TRIP TO HONGKONG / MACAU / CAMBODIA / SINGAPORE

Mumbai -> Hongkong : 15/9

Arrived late night airport in Lantau Island in Hong Kong. We were worried if they would question too much but we got through the immigration quickly. We were out before Roger reached and was surprised.  Took taxi to his house within 15 minutes. He stays in a condominium and has beautiful home.  Snowy was there to welcome us but Sydelle was sleeping.  We went gabbing away and slept late.

Hongkong : 16/9

Being Saturday got up late and had nice breakfast prepared by Snowy. Sydelle now awake, shy at first, but started jabbering seeing Frankie and mistaking him for Pappa, Roger's father Walty.  Had fun dressing her in traditional outfits brought for her.

 

We walked to the MRT (local train)  from Tung Chung to Hongkong town . 

 

Attended church service a Philipons Prayer Centre. We took a bus 6X from Hong Kong city to go Repulse Bay where we spent the evening swimming at the beach. It was clean and beautiful beach.  There was Changing Room where you could change and have bath free. The sea was little bit rough but there was guards everywhere to protect people around.  We had fun. Sydelle was scared but in the end she enjoyed herself and did not want to come out of water.

 

 

From here we went to town back where we enjoyed thin crust pizza loaded with cheese and meat with beer.  It was lovely dinner to wind up the evening.

Walked around and down the street - the night life in Hong Kong town, we got to enjoy the flavour and sound of pubs around. Boys could not move about since we ladies were around but it was fun.

Hongkong : 17/9 morning trip : 

After breakfast, we walked to the mall, from here we walked to   Nong Peng terminus.  We bought return ticket which includes cable ride.  It cost HK $ 210 for adults but we were charged HK$140 being senior citizen after showing our passport.

Inside the cable

Buddha blessing me

Had to take 1/2 hr Cable ride to Ngong Peng Hill to meet Sitting Buddha on top of the hill. 

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Sitting Buddha, is a large bronze statue located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong, near Po Lin Monastery.

The statue is 34 metres (112 ft) tall, weighs over 250 metric tons (280 short tons), and was constructed from 202 bronze pieces. Visitors have to climb 268 steps to reach the Buddha, To climb 14 x 16 steps to meet him. Awesome view

 Po Lin Monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks visiting from Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland and was initially known simply as "The Big Hut”.  It was renamed to its present name in 1924. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives.  From here we went to Hau Wong Temple. Beautiful temple with 3 Golden Buddhas, surrounded by 99 small Buddhas. 

Buddha preaching to his disciples

  Returned to base by Cable ride with awesome view of Tung Sung bay below n view of airport on the left. However, it was smoggy around even at 1pm in the afternoon humid temp 34*C.

17/9 Evening : Hong Kong Town

Left from Tung Chung to Hongkong station by train. Walked across to Central station to go to Peak Tram. The Peak Tram is a funicular railway in Hong Kong, which carries both tourists and residents to the upper levels of Hong Kong Island.

Inspite of buying speed ticket, we could reach up the Sky Terrace via tram after an hour, by the time it was dark, and lights were out. It was crowded being Sunday and we had to squeeze into parapet to get the view of Hongkong by night. It was great. 

We got down n visited Bubba Gump restaurant (Forrest Gump) facing the bay, after waiting 20 mins to get seats. We enjoyed the view with Beer, frozen Margarita alongwith Jambalaya (Jumbo prawns, spicy sausage fish n rice pilaf). It was enjoyable meal,

With Marilyn Monroe

With the beatles

With Freddie Mercury

Afterwards we went to Madame Tussauds Museums where we met all film stars singer’s n politicians including Modi n Amitabh. It was interesting, but we were disappointed no horror chambers or horror figures. Returned home on our own with n walking across at 11.pm.  Roger had guided us well.

Micheal Jackson ofcourse

With Bruce Lee

with Hulk

HONGKONG - > MACAU : 18/9

Water Jet Ferry to Macau

Left for Macau by streamer. 1 hr drive by speedboat n out of Immigration by 10 mins. They needed your passport n your Hongkong e-visa n you got your free entry visa. We were booked in Sheraton conc due to typhoon. 



