the Eye of the Lion

Now that I'm fully practiced in speaking Australian, it was time for a lil further cultural exploration. Throwing a dart on the map landed directly on Bangkok, Thailand. You may have heard of Bangkok from such films as the Hangover 2, Bangkok Dangerous and Rambo. Let's commence playing travel agent!

#LessMoneyMoreProblems

Cheap only scratches the surfaces in how cheap I have become. Thus, after an exhaustive pricing search on Asia airfare, turns out we gots to fly budget airlines Jetstar and AirAsia. And of course, adding on a short stop-over in Singapore is do-able. (The LCCT, or Low Cost Carrier Terminal, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia airport leaves everything to the imagination. Luckily, I was able to stretch my legs out in the mile-long walk from airplane to stiff terminal seat.) Un-recommending it.

Welcome to Singapore, the Lion City!

Singapore's 5.4 million folks bus, train and drive about on their wee island country which is 15,000 times smaller than America. The friendly folks at the Changi International airport use their AK-47's to ensure you don't j-walk or burst through immigration. Thankfully, the Singapore MRT trains speak like 19 languages so we can easily find our way (like we really had any idea where our way was). After waiting in the airplane queue for 20 minutes to land, our 8 hour flight landed at 5pm and we successfully managed to use public transport and a lot of our own legs (walking) to check-in to our windowless hotel room.

To my own surprise, Singapore isn't as built-up as I'd imagined. The MRT system lets us travel to all the tourist spots, and with 36 hours we had to get our bums-a-movin'! A shower and a rumbling tummy, we ventured outside again to stuff our face with some strange Singaporean food at a hole-in-the-wall. It was a block from our hotel, but my goodness I felt like I'd just run a marathon - the air warmer than an oven after a Christmas baking fest. (It was delicious.)

Now, according to the locals, the Srivijayan Empire King decided to make a new capitol. So, he meanders about and lands on this wee island. During a hunting excursion, he sees a fast moving cat-like animal. The hunting party assumes it's a lion and because a lion is seen as good fortune, the King decides to build his new capitol here, naming it Singapura ("Singa" for lion and "pura" for city). Take that educational tid-bit for your school holidays!

She's a beaut! and really a Merlion

P.S: a Merlion (as pictured above) has the head of a lion and a body of a fish. It has become Singapore's national symbol as "Mer" means sea and "lion" means, well, lion. Singapore was first established as a fishing village, before transforming in to a financial and business centre it is today.

Further exploration found us in Chinatown, shopping through the markets. This is where I discovered two interesting situations I have never, ever encountered:

• Here's a new sales tactic: a customer would walk up to an ATM to withdraw cash. The bank staff would wait for the customer to complete their transaction, and while walking away approach the customer to pitch more products or services to them. How annoying?!
• We were in the Chinese market, looking at electronics. Me mate David was interested in purchasing a very affordable, unlocked Samsung smartphone. Well, they left me standing at the counter while they took David to some back room to try and get him to hand over his identification documents and sign-up to their "plan" in order to even use the phone. Before taking him back, they even showed us the entire book of people who had already done it (which included clear copies of passports, drivers license and other photo IDs). 45 minutes of me standing alone at the counter, and David finally walks out empty handed, and after hearing his story, we quickly left - but not until we snapped a picture of me:

After this lil excursion, we explored the city centre/downtown core/central/downtown:

Singapore bench art v American

More finance.

One giant tourist trap aka Marina Sands Towers

NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT THE PUBLIC VIEWING DECK ON TOP OF THE SURF BOARD!!!!!!! (I write that in all caps on purpose, because I am literally shouting at myself for missing this).

Cool kids sit under bridges.

David on Marina Bay Pedestrian Bridge...it literally sways heavily

Nearby, we visited Gardens by the Bay to poke around some gardens. Beautifully done and well maintained. The only problem was I was bloody hot, tired, and exhausted from a full day of hiking around. Needless to say, it was still worth it! (It's really gardens and park area that was reclaimed from those pesky buildings). Here are some garden pics for your viewing leisure:

Now, we spent only one full day in Singapore. I'd recommend 2-3 full days, just to be able to leisurely see everything. Guess that means I just has to goes backsies :-) Here are a few other memorable moments from our 36 hours in the Lion City: 

A vending machine displaying soda choices.

Singapore subway. Everyone is so happy to line up and enter the doors in single-file.

Many public toilets required you to grab your toilet paper before entering a stall. You also dried your hands with this same roll after washing.

Now I did pretty well on all my Geography courses through life. But as it turns out I am gettin' a wee rusty in my old age, so I need some map assistance to figure out where the hell I was in the world. I figured you may need some as well (cough, cough):

Let's not forget about our 10-day Thailand excursion, coming soon to a screen near you!

Hope your weather treats ya nice!

Ciao for now,
:D

Manly Mustaches & Missing Cider Buddies

Joshy and Bry are patiently waiting for their facial hair to sprout so they can grow some impressive facial hair, as is commonly seen in a variety of Melbourne suburbs (especially those that have caught the hipster movement). For you coffee lovers, those bearded, oddly coloured folks make a damn good coffee.

