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Doin' All The Asia
  • Laura Folk
  • Laura Folk

Doin' All The Asia

Une aventure de 55 jours par Laura En savoir plus
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  • Début du voyage
    1 janvier 2025
    Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Starting the Journey

    1 janvier 2025, Singapour ⋅ ☁️ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Singapore - First Full Day

    4–11 janv. 2025, Singapour ⋅ ☁️ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Merlion, Crazy Rich Asians,The Big Sleep

    5 janvier 2025, Singapour ⋅ ☁️ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    All Aboard

    6 janvier 2025, Singapour ⋅ ⛅ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Koh Samui Thailand

    8 janvier 2025, Thaïlande ⋅ ☀️ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Pattaya

    9 janvier 2025, Thaïlande ⋅ ☀️ 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Gotta Love a Sea Day

    10 janvier 2025, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    The One Where...

    11 janvier 2025, 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!    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    The Sun Begins to Shine

    12 janvier 2025, 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!    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Birthday in Brunei

    13 janvier 2025, 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.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Koto Kinabalu, Malaysia

    14 janvier 2025, Malaisie ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Early morning, short port day, and lots going on.

    We started our "Gang of Eight" excursion with a ride toward the Cultural Center - when Darla saw a sign to a Chinese Temple. So we detoured and, WOW! It was quite a place- temples, offering places, prayer sites, incense- really interesting.

    The Mari Mari Cultural Center celebrated a number of native tribes including 2 tribes of head-hunters. We learned about their customs, foods and drinks, and saw representations of their homes. Some were long- houses with individual family rooms and a long common area. The females in several slept in lofts, and the ladders were removed to protect them.

    We were offered henna tattoos- I think mine is quite lovely. Then we saw dances, and were invited to come onstage to do bamboo dancing- reminded me of Tinikling we did in Girl Scouts. Lunch followed, with really good dishes.

    We stopped at a market- in the pouring rain - where our guide, Gary, got some mangoes for Darla.

    Philippine health screening (passive temp check) and then the Military Reception.

    Dinner was in Crossings - with another birthday recognition.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

    15 janvier 2025, Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    My first time in the Philippines, and a MacArthur -worthy "I have returned" from Wayne. We did a ship's "Highlights" excursion. The first stop was a WWII Museum of multinational artifacts from The Big One. Interesting that there were German, Italian, and Japanese items in addition to those from the Allied forces.

    Iwahig Penal Colony-a very unusual facility. I have no pictures, because using cell phones was prohibited. Residents in the minimum and medium security levels have freedom to move throughout the compound - raising crops, fishing, learning woodworking and other skills did dances including a coconut rhythm dance, another native dance, Tinikling, and a line dance that looked like fun- they invited us to join, but I was feeling uncoordinated. There were items made by the residents for sale, and I did a bit of spending. All the money goes to the residents and their families.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Boracay, Philippines

    16 janvier 2025, Philippines ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Boracay is a resort island. We tendered, after long delay, having to turn the ship around due to high wind and choppy water, high swells.

    We took the hop-on-hop-off bus ($5!) to Station 2 which is White Sands Beach. We walked through "D'Mall," stopping at the Hobbit Tavern. It's a nice bar, staffed by little people. I tried our hotspot again, after not being able to get it to work since Singapore, and it worked! Wayne was able to get his long- desired San Miguel beer and we shared some calamari.

    Back to the ship, and dinner at Cagney's.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Manila -Turnaround Day

    17 janvier 2025, Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    We arrived in Manila, and were escorted off with Judy and Glenn, and Carol and Scott and their luggage. Met up with Raymond who works for Jaime's company. Raymond drove us around Manila, where we went to the Central Park and saw the site of Dr. Rizal's execution, the Art Museum, Fort Santiago (where Rizal was held prior to being killed), and then to the Robinson Mall where my ATM card refused to cough up any cash. Grrrrr. We ate at a Chinese restaurant in the Robinson Mall.

    So. Much. Traffic. on the way back to the ship. 2 hours from the Mall. On arrival at the ship, we had to wait for the gangway to be reset because of the tide level.

    Back on the ship -Philippine immigration and dinner in Crossings.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Boracay Redux

    18 janvier 2025, Philippines ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    We were glad that we'd been here before, and knew the lay of the land. We took the $5 island HoHo shuttle to the White Sands Beach stop, and transferred to the whole island bus. It was a great way to see the island. We met a guy who'd been in the Air Force, and now spends about half the year in the Philippines. He has a condo in the New Beach development - he recommended that as the bus emptied, that we move to the front for fewer bumps. He was right.

