And so the journey begins....
Yesterday afternoon, after a really long day flying from Edmonton to Vancouver to Taipei (Taiwan), I eventually arrived in Singapore. I was not sure what time or day it actually was once I made it here, and even now there's a bit of jet lag but it doesn't seem to be hitting me hard quite yet. I'm sure it will arrive in waves in the days to come!
In Vancouver, I met up with my friend, Penny and together we made the continuing journey here. Penny and I met about 3 years ago on a Mediterranean cruise, kept in touch since and when she asked me to join her for this cruise through South East Asia, the Middle East, up the Red Sea, through the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean Sea aboard the Princess Sapphire, from Singapore to Rome in 27 days,... well, how could I say "no"!? Plus my 50th birthday is at the end of April, so what better way to celebrate my life and the world around me than this amazing journey!
I hunger for traveling this beautiful, chaotic world and the adventures I can find, and this seemed like the perfect time and itinerary. To be honest, these places I have never thought of traveling to and now, I get to place them on my bucket list and check them off as well! It's certainly not lost on me how fortunate my life is to be able to visit other cultures, people, lands and to do so in this way by sailing from port to port...it thrills me beyond belief!
So to begin with, I have to say that the Taipei Airport was like being transported to what I can only describe as a psychedelic time warp. Where else can you see an airport with a "Hello Kitty" world time zone clock?
I also saw a duty free shop selling "Helen Keller Sunglasses", which rather mystified me. There were also signs for a Prayer Room, a pink playground themed waiting area for passengers, signs about Food Gift Sets with pork floss, and micro-mini vans with English advertising. I love the signs where the English "almost" makes sense, and even if it doesn't then it certainly brings a smile to your face, which maybe is the point of everything after all!
"Don't take life so seriously" is the message I kept getting, and "just enjoy the ride"! After roaming the airport for a couple of hours, we were off once more on a flight heading to Singapore where we stayed the night at a lovely, elegant hotel, the Mercure on Stevens.
Singapore is where we will be boarding our cruise ship, the Sapphire Princess, to begin our great journey!
Flying over Singapore was a lovely experience. Seeing outlying islands and ships in the turquoise, green waters with white sandy beaches, where I long to be on after such a lengthy flight. Craving the sun, and the sand beneath my feet as we go from cold Canadian winter weather to the tropical heat and humidity of Singapore.
I am so impressed by Singapore. The first question that came to mind as Penny and I taxied to our hotel, was "why have I not traveled here before?"
Such a gorgeous city! So clean and stylish with its simplistic, fine lines of modern architectural creations interspersed between lush vegetation. The greenery is so abundant and the flowers are vibrant in its varied array of colours covering the landscape as far as the eyes can see.
The smells of these fragrant flowering trees and plants is so intoxicating, especially combined with the heavy humidity. Loving the idea of not having to slather my skin in lotion or keep my chapstick handy. I couldn’t wait to change from my boots into my flip-flops as soon as we arrived at the hotel, knowing that I won't need these until the Mediterranean cities as they enter their springtime!
Ever since I was younger I have heard about the laws Singapore instills in its citizens and visitors alike. Their rules are obviously working! There are hefty fines against littering, chewing gum, graffiti and vandalism.
I was told that one could receive a warning about breaking these laws (littering, chewing gum for instance), but you may not be so lucky the next time which could find you in the "Singapore municipal hotel" or jail! As a result, I have never been in such a clean country. So pristine!
Second chances are not the norm of course, as seen on the back of the customs form which warns visitors in red, bold print, "Death for drug traffickers under Singapore law"! Can't get much more obvious than THAT!!!
My next visit to Singapore - and I know there will be a "next" trip here - will see me budgeting more wisely. A tongue in cheek suggestion was given to me that perhaps I could set up a Go Fund Me "Help Me Travel" page! I'm sure that would be popular! Just joking!
A lovely city, an expensive city and as we were informed, a very wealthy city. It is said that Singapore is home to 22 of the world's billionaires.
Sitting by the hotel pool this morning in the heat and looking forward to getting onboard the ship, not only to start this trip of a lifetime, but to see who is to share this path with me.
I am of the belief that people are placed in my life with purpose, and from previous experience, it is no accident who shows up in my life to join me in journeys that open my heart, mind and soul. When I expect the best, this is always what I receive and who I meet! The anticipation of it all - so exciting!
On that note, I will leave you with this update as we make last minute arrangements to meet with Jason, our taxi driver who drove us from the airport yesterday. Such a warm, personable Gentleman who briefly played tour guide along the way!
Hope you're all very well and I look forward to writing to you again soon! Until next time...!
Love, Jae
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