Day 16 Last day in Singapore - 12 January 2019

After three days in Singapore we felt we had achieved a lot and today could be a bit more chilled. So off we set to the river front at Fullerton Square. 

Once again the MRT took us straight to where we needed to be and we emerged from the underground right in front of a small kiosk where you could book a river cruise. We were served by a little old Chinese lady who was a little bent over but very sprightly. As we were getting some information from her a guy stopped and asked her something in Chinese. She answered and turned to us "he asked me where's smoking area, how do I fucking know". As you can imagine our jaws dropped and we just cracked up laughing as did she. Bossing us around she told to be back at the pier by 10:20 so we don't be late and miss boat. What a character!

The old wooden boat had capacity for about twenty but there were only four of us. We were joined by an English couple on their way out to New Zealand to stay with family in Mt Eden. It has been surprising how many people we have bumped into that are on their way to good old Aotearoa. 

The boat ride around the river was the perfect thing to do allowing us another perspective of this beautiful city. 

Lunch was had had the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. This was a spot that we had seen on TV and really we wanted to go there to experience some Tian Tian Hiananese Chicken Rice which is a popular Singaporian dish. Once again a little old lady came to our aid "wha you wan" she asked me and fortunately an Australian bloke in the line had told me to ask for the white breast. I was pleased with this assistance as I was looking at chicken backs hanging in the window that went right down to the parsons nose (chicken bum). The lady got me organised and pointed to Lance who had found a seat amongst the bustling lunch time crowd "he wi you"? And she promptly started delivering our dishes to him, shuffling along in huge yellow gumboots. The meal was the most succulent poached chicken with some broth and rice. Delicately tasty and really hearty, the sort of thing you want when you have the flu. Another lady in the line had told me that she has it for lunch every day. 

Back at our hotel it was time to pack and lay by the pool for the last time. And then our 'last supper' back at Chinatown. Stopping in for some duck, once again Lance saved the table. This food area is in a blocked off street with restaurants with outside and inside seating and down the middle foodcarts cooking and serving also. While Lance was waiting a lady came along and asked "you wan beer" and sure enough a couple of cans of Tiger beer arrived to accompany our duck and rice. By now it had started to rain as only it can in the tropics, fortunately the street had a glass roof so we continued round until we found or actually were coerced into another small shop where we sat outside and had drink. My wine was great and tasted very much like an NZ sav. We also managed some dumplings which were also good and some cereal prawns. These prawns were coated in some sort of crushed cornflakes with a savoury flavour. By now the rain had eased but the thunder was still rolling so we jumped in a cab back to the hotel. 

Last night for us. Our pick up arrived at 5:45 am (highly recommend Buffalo Tours) and delivered us to the airport. And here I am now back in Auckland ready to unpack. 

We have had a great trip and hope to return to a few of the places visited. Thanks Jo Charles at flight centre for organising us and making all the right choices once again. Happy Chinese New Year!

Day 15 Singapore- 11 January

And now to see the Gardens By the Bay in daylight. Last night we paid $3 each for a return shuttle from the entry to the centre of the gardens and today we took a driverless car for $5 each. It was so cool, the track had been set with an algorithm and the car had sensors to stop or go around obstacles. We were driving on the same path as the shuttle had the night before and people were walking as well. The car would slow down stop or veer left or right. We did have a man with us who pressed the remote control to start it and the rest of the way he just stood with his back to the road talking to us about the car and the gardens. Being the only ones in the car meant that we could ask lots of questions. 

At the centre we entered the glass dome gardens and they were very cool in both temperature and scale of awesomeness. I was surprised in both of the domes at how many of the plants are plants that we can grow in New Zealand. The flower dome was very pretty and preparations were being made for the Chinese New Year celebrations coming soon. The other dome was more tropical with a 35 meter waterfall and was several stories high. All of the water for the gardens is collected in rain reservoirs and the power is from solar panels on the top of the domes. The whole place is a scientific and technological genius! Cooling systems, water collection and purification, eco systems and solar power generators. 

