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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure
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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure

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    Heading up north

    27 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I have a little mission to go and see a condo today, and although I wasn't sure about taking the bike up there I've woken up a lot more confident this morning(or more stupid). As I'm eating my breakfast 2 lads and a girl come into the restaurant one guy is out of it and lies down on one of the coaches his feet in the air which is the ultimate insult and as the waitress asks him to sit up she can't even wake him. I intervene and get chatting to the other two. They are Russian . The girl sophia is lovely and asks me to stay and talk but i have things to do so arrange to meet her tonight for the beach exercise. set off. Its 39km each way and Google maps says it will take me an hour but I will take it easy and have a couple of stops to break the journey up. It's only 930am and the roads are relatively empty I enjoy the scenery along the coastal road and even see elephants although I believe they are part of a show here so don't stop as I won't encourage things like that. Before too long I'm on the highway and the traffic is much busier but I poodle along keeping a constant eye on my mirrors. There are 3 things I've learnt today. When you see people with long sleeves on its to protect them from the sun , as I'm cruising along at 40kmh it doesn't feel that hot but when you stop at traffic lights you burn to a crisp. Always carry something to cover tge seat with as even parked up to refuel you burn your arse if you don't, and lastly 39km is a long way to ride on a rev up and go. Somehow on route back I miss my turn and end up coming the whole way back on the motorway, but I'm back in one piece and that's all that matters. I finish my day with the a workout on the beach and buying my Phi saw (bid sister) a drink to thank her for her help.Leggi altro

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    Motor bike madness

    26 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    I've plucked up the courage to hire a bike today. And after checking it over hand over my passport. I don't know whether I feel more nervous at that or the trepidation that I haven't ridden in years and the roads here are crazy. I take it nice and slowly ( no more than 30km an hour) the only thing i overtake is parked vehicles and after 30 mins arrive at the beach. I hire a sunbed for £2 and stay there till early afternoon just sat under an umbrella, reading a book and dipping in and out of the sea. I'm astonished when a group of Russians turn up and they go topless as its illegal here, so obviously haven't done their homework or blatantly dont respect the rules. As I come to leave the beach there are a couple of nice restaurants just opposite and make my way over. I sit and giggle as they bye for the passing trade and the first restaurant is literally pulling people in and shouting the loudest seems to be a winning combination. I use my go pro on my helmet on the way back now I'm a little more accustomed to it and I have to stop for fuel on the way back and its dispensed from a pump machine that's older than I am and costs 80p to half fill the tank. The fuel is cheaper than the water here. I arrive back safe and sound and although I've enjoyed it I'm still nervous. It's the other crazy drivers that scare me . In the evening I walk along the front and see a dance fitness on the beach and would join in but I'm already dressed for the evening make a mental note for sundowners tomorrow. I head to my usual haunt for a few g & t's and start chatting to two ladies from Liverpool not only does she know pip (my aunt for those that don't know) but she lives in the same street omg it's a small world xLeggi altro

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    Getting things done

    25 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    My first check in today is to get my pcr check after that box is ticked I plan to leave Phuket on the 28th and today is my day after booking my accommodation and boat out of here I put some washing in and head to the post office with my excess baggage. It costs £40 to send home but my original plan of Korea and Japan which are cold at this time of year are definitely out of the window and it's ridiculous to carry the weight around for the next 10+ months so I pack them up and post them. I haven't done much exploring here so I also book to rent a bike tomorrow. Mike and bea have touched base so I arrange to meet them later in the evening. I love their company because even though they are young their spirit is free and I really embrace the fact they have the bravery to be travelling at times like these. We arrange to meet at 6.30 in our local. I arrive early and play jackpot with the girls in the bar. We have a couple of drinks in the various bars in walking street before an early night as they are catching a boat to phi phi at 730 in the morning. I have one last beer at my local before hitting the sack. Just as I'm about to leave my pcr comes back negative which means I'm free to move onLeggi altro

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    Thai traditions

    24 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I wake early and love this time of day as the beach is pretty much empty and gives me time for reflection I I make my way back to shower and sit by the pool for ten minutes to have a ciggie when the guy from reception starts pointing towards me then I realise its the other guy at the pool hes pointing to Iwhen he approaches he says to the guy you shouldn'tbe here youre covid positive. That's a problem here there is no adhering to the rules , like Singapore.
    Ive learnt a lot since being here about Thai do's and dont's and as a traveller I'm aware we just rock up in countries without any idea of how we could offend them. The bhudda is their icon of worship here and you should never touch one or pose for photos alongside them. They have various offerings to them from drinks and fruit and little carved ornaments of elephants also surround them. The elephant is Thailands national animal and although elephant rides and visits to Tiger kingdom are offered you would never see a Thai person here as they frown on the abuse of animals. Status is a huge thing here Age, family connections, job types, education, and income levels are all contributing factors to a person’s perceived status in society. A younger person should never stand above an elder person. The head is seen as the most spiritual part of the body and should never be touched even ruffling a child hair is a big no no, whereas the feet ar dirty an you should never cross your legs that your feet are pointed up or at anybody, even kicking a bag along the floor. Finally the Royal family are massively respected here so don't bad mouth them as you never know who's listening. Even putting a bank note in your back pocket and sitting on it is disrespectful. Following these guidelines I should be just fine.    Leggi altro

