Singapore is a city that will ease you into Asian culture, but in the end it is just like a large North American city. The first thing I saw after getting off the plane was Starbucks, Burger King and Popeye’s. This was not what I was hoping and felt disappointed that we flew 18 hours and could not get away from the fast food crap of back home.

Singapore has been rated the most expensive city in the world. I agreed. A pint of beer runs around $18CAD and you only get 16 ounces, not the traditional 20 ounces. On our last night, Dirk and I sat along the Singapore River and each consumed two glasses of wine. This amounted to $65CAD, on the up side it was still cheaper then buying the bottle.

Our first night out we got a little hoodwinked. People stand outside their respective establishments trying to get you to come and eat. ‘Look at my menu. you like chicken?’ That night we spent $60CAD on a pretty good meal, but in Asia, that’s costly.

By the next day we had our shit together. We had spent time figuring out where not to get ripped off and where the best food was. We found two very good, but very busy Food Markets. Trying to decide what to eat was easy, go to the place with the longest line. Chicken and Rice was the most popular dish, so of course we tried it. Not too bad, even a very picky eater would like this. The meal was only $3CAD.

It is also one of the cleanest cities I have visited. There are laws against, littering, spitting, and chewing gum. All in the hopes of ensuring a cleaner and disease free environment. I know that most cities have by-laws, but these are strictly enforced. Camera’s are found in all areas of the city, if you litter, they will find you even if it is two hours later and issue a fine.

Getting used to the heat took a few days. Our first few days of touring the city in 33C weather was a little intense. After walking for a few hours in the heat, we decided to learn the train system to ensure we were getting some relief from the heat. Touring the Gardens by the Sea, I was getting so over heated, I was not looking at any of the surroundings, only a spot where I could hide in the shade. By the time we left Singapore, I thought the days were cooler, but it ended up it was the same temperature, I was just adjusting.

I am a tall buxom female in Singapore. I am also exotic with the tattoo. Dirk and I had several discussion about our friends that are taller and have larger breasts then me – they would be royalty in this town. Even walking by Hooters, yes Hooters, we had a chuckle at the Asian girls that qualified.

In the end we were happy to have stopped in Singapore, but as I said before, it really is just another large city.

Click here if you want to see pictures of Singapore.

Travel Tip:

Shoes are the hardest part of packing. Each person should have a pair of runners if you are going hiking or, of course, you are going running. Sandals are important in warmer climates, plus maybe one more pair of nice shoes for going out. I prefer flats as they pack up nicer and are more comfortable. In colder climates,  I would skip the sandals/flats and take blundstone boots, they are made for walking and warmth. Plus, they have the bonus of being very fashionable for casual nights out.

Dirk and I are not new to the massage world. We have been regular clients and have come to fully anticipate what will be happening during the entire process.

Traveling to Asia, Dirk had mentioned his excitement at being able to get a weekly massage for cheap. I too liked the thought, but memories of my friend Dennis describing his massage in Thailand and the after effects. His legs cramping up to a point he could not decline a set of stairs for fear he would collapse and tumble to the bottom.

Our first night we slept in a bed harder then we are used to, so decided to get our first massage in Bali. There were two places side by side, each asking if we wanted a massage. Instead of choosing one, we both separated and enter one of the establishments.

It was set up fairly similar to places I had been in Canada, with the exception of leaving your shoes outside. I was lead to a room, told to undress and lay face down. Again, all pretty normal for a massage.

Once the lady returned to start the one hour massage, her first question was ‘Hard or Medium’. Thinking better of going all out my first time and distant memories of Dennis’ story, medium pressure seemed the best way to proceed.

The usual pressing and stretching began over the sheet to warm the muscles. Once that was completed, the sheet was lowered and hot only was applied. Everything was feeling the same until the slapping. I had seen it on TV, but never really had the karate chop technique performed on me. Just as I am thinking about the odd use of this technique, she bounds onto the table to stratal me for the beginning of the message. Okay, this is new and will need a little to get use to.

After a short period, she dismounts and the massage continues. Back, shoulders, arms and hands were all rubbed. This was great and very relaxing. I am starting to dose. Then wham! Did she just punch me in the hand? I am not too sure at this point.

She then moves to my head, I do love a head massage, very soothing. Again, I am thrown by the sudden hair pulling that is actually going to make me either yell or cry. WTF is that all about?! This is by no means soothing just painful.

Relieved that the hair pulling is over, she moves onto the lower part of my body. Again, the routine follows what I am use too. I feel we are back on track and I can just continue to relax. I guess I should have stayed alert, as the punching was not over and now was being delivered to my feet. This time I can’t help but laugh.

