Old Fartz on Tour

Christo's Fish Cafe - Darwin

2012-01-03T22:07:00.003+09:30

Good restaurant operators tend to do it well, whether it be a hamburger take away or a swish upmarket a la carte restaurant. They just seem to have the knack!

Christou Phillipou has run restaurants in Darwin from humble beginnings as a hole in the wall takeaway eatery to several very posh and extremely good local Darwin restaurants. Often with the moniker of “Christou’s” something or other.

Then he left town, and did his thing in SE Queensland .

He is back in town and now operates Christo’s Fish Cafe at Tipperary Waters on a marina about 2km from the Darwin CBD, just off Tiger Brennan Drive. It is hidden behind trees, and is reached from a service road [ Frances Bay Drive] so if unfamiliar with the area, a map or directions might be needed. There is usually plenty of parking inside the complex area, behind the shops on the street, rather than in the side street. See here - http://christosfishcafe.com.au/index.html

First.......it is not air-conditioned. Is that a problem? Probably not, as we have been there many times and there are good and plentiful overhead fans and the restaurant is actually on the boardwalk overlooking the marina, and there generally seems to be a breeze, even in the hot November – December period and there was a good breeze when visiting there recently at that period.

It is a fish cafe, not a restaurant, so the setting is along those lines – alfresco dining with tables and chairs to match, as well as some tables with fixed seating, down closer to the water on a lower level.

Our experience with fish meals has been excellent. They do a fantastic calamari – based on a recipe of his mother’s , Kate’s Calamari - and probably our favourite. But we have been with other who have had barramundi, threadfin salmon and other fish dishes and been extremely satisfied. A neighbour recently visited and had bugs......which were not to their liking. Our own experience has been very positive. Even the souvlaki and the Caesar salad were very good.

Meals are of a good size, entrees are also, and the greek dips with flat bread are a well liked entree option of many customers. There is a modest selection of desserts including some of the usual greek delights such as baklava and milleefa .

Contrary to some comments on the internet, cold water – yes, from the tap in a bottle – is readily available and free!! And you are not expected to buy from the drinks menu either......water is just fine, if that is your tipple.
The menu is here - http://christosfishcafe.com.au/menu_1.html .

Would I go back? Very definitely, particularly if looking for a feed of calamari. And I am probably a bit biased.......as have been there a few times over the past few months.

Should you try it? Well, Darwin is a fish town. It is on the harbour, this restaurant is about 200m from the fish markets and there are local fish trawlers operating out of Darwin supplying fresh fish, and above all, Darwin is THE home of the mighty barramundi, a great eating fish.

And the locale is attractive.

But remember........the whole Tipperary Waters area can have bad midge problems at some times of the year. Be prudent and wear long trousers or slacks and use some DEET on potentially sensitive skin before arriving if you are a bit sensitive to insect bites, especially round the lower legs and ankles, as you will be seated outside. They cannot control the midges, I am sad to report. That said, have not had a problem myself, but know others have.

Oh......of course, as is the thing today, Christo’s is on Facebook too.

A map is here - http://www.truelocal.com.au/business/christos-fish-cafe/stuart-park

And for you yachties........they do a pretty mean breakfast too.

They can be busy, especially in the Dry Season, so a check is worthwhile to ensure a table. You can have takeawy too.

Out To Pasture???

2012-01-01T22:06:00.005+09:30

No posts for a while.......but definitely not out to pasture, nor in the long yard today [ Slim Dusty song about old horses].

Activity and travel has been restricted due to post operative dramas and an incomptent and uncompromising hip that has stubbornly refused to shape up after hip replacement surgery in Adelaide. That is where the hip operation took place and so the posts on Adelaide places in November happened then........a few weeks to really try them out!!

All is not lost however, as there have been some short visits to local eating houses in Darwin. That has had to happen quite a a few times during the hip replacement repairs - standing and preparing food has been an issue at times, as has some really crappy hot weather over the past two months. Can be very hot to stand and prepare and cook food with a gammy hip!

So, will post a few comments on some Darwin eateries, from a local.

Watch this space over the next week or so.

Eating at Norwood, Adelaide

2011-11-06T01:30:00.002+09:30

Eating on the Parade at Norwood – Bravo and Buongiornio

Good food in the suburbs? Well yes, why not you say. It has not always been that way, with traditionally the better restaurants being in the city, or even well within the CBD.

Probably has not changed a lot, but there is a developing range of decent eateries removed from the CBD. These are not necessarily top flight restaurants with attendant stars and awards but good solid restaurants and eateries – from smaller local restaurants with a good table service and a reasonable wine list [or even better BYO], bistro style and “pub grub” that provide good value for money and decent food for both locals and visitors. And with pleasant staff – that is a big plus!

Adelaide has a range of these venues for example, along the Parade at Norwood, with two notable places being Caffe Buongiorno and Cafe Bravo on diagonally opposite corners on The Parade.

They have a strong returning clientele, decent food and coffee and a good to even great atmosphere. Local lunch time patrons, those for a quiet coffee as well as some coming for a coffee and a chat, mothers with kids in tow and / or their parents, business people for lunch. A typical bustling scene with a somewhat noisy background reminiscent of a good Italian trattoria!

A recent extended visit to Adelaide had a few visits to both of these cafes / bistros – for both coffees and food. You can feel the vibe when you visit. A look around sees locals and visitors, staff being pleasant and treating customers with appreciation – and a smile, a busy kitchen, customers obviously enjoying themselves, plenty of food being prepared and served, a range of patisserie offerings and reasonable prices. And guess what ?...........they always seem to be busy!!

Check out both of these locations for decent reasonably priced food when in Adelaide. They do a decent coffee too.

Caffe Primo - Mawson Lakes, near Adeaide

2011-11-05T08:16:00.005+09:30

Caffe Primo – at Mawson Lakes

There is a campus of the UniSA at Mawson Lakes along with a nearby light aircraft and training airfield and the area has a developing Business and Technology Park with quite a few medium sized developing businesses. Mawson Lakes has also been a site used as part of the Tour Down Under international cycle race in January each year – sometimes as a criterium or a start location. It has a fair share of business visitors, who now have a few locations to stay, rather than in Adelaide itself.

While there are some eateries along the Promenade and overlooking the lake that have been the main location to service these visitors, location does not always ensure decent service and food.

A recent extended stay for several weeks at Mawson Lakes recuperating after surgery has meant opportunities for a more than one visit assessment of some of the local eateries, and at different times of the day. One is a bit vunerable when unwell, and a bit rickety on the legs, a time to assess how staff operate with people not as vigorous as normal.

The best of the bunch award would have to go to the local Caffee Primo on Main Street. This is a combination of coffee shop, bar and restaurant, with the prominence of the component s of the mix varying over the day and week. Hard to miss, with a very large outdoor sign draped across the upper building levels [ also serves to stop the western afternoon sun].

Coffee shop in the morning can become a bar at night, yet the food service is generally pretty good at all times, with a decent weekend buffet breakfast on offer too, although not during the week – it is a cooked breakfast style “to order” then, and that is a reasonable price, a lot better than a motel “breakfast pack”.

They offer a modest range of well priced lunch meals [about $13] including pizzas and a range of pastas as well as a la carte meals. The chicken Caesar salad is particularly good value and very tasty, and has been my number one choice. Wine is available by the glass [reasonable range] and bottle as well as beers and spirits.

Dinner has essentially the same range as lunchtime plus a wider range of more expensive meals including steaks and there is a complimentary pancake and ice cream dessert too.

Meals are a good size, and the pasta range especially is very filling. The pasta is of good quality, obviously fresh and very tasty.

Staff have been exceptionally pleasant and helpful, and pull a decent coffee too. That alone is quite important for a coffee shop – both the staff and of course the good coffee! All the staff have been tremendous - without exception; a pleasant smile, a "hello" and that is seen when they deal with other customers too -it does bring out the pleasant side of your customers, almost always.

Tables are more bistro style, and they have some outside as well. Some of the original leather chairs are a bit run down, but are obviously being replaced, since most have already gone, with similar style wooden ones as replacements.

Observations over several weeks would indicate a steady stream of regular customers for both meals and coffees.

A recommended good value choice for meals and coffee in Mawson Lakes.

Pompidou - THE Cafe NOT that other place in Paris!!

2011-09-02T13:34:00.005+09:30

The coffee and cafe scene in Brisbane some think, starts and ends around New Farm and the Valley. Those trendy areas are full of the young and [ think they are] beautiful. Good for observations, but are the areas all that good for coffee?

There is good coffee in Brisbane, with di Bella coffee a stand out producer of an excellent range of coffee blends, and their products are used around the area as well as at their own site in Bowen Hills, on Abbottsford Road. Even have a drive through coffee bar.

But most have a desire to sit down for a coffee.

Try an easier location with a visit to Pompidou in Balmoral. Relatively easy parking on a side street, around the corner from their location at 236 Riding Road. A great di Bella coffee blend, and a well produced cup of coffee. And pleasant staff.

The site has been there as a coffee shop for a while under a prior name and owner, with the new owners operational now for several months. The changes are not monumental, but evolutionary, with a subtle but welcome change of menu and coffee brewing.

Try the place if out on the southside of Brisbane - Norman Park, Balmoral, Murrarie, Bulimba all are close by.

They do a great well priced range of breakfasts, and the eggs benedict are excellent!

Mt Lofty House - Accomodation on High

2011-08-26T22:02:00.004+09:30

Mt Lofty, the high point of the Adelaide Hills also has a great older converted house as up market accommodation, very close by.

Actually, on the east, below the edge of the hills, so you miss the westerlies, although when there are southerlies or sou' easterlies, well they do come up the valley.

It is a rebuilt old established estate house, originally built in the mid 1800s, but burnt down in bushfires a few years ago, and rebuilt and converted to accommodation.

Just up the freeway from the Cross and Portrush Roads / Glen Osmond Road intersection, and about 35mins to the airport. A great place for a weekend with some great views and options to do a few walks around the grounds or at the adjacent Botanical Gardens annex or even hit the bicycle [ for serious cyclists though- it is a bit hilly, so be prepared].

We have only been there in cooler months, and it can be cool,VERY cool at night during the winter.

It is well known as a restaurant for dinner, and even for breakfast they do a great muesli with yoghurt and fruit coulis [ I really like these - very addictive for a second one!]. Have not had dinner there but reputation is excellent.

