Condos and Little India

I awoke the next morning in my dorm, made for four but with me as the only occupant, refreshed and eager for adventure. My only plan of the day was to meet Lisa and Steve at their new condominium in Lakeside as today was their official moving in day. I had directions, of a sort, a map of the MRT and no bags to carry. The sky was clear, the heat was rising, people around me were smiling, the world was mine!

The walk from the Tree in Lodge Hostel, back up the slight hill to the MRT station, revealed in full the scenery I had missed the night before.

The lights that had illuminated the sky were replaced, in the light of day, by towering apartments blocks.

The shops and cafés, where I had enjoyed the companionship of the local travel advisers, were tiny in comparison. Their ramshackle roofs and wooden framed windows in stark contrast to the long clean lines of the tower blocks.

At the MRT I swiped my rail card that we had picked up the night before and consulted the maps.

Singapore runs a great scheme where you can buy a card onto which you load up some credit. This card can then be used on all the trains and buses with a simple swipe. You swipe it when you get on and then you swipe it at your destination and the exact fare is removed from your account. The fare taken and the remaining balance is also display on the swipe machine so you always know how much you have left.

Singapore’s MRT runs in much the same was as the London Underground. Circle lines, red lines, purple, green and blue all criss cross each other as they race around the city. Each line linking one area to the next in easy step by step blocks.

I arrived at my stop and looked at the directions received from Steve the night before. Third Condominium on the left. Simple.

As I exited the platform, having swiped my card, I arrived out at a rather large expanse of greenery! OK ….. maybe at the end of the greenery I would find the conods. 

I walked along the pathway past the vast amounts of bicycles that were not only lined up but chained to any and every available post and rail until I reached the road. 

I was now facing a huge lake. There were condos in the distance but on my left was definitely a big lake …. I went back to the MRT and looked at my directions again.

Exiting this time from the main exit I was pleased to find a road lined both sides with huge towering condominiums. 

One, two, three.

I read the sign on the large surrounding fence, pleased to find I was in the right place. Now I just had to find my way in!! 

The lady at the main entrance security stop asked me which block I wanted. Confidently I gave her the flat number and floor. 'Yes but which block' she smiled.

I looked beyond her towards the towering structures, I had a choice of about six.

'I'll phone them,' I smiled and turned away to use my phone. It rang ….. it continued to ring …... and ring …. and ring.... No help there then.

'OK' says the nice lady, 'Sign here please.' I signed the guest book and looked blank. 'Far block' she beamed 'Block 81'. I had no idea how she knew this or if indeed she DID know this but I smiled too and walked into the most amazing housing block I have discovered to date. Fountains and goldfish ponds were dotted in between bushes and pathways.

Recliners, parasols, tables and chairs were arranged pool side and what a pool it was. 50m by 15m of chest height water stretched out between the tower blocks.

Smaller pools lay to each side. The far one was divided into two with one area just ankle deep and perfect for very young children, while the other was a deeper sectioned off area for slightly older ones.

The pools to the right of the large pool had jets of water shooting out of the surrounding pillars into what looked like a huge jacuzzi.

Beyond these pools was a children's water play area where water spouted out of a wonderful array of pipes

and beyond this was a traditional padded ground play area

plus a BBQ area complete with seating and BBQ!

I decided to sit in the BBQ area and phone Lisa and Steve again. 'Where are you?' they asked after the second ring.

'By the BBQ', I relied. 'I can't see you!' said a puzzled sounding Lisa. I looked about, then I looked up. 'I cant see you either', I countered and moved to the children's play zone.

'We see you! Look up!!' I heard Lisa say on the phone. I looked up … and up... and up. Two smiling children were waving to me from a small balcony high above.

It was Lisa and Steve!! I walked towards the entrance pleased to note that the lady at security had indeed been right. Block 81 was written in large print above the door, but the door was locked.

Lisa appeared within seconds to let me in, a huge smile on her face. They had arrived just an hour before me and were still exploring themselves. Their bags were in the bed room, their meagre food stash was in the kitchen. 

The flat was wonderful and as a bonus was furnished with beds, a lounge chair and settee, TV, dining table and chairs plus enough storage shelving for a life time.

Over the next 24 hours a home started to evolve as the cable guy arrived to install the internet, phone line and cable TV

and we returned from the shops with bedding, bolsters and pillows.

That evening, the first in their new home, I returned to the Tree in Lodge Hostel by the Outram MRT. The last thing they needed on their first night was a Mommy sleeping in their new home!!

