May 29, 2011
I started the morning with a tour or Budapest. Most of the places we visited I had already seen on the Hop On and Off tour but there were new nuggets of information. More importantly, the sun was shining and it made for good pictures.
Destinations
Budapest (2nd Day)
May 28th, 2011
Woke up and went to breakfast right as they opened at 6:45 AM. I t got myself organized, checked out of the hotel so I could spend the day touring. I would later check into the boat. It is definitely spring here in Budapest which means yesterday was high 70’s and sunny, today was cloudy and a high of 60. I was a bit relieved – I brought more warm clothing than I did shorts. I was worried I was going to burn through my shorts in a couple of days and then not have anything to wear. It cooled down immensely.
I thought I was a pro at packing and although I am pretty good, I realized that it doesn’t matter what I pack if I don’t think about hat I should take when I leave the hotel. Late in the morning it started to rain. It was a downpour to be honest, where was my umbrella and rain ponchos? In my suitcase that was being transferred to the boat. I am so glad I packed those items so I could not use them when I needed them the most! Continue reading
Categories: Danube
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The Blue Danube
May 25 and 26, 2011
After years of travel, I realized that there are some things that it doesn’t matter what country I am or what flight I am on, some things are universal. First and foremost, economy class sucks. I have yet to find on an airline where it doesn’t and on an international flights, it still sucks, just for a longer time. Making it worst, there are always a few people who think for some reason they don’t belong in economy class and expects everyone around them to accommodate their needs.
I noticed my ticket said, “1 carry-on” in both English and German. I thought it was a domestic rule but I guess it isn’t. Most people are good about this, however, there are always a few that don’t even try and have four or five bags. The women in front of me each had at least four bags – then they complained they didn’t have enough overhead space. I wondered if they even knew if checking baggage was an option. Continue reading
Categories: Danube
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Singapore – August 3rd
August 3rd, 2010
After work, I went walking around the city. I lucked out, it was sunny.
To the left is a statue of Raffles which marks the landing spot of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who founded Singapore in 1819 as a British settlement. He is considered the father of Singapore and his name is everywhere, Raffles hotel, Raffles Place, Raffles Quay, and on and on.
I am not sure how far I walked but it feels like I covered quite a bit of ground. I walked along the river quay and throughout the business district.
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Singapore – August 2nd
August 2, 2010
The weather today was sunny and clear – of course, I had to work.
After work, I went to dinner with Foo-Leong who took me to Jumbo Seafood on the East Coast to try more Singaporean favorites. I have done well with my list of foods to try but there were still more new things to try that sounded delicious.
I was also going to try the Durian fruit – also known as the stinky fruit. I have heard a lot about this fruit and on the Internet, I found some interesting but funny stories about it. I wanted to see and try this myself. It might be an acquired tasted but they really enjoy it in Singapore.
At the Jumbo Seafood restaurant, my co-worker and I ordered a variety of food that was delivered to the table one by one. It was all very good. I have to say my favorites were the Fried Prawns with Cereal along with the Chili Crab (and the buns to dip in the sauce). I have never been a large fan of Crab – it is a lot of work and it is messy. Despite the work and mess, I wouldn’t think twice about ordering it again. It was a little spicier than the Chili Crab I had the day before which made it even better. Continue reading
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Singapore – August 1st
Hindu Temple in China Town
China Town
China Town
The Raffles hotel
Rickshaw
Chili Crag
Steamed Buns
Singaporean noodles
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Singapore – August 1st – The Botanical Gardens
August 1st, 2010
Finally, a day off! I was up early and touring Singapore, unfortunately, it rained the entire day. It didn’t slow me down at all. I was going to be able to finally take pictures of other things besides building and the Marina Sands Skypark.
Fist stop – the Singapore Botanical Gardens which reminded me of a tropical version of the Huntington Gardens. I could have spent the entire day there hiking through while enjoying the tropical rainforest.
One of Singapore’s exports is orchids, generating over 13 million US dollars per year. Or course the Botanical Gardens has a National Orchid Garden.
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Singapore – July 31st
July 31st, 2010
National Day in Singapore is August 9th. Leading up to it are preview days where they rehearse the parades, Military exercises and fireworks. I wouldn’t have known this if it weren’t for the people in the office and someone forwarding me the information around street closures.
After doing a little research on the Internet, I learned that National Day is Singapore’s independence day and will be turning 45 this year. It obtained independence from Britain in 1965. I had no idea the country was so young.
I decided that I was going to hang out at the Marina where the fireworks would be. There was a nice breeze blowing and it wasn’t too hot. People watching was great! High school bands were scurrying through with instruments to get where they were supposed to be for their performance. Tours came through along with groups of families in friends, trying to figure out where the best viewing spot would be for the fireworks. I just enjoyed watching the diversity of the people who live here in the country.
Categories: Destinations, Singapore
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Singapore – July 30th
July 30, 2010
After getting done with work, I went over to the Marina Sands Skypark Hotel and Casino. Along the way I took some pictures of the skyline. Singapore is a beautiful city.
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