They seem to have had a few specials on some of the accommodation web sites eg www.wotif.com over the past few months so check those for a good deal - and they have been!

Recommended, as something a little different. Their website is here - http://mtloftyhouse.com.au/ lots of photos

Radiator Wrecking

2011-06-23T22:29:00.006+09:30

NOT a good afternoon.........the trusty Subaru Outback blew the top off the radiator - literally, pieces of plastic everywhere, when about 70km out of town, on a reasonably isolated road. just as the vehicle arrived on location.

Meant a very tricky limp back into town. Had 6L of water, but had to fill up water bottles quite a few times at various places along the way.

This sort of event can really put a major hole in a road trip, of any length. Especially tricky if in the remote parts of Australia.

You can plan for blown radiator hoses, loose clamps, but to literally blow the plastic top off the radiator is a bit odd to me. Maybe the older cars mostly had metal tops on radiators.......and hence rarely, if ever, actually broke.

This will mean several days off the road and a costly repair, and no doubt parts will have to come from interstate. Removing and repairing the radiator will have a high labour component - so will be costly.

Italian Food in Adelaide

2011-06-22T00:06:00.001+09:30

It has been cold in southern Australia. Good warm food and a nice red wine help warm the inner self.

For a reasonable feed of some decent Italian food, along with a very respectable coffee try a near city restaurant, not an upmarket expensive city eatery.

More than a trattoria, more than a coffee shop but not an exclusive restaurant the Caffee Buongiorno at 145 The Parade at Norwood offers both all day eating and coffee as well as decent wholesome Italian style evening meals in a friendly, sometimes a bit noisy atmosphere [hard surfaces do not help - eg tiled floors]. It has a good ambience. There is an alfresco dining area too, maybe nice for summer but definitely cool to cold over the past few weeks of June 2011 for sitting outside.

There is a reasonably quick lunch time menu - soups, pizzas, various pasta options for a filling lunch. We had the calzone pizza which came with a napolenta tomato sauce on top and was very tasty - enough for two at lunch time [ about $16]. Coffee was good too, and there were quite a few italians imbibing coffee - usually a good sign in these types of eateries.

Some days later after a pretty cold late afternoon we decided italian food was the go for dinner. Scoloppine and saltim boca were the dishes of choice and they did not disappoint either and prices were around the low $20 range. Wine available by the glass too. The night we were there, a family group of about ten including quite a few children were having a group meal - so it does cater for small groups too. Meals are available until later in the evening, which is something to remember as many places seem to stop food service around 8 or 830pm, often too early if you are travelling or working.

The tenor of the place fits between cheap eateries and the upper range with good, tasty wholesome Italian food as you would expect. The evening meals had a great range of vegetables included in the price - something not always the case. The veggies were a great addition to the evening meals, and welcome after short order food over a few days prior to that. You do not get much change from $10 even at fast food chains, so meals around $20+ is a reasonable option.

Somewhere to test drive if you are in Adelaide for a few days and think Italian food is your preferred option for that meal.

We would go again!

The Ice Cream Seller

2011-06-21T00:56:00.001+09:30

Watch for and enjoy the simple ice cream slice, cut by hand, between two wafers.

Many around the city areas, and this one was down near the Double Helix Bridge, where you walk over to the Marina Bay Sands precinct.

Great value ice cream for $1.20 - gone up from $1 in 2010!

The Joys of Airline Travel -NOT

2011-06-18T01:10:00.000+09:30

The Joys of Airline Travel – NOT

Fellow passengers can be friendly, pesky or just downright awful, annoying and a menace.

A recent flight delivered one of the latter into the middle seat in the row in front of us. As usual, the plane was very near full, and it was a Friday evening after an especially stressful week for airlines with volcanic ash disrupting flight schedules, and the subsequent delays often annoying to passengers.

BUT........you can do little to solve the issue, and safety does come first.

However, the male [ cannot describe him as a gentleman] seemed to be a little more than well charged as he got on the flight, which had been delayed well over two hours – time seemingly spent imbibing at the bar.

He was raucous, calling to a fellow passenger who was known to him a few rows in front and generally a bit disruptive to those around him. He was a large framed guy, and with waving his arms around and bopping to music it seemed a bit chaotic in the row in front of us.

But wait.......there is more!

Soon we were airborne, and out came a pizza along with about a dozen oysters. The latter were consumed promptly in conjunction with a citrus liqueur as oyster shooters, and the pizza also promptly was eaten. Then the airline meal, all the while hopping and bopping in the seat with the headphones on and loud.

We then had some clear air turbulence for a while and I wondered if his bopping in the seat was causing some of it......he was that vigorous. That incident slowed the meal service for a little while but as soon as service resumed, he was after more beers.

About three hours into the nearly five hour flight........he promptly passed out, rather than went to sleep. Peace ensured.

Prior to landing it was a major effort to wake him to raise the seat back for landing. Very bleary eyed it seems. But awake enough to call for the steward and hand her the bag of oyster shells – she looked absolutely stunned. That was priceless and almost worth the previous annoyances!!

As the guy next to him in the window seat said..........lucky it was only five hours and not a sixteen hour flight to north or south America.

There have been quieter evening airline flights.

Muthu's Curry House Singapore - Little India

2011-06-16T19:06:00.000+09:30

Muthu’s Curry House – Singapore

Three ethnic groups predominate in the polyglot brew of nationalities and races that is Singapore – Chinese, Malay and Indian.

Seems it might be a good location to sample some decent Indian food. And over the years we have had some great meals, mostly favouring the smaller places, food halls, and hawker stalls. Great prata, various roti types, Chicken briyani, korma curries and similar relatively common and well known dishes. Places such as the Tekka Centre where food is both good and very well priced.

But if you wish to venture into some better Indian food in Singapore then Little India is obviously the location to head for.......and Muthu’s Curry House, serving Indian food for three generations is an excellent choice. It has been upgraded and has excellent air-con if a bit fainthearted. Do not be put off by the word “curry” – there is much more to Indian food than just a throat tingling hot curry.

Definitely no beef around, but plenty of mutton and chicken is just as tasty.

Muthu’s is on Racecourse road, not that far from Farrer Place MRT [ less than 100m] and easily reached by public transport, with regular services up Selegie road, one street away. Get off at the Broadway hotel.

This is the original [and best?] location although other sites operate – Temasek Place [Suntec City] at Marina Bay. As a third generation restaurant [opened in 1969] they must be doing something right!

And based on a recent meal, they do seem to have it well sorted.

The night we were there was mid week, and the place was full. We went with local Singaporean friends in their car, and parking was a bit of an issue, but solvable. Nothing too unusual about that though.

As a group of four, we could mix food around a lot and that is a much better idea than just two people. The Kashmiri Naan was exceptional as was the Romali Roti. The Kashmiri Naan has chopped cherries on the top – very different and a great taste. Most other dishes were equally good. Our main dish was the inevitable fish head curry, along with butter chicken, a small serve of chicken tikka and briyani rice – basmati rice with attitude – that itself was great. There were quite a range of smaller side dishes – across vegetables, fish/meat and rice/breads.

Most dishes priced in the $6 - $12 bracket, with a few [often multi serve sizes] priced higher.

Great food and is worth trying. Would we go again – DEFINITELY!

They, like much of the wired place that is Singapore is online at:
www.muthuscurry.com and wifi is available and orders taken on a PDA!

Changi Airport Singapore - Food - Try Saboten

2011-06-14T01:01:00.004+09:30

Changi Airport Singapore – Food

It is somewhat of a conundrum – you need food while travelling, but both airport and airline food notoriously has a reputation that is often well deserved for ordinary food - at best.

Unless you happen to be at the pointy end where food and service reaches silver service standards! That does not happen for most people!

Normally poor to ordinary food at both airports and airlines is a well deserved award – lack of choice, not to your personal taste and sometimes quite pricey [ even on some airlines these days] and catering to a market that is a captive one – you can rarely go elsewhere.

Recently had a meal with friends at Changi Airport in Terminal 1. Outside - that is on the Singapore side before entering the immigration and customs hall and transfer areas inside. This is a location you might consider to not be inspiring, catering as it does to departing travellers and friends, soon to move air side to a better range of options.

Quite a few choices now, mostly asian food with the local Singaporean and Chinese cuisines popular, and with a long line to enter the restaurants. We selected the Japanese Saboten chain – almost by default as it had the shortest – ie no wait time to sit down. That sometimes might have you wonder.........is it ok?

Food was really quite good, with the shredded cabbage [superfine shreds] and tonkatsu sauce salad excellent as an entree. All four of us thought the food very well presented, and tasty, with good service – and prompt, a bonus when you are needing to move off for catching the plane. We all chose one of the variations of the salmon fish dishes deep fried in fine bread crumbs, so cannot comment on the meat options, which were mostly based around pork. The salmon was excellent – tasty and flavoursome.

All dishes around S$ 20 -24, and service seemed to be prompt, even based on other tables. A real bonus for an airport meal choice. And it included ice cream for dessert too!

Would definitely recommend the Saboten as a good food option. A quick google search has also turned up some very positive reviews of the same place by local Singaporeans - try a search if you want.......but try the restaurant too.

Seems the renovation of Terminal 1 at Changi Airport, due for completion in 2012 has already delivered some good food eateries.

In reality, it was just as well we ate there – meals on our flight [ both dinner and breakfast] were both terrible, and many people [ including Asians] did not eat them- at all or many just partially. After all not everyone – not even many Asians - tolerates very spicy food and hot chillies in Asian food, and that was what the dinner meal was. And no choice. One of the worst ever airline meals – and that was on a Qantas flight – just awful food. It was just poorly presented and looked awful too. Breakfast was not much better.

Art Science Museum Singapore - Dali Exhibition 2011

2011-06-12T19:11:00.003+09:30

Art Science Museum Singapore – Salvador Dali Exhibition 2011

It is new, innovative and attempts to marry art and science. Somewhat in the tradition of the great people of the past – da Vinci, Galileo, Michelangelo and those of similar ilk.

It is also a very distinctive building in shape and location – the new white lotus blossom form near the new Marina Bay Sands Casino and the equally distinctive three towers of the nearby Marina Bay Sands Hotel - the one with the boat on the top!
There is some irony having a museum next to a casino though.

