Many Visits to SEA ~~ First Report
Oct 13th, 2011, 05:08 AM
#41
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Sandra, so glad you enjoyed Doi Inthanon! Yes, the gardens are gorgeous. You don't mention the highest point in Thailand and the nearby waterfall... yes? No? They were also nice (but not gorgeous). And I agree that buying something after you've just seen it being made is special.
Have a good time in Singapore. I hope to get back there sometime soon. It is clean and green!
BKK, here I come, Monday morning! (arriving Tues night)
Carol
Have a good time in Singapore. I hope to get back there sometime soon. It is clean and green!
BKK, here I come, Monday morning! (arriving Tues night)
Carol
Oct 14th, 2011, 04:03 PM
#42
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We are in Singapore for the next few days. The Silk flight yesterday was very nice and the food was good. And the people were so nice and helpful. A group of Singaporeans sat down next to us in the CM airport and they were delighted to share "their" Singapore with us. Come to find out one of the ladies was a tour guide, and was most helpful. She even stopped us in the Singapore airport and helped us find exactly where we needed to be. It is such an easy airport to navigate. Our seat partner was a younger Singaporean, had lived in the US, and looked out for us until we found the taxis. Even the Silk attendants stopped us in the airport to see if there was anything they could do. I have said so many times that our travels are made up of meeting so many interesting people, and this venture into Singapore was no exception.
The InterContinental here is quite different from any other we have visited. It is beautiful and very vibrant. As soon as I catch my breath (and my wits) we will begin our adventures in Singapore. More on this as the days go by.
Time to get out and about, so saving any other reviews, comments, etc. until later.
Make it a great day, everyone!
Sandra
The InterContinental here is quite different from any other we have visited. It is beautiful and very vibrant. As soon as I catch my breath (and my wits) we will begin our adventures in Singapore. More on this as the days go by.
Time to get out and about, so saving any other reviews, comments, etc. until later.
Make it a great day, everyone!
Sandra
Oct 14th, 2011, 05:21 PM
#43
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I do hope you two enjoy Singapore. The IC is a very nice hotel. Are you able to go into the Club Lounge there? That is a really nice plus, if you can. B'fast, and canapes and drinks in the early evening!!
Anxious to get your report on this part of your trip.
See you next week.
Anxious to get your report on this part of your trip.
See you next week.
Oct 14th, 2011, 08:04 PM
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we loved the hop on hop off bus and there is a stop directly across the street from the side door of your hotel... their boat trip on the river is fun and gives a great view of the water areas...
Oct 15th, 2011, 02:20 AM
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We took the hop-on hop-off bus today, but just stayed on the bus for the tour of the city. Now, at least, I have an idea of where everything is.
Carol: I did forget the waterfall and the highest point on my Doi Inthanon trip. I left the waterfall drenched, but it was beautiful. The highest point was really busy when we were there, but it was interesting. I can tell you lots more about it when I see you next week.
I am still looking forward to the GTG with whomever is able to make it. It will be fun no matter what.
Sandra
Carol: I did forget the waterfall and the highest point on my Doi Inthanon trip. I left the waterfall drenched, but it was beautiful. The highest point was really busy when we were there, but it was interesting. I can tell you lots more about it when I see you next week.
I am still looking forward to the GTG with whomever is able to make it. It will be fun no matter what.
Sandra
Oct 15th, 2011, 02:42 AM
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From Luxor: following along here, Sandra. Great stuff. It's also great to see you grow in confidence [writing-wise] - it's something I found when I first came in here: the support and interest was a great spur to better writing. I see it's happened to you too. Smooch from Karnak. I'm kinda busy and will soon be on the high seas in my sweet super-felucca - if the Nile can be called the high seas... just know that the dawg is hiding in your handbag, watching every move.
Oct 15th, 2011, 06:27 AM
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Hello dawg... nice to 'see' you here! Give us some tidbits here about your trip. I don't want to try to find you on the Africa forums...
Sandra, yes, the hop on hop off bus is a good deal. I, like you, did the full tour, but then I did a couple of stops on the second go-round. It was easy to do.
See you soon.
Carol
Sandra, yes, the hop on hop off bus is a good deal. I, like you, did the full tour, but then I did a couple of stops on the second go-round. It was easy to do.
See you soon.
Carol
Oct 15th, 2011, 04:09 PM
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Well, a long post was just deleted ~ argh-h-h-h! Guess I had better go get b'fast and wake up.
