Week Break in Singapore 27 July

I joined Ian in Singapore for his last week. Whilst Malaysia has colour, traffic, character and its associated frustrations, Singapore "works". It is the only airport I have experienced where immigration and customs is a smooth, SHORT process. Whilst Ian spent everyday working (and most of the evenings as well) I had plenty of time to explore, shop and stock up various items I have found difficult to find in Spain (most likely due to my inability to converse in the Spanish language).

Ian and I headed out to my favorite dining spot in Boat Quay which has salt and pepper soft shell crab. I have tried this dish in many countries and it is only in Singapore that they seem to get it just right. We caught the national day firework practise which was very impressive and partially made up for missing the Malaysian fireworks competition being run in September to commemorate their 50th birthday. We also tried out the Thai food on the opposite site of the river this trip, the view was terrific with the old cafes and Asian boats reflected in the river, backed by high rise towers and fireworks against the dark sky.

The Hilton Hotel on the corner of Scotts and Orchard Roads sells the "best" Margarita - see the picture of Ian with his coke spider and the SIZE of the frozen Margarita I was served. From this corner it is possible to just sit and watch the world of Singapore pass by.

It was the end of sale time in Singapore and I was able to pick up a few shirts for Ian as well as some great designer baby clothes for my niece. At sale time some of these lovely little items are as cheap as Target (KMart style store) bits and pieces back home. I was also able to locate some study books that I was having trouble sourcing in Spain.....so a successful week. As we were staying at the Park Hyatt on Scotts Road, getting around the shopping area is very easy, with walking bridges and underground trains within 50 meters of the hotel. The only disappointment was the spa treatment I had whilst there. Malaysian spas are generally very Asian and very good. The Singapore Spa seemed to cater for the Western type of customer and the massage was rather soft and did not leave me with the same sense of well-being usually achieved from an Asian style Spa. Not to worry - I'll make up for it in KL in October

Week Break in Kuala Lumpur July 20th

A three week work stint in Singapore for Ian provided a great opportunity for me to tag along and pop up to Malaysia for a week to catch up with some of the "breakfast group". Our time living in KL was spent in the apartment block connected to the Prince Hotel which provided a residence lounge as part of the facilities. Many of the "long termers" became close friends, and would meet in the lounge regularly for breakfast and arrange shopping, lunches etc etc etc. So it was terrific to catch up with some of the ladies (and little Sienna) and ofcourse Meg (who is now pregnant) and hear the "KL news".

Good friends Monica and David provided accomodation, and Monica and Pilar kept me company on the inevitable shopping trips. Kuala Lumpur must be one of the shopping capitals of the world. It provides a mix of latest top designer fashions, local cultural buys, wonderful asian antiques and curiosities, great food and, of-course China Town. THE shopping place is KLCC. Sitting at the base of the twin towers, this centre includes a couple of department stores as well as the big name designer shops - plus has some great coffee places. The Prince is located one street away from Bukit Bintang - a street which is made up of shopping centres. Lot 10, KL Plaza, Starhill, BB Plaza, and the soon to be opened Pavilion. So the week was spent visiting all the old haunts and catching up with the sales.

It did seem strange to be back in KL with so many of the old faces no longer there. However, the old habit of meeting down in Eccochino Restaraunt continues with David and DJ joining the ladies for dinner. One of the downsides to Malaysia (and many other areas of Asia) is the risk of contracting Dengue Fever through mosquitos. Monica had several stings early in my visit and towards the end of my time with her was feeling unwell. A couple of days after leaving KL, she was hospitalised with Dengue Fever. She has recovered, returned to the Prince and is soon to be on her way to a holiday "down under".

It was a great week, stocked up on goodies, caught up with good friends, checked out the old haunts and will be back in early October to see the guys at the pool bar - Rodzie, Linda, and Tommy