The sky walk runs between the super trees giving a bird’s eye view of the park. Ranging from 25 to 50 meters high it was quite an experience. The pathway is a tiny bit see through but not scarily see through. However an English guy slowly passed us with his feet placed wide and arms outstretched he said that he was terrified of heights and didn't know why he was doing this. He tentatively stretched out towards the handrail and quickly clutched it. Poor bugger. 

Lunch was had in style at the top of one of the super trees. We had thought that we would get something light because we were going out for dinner but you have to grab these opportunities when you can. Don't you?

I had a delicious soft shell crab and Lance sizzling Vietnamese steak, both were very good. Dessert, yes dessert, was fresh mango, sticky rice and a wonderful coconut cream sauce for me and Lance had a coffee creme brûlée. When I asked our very charming waiter where the toilet was he said to go around to the right and it was in the corner. I did wonder about that as we were in a circular building so where were the corners. Tucked away was a nice clean toilet with a huge statue in it. Felt strange having this man in the loo with me. 

We separated on the MRT so that Lance could have a nap and I could go shopping. I really think that it was Lance's cunning plan to do the Singapore part of the trip after the cruise because anything that I tried on was bursting at the seams! 

Three weeks earlier I had booked the restaurant Ce Le Vie online. It is on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, right on the surfboard part that sits on top of the three towers. So we got ourselves gussied up in more formal attire and took a cab. The place was crawling with people! And I did expect the drop off bay and lobby to be a bit more oppulent. At the lift we were stopped at security and they said that we needed to buy a ticket $25 to go to the top. We told them that we were going for dinner and they said that we needed to queue with the 12 million others. No we have a reservation that has been confirmed! And they let us up. We could have been telling lies! White robed people were everywhere. Not like monks or anything but people in their hotel robes and slippers coming and going to the huge infinity pool. We were not allowed to enter that area as only hotel guests had entry. Judging by how many of white robes were buzzing in and out I'm not sure that it would be a particularly pleasant experience. 

Up in the Altitude bar we managed to score excellent seats to enjoy a mojito and the sunset. It really was quite special and the people watching was great. In fact there were some more people in robes but they actually were monks and their robes were orange. 

Inside the restaurant we were placed in a centre table which was a little disappointing as I had requested a table with a view. Lance asked the waitress if we could change and mentioned that we had requested a view. She apologised and said that the tables were for 'club' members. Next thing you know we were whisked away by the maitre de and placed at a table with a view. The hot, tight but formal clothes just may have done the trick. 

Dinner was divine. I started with tiger prawns with an avocado mango salsa and Lance had sushimi followed for me by salmon poached in lemon oil and set in the most delicious coconut cream sauce with crumbled something a rather on top. Lance went for a rib eye steak and we had a couple of sides that were equally as great. Alcohol was expensive as was the meal but this was a once in a life time dinner and we loved every minute of it. 

Day 14 Singapore - 10 January 2019

Today we thought that we would get up earlyish and get on the Hop On, Hop Off bus. The night before the zoo driver had dropped us off in Chinatown and said he would be leaving from the same place at 9:30am. But do you think that we could find the stop? After 45 minutes of walking around in circles a young woman approached us and asked if we were looking for the Hop On, Hop Off bus. She was looking as well and had been waiting at another stop and one had whizzed past. Finally we found one and climbed aboard for the full circuit. We find that this is a good way to see a city and usually the commentary gives you all sorts of interesting information. Not so on this bus. If we had prepared better we would have got Big Bus tours, see what happens when you don't over prepare! We also had to wait nearly an hour for the second bus. However we did see a fair bit of the city which is the greenest city that I have ever seen. Even the construction site had a living wall on it. We were told that rather than making Singapore a city with gardens they wanted it to be a city in a garden. Sky scrapers are draped in foliage and at any opportunity and even where you would never think it possible they have things growing. Maybe that is why the sky is clear and looks unpolluted. 

