Singapore, Bali and Honh Kong - 2004We can almost say that this vacation came about while flying to the Caribbean.
Because when we prepare our carry-on luggage, each zippered compartments has a purpose such as a vault to protect our passports, tickets and a few coins. Another area contains Tylenol, camera, films not to mention my diary and a few pens. Next, earplugs, neck rest’s, crossword puzzles for Jock, at least two travel magazines and a novel for Karen - settle in the largest pocket.
Once aboard, it’s obvious that our seats will have all of our attention, and sometime during this flight the travel magazines will surface. Ideas will fly, anecdotes from previous vacations pop into our minds, and there is a good chance that “sublimely” - part of this world will tickle our fancy. We booked this trip in April of 2004, and cashed in our first ticket on September 20th, 2004.
Air Canada, Montreal-Toronto
Cathay Pacific, Toronto-Hong Kong with a stop for refueling in Vancouver.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong – Singapore
Garuda Airlines, Singapore to Denpasar
Cathay Pacific, Denpasar – Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong – Toronto with a stop in Vancouver for refueling.
Air Canada, Toronto – Montreal
We headed towards immigration at 11.10 p.m for our connecting flight to Hong Kong. Like us, many travellers are tired as we find our way to gate C33. The airport is awesome, huge, clean, and makes you proud to be a Canadian.
Our A340-300 has all the emenities to produce not only a smooth flight, but offerings of food, blankets, ear plugs, and television on back of each seat.
We arrive in Vancouver at 1.35 am pst! 4.45 am est. and can’t disembark as the re-fueling takes about one hour. The next leg is 6,387 miles to HK and it will take 13.23 min. So on long trips we remove our shoes. Cathay gave us a nice souvenir pkgs. One of the items is a pair of nice thin socks which we put on immediately.
We are flying at twice the speed of an F1 race car at an altitude of 31,000 feet.
At one point we are over the Gulf of Alaska, passing Juneau and Anchorage.
We tried to get some rest, but just can’t seem to doze off. Out comes a snack as we are now over Seiberia as they offer a snack of Sushi, Bisquits, fruit cup, blueberry bar, and any drink you little heart desires.
Unfortunately, KC has a major headache, and she is now falling in love with her television as she leans forward to relieve the pain, body aches, and stale cabin air does not help. Face mask is a good idea on long flights!!!! At this point KC jumps to her feet for some exercise, walks back and forth from our seats to the bathroom and back. This was a procedure often repeated during this flight.
KC – outloud, and dreaming, she wonders “would I ever do this again” thirty hours of mostly flying, and sitting around airports. Seat belts hardly fits! I feel like a giant in these seats. Headache and so tired. But after the break H.K. to Singapore, headaches gone so things are looking better. Is it possible I already had three breakfasts? Sushi for breakfast? It’s so confusing. H.K. Airport – modern, quite,clean, café latte from Starbuck’s – so International feeling. ($45.70HKD). .
Did I mention the lovely Cathay Pacific crew – gentle, polite and very skinny. Even the guys. I bet they have no problem getting the seat belt around them. Can’t wait to land and have a nap. Wake up, KC, wake up.
We are now over East China Sea, at an altitude of 35,000 ft sitting on fluffy white clouds, going 520 miles/hr. Never have I witnessed clouds so thick, and so high? Our captain just informed us that he is starting is descent into Hong Kong Airport, what a relief and elated to finally reach Asia. From my window the Airport is massive, and parked planes illustrates Asian carriers, like – Atlas Air, Dragon Air, JAL, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines.
We disembark, and touch Asian soil – and we feel special, big city – big airport – and well received, as English is very much part of their Airport language. Since our luggage is already off to Singapore, the only thing we have to do is check in, and chill. We are due to board at 8.15am, our final leg which will take 3.20 minutes. My throat is sore, KC’s headache is almost gone, but the fact that we are so close to commencing our Asian vacation, the adrenaline is flowing, and we are dancing our way towards a coffee shop using moving escalators.
We enter the bathroom, and wonder? Are these the real thing? So immaculate, I almost asked the sanitary worker if I can use the toilets? But he was so busy scrubbing down the urinal bowls. He was dressed all in white, with a mask, white gloves and a brush. Never have I witnessed such cleanliness!
No paging here, you must be at the gate when they tell you, and sure enough as we arrived, the agent waved us in, check our ticket, and down the gangplank towards our B777-300 to an almost empty plane. Talk about service, not that we had poor service prior to this flight, because that’s all you do on these flights, is eat, drink, and eat, and drink. You can even order during the flight as well.
We were on our way at 8.55 am, and the view was spectacular as we slowly work our way up to 36,000 ft. We can see Hong Kong bldg’s -The apartments buildings, condo’s are high, and as KC mentioned “It’s a vertical city”. Bldg’s are flanked in every which way. It would have been nice to arrive at the old airport, because, apparently you flew between the bldg’s. At about 10.55am, we were over Ho Chi Minh City, cute name, right!
Again we see huge white clouds, so white - Santa Clause would be proud.
Our plane begins its descent, and the view is spectacular as we follow the coast. The Ocean is busy with fisherman boats, the coast line unravels natures colours of yellow, gold, rust, and green. As we reach 4,000 ft, I’m looking for sharks, but no luck, only clear water illustrating a bunch of reefs as we bounce for the final time through a corridor made just for us. Finally, we touch down at Changi International Airport and we have a long drive to our gate.
No matter what airport you might be in, you always worry about your luggage but in Singapore the airport is so nice that you spend time just looking around at the beautiful architecture of the bldg. The conveyor belt is full of luggage, and our two pieces are easy to identify, because we use stickers from our previous travels. There they are, as they flip flop from the opening towards KC’s side, so I run over to take them off the belt. Now for our ride to our hotel, we pass through the doors and all we can see is 251 signs, good thing our man was tall, because he was standing behind the crowd, and we could see our name – what a relief. He was such a happy camper, he presents us with an envelope full of information about our stay in Singapore.