With my back side of my body completed, I am wiped down with a hot cloth and dried before turning over. The front was pretty much the same as the back without the punching. Except she did revisit the hair pulling one more time. I laid there wondering if this is what Dirk was going through in the massage parlour next door. I was also worried that with his decreasing amount of hair, he could not afford to have some lady pulling on it with such vigour.

Finally, she asked me to sit while she completed the last part of the massage. Sitting behind me she gave one last deep  massage in my back before she was completed. As I am dressing, all I could think of was I am so happy I asked for the medium!

Walking outside, Dirk was standing waiting for me. He asked me how it was. All I could say was I think I had my next blog posting.

Epilogue:

Later that evening we were back in our room. I started to comment about the massive amounts of oil on my panties. When I looked up at Dirk his entire back was bruised. It looked like someone beat the shit out of him, but I guess it was a 5 foot Balinese lady.

Travel Tip:

Hotels will charge you about 10 times more for a massage then that found in the towns (hotels are $115CAD compared to $5CAD in town). That is also true for yoga classes, food, and beverages – pretty much anything found at the hotel. Just because the price is reduced does not mean you are settling for less. Think about it, yoga classes are very much the same, no matter where you take the class. The spas in town are also safe and clean.

The main reason we took the first month of traveling in California was to ensure we did not miss Dirk’s sister’s Stagette in Disneyland. I have been to Disneyland twice and Walt Disney World once.

My first visit to Disney was with my friend Kellie in July of 1994. We had just finished our final exam to become accountants, after four years we deserved this break. We arrived with a full suitcase of excitement and anticipation. These were the days when you had to wait in line with patience, which not one person under 12 had any of. The heat was unbearable, so I had a full understanding why these kids were losing their fucking minds. It was at this point that I felt that this was not a place for children and anyone bringing someone under the age of 12 was just plain crazy. But, even with the heat and the crying kids, I leave with one thought: ‘This place is so fucking cool.’

My next visit in 1998 was just as fun as the first. What struck me most was how familiar, yet different this visit was. Not only had they introduce a new ride, construction of a new theme park was underway.  The anticipation that a expansion was in the making – doubling up on what was already an awesome experience. I felt like a child on a sugar high, two parks in one place, genius.

The only time I visited Disney World was on a stop over between Allentown and Leeds. Again, I was hit by the brilliance of the park. Three Theme Parks in One!!  And, to top it all off the ‘FASTPASS’. What?! Just grab a ticket with your ride time, then walk around taking in all the sites and sounds. When your time comes, walk right up to the front of the line, it was like your name was finally on the list.

Disney World was also my first experience with ‘Downtown Disney’. By day filled with families, children running amuck, by night an adult only playground. It was filled with bars, restaurants and shows. You were id’d before entering the area, no kids or strollers to maneuver.

It has now been around 17 years since I was last at Disneyland. Things have changed, yet stayed the same. The incredible details in Disneyland still have you looking in every direction. Not only do I see more, I am hearing more. One window above is open, the sounds of a man showering, brushing his teeth and shaving can be heard. Another window, a dog barking and his master trying to quiet him.

California Adventure is now open, the same attention to detail is everywhere. Am I really walking down Main Street in Radiator Springs? Is that building really a tissue box in ‘a bugs land’? Is that person carrying a beer? Yes, this park allows the consumption of alcohol as you are walking around enjoying your day. At the end of our third night, we saw a couple that clearly had consumed too much. They were trying to out fox the attendant at the ride by ducking into the fastpass lane, alcohol had impaired their stealth mode. We had to laugh as the attendant threw his hands up in disbelief and called up to the ride to ensure these geniuses were asked to leave.

They also have a Downtown Disney, albeit kids are allowed in at all times. The number of strollers to avoid has grown, not only in number, but in shear physical size. Families now push double wide strollers – I am guessing the American version of upping the neighbours with a bigger and better model.

Attending Disney at the end of April was by far the least amount of people in attendance as compared to my first three times. Most wait times were less than twenty minutes, some none at all. At one point Dirk realized we had already hit seven rides and the park had only been open an hour. We were able to ride our favourite rides at least three times. Each time I discovered something I did not notice the first time, an amazing detail or a catchy saying.

At the end of four days in Disneyland, we are completely exhausted. But as I am leaving, the same thought crosses my mind. ‘This place is so fucking cool!!’

Travel Tip:

If you are going to Disneyland, be prepared with a large amount of patience. As magical a trip, it can be very tiring with thousands of people trying to get on the same ride as you. Bring a small backpack with a water bottle, there are many places to fill these. Ensure you have a hat and light jacket in your pack, weather can change and the nights are cooler. If you are willing to ride alone, hit the single rider line. They are faster, but you will not be sitting with your friends. To pass the time in the long line ups, pick up a ‘Hidden Mickey’ book. This will tell you where the ingenious creators hidden Mickey symbols all over the park.