Our new friend Sarah from Austria came with us on the bus tour and when we finished we stopped off in Chinatown and shouted her lunch. Actually Lance said "our shout, just say yes". She had no idea what he meant, must be a down under thing as she spoke great English. She looked at me in confusion as she stuttered "yes" so I explained that we would pay for her lunch. 

Lance had been craving dumplings and finally we found some and got the order right. After all the gallivanting I needed the loo and was directed up some stairs. Four flights in fact to a very clean toilet with the most ornate basin. 

After a cool down by our pool we headed off to Gardens by the Bay for dinner. We wanted to make this a quick trip as we were going to go back the next day. It was the right thing to do. The gardens are magnificent at night and it was a beautiful temperature. After a dinner of duck which cost us $13:50 for the two of us and a beer which was $22 for two we made our way home.

We are finding it difficult to stop taking pictures of the Marina Bay Sands. It is a bit like when you are in Paris and have to take a snap of the Eiffel Tower every time you see it. There is a connection though. The top of the Marina Bay Sands is the length of the Eiffel Tower if you lay it on its side. 

All of these trips were done on the MRT and we are getting really good at it. It is such an efficient way to get around. There is a notice on the train that tells you that molesting is an offence and if it happens it must be reported. The consequence of molest (sic) is jail or caning. I am not a supporter of corporal punishment but this does sound fair to me.  

My cough is still hounding me and my black eye is going from purple to yellow. Or maybe the yellow is my liver telling me it is time to go home a start a cleansing diet. Other than that we are both well. Lance’s back is holding up and my toilet stops are back in urgency but for a couple of old crocks we are having a great time. 

Day 13 Singapore - 9 January 2019

Disembarkation was a breeze. From the time that we had to meet in the Casino (8am) till the time we were climbing into the taxi was only 20 minutes. 

We are staying at the Oasia Downtown and had a very pleasant surprise when we checked in, in fact two pleasant surprises. The first was that out room was ready for us at 8:45 in the morning and that we were club status which means we are on a special club floor with access to the club lounge. 

Oasia Hotel

Oasia is situated just a 10 minute walk from China Town and about 4 minutes to the MRT (subway and not the sandwich kind). Our room has a great view across the city and the bathroom has smokey one way glass doors so that you can look out across to the skyline from the baths and the toilet. The club lounge has its own 25 meter infinity pool with loungers next to or in the water and cabanas if you want a snuggle (far to hot for that sort of carry on). The area is covered so that you can get out of the sun or close to the edge there is a sunny spot. I am lying on a lounger as I type this, after haveing a refreshing swim. I don't know how they keep the water so cool, usually at this temperature the water is like soup. Another great bonus is that children are 'discouraged' from using this area. Now I do like children, heck I work with them every day. But I have just had 11 days on a ship surrounded by kids so this is a little light relief. 

View from the toilet

The pool overlooking the city. 

This morning we had breakfast in the club lounge and it was had some great options; I particularly enjoyed the freshly mashed avocado on sour dough and a green tea steam bun filled with coconut jam. 

Back to day 13; after sorting our stuff we headed out to explore. Singapore is such an easy city to get around, it s very organised and the public transport is great. Our first stop though was by taxi as we had organised a visit to the tailor to get a couple of things made. It was extremely expensive even after Lance had bartering with him so we got less than what we had intended. I guess we had the extremely cheap tailoring that we had experienced in Vietnam in our heads. 

Back in the Orchard Central Food Hall we had chicken and rice which was a welcome soothing meal for my poor old foo foo valve that was still playing up (medication has been taken). Then we headed to the MRT lining up at the machine to purchase tickets and holding everyone up because we had no idea what to do. Luckily we spotted a ticket office and now have in our possession 3 day tourist passes, and have become pretty expert in the art of jumping on and off trains, changing platforms and going in the right direction. Whizzing under the city we arrived at the cable car ticket office and promptly climbed aboard. What a great thing to do! And what a fantastic view of all that Sentosa has to offer. The screams from the water slide came right up into our capsule! We hadn't planned to take in any of the attractions and just had a look around with sweat running into our eyes. Hopping on one of the free island buses we alighted at Resort World where we got ourselves a couple of Hard Rock shirts and a coffee. The coffee was okay but $17 for two coffees, nothing fancy about them, was pretty steep. 