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    Easy day

    23 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I've promised to take things a little easier on myself today as I'm constantly pushing myself to do things and in this heat its exhausting. I have been recommended a little coffee shop and I'm delighted when they have caramel macchiato on the menu I go the full hog and have a pain aux raisin with it. I've also booked to have my nails done as yesterday I kicked a kerb whilst walking along the seafront not only splitting my big toe open but also taking all the shellac off two of my toes. Even though I've booked an appointment I wait over an hour to get seen but they are so efficient I'm not even bothered, I have to realise I'm on Thai time and I've still got over 10 months of travel left. I feel like a new woman with my nails done. I spend the rest of the day by the pool under an umbrella. After a shower and change I go to a little restaurant then head to watch the game in the Irish bar. The young lads at the pool Henry and James two 18 Yr old on a gap year recommended this place as I'd wanted to watch the game and shoot some pool and this place had all of that. Walking down Bangla road otherwise kn??rown as walking street is one of the main attractions in Patong its filled with gogo bars anrzd loud music and is the hub of nightlife here. It upsets me sometimes to see this blatant display of sexual prowess by such young girls but they all know what they're doing I guess. I walk the length of the street looking for the Irish bar and as I walk back realise I'd walked straight past it. I grab a table and double check they are showing the game and start chatting to a young couple Bea and Mike who are from Somerset and travelling for a year. Hallelujah someone as crazy as me. They tell me the bars are supposed to close at 9 but we get taken inside and while I watch the liverpool game Mike and Bea watch the Arsenal game at the other end of the bar. A Scottish guy comes in ( I know this cos he's in a kilt) and offers to buy me a drink and even though I refuse he buys me one anyway. He comes and sits by the bar and I try and keep conversation light and he keeps brushing his leg against me. The "mama" Of the bar isnt happy either as i think she has other plans for him and he I feel uncomfortable and head to the toilet telling Mike and bea the situation. After 5 mins bea comes and sits next to me and jock the cock soon loses interest. With a successful win the night ends well and I make my way home alone thank god.Leggi altro

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    Finding my feet

    22 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I venture out this morning to get a few essentials like a sim card and a bank and after walking and asking several people I eventually find the bank which even though it says open its Saturday and is obviously closed. They charge £2.20 to use the machines but I swallow the fee and take out £200 putting most in the safe and a little in my purse. Its so cheap here compared to Singapore although I miss my free coffee in the morning I enjoy eggs toast jam coffee and orange juice for £6 and that's in the beautiful beach bistro. I walk back along the beach which is stunning, (no imported sand here) and put down my stuff to take my dress off. I pick up my rucksack and continue along the beach only to reach the end to find I've no Flip flops. I must have put them down when I took my dress off so back along the beach I go and there they are. Back at the hotel I grab my towel and after a dip in the roof top pool head for an afternoon at the beach. I sit down on a chair and there are a couple next to me. The guy is like a lobster and I joke about it and the girl glares at me. I attempted again to make conversation and she walks away. At first it really upsets me but after a swim In the sea I come back and sit there just to irritate her. As I sit on the beach under the biggest tree for shade I relect back that this was one of the major areas hit on dec26th 2004 by the tsunami I'm amazed how this place has regrown from such devastation. I head for something to eat and there's only one thing for it pad Thai with a cocktail. I've promised to be easy on myself so take myself down to the beach again for sundowners hasn't taken me long to fall In love with Thailand again.Leggi altro

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    Im leaving on a jet plane

    21 gennaio 2022, Tailandia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    My flight is not till 5pm but to be sure I've got everything sorted I want to arrive early. Geraldine has offered to meet me for lunch and seeing as I didn't get much time to see the airport when I was there first time round I decide I will explore it a little more this time. We take lunch at a burger and shake place which is a refreshing change from Asian and I thoroughly enjoy it. We wander round the magnificent Jewel with its rain vortex, the largest indoor waterfall in the world with a height of 40m it truly is amazing. When she departs for work I make my way to the transit lounge as I can't wait to get rid of my baggage. And to have a cigarette. I arrive at the check in desk and as they go through my paperwork they advise me I need a printout of my pcr test. They direct me to a little booth at the opposite end of the transit hall, which is right where the smoke area is so I kill 2 birds with one stone before making my way back to check in. Everything is in order and then she asks to see my outbound flight. I advised it didn't say that so hurriedly I book a flight for the 20th Feb to Kuala lumpa which sets me back £200 and I don't even know if I'll be able to get in 🤣🤣ah well once again I'm going to have to wing it, that seems to be a common theme on this trip, but with the UK pretty much getting rid of all restrictions I'm hoping the world will follow suit. Boarding pass acquired I head through security well actually I just walk through. There's no scanning security checks, they were more thorough where I left my bag earlier. This country really does run on trust and integrity . 👏 no wonder the people are so nice. The Gates open and its here the security checks are done . Just the basic nowhere near as strict as home. On the plane there is an absolute idiot keeps refusing to put his face mask on and down right rude to the staff. Im surprised they don't turn the plane round. The flight is only an hour and 10 mins and as we disembark we are all sat on plastic chairs having our paper work checked. They do this so if you haven't got what you need they can put you on the plane back. Then its on to immigration which again is a breeze. With having a ruck sack mine is one of the first bags off so theres no queue at the pcr station and before i know it im in the taxi for the hours drive to my hotel Here's to the next chapter ❤Leggi altro