Our hotel was nice, comfortable, and clean. Off the main road, but easy to access. Opening the door to our fourth floor suite was pure medicine, everything about this room shows comfort with a playroom type bathroom, a bedroom large enough to practice your putting, a great writing desk, a bed we needed for our first leg of the trip, with plenty of storage space. When we asked for a wake up call one day, we awoke on our own, and went down for breakfast, when we return to our room to prepare for our day, we answered a knock at the door, only to find out that the personnel from the hotel were worried about us and came up to check why we did not answer the wake up call – nice touch.
One evening we decided to take a walk, it was 11.30 pm we felt revitalized, so why not walk the street of one of the safest city in the world. No jaywalking here, you respect the law – not KC & Jock, but only because traffic is less, and we are between blocks. . Just across from our hotel there is a café, still open with people enjoying food. In one case, I wondered when the table would collapse with all the quart bottles of beer. As I looked none of the guy’s seemed drunk nor were they noisy as we hear on Crescent or St.Denis just a bunch of guy’s having fun. As we pass 7-11, the place is jammed with customers. Another café with young males chopping away at some food, again very quite. Most bar’s along this strip appear to be closing up, chains around chairs and tired owners moseying along. Many customers on the bus heading home. Crickets, talk about noisy, the street has plants between the sidewalk and streets, and they must be having a convention, because – the decibels are high!. On the way back we drop into the 7-11, pick up a few goodies and back to our room for some food and drink
The following is a description of the tours waiting for us. You must remember that we are two tired travelers with eyes so big, they must have wondered if we are on speed. A wake up call is arranged for 5.00pm.
Sept.22nd - Upon arrival, transfer to Rendez-vous hotel. Take time to relax at the hotel or enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city – dream on buddy, its shower time, and some linen for a few hours. Dinner is a choice of local, western cuisine served on a self-cooking plate of sizzling hot rock by the Singapore river at Boat Quay……………………………………Singaporean’s latest sunset haunt. After dinner enroute to the world’s largest fountain, take in the beautiful sight of the central business district via Benjamin Sheares Bridge……………………. Continuing to Bugis Street, our guide will take you for a stroll at the night market or’passer malam’ where you may chance upon a bargains you never imagine. ………..Our last stop for the evening is at Raffles Hotel for the sample of Singapore’s very own concoction, ‘the Singapore Sling’. …………..As the saying goes, ‘if you have not been to Raffles, you have not been to Singapore’.
Every time we made a move, from Airport to Hotel or Hotel to meeting place, a bus was at our doorstep. The a/c mini bus or tour bus was a great added feature. It gave us a different view of Singapore and its people. In both instances our meeting place was “Suntec Mall”, and then joining a bigger groups for our tour. Driving Singapore, Bali, and Hong Kong is done from the right side! Singapore is immaculate, no littering or spitting is permitted.
If you ever visit Singapore, prepare yourself for a shopping – and you will have a choice from Haute couture, to malls with fixed prices, and then the wheeling dealing shops who price high, knowing that you will barter for a better price.
Boat Quay, Quay is pronounced “Key” – Known as “the belly of the carp” by the local Chinese because of its shape, this area was once notorious for its opium dens and coolie shops. Now it’s a beautiful mix of waterway, Canal Bank, with choice of restaurants while just a stone throw away towers flirting with the clouds is home to banking, and investment conglomerates. I learned the following while visiting Singapore – Two areas of the city center are relatively new, having been built atop huge parcels of reclaimed land. Where the eastern edge of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar once touched the water’s edge, land reclamation created the present day downtown business distrioct, which is named after its central thouroughfare, Shenton Way. This wall street-like district is home to the manificent skyscrapers that grace Singapore’e skyline and to the banks and business that have made the place an international financial capital. Marina Bay, and Suntec City are two more area derived from reclaimed land.
For dinner along the Quay, we tucked ourselves into the Sizzling Rock, a restaurant with a flamboyant owner who gave us great seats overlooking the harbour and pedestrian wallk. KC had Salmon while Jock enjoyed a steak from New Zealand. Although we were tired from our long day, we had a great time.
Singapore Slings, and the Raffles Hotel. One of my favourite authors, William Somerset Maugham spent time here. We walked up a spiral staircase to reach the “Longbar”. I wondered if Somerset sat in the same chair I did. The music was great with a women band leader, pounding out feet stomping tunes. The athmosphere created a feeling of belonging, so much so that your tiredness understood the charm of this place and gave us the energy to keep up our pace. Waiters with tray’s of Singapore Slings move about with ease. The bathrooms are located on the outside of the Longbar room, and lucky for me to need a “Slash”, so off I go through French doors, and along a walkway, which oversee the Atrium/courtyard. You can’t help but stop and look at the most beautiful tropical display of Palm tree’s, arbors, plants, and seating arrangements to include privacy or straight out in the open, you choose because it’s a paradise that keeps you around, and coming back for more.
Visiting in the fall was good timing for us because January to June is the peak months.
Upon return we hit the sack and enjoyed a good night sleep. Sept. 23rd – An orientation tour of the city this morning begins with a drive through the “Colonial Heart” for a view of the Padang, cricket club, parliarment house, supreme court and city hall. Then enroute to Thian Hock Temple, one of the oldest temples in Singapore, the coach will pass Chinatown before stopping at Mount Faber for a panoramic view of the harbour and on to a local handicraft centre. The tour then continues to the National Orchid Garden located within the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Our final stop at little India will entrance you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
We had a nice breakfast, and we must admit the food here is outstanding, and enjoyable. What we found interesting while having breakfast is the people, we sat near a window facing the street corner. At 7.30 am the people are slowly walking to work, very similar to us. It’s a bit grey with light trying to break through. As it reaches 8.00 am, you start seeing small little trucks with labourers sitting together squashed together like a peanut butter and jam sandwich. These are the immigrants who perform tasks native deplore. On the other hand, the business people of Singapore, are one of the best dressed specimens of human beings. Please don’t get me wrong, nice casual is very prominent as well. We also notice that even though the sun is absent, natives tend to seek protection under canopy’s etc. – We are in the lobby by 8.30 am, waiting for the mini bus to Suntec Mall for our Day Tour……….
The Padang Area – It’s a large field which embodies Singapore Recreation Club at one end, and Cricket club at the other. Flanked by City Hall, parliament house, and Supreme Court . It goes without saying, the area is swanky.