Having watched the building take shape over several years it is interesting to see the final building.

The Marina Bay Sands precinct is quite easily reached over the very distinctive double helix Bridge, a footbridge joining Raffles Avenue across from the Ritz Carlton and Pan Pacific hotels plus Marina Square. That bridge is actually a work of art and science in itself.......maybe more on that separately.

Access is also possible from the other side of the Marina Barrage area, but public transport is a bit more difficult in that area, whereas getting to Raffles Avenue by bus or via the MRT is normally quite easy .

Current exhibitions in the mid to late 2011 period in the Art Science Museum are two well worth seeing – a multi media event based around the art of Vincent van Gogh [ actually a joint Australian – French production] and a masterful exhibition of art by Salvador Dali. He tends to evoke loathing or love – I am a great fan of his art works! Yes, I am biased.

Quite a large exhibition of Dali works with more focus on sculptures, although there are a lot of his smaller paintings in the show. Some of the sculptures are truly spectacular, and special, but there are none of his iconic paintings on show - those seen in textbooks, art books or in the world’s great galleries – maybe they are just too valuable! Do not be disappointed though, some of the paintings are very good.......but mostly smaller, art pieces.

Dali was a master at the surreal art piece, and those art works on display do not disappoint if you enjoy the art of Salvador Dali.

Definitely worth a visit if you are a visitor [or a resident] of Singapore in the last half of 2011, up to 31 October.

More photos here -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/surfie999/

in the Salvador Dali set.

Helicopters in Singapore at Twenty Metres

2011-06-09T19:03:00.002+09:30

Helicopters at Twenty Metres

It was cloudy.......that typical tropical haze before rain – but there in the distance were one, then two then five helicopters, backwards and forwards across the horizon in the west – maybe just out to sea over the harbour. Below one seemed to be a large flag, the Singaporean flag.

I have seen that before, on National Day, when a large flag is held below a helicopter and is part of the fly past down near Marina bay. There has been someone - a real person - at the bottom of the flag to weight it down sometimes.

But this was in the distance, and a little hard to really tell what was taking place.
Then the helicopters turned and headed directly to our building. We were on the 27th floor – and they were very very close above us. A Chinook with the flag and a metal weight, plus four Tiger attack helicopters. Great view.

Not sure if a practice for National Day [ 9 August 2011]- but impressive.

If you are in Singapore for National Day – watch for the National Flag fly by and the festivities down at Marina Bay. Plus a fantastic fireworks display around 7pm.

Zam Zam Restaurant- Best Murtabak in Singapore

2011-06-03T21:33:00.006+09:30

Little more than a hole in the wall opposite the Sultan Mosque on North Bridge Road, and not far from the Golden Landmark Hotel, this restaurant serves the best murtabak in Singapore. And they have won awards for their murtabak too.

Well known to locals, but rarely visited by visitors it has a great atmosphere and some good food too. Offers a take away too and the special "drive by", but you need to be organised for the drive by pick up - might be best left to the locals! watch out for it if you vist the place.

Chicken briyani is also good, but the murtabak especially in mutton is excellent, and represents top value for money. Have a fresh lime juice to go with it.

For visitors the food is prepared right in the front enclosed section of the streetside restaurant.

Upstairs is air conditioned, but most sit downstairs or even at tables on the street.

A great visual experience for visitors, as they throw the cover for the murtabak. A bit like throwing a pizza base.

It is halal, and the place is alcohol free. Should be expected in the muslim area of Singapore, I guess. But do not let that stop you from a great feed!

If Zam Zam is full, and it is usually busy, Victory Restaurant a few doors up the road is quite good too.

The photo is taken from Zam Zam - across the road showing the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque - an easy place for a taxi driver to find.

Emerald Springs Revisited

2010-09-09T23:38:00.007+09:30

This roadside stop and roadhouse / highway inn about halfway between Darwin and Katherine has been around for 40 plus years. There has always been competition between the 'Tank and Tummy Station" aka Hayes Creek roadside inn, and Emerald Spings roadhouse. This competition has waxed and waned between the two, depending on the current state of the facilities. Afterall, they are about 20km apart!!

Over the past few years, both have seemed to progressively decline in appeal, with Emerald Springs moving further and faster, while Hayes Creek did improve a little, more recently. Then.... new owners arrived at Emerald Springs, with plans and a few $$$.

Emerald Springs has had a makeover.........big time! And is now significantly better than the somewhat run down facilities at Hayes Creek Roadside Inn. And it has more room to expand, whereas Hayes Creek Inn is somewhat constrained being on a hilltop.

It is clean, staff are pleasant, the bar is air conditioned, and there is a big breezy cool verandah with a view, as well as a pleasant grassed outdoor area.

To top it off........meals are top notch, and the range available is excellent. Not necessarily super cheap, but a first rate scotch fillet steak and salad for around $20+ is excellent value. And the steak is GOOD.

Their prime market is the transport sector, and there is ample parking for road trains, and with a lot of road trains hauling both long distance freight as well as minerals for processing, they would seem to have found a clientele that does want a bit more than a crappy "burger and a beer". Plenty of drivers there having a meal on my recent visits.

Coffee is also a bit better than nescafe and hot water too, with a good expresso machine and a decent range of coffees - long black to latte and capuccino are the go. And the barista does a good job!

There is also an air-conditioned meeting room for maybe about 10 - 12 people. Not sure about any fancy technology, but hey.......a meeting halfway between Darwin and Katherine might be a very convenient spot for people from both locations and / or local Douglas or Pine Creek areas, especially in both the resources and primary industry sectors, and that need can be very common here in the Top End.

Accommodation is also available in modest but new, very clean self contained a/c rooms at a respectable price. Ask them!

No doubt time will tell if the quality continues, but at least for now........it is a good place to take a break while driving between Darwin and Katherine.

Highly recommended.

But a note of warning.........freeloaders are not especially welcome. To use the facilities, including toilets [ which are very clean] the owners would like to think you might spend some money there - coffee, drinks, ice creams.....something.

That is probably fair and reasonable. You would not be disappointed stopping here for a short break in the journey.

Age

2010-07-28T22:26:00.000+09:30

"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."
~ Mark Twain

From First Class to All Class …

2010-05-25T14:45:00.007+09:30

…A journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Malaysian Railways – part 3

At Kluang there was a large group of elderly Japanese golfers waiting when we pulled into the station. They came aboard, with much noise, confusion and enthusiasm; assisted by several guides. One of the guides insisted that we were sitting in their seats. We consulted our tickets, which showed we were in the correct seats; and as all travelers know, possession is nine tenths, so we stayed where we were. Much confusion ensued, but finally everyone appeared to have a seat. Then the picnics were delivered to the golfers. Rather typically Japanese; very neatly and organized presentation, many choices of fruit, sushi and drinks.

Did I mention drinks? There was just about every choice they could possibly want. The gentleman across from us very swiftly polished off two cans of Japanese beer, water, but dispensed with the can of oolong tea and offered us a can top jar of saki. Pull the lid off and you have a full glass to drink. It is a long time since I have drunk any of it, but the taste memory returned with a bang and I remembered why I had previously named it rocket fuel!

Ah .......the last time 'canned" liquor was consumed by me on a train was on the Trans Siberian Railway, many years ago, through a swap deal with Russian [ sorry USSR] troops, who were keen to taste better quality scotch whiskey. In this case the cans were about the same size as a condensed milk can - two quick holes in the top of the can - hey presto - vodka, army issue! and you drank it neat, too. At least the sake was branded and obviously Japanese.

It wasn’t too much longer and we were approaching Johor Bahru. Since our last trip by train, the new Immigration and Customs hall at JB had opened, so we were interested to find out if the transition from Malaysia to Singapore would be any less painful. We had previously done a reconnoitre from Singapore to JB by bus to check out the transition but had not been able to see how the train transition worked.

We didn’t use the new station on this trip as it was not yet operational. The officials came on the train and we were cleared out of Malaysia with little time taken.

Then it was on, across the causeway to the Woodlands Immigration facility for clearance into Singapore. Everyone disembarks with their luggage and proceeds through immigration and customs and when everyone is cleared, the doors are opened, you can re board the train and proceed to Singapore. Or, you can clear immigration and customs and exit the station there, and catch a taxi, train or bus direct to your destination in Singapore. This was the course we chose. It was the first time we had tried this tactic. This decision was taken, mainly because the supposedly short trip to Singapore railway station had taken such a long time last trip. There can also be a long wait for taxis at the somewhat isolated station when you arrive. If you haven’t seen the station, it is worth the visit, as it has recently had a clean up and is quite a historic building (with traditional malay food available, particularly late at night), but that is another story …

Would there be a taxi readily available or would we be left standing at Woodlands while the train chugged on to Singapore without us? So we made the decision not to reboard and once we were out the sliding doors we were committed and could not change our minds.

Through the doors, up the escalator and directed out to the taxi rank, we found three taxis waiting, and within 20 minutes we were settled into our hotel room and having a fresh cup of coffee. Successful comfortable transfer from Kl to Singapore; and that is the way we will do it next time too!

From First Class to All Class …

2010-05-24T14:20:00.006+09:30

…A journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Malaysian Railways – part 2

A while into the trip I realized that the carriage seems rather quiet, no-one wandering up and down to the restaurant car. Later on, during further discussion with the English couple, I find out that there is no restaurant car this trip. OK, so the donuts are now going to look a lot more appealing further down the line! Industrial dispute or technical issue? That may have something to do with why there was no First Class Lounge open at KL Sentral too.

The train is travelling along quite quickly. On the previous trip there had been many stops and the general speed of the train was a lot slower. At that time, there had been a lot of work on the line for much of the distance. It would appear that it has been completed.

We have one little stop on a side line while a couple of other trains travel past in the opposite direction. It is single line for a lot of the journey, so this is to be expected.

I find train travel quite civilized. It always seems a lot less hassled than a bus trip and even less so than most short hop air travel these days. What with the trip from a major city to the airport being long, the need to be at check-in so long before the departure time and then the wait for actual departure, some journeys can be accomplished in not a lot longer and with a lot less hassle.

There are several short stops at tiny stations along the way. The train line, and the main highway also, for that matter, run the length of peninsular Malaysia, so there are lots of roads running from the costal areas in to the rail line. There is an old carriage on the side of the line at Gemas.

