back a win in the last inning but unfortunately fell a little short.
The food here is great, I am super relaxed, and excited by everything I see. This place is definitely exactly what I needed at this point in my travels, a little feeling of home.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Made it to Singapore
I have successfully made it to Singapore.
Wow, this place is really incredible. Plus the hospitality I have been show by Aunt Traci and Uncle Chuck's cousin Kim is awe-inspiring. Way better than the digs I have had on the rest of this trip. Their home is beautiful, they have me in their private guest room with a private ensuite bath, oh, and did I mention there is a maid. This is way out of my normal travel dwelling, but will definitely be fun to do for a few days.
Kim is great, telling me all the things I should see and places to travel to. I am beyond impressed at her experience traveling around Southeast Asia, and can't help but laugh every time this down home Texas woman says something like, "Oh, you would just love Laos. You should really go." Wow, she has been to a place most people can't even find on a map.
Super tired, with an 11 hour flight and a 7 hour time change, so I will have to write more later, but I am safe and beyond comfortable.
Wow, this place is really incredible. Plus the hospitality I have been show by Aunt Traci and Uncle Chuck's cousin Kim is awe-inspiring. Way better than the digs I have had on the rest of this trip. Their home is beautiful, they have me in their private guest room with a private ensuite bath, oh, and did I mention there is a maid. This is way out of my normal travel dwelling, but will definitely be fun to do for a few days.
Kim is great, telling me all the things I should see and places to travel to. I am beyond impressed at her experience traveling around Southeast Asia, and can't help but laugh every time this down home Texas woman says something like, "Oh, you would just love Laos. You should really go." Wow, she has been to a place most people can't even find on a map.
Super tired, with an 11 hour flight and a 7 hour time change, so I will have to write more later, but I am safe and beyond comfortable.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Fond Farewell to Europe and On the Road to Singapore
Well I have a couple of hours to kill before I even need to leave for the airport here in Frankfurt. Hopefully, though, I will be able to sleep on the over night flight. That would be awesome.
I have been having a great time in Frankfurt. I was fortunate enough to meet an awesome local guy, Joe, who has been showing me around the city giving me a bit of history along the way. We went to a big famous indoor market. He took me shoe shopping so he could get a new pair of black dress shoes and I did what I do best, personal shopper. We went to the Stadel Museum, a big art museum in Frankfurt. And finally he took me to a traditional German restaurant, where I ate the Tuesday special (Bratwurst, fried potatoes, and brussel sprouts). We enjoyed apple wine, and finished our meal with two apple desserts. It was amazing. Plus I got to go to one more Christmas Market here in Germany, because one can never see too many Christmas Markets.
It is a strange feeling to have my time in Europe coming to an end. It is a little ridiculous how fast it has gone by, and yet it all seems like it just happened yesterday. Leaving Dallas and flying to Madrid. Laying on the rocky beaches of the Cote d'Azur. Hiking through the hills of Cinque Terra. Sleeping on the street in Zagreb. Roasting in the Bathes of Budapest. The seven hour walking tour in Vienna. Missing a train to Prague and ending up in Poland. Being kicked out of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Getting stuck on a random train platform in the middle of Italy. Enjoying a show in Bern that I didn't understand at all. The train strike in Lyon. Seeing Billy Elliot the night I got into London while my pack waited for me in the theatre coat check. Having Brazilian food in Brussels with Tarcisio. Seeing Zwarte Piet (Santa's slave, always done by a guy in black face) in a bar in Holland. Sitting in a bucket seat on the EuroStar to London afterforking over a fortune and promising them my first born child. Getting lost at a Christmas Market in Berlin. And preparing for the next leg of my journey while enjoying apple wine in Frankfurt. One can do a lot when on the road for three months.
Wow, and I have two more months left. Reading "Eat, Pray, Love" has been fun the past couple of days, comparing my journeys with Elizabeth Gilbert's. Plus it is educating me on whether I want to spend 10 days in a monastery in Malaysia. I don't know what I would call the first part of my trip if I were to write a similar book. WALK, maybe? SEE, possibly? I really haven't "eaten" my way across Europe. Although I enjoy food, I am not much of a lover or connoisseur of food. Unless I was to do a trip about eating my weight in oatmeal raisin cookies as I traversed the world, but I don't think that would be very smart or possible. I don't think the experience Gilbert had in Italy is any thing like what I have gone through the past three months. She seemed to clam down a bit more than I have. I am different now than I was when I started, but I haven't honestly enjoyed every minute of this trip so far. There have definitely been times when I wanted to turn around and go right home, but I have decided to fight on, trying to enjoy the experience in front of me. Gilbert loves food, so what she did in Italy was perfect for her. I think maybe if I was to do a journey like hers, I would have to watch theatre everyday for four months straight. I have come to realize on this trip how much I love what I do and how much I miss it. Being in London, watching shows every night, and having people to discuss it with was just an absolute joy for me. I felt at home again. I felt in my comfort zone.