In any case, since I am the only coffee addict of the family, I had to venture out, alone, to enjoy the sweet nectarine to keep me going. The other two haven't matured enough to develop the craving.

Surprisingly, these two fellas are remarkably self-sufficient in finding the nearest pub. Part of the Australian experience is experiencing Australia's beers (while attempting to speak in the Australian accent). I hear that criminals arriving in Oz back in the day had a wee drinking problem - probably not any difference as youngin's have today ;-) In any case, here's the bro and I having a brew:

Bonding Brothers.

Now that we've bonding time outta the way, let's enjoy some footy! Joshy and Bry were uber excited for this adventure. How many times in ones life does a Minnesotan enjoy an Australian Football League footy game?! Now, if only one of those university-educated guys could learn to read time, we could have arrived at Etihad Stadium on time...

She's a beaut.

Admiring the 53,000 seater

Nobody's actin' natural in these shots...

 Just kidding, we made it to see the last half of the game. Good thing too, I was lost, they were lost, we all were lost so half of it was enough....just to say I went :D

Joshy and Bry chose to cheer for the North Melbourne Kangaroos...

....only issue is the Hawthorn Hawks won.

 Obviously, if you now want more footy, I'd go here to get it. And when you're still lost about it, give it another read. Only after your second read just start screaming at the TV, pretending you know what's best.

Blessed Mornings

The biggest draw for the Great Ocean Road tour is the 12 Apostles. The 12 Apostles is a collection of (now) 14 limestone rocks. A few of 'em have fallen in to the ocean due to natural erosion and hey, the area needed a marketable tourist attraction that resonated worldwide, so they rounded the then 16 formations down to 12 to get the 12 Apostles.

Now, the Great Ocean Road came about because the government recognized the need to connect all of these smaller communities along the coast. There also was quite a high unemployment rate following both world wars so hey, why not build a road? Thus us modern travelers are able to enjoy a few stunning views alongside winding roads and steep cliffs.

Welcome to the Beginning.

 To stop all the ships from sinking, they had to build this lil treasure.

Cape Otway Lightstation

Cape Otway Lightstation grounds

WWII Radar base

And no tourist outing would be complete without seeing some wild Koalas!

Where's Koala?

And now for those delicious rock formations we all worked so hard to get to:

Reminds me to renew my travel insurance...

Now that's a view to end on. Have a lovely Labor Day Weekend all you 'Murican's! Enjoy a brew and a cider for me :D

Cheers,
:D

PS Happy (Australian) Father's Day!!

Marvellous Melbourne

Time to pop on those walking shoes, stretch out those muscles and tip back 2-6 cups of coffee. It’s tourist time! My mate David crossed the ditch for a wee holiday in Melbourne. As he says, it wasn’t a proper holiday because it wasn’t of at least 4 weeks. I seem to have been on holidays for, say, 4 months! 

Anyway, naturally we had a jam-packed itinerary. In that we made up our itinerary as we went.  This is also the time I moved in above a pub (which offered discounts for those staying above). Sweet Jesus it was like the weekend every.single. night. Fantabulous.

 

Being outside the central city, we had to learn the train network. To the Melbourne public transport powers, you’re one reason I drink. Thankfully David maxed out duty free purchases on his way through the airport so Mr Daniel’s and I could become reacquainted. And no driving was ever required, because I'm now a public transport master.

We spent the first few days mucking about central Melbourne, including Melbourne’s Southbank and Central neighborhoods. Nothing overly exciting but great views, tourist traps, people watching and lots and lots of walking.

The pocket watch at Melbourne Centrals' shopping center / train station

Tower enclosed by glass dome, at Melbourne Central

Prince's Bridge over the Yarra River

Royal Botanical Gardens (Eureka Tower in background, cute elderly couple on bench)

State Library of Victoria in Melbourne' CBD

 This city is also littered with street performers. Some cooler and better than others. This one did us some hand stands, with a few variables thrown in:

Getting the crowds attention (he's on the stoplight)

Doing a handstand on top of the bricks

Decided to knock the bricks out from under him...

After watching his stunt, we decided to head 88 stories above the solid Earth to the Eureka Skydeck to look out at the sun setting over Melbourne.

 After gaining further confidence with trains, we ventured out of Melbourne’s CBD to explore the suburbs of Frankston and Williamstown (the first settlement of Melbourne). In 1837, Williamstown was named after King William IV when the leaders decided a more appropriate place of settlement was across the harbor, at the mouth of the Yarra river. Thus, Melbourne was born, and named after British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne. Pretty much the only reason to visit is for delicious home made ice cream, and views like this:

Next up was an hour train ride on the Metro from Melbourne’s CBD to explore Frankston, aka “The Gateway to Mornington Peninsula”. Pretty much a happenin’ suburb with a gigantic shopping centre, some artsy stuff and a gorgeous waterfront! Perfect place to relax an afternoon away.