Thian Hock Keng Temple, “the temple of Heavenly Bliss” one of the oldest temples in Singapore. Part of Chinatown, we did what most visitors do, light three jasmine sticks, and prayed, not is much as some Chinese were doing, but respectful. To light these sticks, took some doing, because I did not know which end to light, and I was not the only one, because I forgot to oil the stick, and turn it right side up. Fun, and not so embarrassing.
Mount Faber is typical of sightseeing, similar to Mount Royal. You get a panoramic view of the Harbour, and you do see why, this country is huge on distribution of tonnage. Ships are everywhere, even parked waiting to unload. We did see the cable car’s which can be taken from the top of MT Faber or at the World Trade Centre Ferry Departure. Some have glass bottoms.
We did get a close look at the 12 story “Merlion” which is half lion ,half-fish creature during our Bumboat tour – Include the boat here
Next we visited a typical handicraft centre.
Our final stop was the National Orchid Garden located within the Botanical Gardens. Awesome Orchids, but much too warm for two Arctic dwellers.
Little India was different than anticipated, people were not so pushy – just business people trying to make a living.
Esplanade Park and Queen Elizabeth Walk, two of the most famous parks in Singapore, were established in 1943 on land reclaimed from the sea. Reclaim land is something you hear from all the tour guides. Theatre on the Bay is a great example of Architectural purpose, the building which is a double dome structure is known locally as The Durians, because their spiky domes resemble halves of durian shell – the “spikes” are sun shields. Karen’s named it Bug’ eye’s. We did see a fruit which looked exactly like this bldg – it was the stinkiest fruit in the world, once beyond the smell, it was delicious.
HIMIDITY – if you enjoy humidity this is your Country, no wonder natives walk slower. In my case four blocks of walking and I begin to sweat- Big time.
7-11 depanneurs are very popular, not big, but certainly well organized with every product you might need.
A taxi to our river cruise $ 5.00 cdn. In school, first language is English! In years past, a family of ten would pay $ 10 Sing.$’s/month for a home, and share one bathroom. At the present time its $80 Sing.$, and they have their own bathroom in a 800 square ft. home.
Private homes begin at $ 300,000 Sing. $’s, while the mansions fetch $ 30,000,000 sing $’s.
The Penny Black, a Victorian London Pub was a joy to visit. Located at the Boat Quay. It must do extremely well considering that the banking industry is just around the corner. Declan O’Donnell managed the place.
After our boat cruise, we found a Tony Roma’s restaurant, by acciodent of course as we hustled in the Suntec Centre Mall. ($ 72.60 Sing. Dollars) Draft beer 8.90 – Crispy Chicken $ 14.50 – Babyback Half $ 20.50 – Café Latte $ 4.50 – Apple Crisp $ 9.90. All in S$’s. It was delicious!
Airport Departure tax, $ 15.00 SGD
$1.00 CAD = 1.33974 SGD
You know your paying taxes when you see “+++”
The country is made up of one main Island, Singapore, and around 60 smaller ones, some of which p like Sentosa and Pulau Ubin – are popular retreats. The main Island is shaped like a flat, horizontal diamond, measuring in at just over 42km (25) miles from the east to the west and almost 23km (14 miles) north to south. With a total land area of only 584.8 sq.km (351 sq.miles). Singapore’s geographical position, sitting approximately 137km (82 miles) north of thr equator, means that its climate offers iuniform temperatures, plentiful rainfall, and high, high humidity.
I hope I do justice to Singapore – In conclusion, Singapore is like a new born, your eyes pop from its beauty. They people have a caring attitude, and although the streets we walked were immaculate, a visit to Little India, Chinatown, explains why its present state exist. They renovate and make things better for their people. They reclaim land to expand. A visit to the habour illustrate why Southeast Asia converges on Singapore – It’s the world busiest port delivering the highest tonnage to the world. We heard about the penalty for littering, chewing gum, spitting etc. even the cane as the worse punishment. – If I may stray for a minute, discipline is not a bad thing. You learn quicker, you become smarter, and produce better with the end results that cost is reduced in every sense of the word.
The country is made up of one main Island, Singapore, and around 60 smaller ones, some of which p like Sentosa and Pulau Ubin – are popular retreats. The main Island is shaped like a flat, horizontal diamond, measuring in at just over 42km (25) miles from the east to the west and almost 23km (14 miles) north to south. With a total land area of only 584.8 sq.km (351 sq.miles). Singapore’s geographical position, sitting approximately 137km (82 miles) north of the equator, means that its climate offers uniform temperatures, plentiful rainfall, and high, high humidity.
The Changi International Airport is equal to most modern airports. It has duty free shops, restaurants, and clean, clean bathrooms. You have a choice of transport to and from the airport at reasonable cost.
While we were waiting for our plane to Bali, a gentlemen with his son sat next to us, he looked kind of nervous. He was loquacious, and it did not take long before he turned his attention to us. He introduced himself as Gde Berata, President of Indonesia Surf Life Saving Association. He was proud of the fact that he just attended a conference on life saving in France. Once he found out that we were off to Bali, he gave us his card, and said “if you need any help in Bali” don’t be shy call me. Thank you, Mr. Berata, I will definitely call you if I’m drowning.
SIX FULL DAYS IN EXOCTIC BALI… and the Melia Benoa – on the India Ocean. Garuda Airlines was our carrier to Bali. A -737 airplane for this flight. We arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport at about 9.05 pm.
Sept. 25th, 2004 would be our second leg of our journey and for the next six days enjoy paradise.
We did have one concern, involving our passport. Our “Visa’s” were stamped into each others passport, so in reality, KC had mine. How would immigration would react was a definite concern? We passed with flying colours – Our next step is to find our contact, he’s the one with the sign – Jock & KC. we find our man. Off we go to the mini-bus with our tour guide and driver. We are the only visitors on the mini-bus heading towards Denpasar. The night is dark, the roads somewhat rundown, can’t indentify anything with the speed of the mini-bus, when all of sudden, I began to wonder about where the hell are we? The driver does come to a most pleasant stop – our resort……….. Next
The memories of the recent bombings of two night clubs packed with Western tourists, mostly Australians, in the town of Kuta comes to mind the minute we arrive at our resort. Two police officers stop you at the gate, and with a huge mirror check the bottom of the mini-bus, before entering our complex. Once in the lobby, we are greeted by a “Bong” an awakening sound to erase the feelings of a few minutes ago. As we approach the front desk, warm face cloths are offered to refresh and wipe away the accumulations of oils, and then a wonderful island drink to acclimatize our body to Bali’s soothing and refreshing liquids.
