Add to do list - DL Pix for First World Hotel
(load pics and from images too http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=First+World+Hotel+and+Resorts+&gbv=2)
Exchange U$ 1= 32 Bhat = MR3.2 (Malaysian) Went to Bangkok and got back in time for Fourth of July on the 5th, Sat at Singapore's American Terror Club. Had a great time with swimming, partying, American food, face painting, concert, dance and fireworks to celebrate another 4th on a foreign soil. Independence Day ’07 was in San Diego (summer in Baja California, Mexico to reinforce KC’s Spanish in preparation for a series of Spanish achievement tests for university credits). 2006 San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and 4th at American party at American estate/ open house (cold and rainy). Independence Day ’02- Rosenheim, Germany with Ann Kapp Anderson.
2008 Singapore; 2007 San Diego (Baja California, MX); 2006 San Miguel de Allende, MX, 2005 West & Shakespeare; 2004- 2003 Across America & Lake Powell HouseBoat; 2002 Criss-crossed Europe ; 2001 – Singapore & W. Malaysia
KC wiped out and crashed while K joined a HC Shee-shah party at Arab Street near the Mosque. And a very long walk through the streets of Singapore past midnight. I've seen a great of the world (Europe twice, USA most of the 50 states, covered extended areas of Canada and Mexico multiple times), yet I’ve never really traveled to some of favorite international tourist destinations of Bangkok, Bali and India. Now with the low cost airlines more readily available in the recent few years, commute traveling is relatively cheap and convenient. So I decided to bring KC along to go to Thailand after a Malaysian visit.We headed out of Singapore for Malaysia on a 3D/ 2N "TotaLife" (multi level pyramid marketing) seminar in Genting Highlands, W. Malaysia. Some friends (Wendy and Chinese newspaper editor hubby) of Sis Jane treated us to some freebie rewards to this casino resort. KC's first business convention - the rah rah rally, and my first non-English seminar, YEAH! Spent some time with Wendy & company at dinner and Ms TotaLife. At the obligatory sessions, we supported the convention, but the rest of the time we checked out the little town. Clothes we borrowed for warmth were obsolete and unnecessary because we were comfortable with the highland temperatures of 60s and low 70s F. We were dressed in knee length pants and sandals, switching to light long pants at sundown.
Early mornings I explored the town alone while KC did her desired 10 hour sleep and others sleeping in after a night of gambling. At the downhill parameter of First World Hotel property, I was amazed in my discovery of a massive hub of buses arriving at this casino destination from KUL (every 30 minutes), Singapore, Penang, and some east coast towns in peninsula Malaysia. (In SIN, Malaysia long distance come out of Golden Mile Complex - Beach road while China tours are out of Chinatown Complex, People's Park C, etc. - Star Travel, Sino Travels, etc.)
While some employees live in Genting, others came uphill during the morning hour drove. There is an indoor and outdoor theme park which KC would have enjoyed if she had reorganized her priorities. Internet at U$3 hourly is a little steep.
There were lots of shops and reasonable food eateries but there was little I wanted though I bought a light jacket made in Thailand for an evening wear at TotalLife evening shindig.
The last day, we decided to ride downhill with the bus while Jane and her friends took off 10 hours prior to the official 6pm coach. Because we were heading to KUL to visit some cousins after Genting before flying north to Bangkok, we did not need any warm clothes with us. I appreciate Jane taking my heavy clothes (very grudgingly) back to Singapore but did not appreciate the extended reprimand and lecture. It’s not like she had to haul her limited luggage for any length of time or distance for her husband who is a cell phone call away, would meet her as she gets off the bus. Connecting is seamless. It was but a small favor for a “American” visiting sibling, I’d think it would be a pleasure to be of some insignificant help. I’d certainly not make it an issue or begrudge this small favor if the role were reversed. It is most unfortunate that sibling ‘lecture’ trend directed at the youngest sibling (c’est moi) only drive me away from her and Singapore. Should Mom pass on in the near future while I am in the US, there is little to motivate my traveling of 9,000 miles and 14 hour time zones for sibling visits. Through extended years, since I left for college on my own dime, I initiated visits and financed international flights and long distance calls, and trying to get siblings on the internet and email communication but failing miserably. I give up trying.
Unfortunate to have parted on that note, we planned to head to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) that evening.
Day 3, with about 8 hours to enjoy the day while the convention have their last hurrah, we wanted to take the shuttle from Highland Hotel to Chin Swee Caves Temple. some 6Km (4 miles) downhill from First World, but one risks road kill on treacherous switch blade curves with no shoulders or sidewalks- not worth risking life for nature appreciation. Highland Hotel has shuttles every 90" for M$5 (U$2) RT throughout the day (last around 5ish).
. http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/First_World_Hotel_Genting_Highlands.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_Hotel
Very pleasant, but with limited and safe road access along the hair pin road, we took a taxi to our destination after purchasing a sampling of rambuttans, mongosteen, chiku and local fruit.
Wanted to visit Chin Swee Temple some 6Km (4 miles) downhill from First World, but one risks road kill on treacherous switch blade curves with no shoulders or sidewalks- not worth risking life for nature appreciation. Highland Hotel has shuttles every 90 " for M$5 (U$2) RT throughout the day (last around 5ish).