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    The last supper

    20 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    As I wander to the laundrette this morning I pass shop fronts with all there fresh deliveries outside. No-one will take them here, the trust and ability to leave things without them "magically" growing legs is one of the most endearing things I've found about Singapore. Of all the countries I've travelled this is the one I could honestly live in. Obviously you pay a cost of living for that but it's actually the things that I love about here are things that don't cost money. The respect for rules and each other is what actually brings this harmony. The streets are kept immaculate by guys who sweep with old fashion brooms, not collecting rubbish but the leaves and gardens. There are no masks or rubbish dropped in the street like at home.
    I also haven't seen any homeless people here although im sure it exists, the closest you get to a beggar are the people who sell tissues. These are an important part in Singapore because when you visit the Hawker centres they are the way of saving a seat while you go and get your food known locally as copeing. The hawker centres weren't always in established places they started sprawled along the streets until 1968 when the government took the issue on and licenced the hawkers putting them in constructed pavilions with running water and electricity in areas around the city. This also increased hygiene. There are over 100 hawker centres housing more than 6000 food stalls and are without doubt one of the Country's national treasures.
    This is my last full day and I want the opportunity to say goodbye to the people that have made it special. I start at the upstairs bar and am shocked when they present me with a leaving present and the most beautiful card with words that bring tears to my eyes and after my usual g and ts refuse to let me pay. Finally I head for the last supper with the 3 amigos. We all meet at Somerset and enjoy a fabulous Mexican but with it being a school night finish up early ish before I head back to spend my final night in the cube. Singapore you've been amazing and the people even more so. As I always say it's not goodbye its till we meet again xx    Leggi altro

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    The kindness of strangers

    19 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    After the Soju last night I'm not really in the frame of mind for my pcr test today at 9am today. The alarm is set for 7am and it's about a 25 minute walk bur I'm hoping that might blow the cobwebs away. I really wanted to write about the kindness of strangers today. When I first arrived the feeling of loneliness was so overwhelming I broke my heart crying and wanted to come home but now as I'm about to leave I really don't want to. The journey is always about the people you meet and I can honestly say I have been so blessed. From Alan and his beautiful partner on the night of New year's eve to the crew in the roof top bar , Kai, Jon, Dave and a big shout out to Geraldine and Daryl and Finally the Silosa beach crew. Everyone of you opened up your hearts and let me in and gave me experiences that I never would have had. I am forever in your debt and eternally grateful. During these times I haven't been blessed meeting travellers as there are not many people crazy enough to be doing it at the moment and without the support I definitely would have been booking my ticket home , but here I am moving on to pastures new and if Thailand is half as friendly as here I know I'll be fine. My last mission is to try and get a part for my go pro and the guys have advised me to go to Funan which is a big electrical mall . After asking round a couple of shops I begin to give up hope but eventually I find the part I'm looking for and am so relieved when I attach it and it fits. On my way home I received my negative pcr result so as long as I get on the plane its Thailand here I come.Leggi altro

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    Fingers crossed

    18 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    So with a 3rd time visit to the Embassy today I'm hoping it's going to be 3rd time lucky. I arrive to the station early only to find I have left my travel card over the end of the bed. Not a good start, but I am so determined today I don't even think a Thai army could stop me. I arrive at the embassy at it is packed at 925 even though it doesn't open till 10 but I take my ticket and a seat and wait accordingly. I really feel sorry for the girls here as its seems very hard to actually have the right paperwork and as I sit here people become very irritated saying they have done everything properly. A German guy refuses to leave and keeps taking another ticket going back to a different window. When I get served it's with the same lady and she advises me I will need to reapply. I explain I'm supposed to leave on Friday and after going away comes back and says the Thai embassy will accept it but the airline might not. I can't take that chance and once again fill in the Thai pass application which this time only takes me an hour or so and says if its not back by Thursday I should go back to the Embassy. The stress of sitting it out is a nightmare but as I'm leaving the Thai embassy my new pass comes through saying I'm departing from Singapore. I'm so happy 😊 I've arranged to meet a few guys ar Sentosa tonight and I board the vivo express again . I arrive a little early but manage a quick cigarette. Dave turns up with a few of the crew and we make a short walk down to the ola beach front bar which has its own pool (dave never said to bring a swimming costume) not to be left out I go and purchase a cossy and sit sharing food and beer towers. We are now a group of about 13 and the rules of 5 mean we have to sit on different tables. Sasi comes over to join the boys and I take my opportunity to introduce myself to the girls. Most of my trip has been spent with men and tge girls welcome me in with open arms which is such a breath of fresh air spending time with a bunch of inspirational ladies . We all exchange our stories, and I'm sat with zoo keepers to art physcotherapists to I.t professional. Cynthia even has a specialist party trick of being able to climb trees. We celebrate our independence with jager bombs and the boys treat us to a bottle of bubbly Last orders at the bar come far too soon and its not goodbye its till we meet again. with only having had a few snacks, me and a couple of the guys head for something to eat at a hotel run by Sasi. The hotel employs kids with special needs , training them in all aspects. The service is better tha Raffles. Its an eco friendly hotel and being in a prime location I love the fact they are giving them an opportunity. Its been a perfect day and the longer I stay the more I don't want to leave. We finish the evening with Soju similar to sake and feeling well oiled arrive home.Leggi altro