Glad they have upgraded to the one we are in! This station is the start of the “Jungle Line” trip to Khota Bahru. I am told the daytime 3rd class slow train from Gemas to Khota Bahru (Wakaf Bahru) is worth the trip, as the scenery is superb. We have “thought” about it several times, but as yet the trip hasn’t eventuated.

After Gemas we decided to have lunch. This consisted of two donuts each and a drink of water (which we always carry with us). More sustenance than nutritious, but it filled a gap.

to be continued ...

From First Class to All Class …

2010-05-23T13:31:00.005+09:30

…A journey from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore by Malaysian Railways – part 1

Mention at checkout from the Le Meridien KL that you are leaving the city by train and you are immediately offered (well, it is insisted on actually) assistance to the railway station. This is not a long distance but you can feel a bit like someone out of an old movie being followed across the road to the station by a bellboy with a typically large hotel “trolley” with just your bags on it. The feeling of importance is quickly dashed when it is discovered that the First Class Lounge is not open prior to this trip. Hmmm, is this a warning of things to come, as it has been open for the morning departure on our previous trips. We find a seat in the departure area and assure the bellboy that we will be OK. Nothing else in the station is yet open in the way of food establishments. I had planned to perhaps forage and gather some sustenance for the journey. Ah, wait a minute; Maccas is open. Why did that not surprise me? An orange juice and a McMuffin will do while we wait and we will get lunch on the train.

An attempt to buy two donuts, for a bit more junk food on the train, accelerates into a major negotiating business deal. They don’t have their cash register working yet, the shop assistant who does that has not arrived and no-one else can set it up. Can I just leave the money with them and take the donuts? No, they are not sure how to calculate the ++ and the amount may not be correct. Hmmm. Ah, but there is a nett price on the menu for six donuts and can I just pay that? Consultation takes place between the staff, and at that stage I almost totally loose the inclination to eat a donut. However, it is decided that I can do that if I choose six donuts. OK, six donuts are selected, placed in a box, I hand over the correct money, and then there is a long search for an appropriately sized plastic bag to carry them in. I escape with just the box of donuts, wondering what himself is going to say when I turn up with six donuts! It is all said; I won’t spell it out!

Soon there is an announcement that we can board and there is a rush for the entry. Eventually we settle into our seats and find that the carriage is only about one third full. We find that a bit unusual, as we thought, when we booked that we had got the last two seats. A brief chat with an English couple who are settling in a few seats from us, and the train pulls out of KL Sentral on its way towards Singapore.

to be continued ...

The Ice Cream Seller by the Singapore River

2009-10-20T23:28:00.006+09:30

To most people, Singapore is hot … all the time, day and night. When the sun sets it is not quite as hot but still definitely tropical.

Down by the River, often on the walkway between the Cavenagh Bridge and the Asian Civilisations Museum you will find the Ice Cream Seller.

I am not sure why, but ice cream bought in any of the many shopping malls just doesn’t taste as good as the ice cream from the street Ice Cream Seller. Shopping mall ice cream is also much more expensive, but I guess that the rents there also add to the price.

The street Ice Cream Seller has a mobile “stand” like a motor bike with a side car that is a mobile freezer. He will set up where there will be a passing parade of hot tourists and locals alike and a queue forms fairly quickly. Up goes his umbrella to protect him from the sun and the shop is open. His ice cream is stored in cartons (in the old fashioned way) and he will cut off a generous slice of your chosen flavour and present it between two wafers, wrapped in a tissue, all for the very reasonable price of $1! There are many flavours to suit all tastes, even the local variety – durian – a very interesting taste.

So, if you see the bright umbrella of the Ice Cream Seller, don’t hesitate, try it, you’ll like it.

The Cavenagh Bridge was named after Colonel Cavenagh, the last Indian appointed Governor of Singapore. Construction began in 1868 and it was originally planned to be a drawbridge, but on completion it was found only to be suitable as a fixed structure. It continues to wear its original splendour and is now open only to pedestrians.

The Cavenagh Bridge links the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Fullerton Hotel. Both, places of wealth, one in culture and the other probably more correctly in dollars.

The Asian Civilisations Museum, formerly the Empress Place Building, named after Queen Victoria, was completed in 1867 and has served at different times as a Court House (not of royalty!) immigration department and government offices.

The Fullerton Hotel was constructed in 1928 as the Fullerton Building, has seen duty as The Singapore Club, the Chamber of Commerce, General Post Office and Internal Revenue Authority. Today it remains a masterpiece of neo classical grandeur and splendour. Walk through and take in the ambience, perhaps even stop for a cool drink in the airconditioned café or bar.

Seeing the Sites in Singapore……….by Bus – VERY DOABLE

2009-08-27T14:07:00.002+09:30

No, it is NOT a spelling mistake.

As a tourist you need to get around the place and the tourist sites easily, cheaply and quickly. Often that may be on foot, especially in a city area.

In Singapore the MRT and the associated light rail in some suburban areas provides a great way to travel around. But for comfort, avoid morning and evening peak hours……….they get very crowded. Quite a normal experience really. The various MRT stops and interlinked lines are mostly convenient around the main city tourist spots. BUT……..you are underground and really see little.

Although, like many underground systems around the world [Mexico City and Moscow come to mind immediately] they do have quite a bit of art work on the walls and tile art on the floor, especially at Dhoby Ghaut in the interchange walk areas. Singaporeans usually rush past……….take some time and have a look.

But buses around the city are also worth discovering. First principle………assume you can get very close to where you need to go, even if there is a bus change part way. Buy and use one of the current and easily obtained bus and train annual guide books put out by the authorities. You can easily work out the how to get there from where ever quite easily. You can also obtain verification of the routes and bus stops at the actual bus stop itself. It is very common to see locals also checking out this while they are waiting.

Buses are usually reasonably quick for journeys around the main downtown city core areas and within a few kilometres from the central areas. Often they allow you to board at a very close by stop, avoiding the walk to the MRT Station. For some areas eg Parkway Parade / Mercure Roxy Hotel and East Coast area buses are it……….there is no MRT [well not yet anyway].

There are some special tourist buses that offer “get on / get off” passes for a day. Compared to the local buses they are VERY expensive, so do not dismiss the local buses in Singapore. Mostly air-conditioned too.

It is generally possible to get to and from most tourist sites by public transport, with buses offering a reasonable option. Whether it be Changi Point or Changi Chapel or Woodlands Interchange or Woodlands Checkpoint [crossing to Johore Bahru] you can get there by bus.

Try it …………you might like it. Remember that the “touch and go” multi journey stored value MRT / Bus ticket means you do not need to know the fare, just use it on the bus. Makes it very easy.

There are some late night routes that offer a slightly different route to daytime, often combining a few bus routes into one. Not always as convenient, but usually cheaper than a taxi.

Singapore is NOT a late night city for urban public transport, with the MRT having last trains around 1130 pm, and buses around midnight for normal routes. But these night bus routes do offer some extra travel a little later into the early morning.

People of Singapore

2009-06-19T22:14:00.006+09:30

Whether they are working on a construction site high up in the city, cooking up a storm, waiting for a meal, having a smoko break, just walking down the street or resting after a hard day in the saddle; they make very interesting and diverse pictures don't they?

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T22:28:00.001+09:30

Old houses and buildings in the Adelaide Hills

2009-03-06T23:00:00.014+09:30

I recently took a road trip around the Adelaide Hills. I came across some amazing old buildings, some still habitable, some not and some, I am not quite sure, but all of them with character.

Right in the middle of the supposedly fastest growing town in South Australia, Mt Barker, was a strangely majestic sandstone building which looked to me as if it had once been a stable, or perhaps even partly living quarters.

It sat high on the hill, with an aura of authority as it looked down on the town, knowingly watching it grow. If only those wall could speak … the stories they could tell. Sitting beside it was an old rusted plough … amazing feeling about the place. I would have loved to walk inside and feel the aura; but the barbed wire fence surrounding it made it reasonably clear that that would not be welcome.
I do, however, intend to check it out again next visit. It sits on the hill in a large paddock, in the middle of a new subdivision on the outskirts of Mt Barker - Mt Barker Heights? - in splendid isolation definitely oozing authority. Below and around it are many modern homes and even the odd McMansion, but it has not an air of being threatened. And I hope it stays that way.
Bit of history …

What is today known as Mount Barker was first sighted by Captain Sturt from Lake Alexandrina in February 1830, though Sturt believed he was looking at Mount Lofty, which Flinders had discovered in 1802. Captain Collett Barker rectified this error when he undertook a survey of the district in 1831. Sturt renamed the mountain in honour of Captain Barker who was killed by Aborigines while exploring near the mouth of the River Murray later that year.

When I first drove through Mt Barker I decided that it may be a town with a long and venerable history. From memory, the sign at the beginning of the main street said “Historic Gawler Street” – that was a fair warning! The town centre has many historic buildings nestled beside modern ones, including the inevitable Maccas (it’s not exactly nestled, rather standing out there on it’s own with a surrounding carpark!) and new shopping centres. Historic Gawler Street does, however, have some old time buildings that work and blend well.

Captain Sturt reported favourably on the agricultural potential of the area, with rich soils and luxuriant native pastures of the surrounding undulating hills and plains, but it was not until the late 1830s that this area was explored further. The first Special Survey of the Mount Barker District was opened to prospective buyers in March, 1840. Land was cleared and the rich agricultural land was developed for grazing and crop production. In February 1840 the proposed layout of the township of Mount Barker was announced.

Moving into the closer suburbs you will come across a large number of mostly, well kept and renovated old homes. These vary from tiny workmen’s cottages to large estate homes.

Driving out of town towards the Laratinga Wetlands, I glanced left at an empty block and there sat what in it’s youth would have been a stately home. It took me a few dead ends to try and find my way, through the new developments, to the rear of the home, to discover that serious renovation was taking place there. I returned to the original viewing position and discovered that a closer look showed me that the main roof had already been replaced and that the bull-nosed iron on the verandah would be next in line as that is part of what was being done at the rear. I wonder if the vacant land in front of that beautiful old house will become a new subdivision soon.

That cappuccino I had planned for at Hahndorf would have to wait until the next day, because I had taken too long looking at “just down the next street.” I did however get one in Mt Barker at Giovanni Pizza.