While they settled for their evening together, I caught the 147 bus from outside the Hostel into Little India.

Before the bus arrived I managed to make friends with two lovely Indian ladies, thanks to a friendly rat who scared them from their silence while we all waited at the bus stop. With their help I was deposited at the correct stop in Little India along with instructions on how to get home again.

I wandered the streets for an hour and then dined at an amazing Pure Veg Restaurant called Swaad who proceeded to overwhelm me with a choice of foods.

As each dish from the open buffet was described I took a little bit if it to my tray-like plate, much to their amusement. At the end of 12 dishes my plate was full and they were openly laughing.

I sat down to eat and then noticed that people were choosing two or three dishes from the buffet which they put into small bowls. These bowls were then arranged neatly around a pile of rice on their enormous plates. So my plate was indeed a tray!! Oopps!

The food was amazing and now I knew what to do I went back to pop some extra halva into a small bowl which I then put on my 'tray'. S$12 (£6) for an all you can eat buffet of amazing Indian food, I was in paradise!!

It was a slow waddle that took be from the restaurant and back into the bus to take me home. I swiped my card and it came up red but with a balance of S$1.10. (S$1=48p)

It had cost me S$1.08 to get from the Hostel to Little India so I didn't worry. I sat next to the gentleman who I had been chatting to me at the bus stop. He was surprised the driver had let me board with my card on red. I said it was S$1.08 to my stop but he corrected me and said it was S$1.20 from where we had boarded.

I asked if I should go and see the driver. 'Oh no' he whispered. 'When we stop, you swipe your card and get off. Do not stop, do not look back! It will be fine!' A wee bit dubious we continued the journey chatting about families and life. At my stop he reminded me again. 'Swipe and walk off, remember, don't stop!' he smiled and encouraged me to go.

I swiped, it went red and flashed. I walked off and took five paces before my conscience got the better of me and I stopped.

I turned but the bus was pulling away from the curb, my friend waving happily from his seat. In front of me was the hostel, my journey was ended.

PS.

That evening I shared my dorm with two sweet girls from Australia who slept soundly all night with the air-con on while I froze in my bunk below! Tomorrow I was moving into Lisa and Steve's flat and to be honest ….. I was glad!

Travel Times- Blog 1 Singapore

Reason One why I love to travel.

There is a tiny adrenaline rush that races around my body each time I book a flight. I have dived with sharks, jumped out of planes, taken horses over jumps, performed live in front of crowds and although each of these gave a tiny initial rush of pleasure and fear ….. it was over within a few moments, never to return again. Fear of the unknown disappears as soon as it is known.

Booking a trip however, never ceases to produces that shiver of anticipation.

My finger hovers over the 'send' button of my laptop. All the details are correct, the dates, the names, the passport number, the credit card details. All I have to do is press the button …. I wait as the nerves start to tremble.

The little voice of fear that lives inside us all begins protesting. Bit by bit it gets louder as the other voices join in. What if the details aren't right, what if you get to the airport and you find there is no booking, what if you get lost on the way, what if you get lost once you are there, think of all the things that can go wrong, what if you hate it …...... what if I don't …. The final voice is my own and with my heart pumping I press the button.

'Your transaction has been completed'.

I am not sure if it is the internet or the actual booking of the flight that gives me that buzz of fear to be overcome, but whatever it is I keep booking trips, arranging flights and traveling all over the world.

My trip to Singapore has been inspired by Lisa and Steve who, as I mentioned in the previous Blog have just moved to there. Their new daughter is due in February and Mommy (Me) wants to be there, just in case her little girl (Lisa - although she is not so little any more!) should need her.

I also have all my belongings shoved into one of Lisa's old back packs, so I feel and look quite professional as a traveler. My Indian bag that has traveled around with me for so many years is still with me but for this trip it is only my laptop and some water that will travel in that bag. The rest of my belongings are safely distributed throughout the many pockets of the well padded back pack. I also have a case on wheels but this belongs to Lisa and Steve and with luck they will collect it from me at the airport.

I look around the house one more time, if I have forgotten anything now it is jolly well too late. As long as I have my passport everything else can be replaced along the way. It is time to go.

There is no adrenaline rush any more. That ended the moment I pressed the button and the flight was set. From the moment I leave the house until I board the plane everything is planned like clockwork. Trains pick me up and drop me off, smiling faces at counters check me in, serious faces at security check my bags. All along the way I meet people, some for a second or two, others stop and talk for an hour or more.