The next two months will more than likely fly by. Not as much time, but just as many things to see, it will definitely go by in the blink of an eye. I am nothing but excited and feeling a bit adventurous.
I have been having a great time in Frankfurt. I was fortunate enough to meet an awesome local guy, Joe, who has been showing me around the city giving me a bit of history along the way. We went to a big famous indoor market. He took me shoe shopping so he could get a new pair of black dress shoes and I did what I do best, personal shopper. We went to the Stadel Museum, a big art museum in Frankfurt. And finally he took me to a traditional German restaurant, where I ate the Tuesday special (Bratwurst, fried potatoes, and brussel sprouts). We enjoyed apple wine, and finished our meal with two apple desserts. It was amazing. Plus I got to go to one more Christmas Market here in Germany, because one can never see too many Christmas Markets.
It is a strange feeling to have my time in Europe coming to an end. It is a little ridiculous how fast it has gone by, and yet it all seems like it just happened yesterday. Leaving Dallas and flying to Madrid. Laying on the rocky beaches of the Cote d'Azur. Hiking through the hills of Cinque Terra. Sleeping on the street in Zagreb. Roasting in the Bathes of Budapest. The seven hour walking tour in Vienna. Missing a train to Prague and ending up in Poland. Being kicked out of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. Getting stuck on a random train platform in the middle of Italy. Enjoying a show in Bern that I didn't understand at all. The train strike in Lyon. Seeing Billy Elliot the night I got into London while my pack waited for me in the theatre coat check. Having Brazilian food in Brussels with Tarcisio. Seeing Zwarte Piet (Santa's slave, always done by a guy in black face) in a bar in Holland. Sitting in a bucket seat on the EuroStar to London afterforking over a fortune and promising them my first born child. Getting lost at a Christmas Market in Berlin. And preparing for the next leg of my journey while enjoying apple wine in Frankfurt. One can do a lot when on the road for three months.
Wow, and I have two more months left. Reading "Eat, Pray, Love" has been fun the past couple of days, comparing my journeys with Elizabeth Gilbert's. Plus it is educating me on whether I want to spend 10 days in a monastery in Malaysia. I don't know what I would call the first part of my trip if I were to write a similar book. WALK, maybe? SEE, possibly? I really haven't "eaten" my way across Europe. Although I enjoy food, I am not much of a lover or connoisseur of food. Unless I was to do a trip about eating my weight in oatmeal raisin cookies as I traversed the world, but I don't think that would be very smart or possible. I don't think the experience Gilbert had in Italy is any thing like what I have gone through the past three months. She seemed to clam down a bit more than I have. I am different now than I was when I started, but I haven't honestly enjoyed every minute of this trip so far. There have definitely been times when I wanted to turn around and go right home, but I have decided to fight on, trying to enjoy the experience in front of me. Gilbert loves food, so what she did in Italy was perfect for her. I think maybe if I was to do a journey like hers, I would have to watch theatre everyday for four months straight. I have come to realize on this trip how much I love what I do and how much I miss it. Being in London, watching shows every night, and having people to discuss it with was just an absolute joy for me. I felt at home again. I felt in my comfort zone.
The next two months will more than likely fly by. Not as much time, but just as many things to see, it will definitely go by in the blink of an eye. I am nothing but excited and feeling a bit adventurous.
Me with Sophie and Andrew (the kids I met in Vienna and ran into again on the streets of Prague) having a pint at a traditional Czech restaurant.
Nick and me in Regents Park in London. Note the cool eyeware.
Shelly, Lauren, and me at Covent Garden in London.
Me on the walking tour in Berlin. Try and find me.Saturday, December 6, 2008
Berlin to Frankfurt
I have spent the past couple of days in Berlin just relaxing and enjoying my time. I think a lot of the stress of travel finally just caught up to me the past week or so, and I needed to take a little break from sightseeing and aimlessly walking around a city for hours on end. Berlin might not have been the best place to do that, seeing as how it is such a lively and exciting place, but I decided to give into my exhaustion and simply take it easy.