Words we learn from our new friend “Pettiwawa”, who had four jobs, not two like the TV commercial.
Terima Kasih = THANKS
Apa Kabar = How are you
Siapa Nama Anda = what is your name
Selamat Pagi – Good Morning
Selamat Siang = Good Afternoon
Selamat Sore = the same
Selamat Malam = Good Evening.
Pettiwawa, took care of the swimming pool, so when we asked him how do we say good morning, he was very obliging, and he became our friend. Each day we would meet and practice our Balinese language, not to mention talking in general about his country and Canada of course. For examples, families stick together and live is close proximaty of each other. With no government help, if one loses a job, the family supports that person. His father-in-law does have a new automobile with A/C. On the next day, we visited the Flea Market, and guess who we meet? Pettiwawa, and this time he is helping his brother in law who own a kiosk at the market. He tells us that once they load up the car, they are off to a major hotel for an on-sight Artisan sale. One morning, KC wanted to swim, and I wanted to walk. So, off I go towards the boardwalk. The design is brick, and full of “esses” with sand on each side. There is a breeze with the Ocean front to my right. After approximately 30 minutes, I see this gorgeous resort, huge, with “Pegoda’s facing the Ocean.
Each one is occupied with guests either reading, sleeping or drinking. I could just imagine an evening at this resort. It did not take me long to find my way into this 5 ***** resort. Total luxary, an Oases, describing the Paradise we are looking for.
The suite on the first level delivers a balcony only royalty frequent, but with a few extra dollars, its yours, and my dear friends throw away your inhabitions because this Paradise is the real thing. From your bigger than larger balcony it delivers you down a few steps into the a pool of water. You can now either relax in your private area or swim towards the Ocean front, under an arc bridge to a larger pool. The water is blue/turquoise and identical to colours you see when you are over water landing into the Caribbean’s Bahama Airport.
As you exit the main lobby, two gorgeous dining room over looks the grounds. Next you descend a few steps towards a maginificant terrace, followed by a most enticing resort swimming pool these eyes have witnessed. Rectangular in shape, and I swear to God, if someone was swimming, it would not matter, because the tranquility would blow your mind.
The next eerie feeling came about when the few guests sitting sparringly about the pools, looked like pictures from a magazine. Not one of these guest were moving, or sunning, but reading, rather than gawking. I did not want to leave this lavish expression of Architecture.
I walked down three steps back to my world, and guess who was waiting for me,
Pettiwawa. He spotted me, because with his disguise of cap, and shades, I did not recognize him. Hay, Mr. Jock, what are you doing, are you planning next years vacation, no I replied, I was flabbergasted by this resort and had to visit.
What are you doing here, he said, I sell sports packages for the hotel!
His fourth job is finding tours for his Father-in-law…………………………..
Now to get back to our resort, nice, pleasant, entertaining, a bit smaller than the five star I just visited, but good enough to lose yourself within the beauty of Melia Benoa.
Our room, bigger than most with a bathroom split into conveniences, so that if I wanted to shave I could while KC showered. Each day a new plate of fruit would adorn our coffee table. We had a sitting area looking out towards the pool, and well maintained grounds. A bed so comfortable that you never wanted to leave. Our balcony located on the second floor was about six feet by twenty with two chairs and a table. Roses crossed our path with enough privacy that you could literally hang your bathing suit in the nude without hearing a whistler.
The room had all the emenities, such as a safe, closet, drawers and a well stock bar. British Television produced western news, and great movies were available later at night. Soccer was big time sports here and the weather talked about Asia and Austrailia forecast. The walkway leading to our room overlooked the first floor which had artistic waterways void of water, but full of rocks so that when the water would be piped in, the view would be spectacular. The whole place is immaculate. Our next venture was towards the Ocean and beach front, and that was a shocker because this beach was without a doubt the worse imitation of a beachfront. Low tide, no waves and plenty of Jelly fish.
Now we must retreat to our swimming pool, and I must say it was a well organized design offering solid chairs, cover and blue towels. A bathroom was at our disposal seconds from our chair, and the swim-up pool bar was gigantic with wrap-around seats in the water, and seats also surrounding the concrete walkways. Perfectly manicured landscaping, and the young man who did that job was brilliant and showed great pride.
As for the boutiques, dead – no customers, and if you did entered one, words from the sales person was annoying, like “no sale today”, please buy. The resort had only 83 guests during our stay, with groups showing up for day trips, so you would hear German one day, and the next Spanish or Chinese.
Breakfast was excellent everyday, and you had a choice of western or Chinese.
They greet you at the entrance and bring you to your table. Lower end is smoking while we chose the non-smoking area a few feet higher. Everything about this dining section was supurb. We even showed the cook, how to cook two egg’s over easy. Bacon was most enjoyable, and I loved the variety of tomato’s, presentation of fruit platters, juices, breads and little breakfast desserts.
Our mid-day snack was within an open deck terrace which split the pool and ocean front. Tables were made of teak and heavy. KC and I fought each day for the table at the extreme end of this terrace, which overlooked the Ocean front, and the many pedestrian who walk along the boardwalk. They did have three sets of tables and chairs on the manicured grass area a few feet away.
Many choices, chicken, pork, fish, potato’s, rice and of course the extra’s such as pizza’s, melt’s, fruit, desserts, and all the drinks were brought to you by a waiter. If for some reason you wanted a-la-carte, not a problem, the lobby restaurant would create your desire.
Evening dining, totally numbing – especially when they produced a show.
We reserved on this night, and our table was dead center. The food on this night was “Babercue”, and a food lovers paradise of choices because nothing but the best came out of the Bali cuisine. Seafood, meat, pasta all the trimmings at your fingertip!
What I enjoy most about this style of dining, is the athmosphere, the calm, a slight breeze, Ocean waters and yes the clinging of utensils in the background.
No need to rush, because on this night, we are being entertained, and let the booze flow, ha geez, dream on old timer.
