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Doin' All The AsiaDoin' All The Asia
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Doin' All The Asia

January – February 2025
  • Laura Folk
A 55-day adventure by Laura Read more
  • Laura Folk
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  • Vietnam Vietnam
  • Taiwan Taiwan
  • Japan Japan
  • Philippines Philippines
  • Malaysia Malaysia
  • Brunei Brunei
  • Thailand Thailand
  • Show all (8)
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Couple, Cruise ship, Friendship
  • 56.4kkilometers traveled
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  • 36footprints
  • 55days
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  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Starting the Journey

    January 1 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    We started out from Dulles- Julianna served as Chauffeur. Flight was delayed from 1925 to 2050, although we took off much later. The flight to Istanbul was uneventful. We did have small screamers in the seats immediately ahead of and behind us. Somehow I wasn't irritated - put in earplugs and cranked up the sound on a movie.

    Istanbul airport is pretty wonderful. We headed for the IGA lounge, which looked lovely from below. But there was a long line to get in, and since we weren't flying business, it would have been time to board at the same time we would get in. So to the gate we went- to discover a gate change. Luckily, we were just past the new gate, so saved ourselves another thousand steps or so. I squeezed in a Duolingo Italian lesson, and we boarded. When doing the seat reservation, I had noticed a window seat behind the exit row that had no seat in front of it! Wayne got that seat and was able to stretch out. I got a little snooze in, and then we were in Singapore. All my concerns about our meds were a non-problem. We cleared immigration (although I had filled out the entry card, I didn't enter the leading "A" on our passport number, so had to redo.) Customs was walk-through, then to the taxis and our hotel.

    We're staying at the Holiday Inn Express Katong - a nice neighborhood a bit away from downtown. They had a room ready, so we moved in and had a snooze. I was very excited to see the diy Starbucks machine - sadly, it was ooc. After naps, we went to dinner at BabaChews adjacent to the hotel. Wayne had Fish & Chips. I had pork ribs. They were SO delicious - but I could only eat 2 of the 5 or 6 ribs. Broke my heart- but such is hotel life.

    Back to the hotel where the Insta-Starbucks was back up☺️. Then some TV, and a good night's sleep.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Singapore - First Full Day

    Jan 4–11 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Woke up to a nice hot muggy day. Saw on the RingCam that it snowed at home so...

    Breakfast was very interesting. There is a "western" side with eggs, waffles, hash browns, pastries and fruit. (And salad, meats and cheese.) Then there's the "Eastern" side with all sorts of tasty delights. There was a coconut curry chutney to go on the samosas, I guess. There were a couple of noodle-based dishes. I had as much as I was going to eat, so only got one- I hope the Udon noodles are served tomorrow.

    The adventure started with a visit to the BattleBox. The audio tour is well worth it. I was reminded of Churchill's War Rooms- but this outcome was the opposite of his success. Makes me appreciate even more the horrors, sacrifices, and difficulties that we have been spared.

    We walked down to the beautiful Fort Canning Hotel (if we come back, might like to stay there) to get a taxi to Raffles Hotel (would love to stay there, but at way over $1k/ night, not in the near future.). We went to the Long Bar- our second time there- for Singapore Slings. We had about a 5-minute wait, and were seated at a nice table out of the busy-ness, ate the peanuts, drank the drinks, and on our way. As we left, there were at least 20 people in line waiting to get in. Timing is everything.

    Around the corner was the Big Red Bus. We did the Yellow Line tour, and saw the sights.

    Back to the hotel, and dinner at BabaChews - learned my lesson and got a small chicken Satay- perfect.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Merlion, Crazy Rich Asians,The Big Sleep

    January 5 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    We arose and had another nice breakfast. We took a taxi to the Merlion Park. Stopped at Starbucks where I had my typical iced Decaf Americano with cream & sweetener. Wayne had a Dragon Drink- his preferred Starbucks bev. Took some pics of iconic Singapore sites including the impressive Sands buildings, the lotus shaped Museum of Art, the Wheel, and the Merlion.