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    Embassy revisisited

    17 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    My first thing on the agenda today is the Thai embassy to try and get my Thai pass sorted . After a 40 min trek it's closed, even though o n the website it states they are open. Its not far from the major shopping centre so it's not a wasted journey as I have a few things to pick up here. The guys and girls from the roof top bar have been my saviours here and I missed Regina's birthday the other day so as a thank you I buy a 12 box at krispy Kreme to say thank you. I've been advised that I can buy a birthday card near to the hotel so I head back that way. My plan is to go to the bird park in jurong but after checking on the website discover its only open Thurs to Sunday. I decide that I'll change my plans and just go to the night safari instead, but again when I look that is also only open Thursday through Sunday. What is it with everything being closed today. I have plans Thursday night so it looks like I'm not going to make it there after all. Back at the hotel I drop the little gifts off not wanting them to melt and decide to have a siesta. The heat today is suffocating but when I wake and head to the lobby for a cigarette the sky's have opened and its pouring. As I stand having my cigarette I'm caught by the police and just about manage to blag my way out of it . This is the perfect country. Everyone adheres to the rules, everything runs on time and everyone is equal and respected. I could live here if it wasn't so expensive. At 5 I make my way to the roof top bar to drop off the gifts and after a couple of g&t the guys tell me about a crash less than 12 months ago which happened right on the road outside. 5 young men were in the car and died it puts into perspective how precious life is.
    Feeling a little bit peckish I just head local for various snacks of deed fried camambert and pork satay. I can honestly say I'll be sad to leave here. From the emotional wreck when I first arrived to where I am now, the flip-flops are definitely well worn in and I am back in the travelling mode.    Leggi altro

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    Take me to Church

    16 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    It's an early rise and after last night and only 5.5 hours asleep I'm feeling a little groggy to say the least. That'll teach me for mixing my drinks. I've arranged to meet Geraldine and Daryl at his local hawker for breakfast. I've been invited to church this morning and although I have mixed religious beliefs, I'm always keen to have new experiences. It's a gospel church which has 3 services. One in English, one in Philipino and one in Bahaso. As we enter I'm greeted by the Pastor who welcomes me and gives me a little mention at thms 🤣😍e end of the service The service is about how we should support and help each other and is very appropriate at these times. The service is very similar to the UK and I'm also impressed by the fact they have care groups who support not only the church community but also young children. Its Geraldine's friends birthday today so after church we head to share breakfast at a little place by the river before I jump the bus back. Its so hot today and without the breeze I'm struggling. I get of the metro and head to my little local for a coke before going to do laundry . Well best laid plans . 🤣🤣 As I walk to the laundrette I pass Dave in a roadside bar and after a couple of Heineken end .up back at the hotel with my laundry. The next thing I know is on in our rooftop bar drinking cocktails. I'm adamant to get my washing done and after a 10 minute Walk I'm getting the job done . I'm quite hungry so after a few gyozas and a coca cola in local I make the ten minutes walk back to put my washing in the dryer..
    I'm so comfortable here now it's almost like a home from home it's very rare I go back but Singapore is definitely a country I could live in. I watch the game and after the 3-0 win am going to bed Happy.    Leggi altro

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    Fine dining

    15 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I spend the morning trying to find an adaptor for my go pro after 3 shopping centres the only thing i come back with is a mascara. The shopping centres here are as good as dubai and I'm so glad to be travelling as it helps me to resist the temptation of purchasing anything. I have arranged to meet the guys and Jon at our little place this afternoon and after trawling the shops I'm more than ready for a beer. I arrive first and reserve a table for 4 and shortly after I'm joined by the crew. Jon has bought Geraldine and I flowers and we enjoy a few bites and beers in Chinatown before Daryl heads off to meet the boys.
    I love the fact that the conversation flows so easily constantly learning new aspects and views about politics and culture. This is what real travel is all about. John suggests the 3 of us head to level 33 which lays claim to being the highest micro brewery i n the world and in his opinion is the best view of the city and when we arrive its obviously a regular haunt when all the staff come out to greet Mr Jon. The views are spectacular and without doubt the best of the city. Tonight is Jon's treat and Daryl joins us for the oysters and champagne beer. The thought of oysters and my gag reflex don't really agree but I'm travelling and everything should be tried once. I was right my gag reflex struggles and after several attempts eventually managed to swallow. Even though it brings tears to my eyes. Unbeknown to me he also orders food. A tomahawk steak with hasselback potatoes and the nicest sprouts I've ever tasted. The food, service and food blow my mind and certainly put Raffles in the shade. The evening is finished with a bottle of red and cigars and espresso martinis for the ditch. A wonderful evening spent with wonderful people ❤q    Leggi altro