Legong Band is comprised of 20 musicians, with only a bongo resembling a western instrument. The dancers interpretation can be “eerie”, they are tiny people with the ability to maneuver their hand-wrist-fingers ninety-degree’s.
The dance features facial expressions with their eyes showing fear, and when they look towards the sky or to their side, you get a feeling something scary will happen. The devil is coming?
While on the subject of entertainment, I must mention the evening Cabaret show. We were having dinner one evening when two Balinese entertainers approached our table. The lady was about five-feet two inches, and if she weighed one hundred pounds she was lucky. The young man on the other hand who measured five-feet five inches tipped the scale at one hundred and
twenty-five pounds. In both cases, the human body never looked so good.
They invited us to the evening Cabaret show which starts at 9.30 pm.
Upon completion of dinner, we walked towards the main lobby, only to meet more entertainers displaying smiles and costumes as we walked up the main staircase. Please come to our show – KC and I looked at each other, and nodded, we will be there!
The show takes place in the main auditorium over the spa. We had one hour to kill, so we headed towards the Lobby Bar for a drink. A father and his daughter were playing music at the entrance steps, which made our stay pleasant.
We notice people moving towards the hall so without delay we danced our way over.
What a wonderful surprise, the hall was already dressed Las Vagas style with purples, dark blues, and streaming coloured lights including white. The next surprise was the table and chairs, draped in white, they were set for couples, and we had our own waitress supplying us with drinks at the snap of a finger or is that a nod/wave.
The music got louder curtains opened, and out came four female and three male dancers what a sight for sore eyes, this my dear friends is entertainment. Now we’re talking Bali! – Now we see why they are perfectly trimmed!
It was without a doubt a non-stop powerful exhibition of hard driving manouvers that would make your rinse cycle slow compared to this show. During the performance, some jumped and split their leg’s six feet off the stage. They certainly must rehearse, I just can’t see how they could perform with such precision, without missing a connection – definite high octane show.
We went to the next show – would not miss it for the world.
September 26th, 2004 - Our first tour involved The Magic of Northern Bali.
First we take you inland to the most scenic area of Pupuan and Antosan, the morning light is ideal for taking pictures of the unique rice terraces. After passing through the florid fields where also coffee, cacao and lots of fruits grow, we are descending to the north coast. Lovina Beach, the quiet and nice black sand beach Area is our next stop. There will be an opportunity for lunch (optional). After a relaxing break we continue this total 230-km route winding up the mountain and offering magnificent views until About 1,200 meters above sea level where striking panorama is revealed. Passing by Lake Buyan and Tamblingan allow you the view onto an area habitat for many species of bords, trees and flowers unseen anywhere else on the island. We stop at Bedugul to visit Lake Bratan with the floating Temple of Ulun Danu, which is dedicated to the goddess of water, dwelling around the area. A bit further, we stop at the local flower – and Fruit Market, a good opportunity to get some tropical fruits fresh from the farmers. It’s a long day driving across Bali, but it’s worth to discover the heart of Bali’s nature.
September 27th, 2004 – The Beauty of Kintamani ( Full day)
Bali is famous for its traditional dances. One of them is the Barong & Kris Dance. Our first stop on this tour is to enjoy the skillful Balinese dancers before we continue to visit talented Balinese Artist: a woodcarver at the village Mas, in this traditional workshop. The journey proceeds to Kintamani to view on the beautiful
Lake Batur and the active Mount Batur Volcano. Opportunity for lunch with an excellent view. Next destination is Tampaksiring, “ The Fountain of Youth” and Holy Spring.
We did visit Bali at the right time, considering that the peak season is July-August. Christmas and New Years prices are higher with an increase in tourism.
The rainy season is October-April but only in burst’s. Heat and Humidity is greater during February and March.
Once outside the resort, you learn very quickly who controls the roads. Mopeds, Scooters, and Motorcycles. No signage, few policeman, and total chaos. What did impress me, was the courtesy, no road rage as we know it, a simple touch of your horn, and you can cut a person off. Two Bike accident while driving the roads of Bali, and in one case, the ambulance was nothing special – it looked more like an open mini-truck with a bunch men on their way to a job site? They also drive as Britains do. A nice touch on this vacation is the way we get transported from one place to another, always on time. It’s a great way to see the city and country side. We are always brought to a central point to join others on tour.
There are small cars, and trucks but not as many – what you see are “Tour” vehicles of every size and they can manouver as well as the bikes. Street are small, if there is a medium, think of a sandwich. Openings are staggered, and you must be wide awake, otherwise, a bike will dart in and out like Groundhog in heat. If a big truck comes along, the bus must move aside. As for sidewalks, again small. Unlike Singapore, the streets, sidewalks, and especially the gully’s are dirty. Littering needs to be addressed.
Pedestrians must be alert at all times. Then you have stray dog’s, some in pairs roam the streets. For me its confusing, but no doubt Balinese people are very comfortable with their situation.
$ 1.00 CDN. Canadian Dollar = 7,303.78 IDR, Indonesian Rupiah
They pick up your laundry in the morning, and when you return at
5.00 pm it’s in your closet. Excellent! If you wish more bottled water,
just ask, and its in your bar-fridge. You want a snack at 11.00 pm, why
not.
The resort has an Italian restaurant – a-la-carte, but nothing special.
Our Stop at Lovina proved once again that Bali food is consistant, we enjoyed a nice buffet dinner with the local beer. From our advantage, we overlooked the Bali Sea, and the black sandy Beach. Some fifty feet away there was a wall, then the ocean. Some of the guests at this hotel were sunning, and then all of a sudden, we started to see a display of artisan products being tossed across the concrete barrier including Serongs. The artisans are not allowed to approach us, so they use this technique of displaying their goods, and if they can catch our attention, flash signs at us – like two fingers for two dollars. After our lunch we did saunter over, but only to check the dark sand, and look at the sea without showing interest in their products. Cost for lunch $ 106,000 Rupiah’s….
The Rice Terraces is something special, we see them throughout this hike. They are built at different elevations in order to take full value of water distributions – The shack in the middle of the fields are rest area, where wives brings lunch to husband each day. We were introduced to fruit trees and other produce they consume. It’s a family affair.
