Well played the Tigers

I have to admit when you get beaten by a better team (so long as it's not one of those you really hate - you just can't then) and yesterday that was the case. It wasn't a great day at all as I forgot my Network & Oyster cards, the flight from Zurich was delayed an hour and my credit card had its pin number blocked! Thankfully the beer was as good as ever and with a 5.30 KO we had more time to drink before the game.

Last day in Singapore

Due to the global financial crisis hitting various American banks over the weekend it meant that Barbara suddenly wasn't able to say a proper goodbye which was a shame. However, Clive helped out by taking us to the Chinese Gardens on the way to the airport to see their lantern festival (with me leaving my camera in the car here are some photos I found on the web). It was a great way to end a wonderful two weeks in the Far East. Plus a random panoramic photo I took of Boat Quay.

A Singapore Sling

Although it took us till nearly the end of the holiday we finally managed to get to Raffles Hotel for a visit to the tourist trap and a Singapore Sling, except for the fact that I really don't like that particular cocktail and so it was just Claire that partook in the drink. In the morning we visited Sentosa Island, another tourist trap though more for the Singapore locals with its rides, bars and beaches.

A walk in the jungle and....

This morning we took a walk through the jungle in the MacRitchie Reservoir Park and it was a good if hot & humid experience. Part of the walking route involves a wonderful Tree Top walk that proved a little difficult for Claire but she managed it in the end. We also saw a tree that had a billion ants marching up and down it, which was an amazing sight.

..and it was Matthew's Birthday

today as well. So Clive had organised a treasure hunt and BBQ down by the sea for Matthew's friends and families. Luckily after wet weather the day before and in the morning, today was warm and sunny with a beautiful sunset.

Back to Singapore

So today was the last day on the island of Bintan and we left in a torrential downpour at the ferry terminal so it didn't quite feel like we were leaving paradise. One strange thing that happened was the need for the Singapore authorities to x-ray the bags on arrival at the port as well as departing the island? In the evening Clive and Barbara took us to a really fantastic party at the American Club in Singapore to celebrate its 60th anniversary. With overflowing champagne and food from every corner of the globe it was a fabulous occasion.

Last full day on Bintan

Today we spent most of the day underwater snorkelling and it was such a pleasure to see the variety and colour of the fishes around here. Parrot fish, Clown fish (though not the same colour as Nemo) and Angel fish were my favourites but the worst experience was the site of a very large jellyfish that I just managed to avoid.

Bintan Golf - a truly wonderful experience

Today Clive came over from Singapore with a few ex pat buddies for a round of golf at the Ria Bintan Golf Course. Clive had explained that this course was a truly wonderful place to play and it didn't fail to deliver despite the fact that we could only play 9 holes of the Ocean course (we played nine on the Forest course to make up the 18). You can see the "Amen Corner" of the Ocean course above in holes 7,8, and 9! The par 5 Seventh had a sign at the tee box that claimed it had been voted "Asia's best par 5" and our magnificent 3 ball all played the hole perfectly with textbook 5s - good drive, good fairway wood, good chip and exemplary 2 putts!

Local Lizards by the pool...

We were told that we would get the opportunity to see some rather large lizards whilst on the island and today we saw this rather large Monitor lizard that was quite happy lazing on the rocks right by the beach pool. It wasn't the only wildlife we saw as our sea view hut had two visiting bats that spent each evening and night with us. In the early evening they would drop half eaten nuts on our heads and we would wake in the morning to find the debris from the previous night's feast! In the morning the local squirrels woul deat the huge sea almonds on our balcony leaving even more of a mess.

....planting trees.

The second part of our package was the chance to plant a tree. Okay we're not changing the world here but it was great to feel that we can come back in 10 years time and see a permanent reminder of our trip. The tree itself was a Sea Almond Tree.

Nature Trails &....

We had booked the hotel as part of a "green" package which included a nature trail as part of the stay. We were shown part of the jungle and trails around the hotel & coast as well as some of the local settlements. Here is a picture of some of the local fishing boats. Unfortunately there was a lot of different creatures discussed but it wasn't really the right time of day to see any of them.

Settling down to the stress free life

Beach holidays would not normally describe my ideal holiday but a 5 star resort certainly has its attractions. However, I still managed to persuade Claire that we could a least take the 2 mountain bikes by reception out for a little ride. It was certainly a hot and humid trip around the golf course and down to the ferry port before coming back for a nice dip in the sea, though we did get a chance by bike to see some wonderful views.