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    Pulau Ubin and Singapore slings

    14 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    I have promised the guys I will give tge a hand moving this morning and after an early breakfast we head downtown to drop off Daryls stuff. He has to head into school and Geraldine and I are going to make the most of our day together. Pulau ubin has been on my list of things to do here, but it's such a long way out of town ( it's actually on another island) that I haven't made tge effort. Its so much easier with company and the hour bus ride to the jetty flys by as we chat away. Once on the jetty we have to wait for 12 people to board before the boat leaves but within 10 minutes the boat is ready and off we set. As we arrive there are multiple bicycle stands offering there wares but we decide to eat before setting off on our adventure. Its a seafood restaurant and with being close to the water decide its going to be pretty fresh. The scallops are the thing that catch my eye and even though Singapore is generally expensive the scallops are cheap in comparison to the UK. Bellys full we sit off on our adventure. The ride is relatively easy with only a couple of inclines along the way and apart from heading in the wrong direction for the first hour soon find our way back to where we need to be. There is an area on route which has is a temple/ shrine with buddas and the 10 courts of hell. that depicts in detail the punishments in the afterlife that would await the souls of sinners. As we cycle along the path we are greeted by monitor lizards and a family of wild boars with a little baby in tow. I stop in my tracks as the baby comes real close and from previous experience know how protective mummy boars can be. We ride further along the path to be greeted by an apache helicopter flying so low it gives me goosebumps and definitely takes the tranquility away from the island. The air base and prison are both located at Changi this end of the country so they obviously use this area for flying practice. Our last point of call is tge mangroves where they have a viewing platform where you can actually see Malaysia in the distance. Its a short ride back on the ferry but a long assed haul back to town and as a reward I also tick off another box and we go to the Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling. As beautiful as the building is I'm very disappointed with the service and for the price you pay will not be going back. Across the road is Chymes and on the lower ground floor we share tapas and a bottle of red , a perfect end to a perfect day.Leggi altro

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    Makin Plans

    13 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Chatting with someone in the hotel whilst having a ciggie last night he told me I can get into Indonesia now and after spending till 1 in the morning trying to apply etc I nearly sent myself crazy. Daryl has offered me his laptop to use today which is a god send and after a good night's sleep I have made a decision to just head to Thailand. I'm putting myself under too much pressure to try and get the way I want to but now I know the mistakes I made with my Thai pass I'm pretty confident I'll be fine this time. I'm in no rush and Thailand is somewhere I've travelled on numerous occasions, dragging Amber all over the country for her 16th birthday which I enjoyed more than her at the time, so I feel comfortable getting around there. After 4 hrs my application is completed and I pray this time everything is OK. I've also made enquiries about getting my phone fixed moe so the fact I can't afford getting any moisture in it as it is literally the only device I've got so I make my way to a place called Bedok. I have an address and find it easily. When I arrive the guy is nowhere to be seen and seeing as I haven't eaten walk back to the hawker round the corner. These are food halls that sells everything from pigs intestine and trotters to ribs chicken wings and sweet and sour pork. They are the cheapest places to eat in the country and for £3 i have the choice of 2 meat and 1 veg with rice. The nice thing is I don't know what I'm eating half the time but I pick what I like the look of sometimes it's trial and error but generally apart from being slightly cold it's delicious. They are real foodies here and I mean top end Michelin star restaurants in every suburb although I'm not on a budget to experience that. I arrive back at the phone stall and The guy fixes it there and then and pleasantly surprised when he only charges me £20. Today is a really good day. Next to the phone stand is a place selling bubble drinks. I haven't tried these yet but there all the rage out here so I order the brown sugar milk. It's like a milkshake but with these pearls of flavoured tapioca. I can't decide whether I like it or not but it's cold and wet and with the heat today exactly what I need. I board the mrt and there are police on board. Its my first encounter and I'm surprised to see there armed with 2 guns . Good job I've got my mask on and I'm not talking to anyone. I get back to the hotel and I head to the roof top bar for a quick g and t to receive an email that my Thai pass has been approved I'm so happy I could burst. I celebrate with another g and t. When I arrive back the hotel its pointed out that the pass says I'm departing from the UK? Back to the Thai embassy it is.Leggi altro