Back on the main land we headed home to recharge before heading off to the Zoo for the night safari. I really love a good zoo but Lance is not that keen. So it was a compromise a night safari. This way we thought that it would be something different and not as hot. The route was planned with the MRT with one interchange and then a bus. All this was to happen at 5:30pm which was rush hour. The MRT went extremely well and I even got a seat for the longest part of the journey and then we got off at Yio Chu Kang where we were meant to get bus 927 to the zoo. There was no bus 927. So we waited at the taxi stand and after quite a wait we jumped in with a lovely gent who promptly told us he didn't know the way as it was his second day on the job and that he was 72 years old. We had a lovely conversation but his driving was terrible! He was doing 40 kilometres on the motorway and traffic was banking up behind us. He kept picking his phone up and looking at the map. As we neared the zoo he made a wrong turn and we were back on the motorway again; he was very apologetic and we felt sorry for him. At last we were getting close when google maps said (please think this in that very proper google map female voice) "At the fork keep right". He mumbled to him self "At the fork, at the fork" and I wondered if he knew what she meant. It became very obvious that he didn't when he slowed down to 5 kilometres at the fork and was moving the steering wheel indecisively from left to right. Cars were flying past us tooting and giving us filthy looks and Lance and I were yelling at him to stay right as we didn't want another wrong turn, that is if we survived. Finally we got to the zoo with only five minutes to spare and he apologised and said that he would charge us less. We just paid and ran up to the night safari only to be told that we had to go back down to the main zoo to buy tickets. When we were finally admitted with seconds to spare we threw ourselves onto the shuttle to take us on the tour and just looked at each other in shock. "How are we going to get home" Lance asked me. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it" I answered. 

Being dusk and a bit cooler the animals were out and about, in fact we had to stop for some sort of African deer to get off the road. The commentary was good and and there were a variety of animals all going about their nightly business. Even the wolf gave a big howl as we went past. 

Once we got of the tour we went for a wander through the tracks in the jungle. By now it was dark and it was quite spooky walking around only encountering a couple of people on the way. The roaring of the lions reverberated around us and sent chills down my spine and even the tiger and cheetah were walking around their enclosure. 

We grabbed some dinner at the food hall. Every thing was being cooked on the spot and we got an Indian chicken tikka plate which was really great and just perfectly spicy. The next job was to find our way home, and that is just what we did. Seven dollars got us a seat on an air conditioned bus that took us to a stop ten minutes from home. 

We slept like babies, our first night on solid ground in 11 days. 

Day 12 Langkawi - 7 January 2019

Up ready and back to normal time we were pleased to be the second group off the ship. Group Blue 2 off to the famous Langkawi cable car amongst some other lesser attractions. Yes I should have had a premonition about the group colour. We have been green and red before but not blue. "I’m sorry folks but due to high winds we have been informed that the cable car is not running at the moment". What a bugger, we had been really looking forward to this but I guess you can’t do anything about the weather. 

Pulling into Langkawi we could have been in our own Hauraki Gulf, it looked quite volcanic and not at all tropical. Once on board our bus we continued with the original itinerary just in case the wind dropped. There were not many people at the Oriental Village which was situated at the base of the mountain. This was a purposed based tourist village but was very quaint and had a great variety of shops. I had to pay 50 sen for the toilet and the little lady held out a toilet paper dispenser for me to take some toilet paper. Now this is a little personal, I mean how much is a polite amount to take. And if I took a whole pile then would they all know that I was heading for a number two? I took a tiny amount knowing that I had tissues and wipes if I needed them. The toilets were pretty good but the feature was the lovely waterfall that was in the toilet area. Lance went also and gave the lady a 1 ringgit note and didn’t want change so she gave him a whole pack of tissues! Maybe she thought he would be requiring extra wiping!