At one point we were held up at least one hour – Balinese people are very religious. Over 90 % of the population is Hindu with the minority made up of Muslins, Buddhist, and Christians. The main reason for 20,000 temples and shrines.
Each town celebrates with offerings and a parade – well we got caught up in one, and thank God, because our one-hour delay was worth the wait. KC and I got out of our mini-bus, and began snapping pictures. They loved avery minute of attention, and smiles could not be broader, and the kids began to play and hug each other as you will see in the photo’s. The police officer’s also got into the act, almost coaxing me to take more pictures. I asked how many people were walking, he replied the whole town 5,000 – great stuff. There was one boy who followed our mini-van, possibly 12 years old, and he kept smilling into our mini-bus, I can only assume that he was happy with us, since we showed interest in his culture. He walked along side for the whole parade. As we looked at these beautiful people, a sea of yellow and white representing “Good and Evil” was predominant. Compared to Western churchgoing, celebrations in Bali are very casual; Women gossip, children play, and dogs wander temple grounds freely, snacking on offerings. A priest chants, people pray and then get up, and others take their places.
Our temple visit is without a doubt our best experience of Balinese people.
We were among few western people. We did get some looks from the young adult generation, but no more than our curiosity. Our tour guide lead us away from the temple, through a well organized flea market, and then to our mini-bus – it was night and day, we were pounced on, by the real pore people, who shoved banana’s at us, another a beautiful chess set, and would not let up, even after we got into our vehicle, they pushed, and hugged our mini-bus hoping we would get out and buy. We were informed not to take anything or we have to pay. The lady who followed me, must have been 70 years old, she was tiny, no teeth, with lines about her face, resembling a road map.
We did venture from our resort – first using the resorts limo service, and we took a taxi back. Cost – peanuts. The shopping mall, had a few shops open, but most were locked. High end clothes, but very few people to purchase. Terrorism I guess.
The flea market next to our resort was special, all the owners were related or at least it seemed that way. Kiosks that was empty one minute, saw a person jump from another kiosk in your face the next minute. We also found out that “Jimmy” the watchman was related to the watch lady at one of the kiosks.
We purchased a painting, which will be displayed in our playroom.
Our next venture placed us at the Spa – wake up your sense, find a map, and make sure it’s a door you go through. We followed the signs, walked down the stairs onto flat rocks surrounded by water, but for some reason I could not find the door, yet, if we continue walking, we will hit a wall or get our feet wet? What I thought was a mirror, was actually a small door.
Into the Melia Banoa’s caverns we go. The deal is for KC to get a manicure, and a message along with me at 3.00 pm. All of a sudden the place is buzzing, we are the only customers, and we are getting bids on our bodies. The manager, and two young ladies are available now for the message, would we like to start now rather me come back later – it’s a deal.
I’m starting to get the impression that we are in Fred Flinstones house with so much concrete around us. A wonderful aroma surrounds our nostrils as I peruse the different rooms. Fantastic idea, with great music to boot. They have a room for one, and for two. The rooms have inviting beds with a hole at the head, a pale of water to look at with rose scented petals.
My girl is 108 lbs, while KC’s girl touches 100 lbs. if she’s lucky.
Off we go, the oils is spread, and the war of messaging the kinks out begins at our feet. My girl is one tough cookie, because she is penetrating my foot dead center, and it hurts. Finally, moves to my calf, and I think she found a wash-board, because its seems like I have sand dunes, and it’s hurting more than my feet. But, I’m a guy right, and you can’t show pain right. I’m sure she’s using her knuckles or a blunt tool. The music is great, and all along I’m wondering where does she find that power for such a small person. I did think, that since my face is in this hole, there could be a guy up there? So I peeked, and sure enough it was her. Now I hear KC scream, that hurts. I felt so much better, knowing that there is a technique for hurting bigger people.
The rest of the body was pure pleasure, no hurting, just a smooth manipulation of skin, so nice that you are falling asleep, and then she say’s turn over sir. So business like. One hour later, and $ 78.00 US, and we are new people. Would you like to come back tomorrow, the manager suggest -20 % off. Too late sir, tomorrow were on a plane to Hhong Kong.
We have a perfect time for our departure from Bali for our final leg
“HONG KONG”, and it goes without saying that this is a dream city.
Our mini-bus to the airport is about to arrive at 12 noon. Our bag’s a bit heavier, and we expect a punctual mini-bus to show on time as they have throughout this vacation. Sure enough, we see our bus arriving and with Madi in the passenger seat. This would be our second time with Madi, who attended school to become a tour guide. He is 38 years old, married with two children. He spends his free time raising “Fighting Cocks”. He is a small man and extremely relaxed.
It takes approx. 40 minutes to reach the airport, and we find his company enjoyable and educational. Our flight is set for 3.55pm, with Cathay Pacific. All but 40 passengers filled the Air-bus A340-300 which has a capacity of 350 plus crew. The five hour flight is smooth into Hong Kong International Airport – no problem at customs, and now we follow the mass towards the conveyors belt, and our luggage. It took a bit longer than normal to retrieve our luggage, but fun anyhow. Next step Look for the tour guide with sign, and there he is with Carlson-Pichette. As we approach him, he is all smiles, and begins to blab away one hundred miles per hour – Put this badge on, sit over there, and a guide will pick you up in 45 minutes and deliver you to your hotel. Here is your Octopus card, and we would appreciate it if you would return the card before leaving for Canada. Value of the card is $ 100.00, and we ultimately added another
$ 50.00. This was our way of getting around on public transportation. By this time we are tired, but extremely happy to be in the “Live it! Love it” City.
Finally we literally walked the concourse of Hong Kong International Airport towards a depot, the meeting place for hotel drop-offs. We are excited, now because we are about to see Hong Kong for the first time, the adranalin pumps you up even though your tired. The bus is traveling much faster than in Bali, it’s night time with city lights displaying for example the harbour, as we approach Tsing Ma Bridge, a span bridge.
What we did not expect was the hotel reception, we could see neon’s flashing Marco Polo Hotel, and sure enough it stops at Marco Polo Gateway Hotel. A huge complex with bright light facing the water, - Honk Kong only eight minutes away by boat. The bell boy is waiting, and before you know it, he has our luggage in tow, the doorman opens the door, and off we go towards the lobby. We could feel the pulse of Hong Kong, and we just arrived.