Don't think I didn't see my fair share of sights, I did two walking tours, a bit of aimless walking, and went to a couple of Christmas markets, but I just didn't spend my entire day walking around. I also didn't go to any of the infamous techno or fetish clubs Berlin is so well known for, but maybe the next time I'll go.
I am slowly realizing that I am turning into a "granola lesbian," seeing as how a fun night in for me consists of cuddling up with a good book instead of going out to the biggest, loudest club. Does that mean I am getting old?
I have made it to Frankfurt today, and checked into a lovely hostel with good wifi. Calling American Airlines on Skype from the last place made me realize how terrible their wifi was, seeing as how the customer service people on the other end of the line could catch about 3 out of every five syllables I said. It didn't make for a lot of fun.
I am really looking forward to my time in Southeast Asia, not just because it is going to be warm, but I think it will be a good change of pace for me. Not as many "historic sights" to see. I did some research on activities and places to go while I was relaxing in Berlin, so I have a good idea of some of the things and places I wanted to go, plus a much better understanding of the geography. I didn't realize how close I would be to Borneo, in fact, until I saw Borneo on the map yesterday, I really just thought it was some made up fairy tale land that a person got to by flying to the second star to the right, changing planes, and going straight on 'til dawn. And Borneo has Orangutans, so I am totally going to see some awesome primates in their natural habitat. Definitely a reason to get out of bed early, sweet!
I remember Amelie's experience of putting up Christmas decorations in shorts and a t-shirt but now I see first hand why that was so incredible to her. I have definitely run across some really amazing Christmas Lights here in Germany, one that included an interesting (possibly the only good) use of rope light.
I am going to go find some dinner. I have started reading "Eat, Pray, Love" again. So it is inspiring me to eat some really delicious food.
Don't think I didn't see my fair share of sights, I did two walking tours, a bit of aimless walking, and went to a couple of Christmas markets, but I just didn't spend my entire day walking around. I also didn't go to any of the infamous techno or fetish clubs Berlin is so well known for, but maybe the next time I'll go.
I am slowly realizing that I am turning into a "granola lesbian," seeing as how a fun night in for me consists of cuddling up with a good book instead of going out to the biggest, loudest club. Does that mean I am getting old?
I have made it to Frankfurt today, and checked into a lovely hostel with good wifi. Calling American Airlines on Skype from the last place made me realize how terrible their wifi was, seeing as how the customer service people on the other end of the line could catch about 3 out of every five syllables I said. It didn't make for a lot of fun.
I am really looking forward to my time in Southeast Asia, not just because it is going to be warm, but I think it will be a good change of pace for me. Not as many "historic sights" to see. I did some research on activities and places to go while I was relaxing in Berlin, so I have a good idea of some of the things and places I wanted to go, plus a much better understanding of the geography. I didn't realize how close I would be to Borneo, in fact, until I saw Borneo on the map yesterday, I really just thought it was some made up fairy tale land that a person got to by flying to the second star to the right, changing planes, and going straight on 'til dawn. And Borneo has Orangutans, so I am totally going to see some awesome primates in their natural habitat. Definitely a reason to get out of bed early, sweet!
I remember Amelie's experience of putting up Christmas decorations in shorts and a t-shirt but now I see first hand why that was so incredible to her. I have definitely run across some really amazing Christmas Lights here in Germany, one that included an interesting (possibly the only good) use of rope light.
I am going to go find some dinner. I have started reading "Eat, Pray, Love" again. So it is inspiring me to eat some really delicious food.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Snowy Berlin
I just got off the phone with the people at American Airlines RTW, and I am booked on a flight on December the 9th from Frankfurt to Singapore. That way I can get to Southeast Asia but only go to places not in political unrest. Plus it is a non-stop flight, so I don't have to go back to London for any reason.
I am enjoying Berlin. I just think I will come back again in the summer. While the Christmas markets are beautiful and lovely, it just stinks that it is so miserably cold and snowy. I went of a tour of "Alternative Berlin" today, seeing all of the squatter buildings, underground art, and street art. It was a lot of fun but the 3 hours outside walking in the bitter cold were a challenge. It does make one's nice warm hostel that much more inviting. I just think I would have a lot more fun here if I was able to do it in weather that wasn't forcing me back indoors all the time. Even rain is better than biting snow. This has taught me that I should probably only move to a new city during warmer months when I am able to get out and enjoy what I discover, instead of staying indoors waiting it out.