Besides, there should be more exciting and interesting things to report later.
Happy Days and Adventures! See you in Bangkok soon!
Sandra
Besides, there should be more exciting and interesting things to report later.
Happy Days and Adventures! See you in Bangkok soon!
Sandra
Oct 15th, 2011, 05:00 PM
#51
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Let's try this again after a shower and a semblence of awakeness. I keep backtracking on our trip because I forget certain things until one of you reminds me ~~ thanks. The CM snake show wasn't too bad ~~ and I am definitely NOT a fan of "nakes" as my grandson used to day. I did learn, too , that they can't see directly ahead, only to the sides. So, the day wasn't completely wasted! I get excited about all animals and things of nature ~~ except "nakes."
Dawg, your comments mean more than you can realize. This isn't my first attempt at writing. I did some in my professional capacity, but somehow always managed to receive a rejection letter. One of these days I will let you all in on the reasons, but not now. Looking back they were absolutely true ~~ and funny, as I look in the rearview mirror. Hope Egypt is being good to you, but know that we will all miss you in Bangkok this year!!!!!!
Craig, yes, the IC is very nice. It is partly due to yours and Jeane's report that we are here. BTW, my name is also Jeane, with a second "n" ~~ Jeanne. You don't find too many of us with the extra 'N' and "e." We are really enjoying the b'fast and the evening "appetizers" (really a full meal) in the CL. Saves a lot on food!
Carol, will Dr. Jack be in Bangkok next week, or has he already left? I hope we get to see him again. What a fascinating gentleman!
I am so glad that DH travels with me. He is the "tour guide" and plans our time outside the hotel. I am not adventurous on my own, but love doing things that others plan. I remember one time in Madrid that I was alone with two of our daughters, and we spent the first two or three days in our hotel room because I was afraid to get out. Then, gently, we eased out ~~ and had a wonderful time. I have grown in this aspect thru' the years, but not much. I am still somewhat apprehensious about the unknown. Thanks to all my travel friends, however, I am getting better. Here's to Fodorites!!!!
Today is probaby going to be an easy day, with a visit to the Night Safari this evening. This is a must for me!!!!
DH is ready, so I will close now and enjoy b'fast at the IC.
Again, dear Fodorite friends, make today the best that you can.
Sandra
Dawg, your comments mean more than you can realize. This isn't my first attempt at writing. I did some in my professional capacity, but somehow always managed to receive a rejection letter. One of these days I will let you all in on the reasons, but not now. Looking back they were absolutely true ~~ and funny, as I look in the rearview mirror. Hope Egypt is being good to you, but know that we will all miss you in Bangkok this year!!!!!!
Craig, yes, the IC is very nice. It is partly due to yours and Jeane's report that we are here. BTW, my name is also Jeane, with a second "n" ~~ Jeanne. You don't find too many of us with the extra 'N' and "e." We are really enjoying the b'fast and the evening "appetizers" (really a full meal) in the CL. Saves a lot on food!
Carol, will Dr. Jack be in Bangkok next week, or has he already left? I hope we get to see him again. What a fascinating gentleman!
I am so glad that DH travels with me. He is the "tour guide" and plans our time outside the hotel. I am not adventurous on my own, but love doing things that others plan. I remember one time in Madrid that I was alone with two of our daughters, and we spent the first two or three days in our hotel room because I was afraid to get out. Then, gently, we eased out ~~ and had a wonderful time. I have grown in this aspect thru' the years, but not much. I am still somewhat apprehensious about the unknown. Thanks to all my travel friends, however, I am getting better. Here's to Fodorites!!!!
Today is probaby going to be an easy day, with a visit to the Night Safari this evening. This is a must for me!!!!
DH is ready, so I will close now and enjoy b'fast at the IC.
Again, dear Fodorite friends, make today the best that you can.
Sandra
Oct 15th, 2011, 05:21 PM
#52
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Hi Sandra,
Yes, Dr Jack will be in BKK. He leaves after I head back home, so no problem getting to visit with him again, I would think. Maybe I can get him to come to Maeng's when we have our GTG. Karen would find him interesting, since she is a retired nurse.
I didn't do the night safari, but really did enjoy the zoo!! If you have time, you should try to get there. The orangs have a great enclosure. I think they are the coolest animals.
Enjoy your day.
Yes, Dr Jack will be in BKK. He leaves after I head back home, so no problem getting to visit with him again, I would think. Maybe I can get him to come to Maeng's when we have our GTG. Karen would find him interesting, since she is a retired nurse.
