The boys are off to Burma...!
Dec 18th, 2012, 06:53 PM
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The boys are off to Burma...!
After almost a year of planning, we head out tomorrow for our long-anticipated trip to Singapore, Burma and Thailand. It seems surreal to think we'll be there in just a few days.
A bit of a crazy routing to our destination this time (no thanks to mileage tickets) but we board a plane to San Francisco tomorrow night, stay overnight at the SFO Hyatt; then we board a plane on Thursday morning for Beijing, have a 6 hour layover there (and a transit hotel and bed booked just in case we can't keep our eyes open) and then fly to Singapore from there. We arrive Saturday morning at 8 AM and hopefully have the wherewithal to see some of the city before we pass out in our lovely first home (the MO in Singapore.)
A long journey, for sure, but at least we have comfy business class seats, lots of books and a mix of decent airlines (United -- first time for us in their "new" business class & Singapore Air -- which, after many years of trying to fly, I finally get to tell our good friend Robert Mackintosh that I've experienced!)
Admittedly, I have mixed feelings about doing a live trip report this time. We've been dreaming of going to Burma for--literally--years. I plan to take as many notes as I can and hopefully write something up when I get back, but think I'll be limited my on-the-road updates to Facebook posts/pics this time (to let the family and friends know we're alive.) For once, I look forward to really unplugging and sopping up every single minute of being there.
Just wanted to give a special shout-out and thank you to Kathie, smeagol, Hanuman, 520 and so many others of you for your help with planning this trip. I am supremely grateful!
I'm sure much is changing in Burma by the minute--and, at the very least, I'll return with the most current information I can provide for future Fodors travelers.
Onwards we tread...let the adventure commence!
A bit of a crazy routing to our destination this time (no thanks to mileage tickets) but we board a plane to San Francisco tomorrow night, stay overnight at the SFO Hyatt; then we board a plane on Thursday morning for Beijing, have a 6 hour layover there (and a transit hotel and bed booked just in case we can't keep our eyes open) and then fly to Singapore from there. We arrive Saturday morning at 8 AM and hopefully have the wherewithal to see some of the city before we pass out in our lovely first home (the MO in Singapore.)
A long journey, for sure, but at least we have comfy business class seats, lots of books and a mix of decent airlines (United -- first time for us in their "new" business class & Singapore Air -- which, after many years of trying to fly, I finally get to tell our good friend Robert Mackintosh that I've experienced!)
Admittedly, I have mixed feelings about doing a live trip report this time. We've been dreaming of going to Burma for--literally--years. I plan to take as many notes as I can and hopefully write something up when I get back, but think I'll be limited my on-the-road updates to Facebook posts/pics this time (to let the family and friends know we're alive.) For once, I look forward to really unplugging and sopping up every single minute of being there.
Just wanted to give a special shout-out and thank you to Kathie, smeagol, Hanuman, 520 and so many others of you for your help with planning this trip. I am supremely grateful!
I'm sure much is changing in Burma by the minute--and, at the very least, I'll return with the most current information I can provide for future Fodors travelers.
Onwards we tread...let the adventure commence!
Dec 19th, 2012, 01:39 AM
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Have a great time. You may wind up in that transit hotel at PEK as the lounge there is nothing to write home about. Speaking of which, don't stress about posting while traveling. I am sure we can wait for your comprehensive TR until after you return. As far as Asian countries go, the two you have picked this time have so little in common. I know you will appreciate the contrast. Safe travels.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 09:06 PM
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>>>A long journey, for sure, but at least we have comfy business class seats, lots of books and a mix of decent airlines (United -- first time for us in their "new" business class & Singapore Air -- which, after many years of trying to fly, I finally get to tell our good friend Robert Mackintosh that I've experienced!)<<<
What a fine way to holiday: flying up front with those sensational Singapore Girls!
Now, warm greetings FW and congratulations on what appears to be a rather joyous start to your latest adventure. Do hope those gracious crews treated you kindly on your SQ flight to our fine home of Singapore. I am very happy for you and look forward to your reports.
In light of your SIA flight, particularly pleased to send this missive to you and all from a fine Sunday afternoon at SQ's SilverKris Lounge at HKG; soon to fly home to SIN for the holiday.
(And, wish to extend thanks to another esteemed Fodorite, Cicerone, for her extensive Hong Kong restaurant recommendations. After meetings concluded on Friday, the past two pleasure days have included some delightful dining with friends and family. More to follow, along with overdue updates on the Island Shangri-La and Peninsula; love Hong Kong.)
Savour your times, Bill, and best holiday wishes to you and all,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
What a fine way to holiday: flying up front with those sensational Singapore Girls!
Now, warm greetings FW and congratulations on what appears to be a rather joyous start to your latest adventure. Do hope those gracious crews treated you kindly on your SQ flight to our fine home of Singapore. I am very happy for you and look forward to your reports.
In light of your SIA flight, particularly pleased to send this missive to you and all from a fine Sunday afternoon at SQ's SilverKris Lounge at HKG; soon to fly home to SIN for the holiday.
(And, wish to extend thanks to another esteemed Fodorite, Cicerone, for her extensive Hong Kong restaurant recommendations. After meetings concluded on Friday, the past two pleasure days have included some delightful dining with friends and family. More to follow, along with overdue updates on the Island Shangri-La and Peninsula; love Hong Kong.)
Savour your times, Bill, and best holiday wishes to you and all,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Dec 23rd, 2012, 06:11 AM
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We're just back (last night) from our month long trip--24 days in Burma and almost five in HK. Assume that after your long and winding journey there, you're now in Burma to begin a wonderful adventure. We loved our time there, didn't have reliable internet access for much of the time--and have to say it was wonderful not to be forever connected!
Look forward to hearing all about your trip when you return.
Minglabar!
Look forward to hearing all about your trip when you return.
Minglabar!
Dec 26th, 2012, 08:28 PM
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so glad to hear that Filmwill is okay; I know he was worried about flying KBZ and imagine that he still has a few flights to go in his itinerary, so hope that the Air Bagan accident hasn't made him too anxious. It's exactly a month ago that we were on a KBZ flight to Heho--it went without incident.
Kathie, I'll try to post something abour our trip, but don't think I'll be able to do a full and detailed report. Am still combating jet lag-and came back to piles and piles of mail--and work!! The price one pays for an extended vacation. We loved Burma, Pandaw cruise, and Hong Kong. It was a great balance of experiences.
Will try to hit the high--and lows--before too long.
Kathie, I'll try to post something abour our trip, but don't think I'll be able to do a full and detailed report. Am still combating jet lag-and came back to piles and piles of mail--and work!! The price one pays for an extended vacation. We loved Burma, Pandaw cruise, and Hong Kong. It was a great balance of experiences.
Will try to hit the high--and lows--before too long.