We are greeted by Gabriel, he is a transplanted Torontonian Chinese young man, and he is happy to see us. We are even up-gradded for $ 20.00 CDN, and we have a perfect view of the harbour, and the city of Hong Kong to boot. Our luggage was delivered to room 1306. Up the elevator we go, mirrors, chrome handles, dark oak wood, and far more superior that we anticipated. Our room, just outstanding, as we open the drapes and see the Harbour, the buzz is just too much for us, so without wasting a minutes, off we go to the streets, it’s Christmas in October. Glittering lights everywhere, people flowing, cars, bus, and we are in awe! We can now add Hong Kong to our major cities visited. Our eyes are tired from trying to absorb everything, we see a small but organized 7/11 store. Its jammed with customer even though its 11.30 p.m. We decide to pick up a few things before going back to the room. For $ 7.00 CDN. We got two drinks, a bag of chips, two litters of water and a dessert. Party time at 1306 Canton Road, Hong Kong.
We have a great picture of our room, but what was most interesting was the “Pillows”, the one at the headrest was twice the size of the smaller one, and the smaller one was twice the size of our standard pillow back home, talk about cushion support. Our blanket was more like a “Duvet” blanket in one. It goes without saying that our room complemented everything about our stay. A great city, a nice hotel, and a wonderful room to rest and recover to plan another day in Asia.
October 2nd, 2004 – We have a tour booked – In the morning we take a ride up top Victoria Peak, and then visit Repulse Bay before stopping at the famous fishing village of Aberdeen for a chance to ride in a “Sampan”. Next to Stanley Market and the prestigious jewelry factory before heading back to our hotel. In the evening, we have a Sunset Cruise with unlimited drinks from the open bar on board the authentic Junk as she sails within the Victoria Harbour along Causeway
Bay, North Point, Lei Yue Mun Village. Watch the worlds greatest view turn into the world’s greatest light show! Having done this tour on the weekend saved us many hours from being tied up a weekday traffic jam.
As we return towards the pier, we can see all the major bldg’s turning into different colours of the rainbow, when all of a sudden, fireworks begin from the very top of each bldg and lasting thirty minutes. The ooh’s and aah’s from an appreciative crowd was a great way to end our cruise on Victoria Harbour.
The show could also be seen from our window at the hotel.
Getting on the “Junket” is not an easy task, because the waves from the water traffic creates a “Bob & Weave” reaction. So its imperative that the worker and passenger are on the same wave length not to mention being fleet afoot.
Although the Junket seats 260 passsengers, on this night only 100 were on board. Once beyond this stage, it open bar, and meet new people. At this point you should say to yourself, I wonder how some who enjoy the drink got off?
Finding a good seat on the railing is best, you face the shore where all the action is. Then you bet if that water taxi will hit the other coming across. The evening is cloudy with a slight breeze, so it’s a bit cool in the wind even though its twenty-two degrees.
Seven million people in Hong Kong, six million of them have cell-phones.
I was amazed to see that Bamboo is used in construction of bldg’s.
Trains very efficient.
Bus are a/c, and have television at the front.
Cars are very expensive, and so is parking them so if you do see cars in the city, it’s a high end model. Second hand models are cheaper. Taxi’s are Camry’s.
Our hotel was part of a major mall, and the shops are high end. Electronic products for instance are located on the same floor. Western style restaurant do exist, and are tucked away near the ends. Each floor has computer’s available for those searching for stores, business etc.
ATM machines not a problem.
Haggling does not exist at these shops, they will give a break, but were talking peanuts. Some shops will haggle at the flea Market, but were talking t-shirts.
Po Lin Monastery – Is located on Lantau Island, and we found out that it’s almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It would be the longest excursion on our own, using the MTR system. Armed with our “Octopus Card”, and the snap of our wrist we used a bus/train. Each time the Octopus card was scanned , we knew the cost of our trip and balance.
The metro stations are nice and clean. As you stand on the platform, there is a glass protector so that you can’t fall into the path of the on-coming train. So when the train arrives, and only then will both doors open. The seats are smaller. Chinese and English language is used to inform passengers. Arrows are placed at the entrance indicated position to get on or off.
Using the bus is well organized to a “T”, exact numbers are allowed to enter the bus for this trip. During the day when we are alone that is very much like back home. Except, that a bus has A/C, and a television. We noticed many passengers sleeping, so I presume it’s a custom.
After a good hour of traveling up the mountain, we managed to get a glimpse of the 202 ton Buddha. It’s huge of course at 26 metres high (85’). The big question on KC\’s mind was the 268 steps, there is an elelvator, right? Well we did manage to climb to the top, but unlike many Chinese we just rested at every second level, and watch the natives bow in his presence at each step.
To increase our excitement of traveling on our own, we decided to visit Stanley Market. The trip back was quicker of course as you descend down the mountain, but you still seek new scenes and even look for the Buddha, just in case he want’s to wave at us. We save ten minutes from the climb, and we are already on our metro car heading towards Stanley Market. Its during this ride that we noticed the “Commercial Harbour”, if you were to sleep for 20 minutes, when you wake, you still see the cranes, and containers.
This will be our second visit to Stanley Market – Located on the southern Coast area, they tell us it’s the most famous one in Hong Kong. Inexpensive clothing, sportswear, sweaters, and casual clothing, and silk blouses. Postcards of course, and novelties. The atmosphere gets you, and you are part of Hong Kong, although we see many westerners, the Chinese certainly come in droves.
Not every shop will haggle. What I found interesting at the close, was the amount of taxi’s that lined the market area, picking up fares. No horn blowing, just good mannared drivers trying to make a living.
We challenged our will for comfort by taking the #6 bus to the terminal, and one stop on the metro to our hotel. Talk about two tired people.
We can feel it’s our last night in Hong Kong – We are with the hundreds of Chinese people slowly wending our way towards whatever. We stop to see the sidewalk cookery, and wonder if it’s clean/healthy? We stop to listen to the shop keepers. The street is jammed with vehicles – but no horns. The red light at the corner brings everybody to halt with mostly taxis turning the corner and lining up with the remaining traffic. The neons signs are starting to invade the skyline above our heads even though its seven pm. We arrive at our hotel, and we say hi to Gabriele our new friend from Toronto who seems happy with our company. Next it’s off to the consierge, and ask the maitre’d, does he know a good Italian restaurant, sure thing he chirps out. Into his computer, and out pop’s “La Taverna” located on Ashley Road, minutes from here, and draws out the direction on the map – No matter how many times we asked for direction – a map would be drawn, and if need be, take us to the doorway and point towards direction!