From the beginning, had I known about this Zen sanctuary, I’d have stayed at this retreat with a Pagoda backdrop. Fog rolling uphill veiling the temple breathtakingly magical. Serenity and contemplative reflections were cherished moments in this poetic setting away from the maddening crowds and gambling masses some short distance away. First came the casinos, next came “Chin Swee”, the founder developer paid tribute for his personal wealth by building and later expanding the 28 acre haven.
If they had internet connection, I could blissfully dwell in this haven for a week. Rate is M$50 for most days, M$110 for weekend or holidays (which is less than one half of World First, and much less than all the others).
We had a Buddhist vegetarian family lunch in a pretty restaurant. In touring this 28 acreage, we were surprised by a monastery session, hotel, and a whole upper floor area of Chinese figures and stories. I love it so much to recommend my cousins and friends to visit or have a family reunion.
Links :
Hotel : http://www.genting.com.my/chinswee/en/hall.htm
Pix : http://www.genting.com.my/chinswee/en/photo.htm
http://www.genting.com.my/chinswee/en/attractions01.htm
http://www.photoblog.com/momotaro/2008/08/12/
Video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsbULE9uhnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byYFzCKUdKY
Took the shuttle uphill to the hotel, paying the one half fee. The convention was wrapping up with the participants dressed in black and white. They appeared to have a great uplifting send off. Considering the great number of people, they seemed organized in allowing folks to pick up their luggage at pre-assigned location.
With only half the load of passengers remainding, we left the convention. The driver and the co-ordinator were very helpful to help me connect with my cousins in KUL with their cell phones and SMS (texting). On the way downhill, we stopped at a big local food marts selling all sorts of native treats but since I’ve been away for many years, I was clueless and I no longer had the craving for most local treats. I was heading north after KUL and did not wish to haul added load traveling.
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KUL with coz
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June 30 – July 4 Bangkok, ThailandLamplu House** and backpack store [recommended by German & American stationed in Okinawa, and met at Grand Palace July 2] (Need details of Coz visit, Melaka overnight, and genealogy) Monday morning, flew to Bangkok for 5 days (all for the price of about U$120 each on low cost fares, which is very economical now compared to what I would have paid less than 2 years ago. Despite my multi lingual background, I could neither read nor speak Thai. Much of my perspective of Bangkok is similar to Eric's site(http://www.walktheearthblog.com/Blog/Entries/2008/7/16_Bangkok%2C_Thailand.html - HC friend from SLC, Utah) and he has such a gift of storytelling peppered with humor. On an individual basis, KC had a tough time with the pollution. Hazel (Coz Kohn's wife) recommended Claritin for allergies and that seemed to help in KUL and BKK. (Interestingly, KC did not cough once in all the time we are in CHina since July 9, where there is pollution in Beijing and Shanghai. Perhaps the accompanied tours, taking us from attraction to attraction took the stress from self-discovery travel- basically being chauffered around and picked up with minimal efforts made by her.) Future - more about our daily, riding the tuk tuk and the hassles and "hustled shopping trips", meeing Karoline and company. Checked emails; rain drenched us and drowning wonderleather sandals) ------------ ** BKK Lamplu House Guesthouse (http://www.lamphuhouse.com/) 75-77 Soi Rambutri Chakrapong Road, Pranakron BKK 10200 Thailand + 66 (2) 629 5861 (alley lleft of the East of 711) It's located east of the river, and just north of Grand Palace. Like this place 'cos it has an international community of travelers, interesting and where locals shop. Bought 3 wheeled backparks/ carryons and love them in China travel. (Left at 711, and on main street Chakkra Phong Rd, left again and it's about 10 shops passing seamstress, etc on the sidewalk. "Youth" etc in it's company name, store selling shoes and luggage - Coz Kohn & Patricia have business card info.) Renovated in 2005 renovated, it's cheap, clean, somewhat authentic room, friendly desk folks, big semi outdoor lounge with big screen TV and great community hang out place for travel exchange, etc. Wireless (but you pay for it- cheap enough hotel not to sweat the small stuff) - CATCH- MUST prebook at least 1 day ahead, more days preferably, always full Their lobby has the best value in their tours, - cheapest tours in town, and their airport van shuttle about 350B and taxi for a little more. Fanned Room Rates Double 370 Baht; Twin 370 Baht; A/C Room RatesStandard(Double) 590 Bath
Kasey is keeping really busy in school with her challenging classes.
Thailand (Bangkok) was challenging because I could neither speak or read Thai. In many countries I have traveled, I had been fortunate to be able to communicate in one of the many languages I know. Unfortunately, Thais are kept "internationally illiterate" (Thai is majorly focused) with any or little knowledge of other languages such as English or Chinese. A brief Chinatown visit allowed me to speak an obscure dialect of Chaozhou spoken by grandparent generation. Thais have very high regards for their king and his picture is plastered everywhere along with all the symbols of Buddhism.
Malaysia - a weeks visit to visit relatives, and visited Cameron Highlands. Would have liked to have seen more islands, etc.
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