I didn't do the night safari, but really did enjoy the zoo!! If you have time, you should try to get there. The orangs have a great enclosure. I think they are the coolest animals.
Enjoy your day.
Nov 9th, 2011, 09:48 AM
#53
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Well, it has been almost a month since the last report, and we are back in the US. After Chiang Mai it was hard for me to describe anything else that meant so much to DH and me.
The Silk flight from Chiang Mai to Singapore was as good as anything we could have wanted. There weren't any complaints about Silk, and other airlines should take notice. Of course, the fact that it is a part of Singapore Airlines doesn't hurt!!!!!!
We splurged and stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, and even though it was totally different from the Chedi in Chiang Mai, it was an awesome week spent there. Again, we opted for the Club (concierge) Lounge and believe me ~~ food was always available. We started the day with such a wonderful b'fast buffet ~~ I got really spoiled with brie for every meal ~~ but then there was coffee, tea and soft drinks all day, with High Tea in the afternoon. I am still drooling just thinking of the scones with whipped cream and jam!!! Um-m-m-m! High Tea was barely over before evening cocktails and hor d'erves were served. This was also a buffet, and made a wonderful evening meal. Again, brie!
The InterContinental is an "old-world" hotel that is exquisite. It fits the Singapore environment perfectly. So far as Singapore was concerned, we made two bus trips around the city. The busses were clean and efficient, and well worth the costs. We were content just to sit back and watch the Singapore world go by. One night we took a tour to the Night Safari, which was somewhat disappointing. First of all, it was very crowded at the Safari Park, even though the lines moved rather quickly. And secondly, it was difficult to see the animals in their habitats. There seemed to me to be an over-abundance of different types of deer, and not enough of the larger animals. Oh, well!
We can't say enough good things about the infrastructure of Singapore. It is such a clean, well-run city that one can't help but enjoy it.
After six days here, however, we went back to Bangkok for several days before flying home. Since we have been to Bangkok on numerous occassions, and since I am not a "shopper" our time there was very calm. We had dinner the first night there with simpsonc510 and the rhkkmks, and watched it rain while we enjoyed a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant ~~ Monsoon. Because of the floods our plans for the next several days were canceled, with hopes of resuming them in the future. These were shopping trips for the orphanage in Kanchanaburi, and delivery of these items to them. This will be a memorial to GPanda in the future.
We experienced Indian food at the Rembrandt Hotel 25th floor Indian buffet. Thanks, rhkkmks, for introducting us to this delightful cuisine. This was a very pleasant experience for us.
However, with all the flooding and devastation surrounding Bangkok while we were there, I will not dwell on the things that we did, and emphasize, instead, our concern for the Thais. This has been total devastation for many of them, and our hearts go out to them.
On our way to the airport, leaving at 3 AM that day, I watched 4 teenagers (13-15) playing kickball in a vacant lot. My first reaction was that they were out in the middle of the night; but, then, as I watched them and saw the smiles on their faces, and the fun they were having, it symbolized to me the stamina and perserverence of the Thais. They are resilient ~~ no matter what. Throughout devastation they are able to continue smiling! Thank you, Thailand, for teaching me a lesson!
Happy Adventures every day, wherever you may be Everyone!
Sandra
The Silk flight from Chiang Mai to Singapore was as good as anything we could have wanted. There weren't any complaints about Silk, and other airlines should take notice. Of course, the fact that it is a part of Singapore Airlines doesn't hurt!!!!!!
We splurged and stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, and even though it was totally different from the Chedi in Chiang Mai, it was an awesome week spent there. Again, we opted for the Club (concierge) Lounge and believe me ~~ food was always available. We started the day with such a wonderful b'fast buffet ~~ I got really spoiled with brie for every meal ~~ but then there was coffee, tea and soft drinks all day, with High Tea in the afternoon. I am still drooling just thinking of the scones with whipped cream and jam!!! Um-m-m-m! High Tea was barely over before evening cocktails and hor d'erves were served. This was also a buffet, and made a wonderful evening meal. Again, brie!
The InterContinental is an "old-world" hotel that is exquisite. It fits the Singapore environment perfectly. So far as Singapore was concerned, we made two bus trips around the city. The busses were clean and efficient, and well worth the costs. We were content just to sit back and watch the Singapore world go by. One night we took a tour to the Night Safari, which was somewhat disappointing. First of all, it was very crowded at the Safari Park, even though the lines moved rather quickly. And secondly, it was difficult to see the animals in their habitats. There seemed to me to be an over-abundance of different types of deer, and not enough of the larger animals. Oh, well!