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    Thai Rejection

    12 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    After a terrible night's sleep, my plan is to head to the Thai embassy. Its been 8 days since I applied for my Thailand Pass and I still haven't heard back. Armed with all my documents I need to get an answer. I arrive at the guard house and after explaining the situation I'm surprised when he tells me to go and join queue 1. I'm even more surprised when after a few minutes I'm called to the counter. The lady asks for my details and then my passport. I have a travel wallet which has all my important documents as well as a back up credit card and £100 in English money. The lady is really helpful and after taking my number tells me she'll call me. Feeling a little happier I head to SHUANG LONG SHAN WU SHU ANCESTRAL HALL. Situated between a group of high rise buildings sit 2700 strange mosaic headstones in uniform order all the graves of the hakka people. Even though it still stands today in the middle of a residential neighbourhood in 1966 the government began acquiring the ground for the development of Commonwealth and buona vista exhumed the bodies, cremated them and buried them in this allocated area .
    I've come this far out and have been recommended to go to Labrador Park. I take a seat to read my book and when I go into my bag to get my book out I see my passport and go to put it back in my travel wallet only to realise its not there. The embassy closes between 1 and 3 but eventually when I get back there my wallet is still on the counter where I left It its a bloody miracle. About an hour later the lady calls me from the embassy to advise me my pass has been rejected. I could cry but how's that going to help. It's to do with some of the documents I've uploaded as screenshots and my covid qr codes need my name next to them and I need a letter of confirmation from the hotel even though I uploaded the reservation . Grrr. Anyway I have to start the whole process again but after trying again I decide I need a computer to do it properly so will go to the library tomorrow and try again. I knew this travel malarkey wasn't going to be easy but this is ridiculous. Anyway tomorrow is a new day. Nevertheless she persisted.    Leggi altro

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    Botanical Gardens and East coast

    11 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    I wake early and once again its a nice day, but I burnt the tops of my feet at the beach yesterday and the idea of hiking doesn't seem doable this morning so I take the easier one of the botanic gardens. They are a UNESCO world heritage site and when first established in 1859 spanned 23 hectares, six hectares being primary rain forest which still stand today although they actually span 82 hectares these days. Th gardens are separated into smaller gardens including the eco garden , the mist garden the spice garden and by far my favourite the evolution garden. Here there are stone trees L arge pieces of petrified wood are displayed at the entrance of the Evolution Garden, When trees are buried in mud, ash or other material, they sometimes become soaked in mineral-rich groundwater. Over time the minerals, particularly silica, can crystallise, slowly turning the wood to stone. Fossils such as these are used to study the history of life on Earth. As I turn towards the path I hear something moving and as I turn around see a big monitor lizard disappearing into the bushes. I know I like being in touch with nature but I'll give monitor lizards a miss thank you. One of the most famous parts of the gardens are The National Orchid Gardens. Just outside is a tree dedicated to Nelson Mandela. It seems quite a common theme here to name things after famous people when I enter the Orchid Gardens there are various orchids named after heads of states. Including the Queen and Princess Diana. The orchids collection is a paid entry about £7.50 and although the range is extensive I've seen something very similar at The Gardens at the bay. I walk to the other end of the Gardens past Swan Lake and catch the bus back. Daryl has suggested I head to the East Coast this afternoon. Its an area of promenade with small little beaches along which are bbq pits with seating around although they are closed at the moment due to social distancing. There are so many container ships in the harbour I have a little private chuckle they might have an scs sofa on board. When I arrive back at the hotel I can't get access to my room for police. The lady on reception explains there's been a death and asks me if I want to move. I don't want to cause her anymore stress so say I'll just go to the upstairs bar for a g and t I could do with one after that.Leggi altro

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    Beach Day

    10 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    I'm heading to the beach today. The weather has picked up and its a weekday which is generally the best time to visit Sentosa Island. Formerly used as a British military base and then a pow camp the island now houses a 2km man made beach as well as various tourist attractions including universal studios and madame tussauds a huge aquarium, watermark as well as being able to bunji jump and immerse yourself in a 4d adventure land. There are various ways to get onto the island, bus, monorail, cablecar and train so I just take the bus. Once on the island there are shuttle buses and beach buggies so I jump on board so I can keep my legs to walk the beach. Along the beach I come across a cubicle for breastfeeding mums they really do think of everything here.
    As I wander the beach a kind older man offers me a space where there's a huge parasol and I need the shade today its 30+ degrees. I get chatting to the gentleman and he tells me he's 83 which I find hard to believe. There are changing rooms along the beach and I make myself comfortable. The water is warm and I actually feel like I'm on holiday for the first time. I soak it all up and sit on the waters edge reading my book and relaxing planes fly over and across the cove huge container ships still pulling me back to the fact of where we actually are. I constantly push myself to get out and do stuff so sometimes I need to be a bit kinder to myself and not put so much pressure on after all I've got a year. I jump the monorail back which takes me to the base of the Southern ridges so I know which bus to jump back on.I need a change of food today and don't want to do fast food so head to a little Mexican just round the corner, and although a little spicy is delicious . I'm going to have a netflix night as I'm off trekking at 7am tomorrow and I think my kidneys need a rest.    Leggi altro