Next day I was travelling along the (old) Princes Highway, near Nairne in the Hills, and right there on the side of the road was another old sandstone building. After turning around and returning to the safer, other side of the road and pulling off to a safe parking spot, I took some photos of another building from the past.
More barbed wire to keep the adventurous out, some reinforcement to prevent further deterioration and there was a sign above what was probably, in its heyday, the front door.

St James School 1848. Could this one’s walls tell some stories!

Nairne was one of South Australia's earliest settlements, founded by Matthew Smillie, who named the town after the maiden name of his wife Elizabeth Corse Nairne. Established in 1839, it is only three years younger than the state of South Australia.

So this old building was there almost at the beginning.

Back in the car and not much further on some buildings once again caught my eye.

Hardly any room at all to get off the road, so pictures were captured hurriedly.

An old farmhouse, which has obviously had some reasonably recent additions, in the form of pine lattice work. There is character in those, what would appear to some to be absolutely ramshackle, buildings. It gets quite cold in that part of the world. I could almost feel that lazy wind whistling past there in the middle of winter. Brrrr!

Can you also notice how dry the paddocks beyond are? It is still drought in that part of the country.

Adelaide

2009-01-15T10:18:00.005+09:30

Adelaide is a well set out city.

The Bicentennial Conservatory in the Adelaide Botanical Gardens

South Australia was proclaimed in December 1836, and in 1837 Col Light in his plan of Adelaide showed an area set aside for a botanic garden. In April 1855, George Francis was appointed Superintendent, and the garden was opened to the public in 1857. In planning the layout, Francis is said to have been influenced by those at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in England and Versailles in France, together with certain German and Dutch stylistic influences. Even today, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has a northern European style, also reflected in its nineteenth century buildings.

Even in the present time of drought it is a 30-hectare garden oasis in the cosmopolitan heart of Adelaide city.

Built to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary, in1988, is the largest single span conservatory in the southern hemisphere. Designed by South Australian architect Guy Maron, the building is curvilinear in shape, 100 metres long, 47 metres wide and 27 metres high. An elegant steel superstructure supports the 2434 square metres of toughened glass which forms the roof, walls and doors. Its glistening and distinctive shape is a landmark particularly for visitors flying into Adelaide.

It houses a display of lowland tropical rainforest plants from northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the nearby Pacific Islands. Many of these plants are at risk or endangered in their natural habitats.

A lower walkway winds across the undulating forest floor and an upper walkway takes visitors among the canopy of tropical trees and palms. Both walkways have full wheelchair access.

I have included some photos of the Bicentennial Conservatory.

If you visit Adelaide, try to make a visit.

Melbourne ... in a hurry

2008-12-08T14:55:00.005+09:30

After your arrival at Melbourne (Tullamarine) airport, if the chauffeured limousine is not available today to collect you, catch a red Skybus Super Shuttle which operates a 24 hour, 7 days a week express service between the airport and the Melbourne CBD at Southern Cross Station near the corner of Little Bourke and Spencer Street. From the CBD terminal mini-buses operate between the there and over 120 hotels throughout central Melbourne.

If you just have a short time to visit, or need to park some luggage for a while, there are reasonably priced and sized luggage lockers available at Southern Cross Station, right where you get off the Skybus, or further up in the main railway concourse.

There are several ticket options available, including options with a 2 hour or daily Metcard ticket included, which you can use for public transport in the city. Check with the ticket booth for the option that suits you best. Old Fartz, check your entitlements too – ask and you may receive; don’t ask and no-one will tell you.

It is a fast and affordable transfer option, taking just 20 minutes for the journey. Buses depart every 10 - 15 minutes between 6am and 9.30pm and at 30 minute and 60 minute intervals at other times.

Melbourne is an easy city to explore. It has an excellent network of trams, buses and trains that cover the whole metropolitan area and beyond. Timetables, route maps and fares are available via the Metlink website.

http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

The Melbourne trams are a much loved part of the city landscape. For a very modest fare visitors can spend the entire day on the trams exploring the city and inner suburbs.

National Geographic lists the 96 tram from East Brunswick to St Kilda as one of their recommended journeys; so if you have the time, travel at least some of the journey. You can join the tram just across the road from Southern Cross Station, in Bourke Street, up the hill for East Brunswick or down the hill for St Kilda is the easiest description, but ask someone to direct you if needed.

The 96 starts its travels in the northern suburb of East Brunswick, currently just about the most fashionable hipster area in the city. Stroll over to parallel Lygon Street if you want to indulge in some culinary indulgences.

On its trip southward, the 96 skims the edge of Fitzroy – previous contender for most fashionable hipster area – and if you hop off at Johnston Street you can wander through the Spanish district to its heart, Brunswick Street. Otherwise, take a look out to the right as the tram passes the Carlton Gardens, home to the disconcertingly opulent Victorian-era Exhibition Building or its contrastingly modern neighbour, the Melbourne Museum. It then travels sedately past the steps of Parliament House, and along Bourke Street, downtown’s main artery and shopping strip. I got off here for a coffee at Café Felice at 461 Bourke (nice Queensland Di Bella coffee) and a look at the Mall.

At the south end of the city centre, the 96 turns east (at Southern Cross Station) over the river and past Crown Casino, where some of your fellow passengers will alight, tempted by poker machines and cheap booze. Don’t be tempted! Stay on board and you’ll leave the city streets, past the old brick tea house and turn on to a disused rail line, a treat for public transport followers.

South Melbourne station is the stop for the South Melbourne Markets, where you can while away an hour or two tasting produce and buying ridiculously cute cupcakes.

You will rejoin street traffic at St Kilda, where you can enjoy the slightly shabby art deco buildings, take a ride on a 1912 rollercoaster at Luna Park

or have a paddle at St Kilda beach, and terminates at Acland Street, home to some of the city’s cafe and cake establishments.

Do NOT Despair

2008-09-16T17:52:00.001+09:30

The new buzz term for old fartz goes something like this:

Fabulous, fit and fifty.

But under no circumstances forget the next one - svelte, sexy and sixty

Joys of Local Language Skills

2008-09-15T00:23:00.002+09:30

Having skills in another language is both good and not so good.

I have vivid memories of screwing up over over the words for “wind” and “dog” in bahasa indonesian while still a beginner in the language .......it translated as “the dog coming through the window” when it should have been “the wind” an anjing [ dog] rather than “angin” [wind].

But being back on Bintan Island where Indonesian is widely spoken by the staff at the hotels, and with my now reasonably competent Indonesian language skills has great opportunities for rapport with the staff. That sort of rapport does help.

Indonesians generally seem to mix and enjoy interacting with Australians at the direct personal level. They enjoy a laugh and a joke, as well as a bit of repartee, even taking the mickey out of one another. That was quite a common theme when working in the country with my direct work contact staff.

But even at the hotel, a smile, local language exchange and they accept you more readily.

I guess the theme applies more widely, across many countries.

But Indonesia and Australia have definitely not always been such great buddies historically over the past 50 years. Yet in a wider historical context, there has been contact between Makassan traders and north Australia for about 400 plus years. The aboriginal word for white man is mostly “balanda”, a term thought to have come from the Makassans, who used it to refer to the white skinned Dutch.

But for travel around the region, Indonesian language which can substitue mostly for Malay as well, covers maybe 300 million people. A lot more than Australia.

It has been a useful skill to have acquired.......and getting a chance to practice is a lot of fun too, especially with the travel.

Out and about in the Lion City

2008-09-14T15:23:00.003+09:30

The street furniture is really going up for the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. I am sure that somewhere there will be records of the amount of concrete and steel; but let me tell you, it’s lots! There is also a new permanent pit building, 1.2 kilometres of new road, a large amount of spectator seating and the lights are on, big time - turning night into day along the route.

The photo is looking down Bras Basah Road towards Marina Square, with the lights from the corner near the War Memorial . They are very bright!

Viet Nam! – Myth to Modernity

2008-09-14T00:27:00.000+09:30

I am sorry to say that I felt that the exhibition was very disappointing, no even more so……a tad underdone. Yes, there was quite a lot of artifacts, from earlier eras, but little to tie them together and cover the ebb and flow of the great dynasties, rulers, regality and the reach of kingdoms across what is now Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia even into Thailand and southern China in the period 1200- 1600, before the arrival of Christian missionaries. After all, one of the ancient rulers of Vietnam beat the great conquering mongol, Genghis Khan. Some of the artifacts are quite stunning, especially the bronze and porcelain, and the statuary.

There was little on the modern period, even the 19th and 20th centuries – little on the French period in the late 18th and 19th centuries, little on the nationalist era of the early 20th century and the removal of the French colonialists, little on the American war [the Vietnam War of the 1960s- 1970s] except for a small photo of the Ho Chi Minh trail, nothing on the heroin trade of the 1970s and 1980s [see the book - The Politics of Heroin in SE Asia by Alfred McCoy] and really nothing on the period since 1980, when most of the current citizens of Vietnam arrived in the world.

All of a sudden the exhibition just stopped, with nothing but a few propaganda posters of the 20th century and a picture of Ho Chi Minh made of postage stamps. Not a lot that extended the exhibition in name ie the modernity, and the rapid industrialization of the past 30 years was also conspicuous by its absence.

Even the Ho Chi Minh trail, a key element of the so called American war…….if you have seen it, you marvel at the effort to move goods and munitions along the trail. It is tough going in monsoonal weather, of the character of the WWII Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea, and a powerful tool that boosted nationalism and effectively operated through, and survived the US bombing. Where is all this stuff???? You can learn more of the pre 2nd world war period [1930-1940] by reading The Quiet American by Grahame Greene, or seeing the movie. What an opportunity squandered!

On the road again … oops, that’s in the air again, first.

2008-09-13T23:46:00.000+09:30

We are on our way to Asia; first stop Singapore, and lucky for us, or our bank balance anyway; we will be there just over a week before the vroom, vroom of very expensive, very loud and very fast machinery hits the city streets of Singapore for the first ever night Grand Prix. Who would have thought that Singapore would close down its streets for a loud crowd of expensive, fast, Formula 1 racing cars. This is the city that had “encouraged” travel by (admittedly a very good) public transport system, by making ownership of cars out of the financial limits of most of the population, by its pricing of the cars themselves and the “on road costs”, plus city road congestion charges. I guess money talks as loudly there as it does anywhere else. If pricing of hotel rooms during the event is anything to go by, the hoteliers are definitely not missing out on the starting gun. $160 per night to $900 per night in just one day; and that’s not even at a front row seat establishment – you will need a lot more shekels for that type of genteel place to rest your head before and after the roar of the Ferrari’s and McLarens flexing their muscles. With three day passes ranging in price from $168 to $1388 there will be plenty of cash changing hands as there are expected to be 90 000 spectators attending. At least some would appear to be going Aussie way as Melbourne architect/engineer firm Kellogg, Brown & Root have been involved with construction.

