The tourist

Saturday, September 06, 2008

The Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore was late in boarding due to a cargo weight distribution error, but the wait was made easier because a classmate (working for a different company) was taking the same flight. He boarded his ship today in Singapore – a Tanker Pacific oil carrier.

There was a selection of 100 movies of impressive taste, plus TV shows, docos, and even video games. I watched the new Indiana Jones movie, and a few Hong Kong style ones before falling asleep for the rest of the journey. The food was OK, the seats were PACKED.

I arrived in Singapore to a muggy 24 degrees C and fine weather at just after 0600hrs. I was surprised to be greeted by a customs official who introduced me to my personal driver for the day, “Ed”. He drove me to the 5-star Hotel where I was booked, the Furama Riverfront on Havelock Rd. On the way he drove me past some of the sights.. odd buildings, the F1 racetrack (which he was certainly impressed with), the Navy Base, Hospital, etc. There is a festival here at the moment, which entails the setting up of a temporary Bazaar, lots of dancing, etc.

The streets everywhere are lined with pink orchids.

I had just enough time for a shower and buffet breakfast (3 hours) before meeting with my driver again to take care of the official stuff. This done I was driven back (with lots of Singapore girl advice from Ed), and ate a buffet lunch. The Furuma is very near “Chinatown,” and the CBD. Off for a look…

Later…

Just got back from Chinatown where every man and his dog were trying to sell... no, make me buy, cheap whatever at massive prices.. some guy looked like he was going to cry when I didn't want to buy his very average quality Indian style suit for $3000. A couple of guys got quite aggressive.. that didn’t work either. I guess everyone’s used to tourists with a lot of money –salesmen, who are the only people who I’ve spoken to here, seem to place high emotional expectations on a successful sale. “Just put on credit card, no worries, ok?” was their watchword. Despite not being used to that kind of culture, the place was quite charming. There are a lot of interesting bits and pieces to look at and I could’ve easily blown quite a bit on geomantic charms, crystals, statuettes, and the like. However for the most part there wasn’t TOO much on sale I couldn’t have found at home. The smell of sweet incense and strange foods fill the air. It’s kind of a shame, but I didn’t feel like bringing my digital camera along.. ‘nuff said.

It’s now 34 degrees. I’ll check out the other side of town after another shower.

Still later…

The CBD is VERY nice. They seem to love ancient Greek themes, and I completely empathise there. Not a lot else to say on the matter, except that Singapore is very definitely a well globalised tourist spot. I wish I had more time to see other off-the-beaten-track places.

Beautiful and colourful place. Definitely recommend the Fumata Riveride, for many reasons but mostly the excellent service.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

After a 12½hr flight I arrived in Amsterdam at about 05.30. The airport has a very designer industrial feel to it IMO, and also I got a first impression that I was in a video-game parlor. Customs with machine-guns was cool. The building is very new.

No agent to meet me this time, so I ended up waiting at the Meeting Point for a few hours before having to track down my agent here. 9 hours later I was taxied to a lodge in Rotterdam. Apparently they did not know I was arriving today. I was also told that Faith N was not due in port till Mittwoch* and so they asked me which hotel I would like to stay in. (* Wednesday, or Odin’s day was anathema to the catholic church for most of Christian history. Same as German, Mittwoch just means mid-week.)

The Hyatt and others of the same caliber were offered, but I’ve chosen to stay at a more grass-roots place called the Boer Lodge, which is mainly for sailors. Still, the furniture is modern and the architecture is just post-war, as much of Rotteram was destroyed by Hitler. There is a public room where some Ukrainian and Fillipino sailors that are staying make good use of, but I have a whole 3 bedroom suite to myself -kitchen and everything. Obviously they feed me here too, and also I have WiFi internet. The owners seem to be a family,their two teenage kids are employed as staff. They’re very friendly and helpful. Dinner was like a home-cooked meal, which I enjoyed. It’s situated right next to the oldest part of Rotterdam, that I gather escaped the bombing. I can see a canal(?) from my room.

After a long hot bath I think I’ll just hit the hay. Tomorrow is Monday, and there are some really interesting spots around the town I want to check out.