Aboard the plane I introduce myself to my travel companions. We chat while we wait for our take off slot. I am on my way now. Soon we will be air-born. I have no more dead lines, no more commitments, no responsibilities until the plane touches down.

*****************************

The flight, as usual, is wonderful, films abound as does the food and drinks.

We arrive at midnight in Doha and I have a nine hour stop over ahead of me – luxury!

Doha airport has everything one needs for an extended rest and I head straight for one of the Ladies Only Quiet Rooms where reclining seats with pillows await.

Here I sleep the night away, in comfort, before awaking refreshed and ready for some early morning Tai Chi.

Fear must be one of our biggest obstacles in life, fear of the unknown, fear of what others will think of us. Fear of being shunned. I must of sat for a good hour wondering if this tranquil Quiet Room full of relaxing ladies was a place where some Tai Chi would be accepted. Would they all frown upon me, ask me to leave, call security. Would I insult an unknown tradition, break some unspoken rule. In the end as the sun streamed in through the window I got up and began.

Nods of approval were noted, smiles from others, then one by one other ladies began to rise and stretch. A few did basic yoga poses, one or two did leg raises, arm were waved, shoulders scrunched and released.

I finished my routine, another fear of the unknown banished to the deep.

At Singapore Steve and Lisa were there to greet me and to take possession of their bag.

We nattered away as we strolled past the floor to floor slide to the MRT.

Only somewhere like Singapore could have a slide in the airport!

At Outram MRT Lisa and Steve changed trains to go to their hotel while I set out to find my accommodation for the night.

Out of the air conditioned train the air was hot and humid even though it was now 10.30pm. I followed the instructions given by the Hostels web page travelling through the bypass and out of exit 7 only to be hit by a wall of moisture. I was so glad Lisa and Steve had collected their bag from me!!

I walked along slowly, back pack clinging gently to the sweat of my back without a care in the world. I had no deadline, no urgency, no one to please but myself. The lights of Singapore shone overhead, vast turrets full of light, thirty and more stories high. Wide roads lined with pavements and greenery twisted away into the distance.

I reached a sign that to me looked like the 'No Pedestrians' signs we have on our motorways in the UK. I stopped a wee bit confused. There was an overpass over the road so I used it only to find the same sign on the other side. Even more confused I began to walk back up the way I had come but this time on the opposite side of the road.

Getting lost, or even pretending to be lost is one of the best ice breakers you can have in a foreign country. I pulled my instructions from my bag and approached one of the numerous road side cafés.

Did they know where this place was, I asked politely with a huge smile upon my face. One waiter asked another, who in turn asked a customer. The piece of paper was passed around as people pulled out phones to call the number on the paper and google search the address. One became three, three became five that rapidly grew into ten as more and more smiling and concerned faces gathered around to help the 'Lost Lady'.

Given five minutes to sit and think things through I could have worked everything out for myself but this was so much more fun. They called up the Guest house, they showed me the maps they had found online.

The sign I had seen meant No Crossing the Road, I should continue down the road for 600m, they all instructed, go past the Temple on the left and I would be there.

With waves and smiles from everybody I thanked them and happily continued on my way. As I looked back I noted that what had once been half a dozen separate tables was now one huge gathering as they all continued to chatter amongst themselves.

I just love happy people!! This is possibly reason Two why I love to travel.

Scotland to Wales 2014

My sister and I haven't been together since her wedding to Elliot two months after Lisa and Steve were married in 2013.

Like Lisa, Fleur had been eager to start a family and, happily, during October, she and Elliot had had a beautiful baby girl.

My road trip destination and planning had totally revolved around the fact that I would be able to call in for twenty four hours and visit both my sister and my new niece.

Parking in Edinburgh is not the easiest thing to achieve in a car, let alone a 17 seater converted LDV bus!

 I managed, with the help of some local builders and a lot of Blue Dot following on my phone, to park quite near to her new house and after my last fiasco with parking in Edinburgh (see Blog Twenty Four Hours in Edinburgh 2010) I carefully read the sign beside the parking place. No Parking between 4pm and 6pm. It was now 2pm so I could manage a two hour visit before I needed to find somewhere for the night!

To be fair Fleur had not been expecting me until the next day yet she took everything in her stride and as I began to explain the wonderful adventure with Lady Sage's ignition, she began to laugh and introduced me to her daughter!

Torra was beautiful, but who would expect anything less from my beautiful sister.

She was also very loud when she required feeding! I chatted and noticed happily what a natural mother Fleur was.

I had been totally unprepared for wonderful changes the arrival of Lisa had made into my life, but Fleur had everything organised. 