So we plan to have a look at the Vietnam! From Myth to Modernity exhibition at the Ancient Civilizations Museum, do some street wandering with camera’s again and enjoy the beautiful street food of the place. And, I guess we will wander through Sim Lim Square and the Funan Centre, just to see what the latest and greatest electronic must haves are for the whiz kids.

Then we might go for a boat ride, not a slow one; but rather, a fairly fast one to Bintan.

But more about that later.

One of things that rather annoys me about travelling is the excessive cost which hotels charge for internet connection. One day charge can be as much as a two to three month charge for the average provider. Is it that they don’t want too many people using it – must be I think. Oh one of the joys – take up thy laptop and walk … to the nearest reasonable priced internet cafe or wifi powered venue, have a couple of coffees and upload and download. Wouldn’t it be nice to just sit at the desk in your room, which one has paid a reasonable amount for, and do it from there. But I refuse to “waste” that amount of money, so it won’t happen. I will just have to look a bit harder and move a bit further out of my comfort zone … again … and find a place which has the lot.

Christmas Dinner at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

2008-06-16T23:16:00.000+09:30

Just as we were arriving at the restaurant for our Christmas Eve Dinner, the carollers arrived at the entrance, providing the right ambiance for the evening. They sang quite a few traditional carols and then moved on to entertain other guests in other venues. We were settled at our beautifully decorated table, which was placed right beside a window so that we could enjoy the night lights of the city. We were brought a very nice glass of wine and invited to help ourselves to the buffet. Well, it was more like buffets; as there were several “live kitchens” set up around the edge of the restaurant with chefs to prepare your requests. Separate areas for Malay, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and European foods were set up plus seafood, salads and the largest dessert buffet I have seen in a long while. Death by chocolate is a phrase which flows to mind.

All the while we were entertained by a wandering minstrel group singing carols and other music from around the world. They were ably assisted by a small group of children who were delighted to be asked to be part of the entertainment.

The presentation was magnificent and the food tasted excellent too. Any apprehension we may have had about celebrating Christmas in a non Christian country was definitely dispelled.

For some photos of the dinner at the Le Meridien Hotel click on the thumbnail photo below.

by oldfartz99

Train to Kuala Lumpur

2008-01-20T22:57:00.000+09:30

Next step in the journey … after the diversions of Christmas lights and food in Singapore … was on the afternoon train from Johor Bahru to travel to Kuala Lumpur. I have looked at some quite amazingly naïve accounts on the internet of train travel in Malaysia and I really wonder what people expect in regards to value for money. If you want true first class luxury service then I suggest you try the Eastern & Orient Express, and pay the appropriate prices! However, if you want to travel in reasonably civilized, admittedly perhaps slightly tired, comfort, then Malaysian Railways will fill the bill for a reasonable price. You might wonder why we appeared to start our journey from Johor Bahru when we have been in Singapore. Firstly I will say if you are planning your first trip by train from Singapore to KL then I really feel you should consider departing from Singapore. This is so that you can see the Singapore Railway Station while it still exists. I think Singapore would be quite happy to demolish the beautiful old Moorish style building and use the site for something else! The building, owned by Malaysian Railways, is looking quite tired, like the train itself really, and always seems to have some sort of excavation happening around or in it, making getting into (and definitely out of it by taxi) the station quite difficult, especially at night. However, if you are leaving from Singapore, a taxi will get you there quite easily and give yourself a few spare minutes to look around to actually see the building and imagine its grandeur when new. When leaving from Singapore, you had to need to arrive at the station about an hour before departure time to collect your ticket if you have booked on the internet (this is in the process of changing as you will be able to print a copy of ticket booking and use that for travel, so check). You still need (at this time) to arrive half an hour before departure to allow for clearance of Malaysian customs, which takes place at Singapore station before you board the train. Singaporean customs formalities take place during the journey, as the train will stop at the modern frontier terminal at Woodlands, just before the causeway linking Singapore island to mainland Malaysia about half an hour after leaving Singapore station. At Woodlands, you need to leave the train with your luggage, enter the building, pass through the Singaporean passport/immigration control, then re-board the train.
That said; we travel by public transport to Johor Bahru, sometimes a journey in itself, and collect our tickets from there. Why? Basically, because it is quite a lot cheaper. A first class ticket will cost 64 Ringgit. Because of pricing rules, if you book and buy your ticket from Singapore, you pay in Singapore dollars and from Johor Bahru you pay in Malaysian Ringgit (about a third the amount at the moment). The bus to Johor Bahru costs S$2.40.
Food on the train can be a bit hit and miss, so if you have particular requirements, bring it with you. Once on the train, settle back in the comfortable seat and enjoy the ride and the passing countryside. After about six hours you will pull sedately into KL Sentrel (the central railway station in KL). Be aware, that if you are travelling at peak travel times (eg holidays) the travel time can become a little "flexible". Taxis can be found at the level above where you arrive (you will need to buy a voucher at the taxi counter).
We stayed in the Le Meridien Hotel which is (along with the Hilton) virtually beside the railway station. Five stars for convenience and quality, but definitely not the cheapest in KL, its location makes it quite easy to get around by train as the light rail lines run through KL Sentrel and the Monorail is about 250 metres away, under a partially covered walkway. It is now possible to buy a multi ride "Touch N' Go" ticket to easily access all trains.
Very quickly we were checked into the hotel and in our room;
where we were presented with some very tantalizing offers for Christmas celebrations. After looking at all the options we decided on the “Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner with free flowing wine” which sounded quite interesting.

For some photos of the train trip and the Le Meridien Hotel click on the thumbnail photo below.

by oldfartz99

Singapore Food

2008-01-16T18:16:00.000+09:30

Singapore is a truly international food city. In the shopping centres, you could think you were anywhere in the world, as you look around and see well known brand names from just about every nation, and you will pay accordingly. Then you can go to the food centres and you will see perhaps the true Singapore food variety. The cuisine of Singapore is often viewed by her population as a prime example of the ethnic diversity of the culture of Singapore. It is heavily influenced by Malaysian, Chinese, Indian (specifically southern Indian styles), Indonesian, and even Western traditions since its founding by the British in the 1800s. It is said to be similar to the diverse cuisine of Penang at North Malaysia as most of the foods in Singapore can also be found in the state of Penang. In Singaporean hawker stores, for example, chefs of a Chinese ethnic background might experiment with Indian influences such as tamarind, turmeric and ghee, while an Indian chef could serve a greater amount of coconut products.
This phenomenon makes the cuisine of Singapore significantly rich and a cultural attraction. Most of the prepared food bought outside home is eaten at hawker centres or food courts, examples of which include Lau Pa Sat, Newton Food Centre and the Tekka Centre and even in the basement of many shopping centres rather than at actual restaurants. These hawker centres are relatively abundant which leads to low prices and encourages a large consumer base. I think I enjoyed the best murtabak I have ever eaten at the Tekka Centre nearly 3 years ago, but have been unable to have any success in finding the same cook there on subsequent visits. I continue to return, in the hope that one time he will be there, even though I have recently discovered that the Tekka Centre is to be renovated and will be closed for around 16 months from this February. It is not the most salubrious surroundings to dine in as the fruit and vegetable market is in the same building and by evening the resulting fragrances are quite strong! It is, however, easy to access, with Little India MRT right next door.
You can also find cheap restaurants within their own ethnic areas, which do a roaring trade, with people often queuing on the street during peak times. Because it is often viewed by her population as central to Singapore's national identity and a unifying cultural thread, Singaporean literature often declares eating as a national pastime and food a national obsession. Food is a constant topic of conversation among Singaporeans who like to comment on the food they have eaten and the eateries around the country. There are some religious dietary strictures as Muslims do not eat pork and Hindus do not eat beef; there is also a significant group of vegetarians. Nonetheless, people from different communities often eat together while being mindful of each other's culture and choose food that is acceptable to all. There are also some halal Chinese restaurants that prepare Chinese food in a way that conform to Muslim dietary preference.
Food in itself has been heavily promoted as an attraction for tourists. It is usually promoted by various initiatives undertaken by the Singapore Tourism Board or the associations it deals with as one of Singapore's best attractions alongside its shopping. The government organises the Singapore Food Festival in July annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps create a "food paradise" to rival other contenders claiming the same moniker. The availability of a variety of food is often aided by the fact that Singapore's port lies along strategic routes.
The cuisine bears some resemblance to the cuisine of Malaysia due to the close historical cultural and geographic ties between the two countries. However, there are also significant differences. While a number of dishes are common to both countries, the way the dishes are prepared is often different. This is due to numerous evolutionary forks in their development, which gave rise to unique tastes pertaining to each country's cuisine.
As Singapore is a small country with high population density, land is scarce and is mainly devoted to industry and housing. Most of the agricultural produce and food ingredients are now imported from other countries, although there is a small group of local farmers who produce some leafy vegetables, fruit, poultry, and fish.

For more photos please click on the thumbnail photo link below.

by oldfartz99
(partially sourced from Wikapedia)

Singapore Lights up for Christmas

2008-01-09T23:15:00.000+09:30

Our return to Singapore is in time to see the Christmas in the Tropics lights of Singapore.

“Christmas in the Tropics is one of the key tourism drivers for Singapore, being a season that our overseas visitors look forward to,” said Ms Joycelyn Ng, Deputy Director of Leisure Marketing and Events Management, Singapore Tourism Board. “With a programme packed full of shopping, dining and entertainment options, it’s little wonder that one in five visitors surveyed last year planned their trips to coincide with Singapore’s Christmas celebration. We hope that this year will be no different as we create for visitors their most memorable Christmas experience yet.”