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    Southern Ridges

    9 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Considering I was partying till the early hours I feel relatively good and after going to purchase some mosquito spray I make the journey to the Southern ridges. With the travel card you can use it on buses and trains, and for a change I take the bus. They look just like the Arriva bus at home and work on the same principle. I head up the forest path which is an intertwined maze of metal boardwalks. The signs are very vague and when I get to the top I ask a guy directions and he says he's heading that way and we trek together he's a philipino nurse here and loves to trek so shows me the route to the highest point I Singapore. The views are spectacular and after a few photo opportunities we head down and make our parting ways. A reality of travelling is there's still the basics to be done and I spend the afternoon doing laundry and by chance bump into Daryl a guy from Canada I was chatting to in the kitchen here the other night with his beautiful girlfriend Geraldine ❤ they invite me to join them for a drink and after dumping my laundry make my way down to join them. We spend the next couple of hours just talking and these past few weeks have really made me realise how important it is to engage., another example of how we take things for granted and yet when I was at home would have company and we'd all be on our phones? The art of communication will soon be a thing of the past. As we sit chatting the guy on the table next to us also joins In the conversation and a couple opposite but it's soon shut down when the manager comes over at says we can't talk. Daryl has arranged to join his friends and I give him my word I will get Geraldine back safely. Jon can now join our table and we spend the next few hours discussing a whole host of things it's interesting for me to listen to different people and learn, this is real travelling for me. We bid our goodbyes and when we come to pay the bill Jon has already paid. Geraldine and I make our way home and share a final drink at the roof top bar before last orders at 10pm. Having drunk white beer whisky and gin I am very well oiled and within minutes of hitting the sack I'm in the land of nodLeggi altro

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    The waterfront

    8 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    My first part of the day is spent trying to find somewhere that sells a micro sd card that will suit my gopro. After trekking around the local shops I realise its not as easy as it looks, but by chance a group of lads walking in front of me are carrying a go pro and after excusing myself ask if they know where I might get one. After small talk they explain they are all on a stag do, but even though the marriage has taken place the covid restrictions stopped the stag do hence them having it now. They advise me the place to get one is in suncity and after a 40 minute walk with a little stop for lunch of pineapple fried rice and a thai tea float(thai tea with a blob of ice cream) I continued along the waterfront encompassing the views. I come across an area like being in London Town with a miniature version of St Paul's and tower Bridge. I'm surprised at how different places look from different areas as now I see the Gardens at the bay from a different angle and after a little wrong turn finally arrive at a huge shopping mall. Mission accomplished I make my way back to the hotel. I decide to jump the tube back which run to a strict timetable generally every 4 minutes and when I board I'm surprised how many people sleep on there, I'd be worried about missing my stop. Its kais last night tonight and with the kindness he's shown I want to share a last beer with him. I head up the bar and a number of people are up there to say goodbye including a group of workers from the local restaurant revolver. One of whom is a massive Liverpool supporter . They ask me to join them and before I know it, its shots all around together with an invitation to join them at the restaurant this week. Mark the Australian nurse heads back tomorrow and I've also agreed to have a final beer with him so I head back to my old haunt and after a couple of beers we say our goodbyes. It's still early ish so I head back to the local and am invited to the after party where I have just left at 1 in the morning, life in the old dog yet.Leggi altro

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    Creature comforts.

    7 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    I don't feel the best today and decide to have a chill day. The humidity here especially with the mask wearing saps your energy beyond belief. The hotel I'm staying at has kitchen facilities and with my stomach not up for anything spicy I head to the local supermarket to purchase something that will suffice. My purchases include fruit kellogs cornflakes bread and philladelphia as well as a mug and some milk so I can use the in house coffee machine( if I can work out how to use it)
    Singapore is by far the cleanest city I have ever been to , smoking is strictly prohibited in the streets and the only way to have a cigarette is down little back streets next to the bins. Facemask wearing is also adhered to strongly and if your not wearing it properly you will be fined. As well as this it is also one of the safest and people leave things like phones and laptops on the sides of bars etc ( if you know me this is a blessing) as I think the punishment for any breaking of rules is so severe that it puts people off, but there's the other side where people here work together to make there living together easier. Everyone just gets along and I think a lot of countries could learn from this. Another thing I've noticed here is there are no homeless people in Singapore although I believe that that isn't necessarily the case and that there probably are but they are very well hidden out of view. The affluence here is also very apparent with me seeing 2 different Rolls Royce within days of each other. The good old British car definitely making an icon statement here of status. Chatting with the guys and girls In the bar they also explain they use the British education system qualifications here eg. GCSE and that all papers are sent to the UK to be marked. I would definitely recommend a week here to anyone it truly is an amazing city that has so much to do and see. Just bear with me as I'm trying to space things out with at least another fortnight here before I'm able to move on if I can. Still no news from Thailand , but I've managed to find a southeast Asia lonely planet in the bookcase here so have managed to look up a few options on my onwards travels from there to malaysia. Anyway a quick beer in the upstairs bar results in the bonus of a thunderstorm with a view and a few Watts app calls home are the perfect finish to my day.    Leggi altro

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    Tree top trekking

    6 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I decide to explore the local area in the opposite direction this morning which brings me to Thian hock Keng temple. Built in 1842 is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore and dedicated to Mazu who was honoured for the safe sea journey of the immigrants he brought here. This is one of the temples I'm actually allowed to enter and I'm blown away by the details in the architecture. I've decided today I'm going to do something touristy and book in at The Gardens at the bay. I put the address in Google maps which ends up walking ne through a a building site. There is lots of building going on on the waterfront area but if they can charge £300 per night like in the Marina bay I'd be throwing hotels up all over the place. Everything has to be prebooked to regulate numbers although it's very quiet when I arrive which is the perks of going on a weekday.
    There are two massive glass domes here a very similar set up to the Eden project but on a much grander scale. The first is the flower dome which houses various plants from around the world, even encorporating an English Garden with sweet peas my mums favourite flower bringing a little smile to my face. The next dome houses the cloud forest which o have to say blows me away. This place houses a huge rock covered in various fauna and some of the most amazing orchids I've ever seen. A ramp and walkways encircle this rock and as it says in its title makes you believe you are in the clouds. Sometimes things are hard to put into words how impressive they are and this is one of those places so all I can say is if in Singapore it is one of the must things to do. I take the long walk back to the hotel and reward myself with a cocktail In the rooftop bar    Leggi altro