    We returned later to the hotel, where Wayne decided to take a nap, and slept through the night. I watched a couple of movies, including Crazy Rich Asians, which takes place in Singapore , and saw the sites all over again. It was clear that dinner was not in our future, so I had a couple of cookies, and a small package of beef jerky that Greg gave us for the trip. Saved my life! Himself had a pack of cookies when he roused for a few minutes.

    And then to sleep.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    All Aboard

    January 6 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We got a "Grab" ride to the port. In- processing was pretty straightforward, then on to the ship- NCL SKY. It's different from the other Norwegian ships we've been on, We had lunch in Crossings- the Main Dining Room. Both of us had small Cobb salads and a 5- spice tapioca pudding with mango. Perfect amount. We were able to hang out in the restaurant until our stateroom was ready. We're in 8312- forward, inside, starboard.

    While I love a balcony, the interior rooms make it possible to do more cruises, and save the balconies for other occasions.

    After stowing our carry-ons in the stateroom, we went up to the Spinnaker Lounge. I heard my name several times - and discovered Tess Baldon- a nurse who worked with me at Georgetown. She moved after about a year and a half, but we've been friends on Facebook. Silly me- I didn't get a picture -- but we'll get one later.

    I unpacked- not as much storage space as we've had in the past, but I'm bringing less stuff - so that helps. Once I located and used the magnetic hooks, I felt organized.

    We met Darla and Rick, Judy and Glenn and were introduced to Carol and Scott, for dinner in the Crossings restaurant. It was so good to be together again for more adventures. We got underway during dinner. (W had flounder - I had grilled shrimp on pasta).

    I had considered going to the show, but opted for sleep.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Koh Samui Thailand

    January 8 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Breakfast was at the Great Outdoors - the buffet is so crowded that it's a nice break.

    We gathered with our group of 8 for the tender, which ended up being a lovely teak boat- pretty full so Glenn, Wayne, and I ended up going below to our private deck.

    We met our guide, SuPot for today's adventure with our Gang of Eight.

    The first stop was the Big Buddha Statue - impressive - a bunch of steps, and worth it for the view.

    We then went to Wat Plain Laem- a series of Buddhist and Hindu figures- on the water with lots of fish.. The complex is quite beautiful, and we had yummy banana chips and bananas in coconut milk.

    Then for a view of Silver Beach before heading to the Market -for food tasting - yum!!! We had spring rolls, rice and omelette, sticky rice, pork satay, Thai chiccharones (?), mango-- all yummy.

    The Mummified Monk was sporting sunglasses- and some of his fans provided swap-outs.

    Darla saw some people selling durian- so we stopped while she & Rick had that experience. Glenn said the smell reminded him of a teenage boys ' lockerroom. The driver attached the bag to the rear wiper outside the van.

    The Namuang Waterfall was quite lovely . I got a view through trees. Wayne walked to the bottom of the hill for a full view. We had a quick stop at a beach, then back to the ship

    We went to the buffet hoping for cookies, but "settling" for chocolate flan which we enjoyed on the fantail as we departed our Anchorage.

    We met a couple from Ireland- Frankie &Johnny, and British friends Bob & Diane, and Chris & Alex. They snowbird to Spain, and met there.

    Wayne and I went to The Local for sandwiches and carrot cake- and then to bed.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Pattaya

    January 9 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Wow! Another day of adventure and surprise. (And daughter Julianna's ❤️birthday back home)

    The morning started with breakfast in the MDR and then to meet our tourguide Tera. First stop was the Na Keua market- fish, fried bananas & rice, crab& pork rolls, mango & coconut sticky rice.

    Judy- the artsy-craftsy card maker, requested a visit to a Stationery store. Who knew it would be a highlight among so many other great places? We all found something to love- I got a pouch, scissors, and a pad of sticky notes for under $5.

    The Big Golden Buddha- Wat Phra Yai was quite impressive - with many little altars. (I gave a small offering at the image honoring those born on Fridays- as Wayne and I were. Couldn't hurt.)