Looks way warmer and pleasant than it actually was

Frankston bridge.

Now that we have warmed up our  muscles and broke in our walking shoes, it’s time to become full blown tourists. Day 1 of this grand endeavor took us to Geelong, an hour long regional train ride. Being at the station by 7.15AM was enough to take the wind outta me already. Thankfully the regional train has cushy, soft seats so I was able to nod off for a majority of the trip

Geelong is the second largest city withn the State of Victoria (remember, Australia has something like 7 or so States just as ‘Murica has 50). This would be like travelling from Minneapolis, MN to Mankato, MN. As we arrived at 8.30am, we were able to get to the waterfront just after sunrise. Sweet as. Had amazing breakfast and coffee (my favourites being eggs Benedict and a cappuccino) next to the water. Then we walked, and walked, and walked even more exploring the shopping centres, wool museum, tourist shops, Botanical gardens, and the entire city waterfront. Finally, we took the bus to the Sphinx, snapped our pictures and returned to the train station to return to Melbourne. Exhausted, fun, and not all that informative.

Geelong Swim area (notice the shark barrier)

"Upside down V" but really State of Victoria bureaucracy offices

Spinx Jr!

Sphinx Jr, up close and personal (there's just a pub inside)

Next up was an organized tour of the Mornington Peninsula, a 90 minute drive from downtown Melbourne. We stopped in the village of Sorrento at the Just Fine Food café for a world famous Vanilla Slice. Sweet Jesus that was a slice of heaven (totally worth the $7.50 too!) Ingredients include an American size portion of custard. Combined with peppermint tea and the warm, cozy atmosphere set all my senses rocking high. Eating that slice provided delicious, orgasmic temporary bliss and I would be ever so happy to repeat such a task (so who’s gonna come visit?!)

Vanilla Slice [Pic taken from Google]

After that short stop over, we continued towards Point Nepean, defining the entrance to Port Phillip from the Bass Strait.  For decades this place used to be an active military base, and was a strategic point and defense area during WWII. Only recently has the military given the land to the Parks Department. It’s still littered with the odd explosive, so it’s best to stick on the pathways. This is also the place where, in 1967, then Prime Minister Harold Holt drowned. Body never recovered. Conspiracy theories galore. It's also home to the Quarantine Barracks, similar to Ellis Island of America where every new immigrant passed through, and those near death sent in to quarantine.

I wasn't kidding...

Point Nepean

Our final hoora on the Peninsula included a group effort to complete a few mazes, chocolate tasting, WINE tasting and a 90 minute snooze fest back in to the city. Chilled to the bone, starved (there wasn’t one proper meal that day) and tired from 12 hours of exploring.

Mornington Peninsula tour gang

Who has time to sleep on vacation? We did another organized tour to Phillip Island, so we were up and back at it. After hopping a train barrier and sprinting to the train, we just made it before our tour bus departed.  Our tour guide was pure awesomesauce, and we quite enjoyed our time touching Koalas and feeding wallabies at the wildlife sanctuary (and learning fun facts, too!); exploring Churchill Island Heritage Farm (the first farm in the State of Victoria) and watching the "World Famous" Penguin Parade (quotes were used cuz I had never heard of such a thing until a few weeks ago)!

Touching Koala!

Feeding Wallabies!

 Fun Fact: A Koala mum will regurgitate her food, make here Koala babies eat it so the Koala baby can safely eat the poisonous Eucalyptus plant.

            Fun Fact: Koala’s sleep 18-20 hours per day. After a good feed, all their energy is used in digesting poisonous Eucalyptus. I’m entirely jellies of their sleeping habits.

Tour-mate Jenny learning to crack a whip from Farmer Johnny

Pictures @ the Farm

Scottish cows!

Now, Phillip Island is all about them there penguins. Penguin homes are scattered about the island, and many roads are shut down at sunset so the penguins can safely return to their home after a full day of feeding. It’s sweet as watching the lil balls of blubber waddle there way in for the night, and inspiring how nature so well protects them from the cold [I was freezing my bumbum off!]. 

Look at 'em waddle in!

  Fun Fact: Little Penguins are just that, the tiniest Penguin creature out there

            Fun Fact: When it's time for them to shed their feathers, they eat enough for a few weeks as during this process, they lose their protective oils to guard them against the frigid waters.

Phew. Are you as tired as I? The weekend finally came, and with little energy remaining to visit my local, we hit up the Pancake Parlour (cuz I had me a coupon). For $10.90, I was pretty much fully disappointed in only receiving two pancakes, enough butter to kill me, and cheap maple syrup. Won’t even come back for free. On the plus side, this place has Target!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The final horra of our great Melbourne tour included an evening dinner cruise along the Yarra river in Melbourne’s CBD. Best part: unlimited alcohol for 3 hours. Next best part: the waitress made sure my wine glass was filled to the top (I love her). 

Now it’s BAM, back to reality with brand new spankin’ job commencing 15 July! Woohoo!

Hope your world is still doing fine as.

Cheers

:D