           

Broadway Musical

Shuttle was there to take us there n we were given room on 21st floor. Awesome room. We are far away from Macau city. Only entertainment is gambling n hotels. Shuttles are there free to take you from hotel to hotel, one better than other. You will go crazy spending/gambling. We end up enjoying Broadway show at Broadway hotel. Enjoyed the can-can dance, magic show n trapeze artists. Returned back to base going around in the shuttle watching the hotels now lit up beautifully. Came back rested n soaked in tub.... mmmm it was great. Went to the gambling den to try our luck but came back running since minimum amount was 500 $ which was too much to lose. Went off to sleep.

                 
                        

                           View of lit up Hotels from Shuttle

MACAU - > HONGKONG :19/9

Got up early planned to catch 9 am half day bus tour to Macau city. Had heavy breakfast with delightful n tempting food. Then rushed to the travel agency where we were informed the tour is cancelled. We were so disappointed. We went back to our room to sleep, but forced Frankie to go for swimming but the pool was lovely but only 3.9ft n hence did not enjoy swimming.

     

   

People are all helpful to give directions to gaming n gambling dens but not much about Macau city. One guy helped n told us about Ma Temple n St Paul's church. Hence our adventure started by taking taxi to MA Temple. This temple is dedicated to Ma but it has many small temples of Taoism, Confusis, Buddha etc. From here took 5 no. bus to city n we got to see around old city of Macau just like Goa or Marine lines but cleaner. Our bus was going in opposite directions one lady informed n we got down n walked across n got bus no.19 which took us near to St Paul Church.  We had to walk through the lanes to reach up the Church which is just ruins.

 The Ruins of St. Paul is the site of St. Paul Church. Construction of the Catholic church began in 1602. It was the greatest of Macau's churches, but it burned down in 1835, leaving only its very large and beautiful facade and the front stairway. It was built in 1580 but got burnt down twice 1595 n 1601. It was restored in 1637 but again burnt down n it has remained in ruins since then. Only the front facade is there with the steps.  Backside is hollow.

 There is a crypt that has the remains of Japanese and Vietnamese martyrs, and there is a museum of sacred art with paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects. We visited the crypt where beautiful artifacts were there. 

 
From here we walked across to the Macau Museum which was a fort with cannons which is still there. 


It was lovely walking through the lanes of Macau n absorbing the western n Asian cultures. We felt we were in Goa, naturally Portuguese influence.

We then walked around the city n then took back taxi to Sheraton hotel. From the hotel there was shuttle to take us to Taipai Ferry where water jet was waiting to take us back. We  just boarded the Waterjet boat n on way back to Hongkong.

Late evening, we met our long-lost cousin Saroja n her 2 kids Siddarth n Hana. Went across by ferry to Park Island (Ma Wan), a beautiful fishing island. Ma Wan is an island of Hong Kong, located between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi Island. Ma Wan Town, also known as Ma Wan Main Street Village, is a former fishing village with stilt houses. It has been vacated.

                           
                       

   We were treated to lovely dinner at Thai restaurant. Night we spent jabbering away n catching up on our lost time. Morning after breakfast we went around the village which was abandoned. 

She showed us the Noah's Arc, which is resort built like wooden boat.  We saw from outside, opens in the afternoon. Back to base via bus n train.

                                   

HONGKONG : DISNEYLAND : 20/9

                      

This year the theme at Disneyland was Halloween. So, the night parade was scary n laser show on Castle was all about witches, bats snakes n gargoyles, followed by super fireshow.

We were supposed to meet another cousin Maria today, but her flight did not take off from Mumbai. Afternoon we senior citizen took off to Disneyland at discounted price of $100 while adult cost $ 530. Theme of at the park was Halloween n we were just in time for the parade. It was fun with different rides n activities around. Evening we were watching laser lightings on the castle with witches gargoyles bats n snakes. Then there was night parade again with Queen Witch n evil Magician n all their disciples. Evening ended with splendid display of fireworks. Returned home dead tired.

 

                         

HONGKONG - > SINGAPORE : 21/9

 

Went to local market alongwith Snowy. Bought some live rock crabs, baby squids n sole Fish (lep). Picked up Sýdelle from her kindergarten school. Showed Snowy to clean n cook the fish. The farewell lunch was yummy. Evening took cab to airport n landed in Singapore without hassle. Kris was there to receive us n in time to wish him happy birthday.