    We returned to White Sand Beach, in search of Lumpia and more San Miguel. We found both at the Jeepney Stop- a restaurant in D'Mall. The fresh and fried Lumpia were delicious - I had a mango shake... Will definitely have to get HaloHalo one of these stops.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Coron- Fun in the Sun&45 for J&G

    19 janvier 2025, Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Glenn and Judy's 45th anniversary. It was a wonderful day with a rocky start. We had some breakfast in the Great Outdoors - hotter'n blazes. Joined up with our group, and were welcomed ashore with woven hats and a group of students playing glockenspiels- Marine Hymn- and baton twirlers. We attempted to meet our guide "at the gas station across from the main gate." Darla had a heck of a time- phoned the guy a couple of times-- finally he showed up, and had us ride in tricycles to the boat dock. Really neat, colorful boats with outriggers.

    We clumsily made it aboard (hey-- some of us are old!) and set out on our adventure-for about 5 minutes - and then the engine died. We made jokes about getting tugs from Melbourne (we are, after all, Star survivors, before we were Spirit survivors). A boat towed us back, and then we boarded it for our amazing adventure.

    Swimming and snorkeling - and a swim in a fresh water lake- stairs up and down to get there.

    We stopped at a beach for the delicious lunch that the boat captain prepared for us. There was a beautiful white dog who started out giving me puppy eyes- then nosed my thigh to try to get my attention - then sat ... I didn't succumb to the begging - but she sure was trying to edge into my heart.

    Our guide realized his mess-up, made adjustments, and had a van to return us to the ship. Showered and cleaned up well, then made it topside for a lovely sunset.

    We were blessed to be able to celebrate with our group at Cagney's - serenade by the waiters, and a cake that was pretty amazing!

    Exhausted and really full- we crashed!    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Busy Sea Day

    20 janvier 2025, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    I skipped breakfast, opting for a bit more sleep. My dear husband stopped by Starbucks to get me an iced Americano. What a guy.

    After prepping laundry, we headed to our Meet&Greet- organized by Darla and fun as always.

    Light lunch, and some LCR. Great conversation. We have some bumpy weather predicted -

    The Captain had a VIP reception - I think it is for b2b'ers. Had a good talk with Lori- and she and another friend went to Crossings with us. As we were waiting to be seated, I realized I wasn't feeling well - I excused myself and Wayne had dinner with the two lovely ladies.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Kaoshiung, Taiwan

    21 janvier 2025, South China Sea ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    Today would have been our Mom's 100th birthday. Usually I would celebrate with a Scotch, but today was a bust for me. I woke up feeling badly, and opted out of today's excursion. In addition to the malaise, I don't want to expose my friends if it's something bad. I'm chasing symptoms today with all the meds.

    Seems prudent.

    The group got back in the nick of time. My view was from the bowcam.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Ishigaki, Japan and a Sea Day

    22 janvier 2025, Japon ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    Still under the weather, but Wayne and I ventured out on the shuttle bus to the terminal. It was a tiny bite of differences- observe the miniscule seats in the waiting area. Very little English, (well duh- we're in Japan!) lots of vending machines - and we couldn't figure out if the bottles contained rice wine or vinegar. And there was Spam!

    Thursday Jan 23 was a Sea Day- we met D&R and J&G for lunch in Crossings. I had tomato soup and cheese quesadillas, then skipped the Latitudes Reception. I also opted out of LCR to save energy for the Military Reception. We joined our group for dinner in Cagney's. I had to excuse myself - hopefully will be ok for tomorrow's excursion.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Naha, Okinawa to Keelung, Taiwan

    26 janvier 2025, Thaïlande ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    23-26 January 2025
    Several days of malaise, with occasional bursts of energy.

    I opted out of my planned tour with Darla et al. from Naha. Wayne did an Okinawa Battle tour with the ship, which he enjoyed.

    We entered Keelung harbor with a welcome from the fire tugs. It's a tradition for vessels on their first arrival and final departure from a port- and Sky had had many first visits on this voyage.

    While I would have welcomed yet another full day of hanging out in the stateroom, it was not meant to be. We had to do face-to-face immigration for Taiwan. The entire ship has to clear before we could reboard. The procedure was quick, but then we didn't see a waiting area. A very nice young woman took us up to the second floor, where we were the only passengers for quite awhile. There were some kiddie gymnastics classes at the end of the area- the kids-3-4 year olds- were so cute. We were there nearly 4 hours.

    I was glad to get back. We had planned on dinner at La Bistro - Wayne ended up doing a solo act.

    We're overnight inport- and a new leg starts tomorrow.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Keelung to Kaohsiung

    28 janvier 2025, Taïwan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    26-28 Jan 2025

    More of the same for me. I'm making an effort to get some more vertical time in- and yesterday I had breakfast AND some lunch, and some rice and soup today. I'm still mostly hanging out in the cabin. This is getting old.

    We had to do the Taiwan Immigration thing again, but blessedly didn't have to stay off the ship for long. Then Philippines temperature check. Luckily, I 'm not running a temp.

    I went topside for sail away. The Kaohsiung skyline is impressive, and the Navy area was close to our berth.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    4 More Days- And I Think I 'm Alright

    2 février 2025, Malaisie ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Today we're back in Koto Kinabalu. I'm feeling pretty well. We had a really good excursion last time, so decided to do a quick walk down the pier to the terminal.

    We joined Darla and Rick in La Cucina- for dinner.En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Brunei - Take Two

    3 février 2025, Brunei ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I did a diy excursion with Darla and Rick. We took the ship shuttle to the bus station, and took the $10 air conditioned bus from Maura into Brunei center- about 1/2 hour trip. The bus let us off at a building that houses a mall, and the French and German embassies - maybe more. We located an ATM , then walked toward the market. On the way, we happened upon a Chinese Temple - and sat inside for awhile. It was hot and humid, so we took it easy.

    The market featured mostly fresh foods- fruits & vegetables. Darla picked up a big bunch of tiny bananas. As we walked, a man stopped us, and offered us food. He didn't want any payment, and we were a bit confused. He served Darla and Rick some noodles, broth, and some kind of meat, followed by chicken, rice, and vegetables. I declined, since I'm being careful of my stomach, being on the mend after 2 weeks. I did eat a few of the bananas.

    Turns out, the man's sister was married yesterday, and feeding people is part of the continuing celebration. Darla had some magnets and necklaces that she gave, and a small amount of money to the bride.

    The entertainment was provided by a bunch of monkeys who raided the dumpster, and then went into some of the booths.

    We walked to a coffee shop where I had a chocolate drink, and D&R had some pastries.

    Back to the bus and the ship. We gathered in Spinnaker for RummyQube, and then to the Crew Show. The highlight was one of the AV guys who is an opera singer. His rendition of Nessun Dorma had me on the verge of tears. What a treat.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Phu My-> Vung Tau

    6 février 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We had a great excursion with D&R- our guide was Xuan ("Soon"). We got a lot of history, great views of Jesus on a mountain, golden Buddha, stop for iced coffee, and an amazing lunch that went on and on. .

    We stopped at a museum of international military uniforms, and the owner (Robert Nelson) walked in while we were there.

    The day was topped off by a dessert that was very unusual to our Western taste.

    As we left port, we had dinner in La Cucina-and saw the white Jesus on the mountain.    En savoir plus

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  • Laura FolkDoin' All The AsiaVoyageur

    Saigon Feb 11-12 2025

    11 février 2025, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    We took advantage of the overnight to spend the night in Saigon, taking the ship's "Saigon on Your Own" bus ride. Our guide walked us to the Saigon Prince Hotel (4*-$78 incl breakfast- really nice room), then took a walk around the area. Celebrations for New Year's/Tet continue. We opted for dinner in the hotel restaurant - fresh & fried Spring Rolls and a stir-fried seafood dish. Delicious!!!

    In the morning we went to breakfast- everything you can imagine - fruit, pastries, rice & dinner -worthy main dishes, salad... We had typical Western with coffee, yogurt, juice, fruit & pastry, and I had a little bit of salami.

    Our tour guide, David, picked us up, and we were off on our adventure after collecting the rest of our people.

    We went to the Independence Palace- the Presidential Headquarters during the war. We saw the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral - under renovation. The War Remnants Museum had interesting exhibits, some of which reflected revisionist history. We ended our tour at the Post Office Building that contains a lot of shops as well as still functioning as the Post Office.

    We returned to our hotel, and got a Grab back to the port.    En savoir plus

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