We can't say enough good things about the infrastructure of Singapore. It is such a clean, well-run city that one can't help but enjoy it.
After six days here, however, we went back to Bangkok for several days before flying home. Since we have been to Bangkok on numerous occassions, and since I am not a "shopper" our time there was very calm. We had dinner the first night there with simpsonc510 and the rhkkmks, and watched it rain while we enjoyed a delicious meal at the hotel restaurant ~~ Monsoon. Because of the floods our plans for the next several days were canceled, with hopes of resuming them in the future. These were shopping trips for the orphanage in Kanchanaburi, and delivery of these items to them. This will be a memorial to GPanda in the future.
We experienced Indian food at the Rembrandt Hotel 25th floor Indian buffet. Thanks, rhkkmks, for introducting us to this delightful cuisine. This was a very pleasant experience for us.
However, with all the flooding and devastation surrounding Bangkok while we were there, I will not dwell on the things that we did, and emphasize, instead, our concern for the Thais. This has been total devastation for many of them, and our hearts go out to them.
On our way to the airport, leaving at 3 AM that day, I watched 4 teenagers (13-15) playing kickball in a vacant lot. My first reaction was that they were out in the middle of the night; but, then, as I watched them and saw the smiles on their faces, and the fun they were having, it symbolized to me the stamina and perserverence of the Thais. They are resilient ~~ no matter what. Throughout devastation they are able to continue smiling! Thank you, Thailand, for teaching me a lesson!
Happy Adventures every day, wherever you may be Everyone!
Sandra
Nov 9th, 2011, 06:40 PM
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sandra, we loved spending time with you two and getting to know you a bit...
please plan to come to the boston GTG, probably on columbus day weekend, oct, 2012.... AND then follow that with our shopping for the orphanage in thailand in november...
B&K from kathmandu
please plan to come to the boston GTG, probably on columbus day weekend, oct, 2012.... AND then follow that with our shopping for the orphanage in thailand in november...
B&K from kathmandu
Nov 27th, 2011, 06:19 AM
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>>>Robert: You are right on all accounts, and we will be flying SQ again between Singapore and Bangkok. DH is still talking about those 'Singapore Girls' on our last year's trip from IAH. Would do the SQ61/62 flight again and again except for the 33+ hrs. What a great airline!<<<
Warm greetings again Sandra!
Just catching up with this truly wonderful trip report of yours. You are a gifted writer; a pleasure to savour your thoughts. Glad you and your husband enjoy flying that sensational Singaporean airline; no complaints from me over the years. Stay abreast of future offers via the always evolving singaporeair website.
Hope you return soon to our fine home of Singapore. (And should you ever decide to fly to Asia out of our other home/work base of San Francisco, SQ has some fine flights to get you there in good comfort.)
A healthy and joyous holiday season to you Sandra and to your husband. Should various meeting schedules hold, I'll soon be raising a toast to you and others from an all-time cherished Bangkok riverside hotel.
Thanks again and keep on flying,
robert
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Warm greetings again Sandra!
Just catching up with this truly wonderful trip report of yours. You are a gifted writer; a pleasure to savour your thoughts. Glad you and your husband enjoy flying that sensational Singaporean airline; no complaints from me over the years. Stay abreast of future offers via the always evolving singaporeair website.
Hope you return soon to our fine home of Singapore. (And should you ever decide to fly to Asia out of our other home/work base of San Francisco, SQ has some fine flights to get you there in good comfort.)
A healthy and joyous holiday season to you Sandra and to your husband. Should various meeting schedules hold, I'll soon be raising a toast to you and others from an all-time cherished Bangkok riverside hotel.
Thanks again and keep on flying,
robert
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Nov 28th, 2011, 07:10 AM
#56
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Thanks for your comments and support, RM. We are already checking the SQ flights for late 2012 -- going somewhere, just haven't decided where! I would like to upgrade, but so far haven't spent "indepth" time on the website to figure out how.
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Sandra
Happy Holidays, Everyone!
Sandra
Nov 28th, 2011, 12:08 PM
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Richard asked me to tell you that he has really enjoyed hearing about your trip, and you will be able to answer any and all questions he may have about India. His final statement was "And now I don't have to go!" 55555
Look forward to hearing from you and Karen when you get home.
S
Look forward to hearing from you and Karen when you get home.
S
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