 

SINGAPORE - > CAMBODIA : 22/9

Kris went to receive Ropali.  Began again our repacking to small bag pack to Cambodia since it was budget flight. Arrived in Siem Reap airport n checked out through Immigration fast since we had taken online visa.  Weather was nice n warm. We had tuk-tuk waiting for us to take to our hotel Jasmine Lodge, small cozy place with swimming pool.

                 

              
We rushed off to the War Museum where all the old artillery tankers hand grenades n mines were displayed. Our guide over there was narrating the gruesome story of Khmer Rouge(communist) supported by Chinese/Russian n their brutal oppression of the people n their independence from them with the help of Vietnamese.                       

            

  

Later we went to see their cultural show at Hotel Koulan where for $12 each we had a wide spread of buffet and lovely   dances. Celebrated Kris's birthday grandly.We returned home late.

 

 

SEAM REAP : ANGKOR VAT / BAYON / TA PROM TEMPLES : 23/9

Got up early, had breakfast n went off on our tuk tuk  to Ankhor Vat. We had to purchase a sìngle ticket of   33$ or 63$ for 3 days to visit all the temples. Photo Id card is issued.  

 

Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu)

Temple is surrounded by deep moat n now they have made artificial floating bridge to approach it. Temple is huge quadrant. You are welcome by Lord Vishnu and everywhere all the altars have Buddha replacing him. You need a full day to appreciate our Hindu culture.

 





 

  

   

West Gallery:  This battle scene is the main subject of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It recalls the historic was wars in Kurukshetra. The armies of the Kauravas and the Pandavas march from opposite ends towards the center. The scene begins with infantry marching into battle and musicians playing a rhythmic cadence. The battlefield is the scene of hand-to-hand combat and many dead soldiers.

East Gallery: depict scenes from epic the Ramayana. Carved murals show fight between Vali and Sugriva, the monkey king; Rama shoots Vali with an arrow who lies in the arms of his wife; monkeys mourn his death. You get to see Shiva sits with his wife Paravati on Mount Kailasa.   Ravana, disguised as a chameleon, presents himself at the palace of Indra

North Gallery: Judgement by Yama of Heavan and Hell. Three tiers recount the judgment of mankind by Yama and two tiers depict Heaven and Hell. North Gallery. The Churning of the Ocean of Milk. 

South Gallery shows army of King Suryavaman II, the builder of Angkor Wat.  King Suryavarman II stands on an elephant and servants around him hold 15 ceremonial umbrellas. Vishnu stands on a Garuda on a flagpole in front of the king's elephant.

Lots to walk but weather was cool as it was drizzling.

 

 

From here, we moved to Bayon towñship where in the centre is beautiful temple. Dating from the 12th century, Bayon Temple is the spectacular central temple of the ancient city of Angkor T. Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself,

Then moved on to Ta Prohm Temple - our jungle book picture. Massive trees over shadowing the temples n walls. It is in a precarious state, the roots are destroying as well as holding the walls.

Ta Prohm is the modern name of the temple at Angkor, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara.  It was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university. The photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing out of the ruins and the jungle surroundings have made it one of Angkor's most popular temples with visitors.

 

 

All the three temples were there in Tomb Raiders, Jungle book etc.

Returned home tired but after resting, we went out to Night Bazaar /Pub Street. It was fun walking around, haggling n shopping, having food n drinks n trying fried icecream .

SEAM REAP : 24/9 - Floating village/ Lolie/Bakong city/ Preah Ko Temple

 

   We got up early n with our Tuktuk drove to the floating village one hour out of city. Here we had to pay $20 each for 1/2 hr drive out in the boat to see local people staying in stilt houses n their life. Here again we took small boat for 2, mostly driven by woman around their village n submerged forest. It is different world. We had meal of fried crocodile steak (farmed in wooden barge there) alongwith rice n Khmer fried prawns. Returned by same boat via Tonle Sap, a big lake, which we felt like sea.                                                                              

 

From here we went to see Lolei, a ruined ancient brick temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

 

Shiva is replaced by Buddha. Lolei is the northernmost temple of the Roluos group of three late 9th century Hindu temples at Angkor. The others members of which are Preah Ko and the Bakong. Lolei was the last of the three temples to be built as part of the city of Hariharalaya that once flourished at Roluos, and in 893 the Khmer king Yasovarman I dedicated it to Shiva and to members of the royal family. Lolei consists of four brick temple towers grouped together on a terrace. The king build Lolei for his ancestors. One for his grandfather, one for his grandmother, one for his father, and one for his mother. The front two towers are for the males while the two towers at the back are for the females.  Now only ruined Nandi behl n shivling are found.