Ferry to Bintan

Today was a quiet day as we had a ferry to catch just after lunch over to the Indonesian island of Bintan. The ferry trip is more like a plane trip with customs, baggage check in and passport control, all followed by a rather dull and boring waiting lounge. However, the trip over was only an hour long and seemed fairly full for a short journey. What is odd is the fact that the island is one hour ahead of Singapore time. Arriving late afternoon we still had time for a quick trip straight down to the beach!

Golf and Roof Top Bars

Claire and split up for the day as Clive had organised a round of golf with a group of his friends (mainly ex-pat) who met up pretty much each and every week for a game. We headed off to the Warren Country Club for a rather pleasant day out on the course, even if I hadn't actually hit a ball for nearly 18 months! The day had been a Singapore American Club day and so there was food and beers laid on at the end. Claire meanwhile had met up with Barbs for a pampering day and some shopping, of course. Clive said we would meet them later (which we did) after a visit to his local Hawker Centre (these are truly wonderful places to visit and eat, eat, eat!) at Zion Road. Here we could eat numerous Asian dishes all washed down with Tiger beer at $5 a pop (in a bar - $10+). After that we were ready to jump in a cab and meet the girls at one of Singapore's unique rooftop bars.

Ethnic mix of Singapore...

Our third day in Singapore was spent wandering around many of the ethnic areas from Little India to Chinatown as well as a trip to the famous Sim Lim Square shopping mall, where all the gadgets are sold to the locals and visitors alike. After that we went for one of Singapore's famous delicacies, Black Peppered Crab down by the sea.

Botanical Gardens, Clubs and Taxis in the rain

After another not quite perfect night's sleep we were persuaded by Clive to try the first of many "must see (or is that eat)" sights. He took us to a place called Mr Prata, where we had egg & onion, cheese & mushroom Roti Pratas with curry sauce! An excellent way to start the morning.

We then spent a lot of the day wondering around the Botanical Gardens, where we enjoyed the Orchid Garden, especially liked the Cool Garden and saw birds & lizards in a wonderful setting.

In the evening we met up at the Singapore Cricket & Hockey Club (where Clive is a member). Situated in the centre of town (right next to the route for the forthcoming Grand Prix) it was a very pleasant location for an early evening drink until the heavens opened! We then discovered the difficulty in getting a taxi in the rain. Normally Singapore taxis are the easiest and cheapest option for travelling around but as soon as it rains they go into hiding. Basically, as people need taxis in the rain you have to call and book (for a fee, of course) so they all make a little extra cash. But considering an average taxi ride is between $5-8 (around £2-3) it's not much of an imposition more a little aggravating.

Our First Day in Singapore...

Sleeping last night was okay (ish) though I did awake at 4am and had no real chance or inclination of going back to sleep! Clive suggested that for our first day that we didn't try and do too much, just get a acclimatised to the city and the temperatures. So we jumped on a Hippo tour bus for an open top tour around the city with our friendly (if Tottenham supporting) guide. This meant that we saw the basic sights all in one quick go - Little India, China Town, Merlion (left) etc. In the evening we had intended to see the famous Night Safari but with heavy showers and us both being rather tired we gave it a miss.

Arriving in Singapore

We were in the very lucky position of being able to take a Business class flight on Qantas from Frankfurt to Singapore so even though we had a 12 hour flight the journey was that much more relaxing. In particular, Claire seems to just sleep very quickly on these airline beds. Me, I play with all the gadgets, watch a film or two, drink enough wine/whisky and grab a couple of hours. Never mind we had arrived at 6pm in the evening in Singapore to be met by Clive after an incredibly smooth arrivals hall at the airport. It was warm as we had expected but we would get used to the heat (sort of). Now to try and get over the jet lag.

Bye Bye Frankfurt - hello 12 hour flight!!

Yet another scorching day in Frankfurt as we went out for a wonderful late breakfast (I didn't realise these places existed in Europe) and then off for a river cruise. We always seem to end up going on some boat or other when visiting a city and it was a worthwhile experience before getting ice cream!

The lazy afternoon was spent sitting in the park before Sonja & Maike drove us to the airport for our flight. As we were travelling Business we got there early to enjoy the lounge and relax. Just as well really as Frankfurt airport seemed to be one big construction site and there was little out in the departure area. Despite chaos at the gate we boarded our flight on time and settled back with a glass of champagne, ready for the journey...