We had been told that we would wait an hour to see if the cable car would open so we wandered around and had the most delicious freshly squeezed mango juice. But alas we weren’t able to proceed, once again blue made us bale. Blue group 2 were the losers that day as other groups that got there later were able to go up the mountain. 

On we went to a really cool tourist center that had a wonderful selection of hand made items and batik garments. We got some tiny pottery bowls for dipping sauces. Hope they make it back to NZ in one piece. They are so well bubble wrapped that they take up half a suitcase. 

Our next stop was a rice paddy where a nice man explained how rice was grown. By now it was stinking hot and the humidity was 98% so Lance and a few others sat in the shade whilst I obediently followed the tour. 

Because we missed out on the cable car they took us to "Underwater World" instead. This was pretty good but Lance chose to go to Macdonald’s instead as we hadn’t had any lunch and were starving. I whipped through the aquarium feeling sorry for the gigantic fish and headed for Macdonald’s myself. I like to try new things so opted for a hot and spicey burger. I am not a fan of Macdonald’s and can’t remember the last time I had it. Scoffing my burger on the bus I wished that something a bit more delectable had been available. 

Langkawi was a pretty place, clean and organized it looked like somewhere we could come back to for a holiday. It would be essential to be in a resort on a beach and there were some large resorts and more being built. The restaurants on the streets were a nice contrast to the fancy resorts and were the sort of places that you might wander along for a meal and a drink. 

All aboard was st 6pm. We were aboard well before that and had a beer out on our balcony. As 6pm came I marveled at the people sauntering down the long pier to the ship without a worry. Then at 6:15 a guy came racing down the pier running flat tack. The whole port side of the ship cheered as he panted up to the gangway 15 minutes late. The night before we were tendered back to the boat and the lady tender was at 5:30. Once again we were early aboard and at about 6:10pm the Captain broadcast that we were just waiting for seven . . . HUNDRED! People! Our mouths gapped at the thought! 

Back on the ship we went to one of our regular dining rooms and were served once again by a cheery waiter Nilo. Nilo is charming and witty and remembers what we drink. In fact he was also at breakfast and asked me if I had finished my bottle of Cloudy Bay and did I need another with breakfast. Anyway towards the end of our meal last night I started to have a grumbling tummy. We needed to make a quick exit because what I needed to do required my own bathroom! Bloody Macdonald’s! Later that evening we were in the Crooners Bar when I said to Lance that I needed to nip back to the room to use the toilet. By the time I had got ten paces it had become urgent, so urgent in fact that I forgot that I was on level 7 and started to go down the stairs. Fortunately I had only gone down one level when I remembered and dashed to the lift to get me up to our level, level 11. By now I was starting to sweat and couldn’t wait for a lift so took the stairs which is pretty hard to do with your bottom clenched. Finally at our room and anticipating the soon to be relief I found that my door card wouldn’t work. I was desperate and couldn’t afford a wrong turn whilst looking for a toilet so back down the stairs to level 7 where I knew where the toilets were. I just had to ignore that fact that some ladies were chatting as they washed theirs hands and I dived into the nearest toilet. So there you are, there is never a holiday without a toilet story. 

Tomorrow we disembark in Singapore and have had a day at sea today. We have had to make a detour as a passenger has had to be taken off for a medical emergency. The captain said that they had asked for a helicopter to come and winch them off but they were not able. The sad thing is that he asked people to respect the person’s privacy and not take photos as the passenger was being taken aboard the emergency launch. How sad that he even had to say that. 

So we are all packed ready for our suitcases to be taken this evening. Our last dinner will be back at the Sterling Steak House and I guess a few last cocktails!

Oh! And I am sporting a bit of a black eye where Lance and I had a head collision! We were sober! 

And last little story. Last night Lance got up for a tinkle but must have been still sleepy. He found that he had opened the cabin door into the corridor! Thank goodness he wears undies to bed! And thank goodness he woke up before taking the couple of steps required before taking a tinkle!