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    Moving On

    5 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Omg I wake with the hangover from hell. I only had 3 beers, they are quite bid here. My first job is to pack up my rucksack. This is a job in itself, already I seem to have acquired more stuff than what I came with. After washing my clothes In the bath 2 days ago a few items still aren't dry but I put them in a plastic bag. I drop them in the foyer and head out for a while as checkout here is midday and I can't check in to the other place till 3pm . I'd booked a hostel but yesterday got an email to say they weren't allowed to have tourists during the covid situation so I've had to rebook a boutique hotel which is half the price of what I'm paying at the moment but is still not cheap. I look for something close to the hotel and find a toy museum, so with a couple of hours to spare make my way over.
    The museum is full of toys dating from 1900 to the 1980s and is really interesting how similar toys around the world are. I enjoy spending my time reminiscing on my childhood and thinking how much things have changed since technology has become so advanced. There are a set of Chinese dolls in one of the cabinets and they were made by young girls who were taken into the Door of hope mission establishment which was first startedin 1902. This was something that was set up by five western women who wanted to help the plight of women trying to escape the legal prostitution trade. They were taught to sew and so started The doll project where they would make individual hand crafted dolls and the proceeds would give them an income as well as fund the mission.
    I catch a taxi to my new hotel as Airbnb and hostels won't take bookings from foreign tourists so its a real budget hotel, but although my room is only 3x2m it serves its purpose. It also has a cooing area which is out of use during covid and a rooftop bar where I take myself for a g and t once I'm checked in. I'm absolutely shattered today the heat really takes it out of you so I'm treating myself to an early night with netflix 😴    Leggi altro

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    Fire fire 🔥

    4 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    I'm up and out early as I have to be at the covid testing site by 9am. The testing regime is daily and you have to upload your results with a copy of your passport. On day 3 and 7 you have to go to test centres and do them supervised. With a negative result I'm free to go and the walk back takes me past the Fire museum. As I peer in the guard comes to the door and explains you have to book an appointment. I say I will as my grandad was a fireman. As we're talking he says he can bend the rules but if anyone asks I've got an appointment. The first part contains dinky toys of various fire vehicles and helmet badges and then in the other area old vehicles. I'm really shocked when I peer through a window and see real firemen. The museum is actually attached to the local firestation.
    My afternoon is spent trying to get out of the country visiting the high commission of Malaysia I get no where. The situation with this new variant has literally shut all borders to me and I can't see it getting any better. After spending hours on the Internet I have a glimmer of hope. Thailand has something called a sandbox scheme where I can only go to Phuket where I have to isolate for 7 days and even though I've been there before its cheaper and I could afford to sit things out for another month. The only problem is your not guaranteed to get accepted but I have to book my flights hotel and covid tests before I apply. I decide its worth the risk and after nearly 3 hours of uploading various documents its completed and hope for the best. I will have an answer in the next 3-7 days so I'm keeping everything crossed.
    When I go down to the foyer for a cigarette I'm so pleased to see an obvious traveller. When we get chatting I'm really impressed to find that he's travelled more than me. He's an Australian nurse and I explain how it's so good just to be able to talk to someone. We head down the road and share a few tigers at a local street bar and I must admit after 3 I feel quite boozy. Bidding good night I make my way back to the room and make the most of my last night of luxury.    Leggi altro

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    CHINATOWN

    3 gennaio 2022, Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    After a quick freshen up I decide to go and speak to a travel agent to see what my options for moving on are. The news isn't great as literally all travel lanes are closed. Its so expensive in Singapore I'm going to end up doing my whole budget here if I'm not careful so I book a hostel from the 5th to the 10th and even sharing an 8 bed room it's £40 per night and I feel it might be better for me meeting travelling people who might be able to help me with some advice. Whilst in the area I decide to grab a bite to eat and enter a small bar /restaurant on one of the side streets. In the bar there are a couple of people from Australia and as I'm chatting to them the owner of the restaurant comes over and says we're not allowed to talk. As if that's going to make any difference. I finish my chicken satay which to be fair was delicious and have a small explore of the area, as the hostel is based here I don't want to do it all at once, after all I Don't know how long I'm going to be here. One of the side streets houses the most amazing mural, even putting Banksy in the shadows. I like the buzz of Chinatown so feel quite happy moving here. I've booked for 5 days just in case I don't like it I don't want to commit to much more. So having ticked a few boxes I head back to the luxury hotel to make the most of my double bed and bath. After my bath I decide to use the water to do some laundry, I haven't seen any launderettes here and the hotel prices are ridiculous so there's only one thing for it DIY . Lets hope it drys before I checkout An early night beckons as I was watching the game till 2 this morning so I put a movie on and chill.Leggi altro

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