    Lunch was next- at a restaurant that the locals frequent. I had PadThai (Yum!) and part of Wayne's mango smoothie. He had chicken noodle soup and shrimp spring rolls.

    Then to the "Laser Buddha" Khao Chi Chan- the largest carved Buddha in the world -carved into the mountain by lasers, then inlaid with gold leaf.

    We proceeded to the Nongnooch Tropical Gardens - and an interesting show reflecting Thai culture through the centuries. This was followed by an Elephant show- fascinating - and we got up close and personal with the critters. While I was cozying up to one of the child elephants, one of the babies came up behind us and started munching on my dress. Those elephants are very smart- played games, danced to music, and painted trees on t-shirts.

    The next stop was Wat Nong Chap Tao- beautiful white Buddha statue - interesting turtle images (need to look them up). We did another stop at the Stationery store - a real tourist destination -haha-and back to the ship. Huge traffic jam with container trucks- we were at a commercial port. We made it back in time.

    Then dinner in Crossings-and to bed after a busy, wonderful day.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Gotta Love a Sea Day

    January 10, Gulf of Thailand ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    After yesterday's adventures, I 'm glad to chill on a Sea Day. Wayne and I went up to the Spinnaker for coffee and pastries, then I moseyed below for a look-around. I found the game room where I met Kaitlyn - a college student traveling on her own. She's been working with autism and I told her about Autism on the Seas organized through Royal. We played some Scrabble until we ran out of words- and were booted for a function in that room.

    Lunch at The MDR, then Latitudes reception and LCR. Dinner at The Palace.

    We have some weather going on- rockin' and rollin' pretty nicely. Should be good sleeping tonight.    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    The One Where...

    January 11, Natuna Sea ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    ...we didn't go to Vietnam because the weather was crazy and we would have wrecked the ship. So we had another Sea Day!

    I ran into Tess and discovered she's just a few doors away.

    Yummy Mexican lunch arranged by Glenn, followed by rousing games of LCR and RummyQube. I enjoyed learning the new game, and spending time with my friends.

    I succeeded in getting our entry cards for Brunei completed. ✔️

    Wayne and I had dinner in La Cucina- I had osso bucco and could only eat a small amount of the huge lamb shank. It was delicious!    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    The Sun Begins to Shine

    January 12, South China Sea ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Started the day with one of Glenn 's worship services, with Scott giving a meaningful homily.

    Then some Starbucks in the Spinnaker and a bit of needlework -and tearing out, and stitching again. We joined Judy, Glenn, Scott& Carol for lunch. Since it's a Sea Day, there must be LCR and RummyQube. Darla helped make some reservations for a Bermuda cruise in '26.

    Oh yes- Wayne got a haircut - before and after pictures.

    Dinner in Crossings with Darla and Rick, and I joined them for the show.

    And some people find Sea Days boring!    Read more

  • Laura FolkTravelerDoin' All The Asia

    Birthday in Brunei

    January 13 in Brunei ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We opened the door to find a birthday cake for Wayne on the door! (I strongly suspect Darla & Rick.)

    After breakfast in Crossings, we went to the theater for our excursion, and met up with J&G & C&S so we could get on the same bus for the excursion.

    First stop was the Mosque - gorgeous golden dome & minarets. They have a walkway dedicated to doffing and donning ones shoes. The Royal Gates are quite impressive.

    We proceeded to the Royal Regalia Museum - dedicated to ceremonies in the life of the Sultan. There were a couple of Royal carriages- one completely manual from the coronation, and another motorized from the 25th anniversary. I found a silver tray presented by the Girl Guides.

    Then to the Water Village- 10,000 people live in houses on the water. We went to a house where we were given tea and some local specialties.

    Then to another mosque, and back to the ship.

    Dinner was at Le Bistro - French cuisine. Hoki for Wayne, beef tenderloin for me, and Marquis de Chocolat for dessert.

    A great end to another great day.    Read more

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