A key favourite of the annual Christmas in the Tropics celebration is the Christmas Light-up, themed “A Fairytale Christmas” this year. Scotts Road and the Orchard Road stretch from Tanglin Road to Plaza Singapura and the Marina Bay area from Hotel Rendezvous to Raffles Avenue will be transformed into a bewitching Crystal Forest decked with magnificent chandeliers, magic harps, glittering jewels, dazzling lights in red, gold and white, and even a magical carousel. Conceptualised by Mr Dick Lee who is the Creative Director for the second consecutive year, this fantasy land is the setting for the unfolding of a fairytale inspired by the Nutcracker Suite, which tells the story of handsome Prince Noel who goes in search of his missing true love, Princess Ballerina, through the Crystal Forest.

For the 17th year running, Hitachi is the sponsor of the Christmas Light-Up along Orchard Road. “The Hitachi Group is delighted to support the Christmas Light-up for the 17th year, raising funds for those in need of help with the hope of lighting up their lives as well. Our commitment to the community demonstrates our corporate philosophy to contribute to society through technology wherever Hitachi is located.” said Mr Shunsuke Ohtsu, Hitachi Ltd’s Chief Executive for Asia.

We take a trip by MRT to Orchard (at the intersection of Scotts and Orchard Rds) and as we exit the underground station the lights are really in your face. Immediately you see the display up high right across the road. Wooden soldiers in their turrets high above the road, beautifully lit and turning slowly on a turntable so that everyone can see them. Yes, the advertiser does have his name prominently displayed but we will disregard that little bit of commercialism for the moment and enjoy the display.

Walking down Orchard Rd there are beautiful displays on just about every shop. What appears to be a waterfall of lights down the full height of Tangs, discreet, classy displays in front of Prada and Yves Saint Laurent (the real bling is inside), huge white candle castles complete with Princess, large white moving doves at Robinsons and lights as far as you can see the full length of Orchard Rd and down Bras Basar Rd to Raffles Hotel. Christmas sentiments other than commercialism along with the lights are evident in many of the displays. Outside Raffles City shopping centre there is a huge tree, which continually has people being photographed in front of it. I stop to join the photographers and notice, right on the edge of the footpath, with the traffic whizzing past within centimetres, a couple of rickshaw drivers, would you believe, catnapping in their machines, resting between customers! They must have nerves of steel to even consider stopping there, let along sleeping!
For more photos click on thumbnail below

by oldfartz99

Bintan is Bliss

2008-01-04T14:24:00.000+09:30

Travelling from Darwin to Singapore with Jetstar is a new experience for us; previously we have travelled Qantas or even Tiger Airlines, but as Qantas has seen fit to take Darwin [in the NT] out of its international flights schedule, the “cheap seats” of Jetstar have now replaced most Qantas services, with some people even saying that Qantas needs to take “NT’” out of its name!

I guess there was a bit of apprehension – maybe expecting the worst, but overall, fears were groundless. There were, however, some passengers who thought they were getting a Qantas service (there is a codeshare flight number) and were a little agitated when they boarded and found that there were no movies or other in-flight entertainment available, and they had paid more too. To add to the anxiety; Jetstar hire DVD players to passengers, but they only had 4 machines available! Not good Mr Jetstar.

The meal served was adequate, and unexpected as most budget airlines charge for meals. Presentation was quite picnicky – it came in a little cardboard lunchbox – but the content was fine. It did appear, however, a little hard to get water; handed out in tiny disposable cups. Very person and time intensive, rather than the bottle you usually get from Qantas. There were pillows and blankets (PS they even had Qantas names on them) and the seats did recline a few centimeters; both of these features were absent from Tiger. Watches back an hour and a half; the time flew by and we arrived into Singapore close to time.

We proceeded through the formalities, collected bags and into a taxi and on to our hotel.

Back to an old favourite in Little India, refurbished and a new name, now the Parkroyal on Kitchener Road, so we decided to try it again. After we had checked in, eaten a murtaback at a small Indian eatery behind the hotel [the McDonalds of Indian food], we then had to go and check that Mustafa Department store was still the same.

It was marginally not as chaotic as it can be on a Sunday, but I guess it was a bit late, 11pm by the time we got there, and many of the workers would have headed home to bed to prepare for their early starts on the construction sites the next morning. Usually on a Sunday, if you are on the Serangoon Road side of the hotel and look out your window, you will see a sea of humanity meeting in the streets and parks as the (mainly) “tourist worker” construction workers have their one day off, do their shopping, and meet their friends.

Mustafa is open 24 hours, so is quite a handy spot if you arrive in late or only have a short stopover, as you can buy most things there. It has changed over the last few years as it has “modernized” and the spaces between the shelves have increased; it used to be quite an effort to move about through the place! We also notice that the new shopping centre / residential high rise across the road has got quite a move on since we last saw it in August. We have been watching the project since it was an empty block, through the last two and a half years as it has progressed. The taxi driver (always the local expert of most things) told us that if we had purchased an apartment ”off the plan” when we first saw construction start, we would have doubled our money by now. Haven’t dabbled in that sort of thing for a while now … hmmm ... reminds me of the Gold Coast in the 80’s.

We had a reasonably early start the next morning to get to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to catch the mid morning ferry to Bintan. The terminal has had an upgrade since last visit and after we checked in there is time for a coffee before we are allowed into the boarding area. The crossing was quite rough on a choppy sea and cloudy, rainy conditions, with a few course corrections to miss the odd floating log or three, and it takes about 45 minutes on a wave piecing high speed catamaran. We passed by a large number of ships anchored; it is a very busy shipping lane for tankers, container ships and cruise ships as well as the many inter island ferries and shipping boats. We put our watches back another hour and we are soon slowing down and pulling into the ferry terminal at Bintan. Through the formalities, visa on arrival for Australian passport holders [$10US for 7 days single entry], collect bags and the resort provides a bus for transport.

Check in at Bintan Lagoon Resort is quick and pleasant and we decide to have a walk around to orient ourselves. Bintan Resorts is a popular escape island for Singaporeans, with several resort options available, depending on what you want. Golf or no golf, with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Ian Baker-Finch, Greg Norman and Gary Player that I am aware of. And pretty fancy they are too, with some lovely beachside greens and tees; complete with the odd strolling monkey I also noticed; I am not sure what his handicap is, apart from the obvious one, height. I must state here that I am not a golfer; sad way to spoil a nice walk I think, but there are a lot that don’t share my view on that topic.

Sadly, some of the fairways desperately need a major herbicide spray workover to clean up weeds [professional opinion of one of us – it can be done], greens were good, the courses appear challenging, and quite a few balls disappeared [mostly into water] from a steady stream of players while we were strolling among the fairways.

Bintan is a bit like Nusa Dua on Bali in some ways – an artificial westernized resort in Indonesia. All prices in Singapore $, and matching high prices too, yet the bill must be in Indonesian Rupiah. And you tend to be captive to the resort, so have little opportunity to lower costs, buying a few drinks outside in local shops. Many Singaporeans carry a lot of food and drink across with them, and it is a good idea, especially if with family or staying a few days.

In general Bintan Lagoon Resort – as any of the resorts on Bintan Island – is an opportunity to turn off, laze and relax. As such, a perfect location to do just that. Do as little as needed, although there is a wide range of the usual extra curricula options, at a fee – go here or there, ride ATV bikes, shoot arrows etc, but there are many activities that are free, the swimming pools are good and so are the beaches. Bintan Lagoon Resort beach may even have real surf, as it has done in late December, due to the NE monsoon.

Food in the restaurants is good; starting with breakfast in the Kopi-O. And I quote from the advertising: “Feast on authentic Asian and Western specialties created with the freshest seasonal ingredients. Overlooking a cascading pool and waterfall, the restaurant offers buffet and a la carte dining breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our sumptuous evening buffet presents a new theme each day; from Malay to Middle-Eastern; Chinese to Steam Boat and Grill and more. Boasting 12 restaurants, bars and cafe as well as function rooms, guests can enjoy culinary delights from around the world using market-fresh imported and local ingredients prepared by our brigade of international chefs. Choose to enjoy casual al fresco dining, sumptuous buffets, cocktails by the pool, ‘surf and turf’ beach BBQ, Mediterranean cuisine or authentic Japanese, or make it memorable and intimate under the stars with a candlelight dinner at the water's edge or go deep into the jungle for a rousing rendezvous to the beat of the drums.” Just about whatever your stomach desires is available.

Weather remains overcast and rainy for our stay but there is plenty of time to get out on walks, even if they had to be kept short a couple of times to avoid a drowning. But even that in the tropics is not too traumatising, as the rain is not cold and you can usually find shelter and dry off fairly easily after the storm passes.

Out time on Bintan is too quickly over and we are on the ferry on our way back to Singapore.
For more photos please click on one of the thumbnails below.

by oldfartz99

by oldfartz99

Watch This Space

2008-01-03T01:09:00.000+09:30

We're on the move..........AGAIN! Although stopping to inspect the street art in Singapore is an interesting option too. A lot to see, but few stop to look.

So watch this space.......Asia again, or is it still, complete with RAIN and lots of it.

And remember, monkeys are two footed with two hands or is that four footed with no hands......until you lose it. A useful warning on a very upmarket golf course in Asia. How many Louis Vuitton golf club covers were stolen?

For no answer to this and other entrancing problems, read on.

Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bahru

2007-08-23T22:59:00.000+09:30

We have enjoyed KK even more this time. There have been quite a few changes in the city; not the least that it appears cleaner and there seems a real attitude to get up and go. The food has been lovely and the weather at this time of the year has been much more pleasant – during our last visit it was very hot and humid and not conducive to getting around to see a lot.

So after a final sunset and a feast for MR45, sadly, it is time to move on. So we return to the airport and catch a plane for Johor Bahru. The view from the plane is fantastic, hard to believe that there are so many islands scattered in this section of ocean and from the plane, most of them look like your idyllic island in the sun! I can’t resist taking lots of photos as we fly over them.

Not too long and we arrive at Senai Airport in Johor Bahru.

One thing that continues to amuse me is the arrival procedures at Senai. Passengers walk down the steps from the plane (no airbridges), walk across the tarmac, enter the building, climb a flight of stairs, walk a small distance to the back of the building, travel down an escalator back to the ground floor and enter the arrival hall; not more than 3 metres away from a door beside where you originally entered the building from the tarmac. The first time we did it, I thought there must have been a really good reason for doing that … but … several times later I am still trying to work it out. An attempt to keep us occupied while the luggage is unloaded perhaps or wreck a few more old fartz knees? Umm.