La Taverna – After a brief rest, shower and all dickied up to paint the town, off we go with map in hand and no reservation. We want to be seated for 8.00 pm, so from our hotel it’s only a matter of a few streets, turning left on all occasions, and boom, La Taverna. But, we still have to absorb the charm of night life. From the time we leave our hotel to at least Ashley road, we are with the flow of humans – most are heading towards Victoria Harbour of course, while others seek out the bus terminal or the many metro stations along Nathan Street.
With some help we manage to find Ashley Road, now to find La Taverna Restaurant. To our left the streets continues on, but once we turned right a huge neon sign some 300 feet away display’s La Taverna Restaurant. Here in Canada such a sign would be above our business address. Hong Kong, signs are like tenticals reaching across the street. We can only presume that its because of the many businesses along that street. We once saw a sign for KFC, and McDonald plastered on the side of a bldg, but both restaurants indicated with an arrow that they were down the street.
With La Taverna in sight, we headed towards the cul-de-sac. The bldg in this area looked very much like the rag trade of Montreal. The closer we got to the end, the more crowded it became, even 40-50 motorcycles were parked in front of the restaurant. We walked around the bikes, and spotted the menu neatly placed on a barrel in front of the door. We were looking at the menu when the front door opened, a Caucasian man in his late fifties, (Giancarlo) quipped I hope your coming into my restaurant. Well, that was the plan and he clinched the deal because he did have an Italian accent, and the front door was inviting.
I say this for one reason, traveling offers experiences you would not get back home. History,time of construction, unusual entrances and most important athmosphere. In Carcassone for instance, we actually checked a restaurant twice before deciding to enter. The rest is history, what a wonderful dining experience.
First, let me tell you that the front door was tiny, dinner for one if you get my drift. Once inside we descend a few steps and seated three feet from the bar.
From our table, we can see red curtains on the front door, walls of white stucco, with arches separating us from the larger section. From the ceilings are hundreds upon hundreds of Chianti bottles. Nooks & cranny all along the walls are filled with souvenirs. The walls are adorned with with Oil paintings, plates, and souvenirs – I must not forget the horsesshoe for good luck! On this night we are the seventh couple to patronize the place. Three Britain’s were tucked into the corner, and having a ball – too much wine? Behind KC, it seemed like an interview was in progress between an Australian and an American. To my right three young Chinese ladies were enjoying some wine. I would only be guessing at the origin of the customer around the corner, but suffice it to say that we did
choose a nice restaurant. The theme was red & white, from our table linens to the waiters uniform.
Giancarlo came over to us and we ordered wine, and sparkling water for starters.
When he came back with the wine, he asked what country are we from?, Canada, we proudly echoed. That’s where I’m from, what you own the place? no, I just have some interest in this restaurant. He explained that he immigrated to Canada many years ago, and developed two restaurants in Huntsville, Ontario. Sold both restaurants, and now spends his day’s golfing, works during the evenings and travel on weekends. He will be back in Canada in 2006. So he does have a plan.
I want you to meet Albert, he became our waiter after a bit, because the place is buzzing now. From a distance I thought he was Italian, but once he got close I realized he was a partially deaf Chinese with a Frank Sinatra haircut. Standing at about five-feet six inches, he had a swagger of sorts, possibly due to his deafness, which made him lean to his left in order to understand.
Entrée, ministroni soupe and proscuioto Melon.
For dinner, Jock had Baked Lasagna with meat sauce and cheese.
KC chose the three pastas with three separate sauces - tomato & Garlic on one, Fetticiny Alfredo on the second, and Penne pesto.
Desert, we both had Capuccino & praline with infused tofffi.
We enjoyed a coffee, then Grand Marnier.
Albert was special, the type of waiter who makes you feel good and comfortable. We called Albert over and asked for a grand marnier, he came back all smiles with the bottle and his jigger. He must have enjoyed our company, because he did not rush the pouring. Meanwhile KC was having her own fun. KC was laughing at the cook filling his cup with on-tap beer and sipping it. The next time he came out, KC nodded, he’s there. As I looked he was lifting his cup to his lips, and sipping. Good fun. Where flying now, the Chinese girls are louder, two locals are downing a bottle of wine each, and Giancarlo’s golf buddy are cracking up. We catch Albert’s eye, another grand marnier, please. Within seconds he is back, and pouring our drinks, but this time, he double checks for the boss, and dumps more grand marnier into our glass – a classic impression of a classy waiter. We still have two stops before heading back to our hotel. Giancarlo came over to say good-by, and Albert nodded – a perfect evening in Hong Kong.
Off we go, skirting the motorcycles, and retracing our steps. We are two happy people, and about to grace the Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong’s most famous hotel. The front entrance has asemi-circle driveway, and a water fountain with lights glittering through droplets of water. The door man opens the door, and wishes us a “have a good evening”.
Music is softly messaging ears as we walk up a flight of stairs towards the wonderful sound of a five piece classical band. We browse the boutiques, and the prices equal the cost of coming back to the Orient or down under.
Back outside and we lose our way back to our hotel, not once but twice. Finally we do it right, and run into a “Rolex” watch salesman an Indian from Calcutta. Do you want a “Fake Rolex”, best price in town he claims. Can I see them? Follow me he says. After a few minutes, I asked where are these watches, just around the corner. Once there he says, it upstairs. No way Josee, forget the watches. We walk away and he follows. He begans yelling we are not Americans here, we don’t invade countries and shoot people! Why are you scared? I stop in my tracks, enough. He backed off.
Good night Hong Kong.
What a night – Early to rise, early to breakfast, and back to pack. We sat next to two Chine businessmen, and both are talking English? Our transfer is waiting and off to the airport.
Enjoy
Jock -
pichejovila@videotron.ca10,871 miles (16,035 km) and seven planes later, we are writing our journal.