                                       

From here we moved to Bakong ancient city modeled like Angkor Vat but mini size. Bakong is the first temple mountain of sandstone constructed by rulers of the Khmer empire at Angkor near modern Siem Reap in Cambodia. In the final decades of the 9th century AD, it served as the official state temple of King Indravarman I in the ancient city of Hariharalaya, located in an area that today is called Roluos. This also was a Shiva temple. 

 

 

Then we went Preah Ko, where there were 3 ancient brick temples dedicated Lord Shiva, now in ruins.

 

 

 

 

In the boat while getting out my phone fell down but no damage but for battery n hence no picture thereafter. All temples are in ruins but being restored, 2 of them by Indian archeology n others by German trusts. Most of them are replicated in movies like Mortal Combat, Tomb Raiders n Jungle book. Every where your identity entry card had to be shown.

Evening again went to Night Market n Pub Street. Had fun having cocktails n local food in pub n roaming down the street, but it started raining heavily n hence to hotel where wood baked pizza we ate along with beer. Then rushed back in tuk-tuk to our hotel.                                             

SEAM REAP –> SINGAPORE : 25/9

Got up late n had breakfast, then packed n left for airport at 11am.  Oukut Cambodia!!! we had a lovely time there. Weather was warm, luckily for us not hot n sticky since we were getting light showers n hence cool around. We stayed in Jasmine Lodge, a medium budget hotel, near to city. Nice hotel with small swimming pool which we enjoyed relaxing our aching muscles every day.

 
 
SINGAPORE : 26/9

Started the day with tension with both Kris & Ropali were missing and we were worried.  It seems at 3 am in the morning they got a call from their friend Zia from the hospital that his wife Tina was hospitalized for kidney stones problem and has to undergo emergency operation.  They came back when she was stabilized.  We went off in the afternoon to see her and met all their friends who had gathered together in the hospital.  She had to go for non invasive operation next day.

SINGAPORE : 27/9

 

Relaxed at home as Kris was working, swam in the pool which is just across the house.

Evening Kris took us by bus to show Singapore by night n landed at Bugis Street. We walked around in the mall n tried n tasted Japanese food other than sushi like fish ball of shrimp, octopus n bacon/cheese and went on to grilled pork, eel n quail eggs. It was lovely evening n lovely meal.

 

 

 

 

 

Then took bus to Clarke Quay, where all types of pubs were there with loud music, dance n drinks. At Shiraz we saw belly dancing. At Senor Taco, there was Venezuelan music/singing, n folks dancing salsa n meringue. It was foot tapping n Frankie n self also tried our dance. Enjoyed ourselves n took back home in Mercedes taxi. Wow

SINGAPORE : 28/9

We went today to Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum where it revived my Biology study. Here we got to see well preserved specimens both in skeletons n preserved, hundred n hundred years old. Lots of prehistoric mammals, fossils were displayed. You got to see Sperm Whale which was washed ashore, now total skeleton was hanging. They showed us film how they extracted n processed the dead whale to its skeleton. It was a real learning process n we enjoyed it thoroughly.

           

Had Chinese lunch n then went to Sim Lim Square which is a paradise for electronics. Legs aching walking around 6 floors n seeing n looking at various gadget.

 

Spent the evening with our nieces Sarita n Melissa n family. Frankie's first cousin James daughters. Their mother Antoinette is with them. Had a nice time with Indian food n family talk. Returned home late.

SINGAPORE : 29/9

We started our day going shopping first to Bedok and then to lkea.  It is so large our legs are aching. The quality of products is gone down while prices are up. We returned home not much shopped.

  

In the evening we went to Universal Studio. We had been there last time where we had enjoyed the shows. This time it was night shows based on Halloween theme. It was first day show n it was streaming with young crowd n we were the only old  seniors. Tickets were expensive $70 with no concessions for senior citizen. Kris treated us to horror shows n scared the shit out of us.  It was well orchestrated shows with ghosts, ugly dead bodies, brutal murders n murderers around. We were subjected to Empress Qing's Terror-cotta Empress evil action, it was terror town with all horrors around. