The store! 

oops, cant figure out how to make this portrait. "Borders" 

too close for me! 

durian cart 

chicken 

going coconuts 

Firehouse! 

night club in the morning 

crazy clouds 

train to the top 

really long escalator 

crazy boat, HK skyline 

tallest building ? 

newsletter

A big trip to New York and Florida for the holidays has consumed most of my energy recently, even after my return (so much emotion, and of course, jet lag). I was in the US when the Tsunami hit and was uncertain of the well being my folks in Singapore. All those I know that were in an affected area are all safe at home and sound—and I venture to say not really looking forward to ever going into the sea again.

A few weeks ago I had a 3 day weekend (Hari Raya holiday--again). I went to Johor Baru (or JB) which is the closest city in Malaysia to Singapore. It is pretty much a shopping town, with inexpensive name brand products. One of the places “the Store.” (see Pic) was a huge grocery store, and drugstore, and clothing store under one roof. On one massive floor, all kinds of name brand clothes were really cheap. Sorry, nothing cultural or emotional about this trip--- other than my excitement of finding Diesel Jeans for $20!

We went to a famous restaurant that had pictures on the walls of movie stars that have eaten here. I didn’t know any of them of course, but they looked famous. Most popular for the chicken they cook in what looks like a paper bag, it was truly yummie (see Pic). Also in Malaysia, they sell Durian fruit on the street (just like the rest of Asia). I wanted you all to see this ugly thing, which tastes horrible but the locals absolutely love it. YUCK!

We walked back from JB on a bridge that connects Malaysia to Singapore. On the Malaysian side, there is an old, broken green sign that says “Welcome to Mala sia” (missing the L) and on the Singapore side there is a 30 foot flat video screen showing the people, the tourist hotspots, and audio of a song that welcomes the visitor. Such diversity for such a small distance. We took a picture at what was the old border control area (now most people take a bus over the bridge and go through border control on either side) See Pic!

I spent last weekend in Hong Kong, an island with a big mountain and a city built around and into it. The streets reminded me a lot of London, which makes sense under the British history. Quaint streets, warm restaurants, and lots of character. The weather was chilly and cloudy (or was it pollution?). Funny the way the clouds hug the river, seeming to not be from the sky, but coming from the water and ground. (see pics). I went to the top of the mountain (with the clouds, that was the only way believe there was a mountain). The train ride up was virtually a vertical ride (see pic)!

Another vertical ride was the longest escalator! Straight from one part of town (below) to the top of the town. You walk a little, and then take an escalator, and walk a little, and then an escalator. It took about 15 minutes to get totally to the top. You will see in the picture the canopy covers of the escalator and how far it goes. Problem: It only goes one way. So how does one go down???? Me? I took a taxi!

Hong Kong is truly the city that never sleeps. Friday night stretched into Saturday morning with ease. At some point, I walked outside for air (still smoking in the bars here). I thought it odd that all the establishments’ lights were out. People were around, and still in the bars, but the lights outside were out (except for the places with working girls—their lights were on and bright!). I thought it odd that the sky was a turning light blue. Could it be morning? On the streets are people that you would think are looking for a breakfast joint, however they are just looking for another place to continue to dance and be social. The sun came up on this Saturday morning and the serene, quiet early morning unfolded in the streets of Hong Kong. Peace and quiet was no match for the turbulent noise of dance music that bellowed out of the next door to a nightclub we came to. Inside, you would have thought it was midnight…. People, beautiful people, were all dancing (wherever you stand you dance) and chatting, and having the time of their life. I spotted someone actually asleep in all this madness in a chair. Realizing these places never close, I made a break for the door and got out!! I found my bright hotel lobby bustling with eager tourists waiting to explore Hong Kong….next shift?

Oh, and before I sign off--- You must know: I ate a chicken’s foot. It was actually really good! The spice was nice, and it wasn’t too bad- just like a chicken wing! I still won’t eat a Durian fruit though!

Chinese New year is the next holiday! Hopefully I will have a good story to tell and I will email you when I update the Blog. I cannot even believe I have a Blog (thanks for the idea TC!). Somehow you can post a note here to me, however shoot me an email the old fashioned way--- I am sure it is much easier. I do want to hear what is up with you—I feel so one-sided when I am just blabbing on and on! And I absolutely must here about your trips, tribulations, and things like crazy snowstorms!!
Truly miss you!!!!