We collect our luggage and head out into the arrival concourse to decide if it is a bus into Johor Bahru or a taxi direct to our hotel. There are a few options depending on where you are travelling to next.

This time we take a taxi to the hotel as we have a bit of a time limit. The taxi takes us the scenic trip and along coastal road beside the strait between Johor Bahru and Singapore. This costs no more and is quite nice as we usually get the bus trip point to point from the airport to town through the industrial area. We notice an eatery on the water where we enjoyed a nice meal last time we were here and get quite good views of the Grand Palace museum before we reach our hotel.

Around Johor Bahru
Located at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, Johor Bahru is the state capital of Johor Darul Takzim. JB, in short, was established in 1855 by the late Sultan Abu Bakar (the Father of Modern Johor) and now serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the state.

State Secretariat Building (Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim)
Built in 1940 and located on Bukit Timbalan (Deputy Hill), this building houses the state secretariat, as well as other departments of the state government. Despite the appearances of other high-rise buildings in recent years, JB's skyline is still dominated by it. The Sarascenic character and the mosaic detail, particularly of the Grand Hall, makes this one of the most interesting buildings in Johor.
Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Grand Palace
The Istana Besar (Grand Palace) was built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. Sprawled over 53.8 hectares of fine, manicured lawns, the Palace itself depicts the neoclassical architecture of a past era. Today, it houses the many artifacts of the Johor Royal family, most of which were collected by the globe trotting Sultan Abu Bakar and his son, Sultan Ibrahim, on their many tours abroad. Its compound is beautifully landscaped with lush green lawns and gardens with flowers of every imaginable colour. Nearby is a landscaped Japanese garden and a replica of a Japanese teahouse that was presented by the Crown Prince of Japan to the Sultan of Johor in 1936.
Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque
Built in 1900 with a blend of the traditional Islamic and Italian style architecture is the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque. Sitting on top a hill and unveiling a breathtaking view of the Straits of Johor, this mosque is considered one of the finest in the country. Taking 8 years to complete at a staggering cost (at that time) of RM400 000, it can accommodate 2000 worshippers.
Dataran Bandaraya (City Square)
While many of JB's attractions have links to the state's early history, this is a new attraction that was built to commemorate the proclamation of JB as a city on 1st January 1994. It comprises of a clock tower that faces a series of fountains. Its raised structure and open lawns have proven to be a popular venue for outdoor performances and events.

Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu

2007-08-06T20:35:00.000+09:30

Flying into Singapore at night is usually quite a visual experience; this time was no exception. We circled around the island to the northwest and the water surrounding the island was dotted with boats, small and large, emitting varying amounts of light. Once on the ground it takes quite a time to travel to the terminal. Singapore airport is almost a city on its own; three terminals and all the attached facilities. Once inside the terminal building your senses are accosted by colour, noise and a sea of pure humanity. Most people are moving around the terminal purposely; while some just window shop to pass the time between flights. If you have a few hours and want to catch a real flat, still sleep, there is a transit hotel where you can stretch out and freshen up before your next journey.

Out intention is to move on a quickly as possible, so we continue and look for the usual latest tourist information just past the Immigration counter. It must be the Japanese tourist season as most of the brochures are in that language! I always like to get a current map.
Singapore changes so much and the map will show the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) map as well as we use the trains and buses in Singapore a lot.

If you are not sure where your hotel is, or its proximity to a MRT station, a taxi should cost less than S$20 to most hotels – catch a taxi from the arrival concourse.

The trip to the checkpoint takes about an hour and travels through suburban Singapore. Not many non-Singaporeans on this stage of the journey [like NONE], but a reasonable trip because you can usually get a seat and there is room for reasonable amounts of luggage. There are lifts and escalators all the way in the Singapore section, and they are pretty much always working – not always the case in the Malaysian part of the journey. Everyone has to leave the bus at Woodlands checkpoint to clear immigration. Then it is back on the bus and across the causeway. In the evening this stage of the journey can sometimes look as if everyone is escaping Singapore; but then you look at the incoming traffic and there is as much traffic coming that way too! Many large vehicles are carrying fresh produce and many other products into Singapore overnight. Across the causeway and it is time to join the Immigration queue to enter Malaysia. Depending on the time of day or night and the day of the week, this can be a bit tedious, but it has to be done. Tonight it is quick and then it is time to run the “want a taxi?” gauntlet. We get a taxi and travel to the hotel. We could have got back on the bus and travelled to the Kotaraya 11 terminal and either walk or catch a taxi from there. The haggling is still the same and we realize we are probably closer to the hotel here. The hotel is quite good, so now it’s a shower, a coffee and bed. It has been a long day.

For more photos click on the image below.

by oldfartz99

Breakfast in the restaurant is a pleasant experience, whether your choice is light, full cooked meal or ethnic. I have never been very good at eating rice at breakfast so I will steer clear of the congee. The roti looks good, so I have just a taste of that – aaah yes, haven’t tasted that since I was last in this part of the world.

Wandering down to the shopping centre is next on the agenda. The weather is overcast with light showers of rain so inside is not a bad idea. Lots of looking, joining the locals enjoying the airconditioning on a hot day, a coffee at my familiar coffee spot and then a decision to make a return trip to Singapore. We go past the JB railway station, now dwarfed by the construction site of the new Customs complex (that should make a big improvement to moving across the causeway when it is finished) to the Malaysian checkpoint; on the bus and train and into Singapore to our favourite haunt for cultural shopping. Around the corner for a beautiful meal at a sidewalk eatery we like and then back across the causeway with the many Singaporean workers who live in and around JB.

Up early, breakfast and into a taxi for the trip to Senai airport and on to Kuala Lumpur.

If travelling by a budget airline the 15kg baggage limit is strictly enforced without paying excess, no allocated seats (they do have provision for preferred boarding, but you pay for that) oldies board first (finally a benefit!); but it seems to work well and gets people on the plane and settled fairly quickly. They operate from the LCC (low cost carrier) terminal.

Arrive safely in Kuala Lumpur, bus from the airport to the city, about 75 minutes and then to our hotel.

I have not found the food in KL to be as good as I have hoped; maybe we are just not finding the best places. It is OK, but not something that I would write home about. Following the old principle of eating where there appears to be plenty of locals eating hasn’t yet resulted in fantastic food here, but I live in hope.

A trip to the Petronas Towers is a worthwhile excursion in KL.

We made a trip to Putrajaya and recommend this a very worthwhile journey. Putrajaya is Malaysia’s designated Federal Government Administrative Centre begun in 1993. It is built on 4932 hectares of land in Prang Besar and was named in honour of Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. The entire development is expected to be completed in 2012. It includes all the usual players in the government sector.

The Petra Jaya mosque is quite a magnificent building, holding 15,000 worshippers! I had seen it from the air when we were arriving in KL this time and decided that I really wanted to see it up close! Its main colour is a pale mushroomy pink and this in itself causes it, in my mind anyway, to stand out from the crowd, even from the air. When we arrived at the mosque I just wanted to sit and take it in. I felt it really had an aura; and then just as I sat down back a little way from it, the imam started his call to prayer. It was quite eerie really and set the right feeling for the place. We spent quite a bit of time walking around in the square in front of the mosque before heading down the stairs to the quay to find where the boat tours left from. The Putrajaya Lake has many bridges over it built in many different architectural styles and I felt a boat would give a good view of them. It did and was well worth the trip! The Putrajaya lake is a 400 hectare man-made lake in the heart of Putrajaya. Building is continuing, including a new mosque that will hold 21,000 worshippers! We stayed until around 7pm; by then the heat had gone from the day and the evening light put another perspective on the place as we stood in front of the mosque to wait for our taxi. Well worth the trip! It is possible to do independently, particularly if you don’t want the side trip to the amusement park!

Next it was back on the plane and on to Kota Kinabalu. No mountain climbing this time, but plenty else to see and do.

Places to visit: Atkinsons Clock Tower, Likas Mosque, North Borneo Railway, Signal Hill Lookout, Waterfront Markets and eateries.
…and a bit further out of town: Mt Kinabalu, Poring Hot Springs, Sandakan, Sepilok Orang-Utan rehabilitation centre and plenty more!

Getting a taxi for a few hours is probably a reasonable option if there are two to three of you and you want to spend your own time at places. Bargain to do a deal. Most taxi drivers have some English, try for one who has or plan to wave your hands and gesticulate a lot!

Old Fartz on Tour

2007-07-25T09:42:00.000+09:30

Never too old, but still bold - a good motto for the adventurous over 50s.

People with a travel bug that was caught in the 60s and 70s - to see the world on the cheap, the wallet has fattened a bit [or has it??]. But the bug is still latent, sometimes quiescent for a few years while other issues intervened. But the desire to get value for money, and plenty of adventure still left and now a bit more time to indulge in seeing all the bits that were not seen before marriage, kids, mortgages, divorce?? - well....follow the Nike advice -- just do it!

Travellers tend to be of two main groups - those that always hear of a new adventure to consider and explore, new places to see and visit and those that probably never want to explore that exotic location or any other for that matter.......... EVER again.

We are about to embrace a new adventure with plenty of travel, but tempered by being able to ignore the $1 per night in a crappy room [ mostly], get a good hot shower [usually] yet use cheap transport, eat local food, do your own thing, visit exotic locations, indulge in some adventure and generally have a great time, at your own pace and not be hassled by the young [they usually are] tour guide. But it does require a degree of research, planning and a belief that almost everywhere you might want to go, people live there, or live close by and they get around just fine, eat, drink, play some sport or indulge in leisure and generally have somewhere to sleep. But remember..........golf is NOT ON!

Five star hotels on the cheap are fine - never one to ignore that, but the focus is on value, which mostly comes lower down the scale. Clean, cheap and well located is a great option. But the occassional indulgence of upmarket accomodation is definitely pleasant. And afterall.....the net is a great place to shop for bargains. And it is ubiquitious....New York; Rabbit Flat in Australia [look it up if you do not know where it is]; Beijing; Buenos Aires or Addis Ababa. Try www.wotif.com for a bargain bed, world wide.

The development of a focussed new travel world for those a little older and bolder is what we are about.

Travel for the adventurous willing to explore some cheaper options, with or without a guide, and take on a few wilder adventures.

Lets begin.

The print is large enough for you to read too.