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Got up about 10 o'clock, and had breakfast. We had no plans for today, showered and got ready to go out. Aaron needed a coffee fix, so we went to Starbucks. Had a slow walk around Clarke and Robinson and decided to jump onto one of the river boats, that would take us on a guided tour. We started working our way towards the Marina Bay. We past Raffles Hotel, and all the sky scrappers before arriving at the large Marina Bay, the location of the massive 3 building hotel, that is linked at the top, by a massive boat structure. It looks so impressive, and fingers crossed I get change to go up while in Singapore. We also saw the Merlion, located on the side of the river. It was really hot today, and I just chilled on the back of the boat, enjoying the sun. Aaron retreated in side the boat, where there was a roof, protecting him from the sun. We then turn around and headed back the same way. dropped off the people doing the 40 minute tour, and continued up river, under about 5 bridges. We were about to turn around to head back, as I thought that this must be the location we had lunch when we arrived in Singapore back in 2001... Then I spotted it, the massive black circular hotel, now the holiday inn, just around the corner. (Off course I took a couple of pictures). By now I was getting really hot, and was glad to get a bottle of water when we got of the boat. We sat down and worked out exactly what we wanted to do for the few days we have left in Singapore, once we return from Thailand. The go ape adventure thing, the Singapore flyer, night safari and of course the Universal Studios (The real reason Aaron came to Singapore. it wasn't to see me, it was to get his theme park fix - plus he would have hated me going to it, and not him!) We managed to get a ticket that would save us loads of money that combined 3 of the things we wanted to do, and we would get the Universal tickets separately.
We had a drink in a bar, and continued to walk around Clarke Quay. Finding an amazing place called the beer market. It was like a pub that sold beer like a stock market. The beer that was popular was more expensive, and the beer that no one was buying got cheaper. Every 30 minutes the prices would update. It was currently closed but we will try and come back, it opened at 1800. I was starving by now, and we had already seen the place we wanted to eat! HOOTERS. We sat outside, and enjoyed the view of the Quay. We just ordered finger food, chips, wedges, spice shrimp and chicken strips! It was really good. With a jug of beer it was the perfect lunch option to fill us up before we fly to Phuket tonight. We went back to the hostel, and I put my travel hat on. Trying to print off the Jet Star tickets, however between the crap Internet at the hostel and rubbish airline website, I couldn't print off what I needed... I ended up just printing an itinerary, worried that we would have problems at check in, or they would charge us for not having the correct documentation. Got on the MRT and it was back to the Terminal that Aaron had arrived into the day before. Keeping my fingers crossed, we checked in hoping we would have any problems. Handed over our passport, and she didn't even look at anything else. Got rid of our hold luggage, and cleared immigration. (More stamps in my passport, I think I have about 8 stamps now and haven't even gone to Australia yet!) We had just over an hour to kill, and walked around the terminal, finding a free computer that we could use. Walked to the gate, boarded, and took off over the water. The flight was really quick I ready my second hunger games book, it only took an hour and a half. Before we knew it we had touched down in Thailand. It was like an Easyjet flight. Cleared immigration, collected our bags, and walked to the mini bus transfer stop, that would take us to the town of Patong Beach. We had to wait a little while while they filled our mini van. On the way to Patong, they stopped at their little travel agent, to see if they can get us to buy any tours, hotels etc from them - I just said we were leaving tomorrow so they didn't go on at me... A little lie, but its not going to hurt anyone. Got to the hotel and checked in. The resort was amazing, for the price we paid. Right opposite was HARD ROCK CAFE! We stayed at the Mercure, Patong Beach hotel. (Emiah - one of your hotels! lol) Dumped our bags, and freshened up before heading to my favourite place Bang-La Road.
I have been in Thailand long enough to know what I am doing, and who to stay clear of. You cant walk 5 meters without being offered a tuk-tuk, a tailor made suit, a massage or pirate DVDs. You just have to walk passed and say no thank you with a smile. You should have seen Aaron's face. He looked like he was in shock, and looked at me and said "I don't really like it..." PMSL!!! I can understand first time, it is a bit crazy, and we were sober. With out exaggerating lady boys do grab you, offering massages. The game I like to play is smile at them, and then as they walk towards you with their hand out ready to grab you... Run passed them, and dodge them! some chase a little, but most just laugh and say "come back later, lovely". Anyway I ran pass this place and then Aaron got grabbed! Actually Aaron kept getting punched and stroked on the arm by them! Some are not lady boys but a lot of them are. I am sure Aaron will tell everyone this, so I am going to say it first - Yes they did keep calling me "Big Boy!" We walked all the way to the bottom of Bang-La Road, and decided to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Bangkok Burger was selling a burger chips, and a beer for 3 quid. It was really good as well. it was pretty late by now walking back up to the top of Bang-La Road, getting offered ping pong by at least 15 people. I had already told Aaron that I wouldn't be seeing it again. I think Aaron was glad to get out of there. But I did tell him, we would be going back.
- comments
Karim Ruzgar Sounds as if you are both having a blast Gaz and really enjoying it.
garethdharper I'm having the best time! Off to Australia tomorrow.