Japamala Resort on Tioman Island

We decided kind of last minute to take a trip to Tioman Island in Malaysia.  We had heard that it was beautiful and very secluded.  It is the kind of place you go when you need to relax.  No cell phones, no internet in the rooms, and barely tv.  It is a quiet resort where there is nothing to do but relax.  Just what we needed.  The weekend began with a less than relaxing flight on this plane which landed on a strip that did not look big enough to land on.  A little thrill to get the weekend started.  After the plane we had to take a boat to the resort.

This is the villa we stayed in.  It was very nice except the air conditioning went out on the second night.  The villas are all set apart in the side of the mountain so you feel like you are the only people around.  Luckily our cabin was close to the bottom so not too many steps to climb.  It was funny to me that none of the elevated walkways had railings.  At night they lit torches along the paths, beautiful but not too safe after a few drinks!

We had a small pool in our back deck.  We also had monkeys come visit us on the deck while we were enjoying a few beers.  Unbelievable!  Greg got so excited that the picture is a little blurry but you can see how close it was to us.

The restaurant at the resort.

 

This is the area where we went snorkling.  It had very nice reefs with some fish we had never seen before.  One in particular, a baby shark, kept coming after me and I freaked out.  I was kicking so hard I got a cramp in my calf that left a bruise.  After that I was done but Greg went even further out and saw a 4 foot shark in a beautiful reef.  I probably should have gone back out to see it but I could not make myself do it.  My two greatest fears...sharks and snakes so I was done.

Gorgeous beach with lots of washed up coral.

Mom look, we were surrounded by danger!

We had dinner on the dock and this was the view out to sea.

The view back to the resort.

Our last parting view of the villas on the mountainside.  We had a very relaxing, considering we had 2- two hour massages, weekend.  It is the kind of place that makes memories that will not be forgotten. 

More Vietnam

Sorry I did not upload these earlier but I had the flu.  I was really sick for 7 days.  Anyway, here are the rest of my Vietnam photos.

We went to visit the tunnels from the war.  This is one of the openings to the tunnel system.  It shows how small and easily hidden the tunnels were.

 

These openings would have a lid then they would spread leaves over the top and it would be invisible.

I went down a different entry that was much larger but quickly gets smaller.

I wanted to leave at this point but had to continue on to get to the exit.  Just a few minutes and I was feeling very claustrophobic.

 

Here very happy to be leaving.  These tunnels go on for many miles and get smaller the deeper you travel.

This is the landscape where the tunnels are located.

I can now mark this off of my bucket list.  ME SHOOTING AN AK47!!!  OMG it was a rush.  I missed the target everytime but only by a little bit.  I kept jerking up when I shot so I kept hitting above the target.  I think I could have gotten the hang of it after a few more shots.  Watch out I can now shoot a gun!!

Vietnam

We traveled to Ho Chi Minh City for the Tet celebration.  It was incredible.  I have uploaded some pictures and will upload some more later this week.  It was such a good trip and I have so many good pictures.  I am trying to pick out pictures that give you a feel for what it was like there. 

  There were parades and decorations everywhere.  We even got to see the fireworks show at midnight.

This is the hotel we stayed in, it was built in 1925.

As you can see we had a lot of fun out in the villages.  We hired a tour guide for 2 days to show us around.  It was really helpful to have him.

On a river in the Mekong Delta.

This is at the restaurant where we had lunch.  It was beautiful. 

We are in the middle of a rubber tree forest. 

We discovered that Vietnamese food is very good. We had some delicious meals.  In this restaurant you cook your own food in the middle of the table on a grill.

Another great lunch we had.  The fish was incredible and I liked the way it was served. 

Now for Greg's favorite part...Snake wine.  This is only for men, I think because women are too smart to drink it, and it is call viagra in a jar by the locals.

These jars of snake wine were all over.  Creepy!

Greg and our tour guide taking shots of the snake wine.  I was gagging while taking the picture.

In one of the villages we were serenaded by the local women.

Women washing clothes in the water.

A boat ride down the river.

The view while on the boat.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We decided at the last minute to take a trip to Kuala Lumpur (KL) for the weekend.  We flew out on Saturday morning and returned Sunday night.  Here are some of the things we saw on the trip.

Batu Caves

The caves are a Hindu temple. 

To get into the caves you have to climb almost 300 steps past monkeys...

past loads of trash, which we found unbelievable at a temple.

All to get into the caves which were again laden with trash and chickens.  Needless to say we were very underwhelmed with it. 

 

We went to a large park which included a deer park, butterfly park, orchid park, bird park, and beautiful landscaping.

It was very peaceful and a good place to go after the caves.

Of course I can't leave out the main attraction of KL, the Patronas Towers.  They are the most well known landmark in Malaysia. 

Here is a picture of the city from the KL tower.  The tall towers in the middle of the picture are the Patronas Towers.

BEST DISCOVERY OF THE TRIP:

I have finally found a way to get Greg to come shopping with me.  He said this is what is missing in the US.  Lounges in the middle of the mall where you can drink beer or just nap! 

Sushi

 I had to let everyone know I tried sushi.  I had some kind of crab roll, a veggie roll, and salmon!  It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  I think I will try it again.  Old dogs CAN learn new tricks...speaking of new tricks I have included a picture of me wakeboarding. 

Back in SIngapore!

So after two long weeks in Charlotte, we are back in Singapore!  I have been suffering from jetlag and have not felt up to posting until now.  Upon arrival at 5AM we unpacked and Greg ran off wakeboarding.   I know he missed it while we were gone.  I, on the other hand, went to work!  Anyway, it has been pretty uneventful since returning.  We have been trying to get settled again.  We actually bought some pots and pans that should be delivered tomorrow so I am going to start cooking.  Sharon, you will be excited to hear that I am going to take a cooking class!  I wish you were here to go with me. 
Since I know all of you are cold and most of you are snowed in I will include the forcast for today High of 85 low of 75 and 95% humidity!  A little cooler than it has been but very nice:)
I did take a trip to the bird park with some friends and have included some of the pictures.  The bird park, like the zoo, is incredibly landscaped and beautiful.  

Dr. Dolittle, as played by Pascale, telling the birds what to do.

LilyRose and Capucine feeding the birds.

I know this bird reminded me of someone....

Chinatown

Just about every major city has a Chinatown and Singapore is no different.  It is so cool.  We spent all Sunday afternoon there and are going back on Wednesday evening.  We have to go back to pick up some pants that Greg is having made and to shop some more.  I love the kind of shopping where you can haggle and find bargains.  In Singapore a bargain is hard to find.  As far as I can see everything is more expensive than in the US except in Chinatown.