Things are good though, feeling better, just going a little slower the past couple of days, which is fine. Today was definitely a day to sit inside, enjoy a good book while drinking hot cocoa, so I guess it is a good sign that I braved the cold to get out and discover a bit.
Later,
Due to the extra day that I will get in Europe I have extended my stay in Berlin for an extra day, so I will get a total of five nights in the city.
The snow is not sticking to the ground but cold is cold to me at this point. With Southeast Asia just a week away, I am getting antsy to get some warmer weather. I think this is just God's way of making sure that the warmer weather is extra special once I do get there. I was able, though, to brave the weather this evening and spend a couple of hours wandering around one of the HUGE Christmas markets in Berlin. Apparently Berliners are really big Christmas people, so there are about 15 Christmas markets around the city, each featuring a mixture of local food, crafts, and carnival rides. The markets aren't difficult to find seeing as how most of them are highlighted by huge ferris wheels, and I mean huge. The one at the market I went to tonight must have been 20 stories tall. Not small when you consider that it is a temporary structure only erected for the market.
The evening was filled with American Christmas Carols, flashing lights, and the smells of 1/2 meter long bratwurst cooking on the grill. I don't think you can be anything but happy when you walk around a place like that. Plus, I don't think most of the "fun houses" are Christmas theme, so the carnies simply wrapped many of the figures in Santa Claus coats to give it that Christmas charm.
Berlin is lovely, "poor but sexy" as the mayor put it so eloquently.
I am enjoying Berlin. I just think I will come back again in the summer. While the Christmas markets are beautiful and lovely, it just stinks that it is so miserably cold and snowy. I went of a tour of "Alternative Berlin" today, seeing all of the squatter buildings, underground art, and street art. It was a lot of fun but the 3 hours outside walking in the bitter cold were a challenge. It does make one's nice warm hostel that much more inviting. I just think I would have a lot more fun here if I was able to do it in weather that wasn't forcing me back indoors all the time. Even rain is better than biting snow. This has taught me that I should probably only move to a new city during warmer months when I am able to get out and enjoy what I discover, instead of staying indoors waiting it out.
Things are good though, feeling better, just going a little slower the past couple of days, which is fine. Today was definitely a day to sit inside, enjoy a good book while drinking hot cocoa, so I guess it is a good sign that I braved the cold to get out and discover a bit.
Later,
Due to the extra day that I will get in Europe I have extended my stay in Berlin for an extra day, so I will get a total of five nights in the city.
The snow is not sticking to the ground but cold is cold to me at this point. With Southeast Asia just a week away, I am getting antsy to get some warmer weather. I think this is just God's way of making sure that the warmer weather is extra special once I do get there. I was able, though, to brave the weather this evening and spend a couple of hours wandering around one of the HUGE Christmas markets in Berlin. Apparently Berliners are really big Christmas people, so there are about 15 Christmas markets around the city, each featuring a mixture of local food, crafts, and carnival rides. The markets aren't difficult to find seeing as how most of them are highlighted by huge ferris wheels, and I mean huge. The one at the market I went to tonight must have been 20 stories tall. Not small when you consider that it is a temporary structure only erected for the market.
The evening was filled with American Christmas Carols, flashing lights, and the smells of 1/2 meter long bratwurst cooking on the grill. I don't think you can be anything but happy when you walk around a place like that. Plus, I don't think most of the "fun houses" are Christmas theme, so the carnies simply wrapped many of the figures in Santa Claus coats to give it that Christmas charm.
Berlin is lovely, "poor but sexy" as the mayor put it so eloquently.
Monday, December 1, 2008
London on to Berlin
Friday, 11/28/08
Shelley received the package with my new debit card. It had apparently been missfiled at Regents.
I made it to London but every single one of the 6 trains I took today were late, thanks to accidents and train malfunction. I ended up being forced to take the EuroStar again. This time it was 230 euros for a bucket seat. Most of the ride I had to stand. Oh, and it was delayed 90 minutes thanks to a train breaking down inside the Chunnel. What a day!
Monday, 12/01/08
Today I'm flying to Berlin. Will post more from there.
Shelley received the package with my new debit card. It had apparently been missfiled at Regents.
I made it to London but every single one of the 6 trains I took today were late, thanks to accidents and train malfunction. I ended up being forced to take the EuroStar again. This time it was 230 euros for a bucket seat. Most of the ride I had to stand. Oh, and it was delayed 90 minutes thanks to a train breaking down inside the Chunnel. What a day!
Monday, 12/01/08
Today I'm flying to Berlin. Will post more from there.
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