Not only was my sister an amazing business woman but she was now proving to be just as organised at motherhood!

As I needed to move Lady Sage and find somewhere safe for the night, I left the two of them together and promised to return in about two hours once I had found somewhere to sleep.

Across the road from Fleurs house was a brewery. Behind the brewery ran a rail line and between that and the four story town houses beyond, ran a one way road with cars parked on both sides. I spotted a place just big enough for Lady Sage to squeeze in against the wall that ran along side the rail line. We wiggled our way in, put up the curtains on the road side, twizzled the driver seat around and popped the heating on. The next hour was spent finishing off my Pringle stash and reading the second book of the Hunger Games that I had acquired from Cian for the trip.

With the Pringle packet empty and only three chapters to go in the book, I returned to Fleurs just as Elliot was returning and willingly took the opportunity to hold my well fed niece while they cooked dinner together. An hour later, as Torra slept, we dined and talked over the past year.

Fleur had received a message from our father to say he was off to New Zealand for three months, I told her all about Lisa and Steve's trip and new life in Singapore. 

We talked of plans and ideas, we talked of the possibility of visiting Moorea again in January of 2016. She and Elliot wanted to take Toora and I would go just come to say hello.

As the evening progressed Fleur and Elliot insisted that I slept in the house but I had Lady Sage. What, I protested, was the point in having such an amazing bus if I wasn't going to sleep in her. I had food, warmth, my belongings, everything I could possibly need, so at 11pm we said goodnight and armed with the front door key, in case I got cold or scared, I headed off to my bed.

My choice of parking spots for the Lady and myself was perfect. The trains stopped running at 11.30, the cars had stopped driving past even earlier, just the occasional late night walked disturbed the peace and tranquility of the spot. I had managed, by chance, to park under the only tree along the road and as I lay in my bed the leaves moved gently across the sky light.

I could have been sleeping deep in the highlands beneath a canopy of trees, hidden away somewhere in a distant forest for all I knew. The streets of Edinburgh offer some great camping opportunities!!

In the morning I returned to my sisters and we spent the day walking along the edge of the canal, through the streets of the city and eventually took lunch in a great child orientated pub. At night this place was 'The Place' for the young and prosperous, but at lunch time, families and mums were encouraged. Hot home-made chilli soup and fabulous chunks of toasted bread finished off with a great desert was just what we needed after our few hours of walking.

Back at the house I took the opportunity to plan my next move. From the places I mentioned Fleur said Dunbar was the nicest. I lined up my Blue Dot on the Iphone and just before the evening rush hour, I headed back to Lady Sage for the next part of my trip.

Dunbar was reached early evening and this time I found a location literally next to the beach! On one side of the road there was a solid wall about fifteen foot high, on the other side of the road was a ten foot drop to a narrow strip of beach and the sea. The tide was just beginning to go out, drifts of seaweed were being left upon the sand, waders rushed back and forth looking for things to eat. I cooked up my supper with the doors wide open to the late evening air and then headed into town.

There is not a huge amount to see in Dunbar at 7pm on a Wednesday night in November and by 7.30 I was sitting in one of the two pubs I had found on the main street. I had my book, a glass of cider, a packet of crisps and total peace …... that lasted about twenty minutes before three teams of ladies darts arrived for their mid week practice!!!

The rest of the evening was spent in conversation, raffle ticket buying (no I didn't win) and declining a huge array of meat orientated foods and snacks!! The ladies had a big competition the following week, they informed me, every lady was out to win and by the practice shots I witnessed, they had a very good chance.

I returned to the bus well after closing time and as the sea gentle brushed the shore somewhere out in the darkness, I finished my book and slept.

The next day was a rain day! Total, consistent, grey, soaking rain. I traveled along the coast road for about an hour seeing nothing but wet grey fields and an even greyer wetter sea before heading in-land toward the A1.

Doncaster was my next destination! Doncaster and the Foster Family from the Holiday Showdown program we had all made nine years ago.

The Fosters have to be the most warm hearted northern family I have ever met. Pizza's were ordered, the entire family was gathered, questions were asked and answered as I met up with the new husbands, children and pets since my last visit.

They too insisted I slept in the house, in fact I was offered a few houses to choose from, but Lady Sage awaited me and eventually I headed into her embrace to sleep like a log in the forest.

Tomorrow I would head home to Wales before a two day visit to Vicky in Porthcawl. Four days after that I would board a plane bound for Singapore, yet another adventure was about to begin!!

 Life was amazing xxxx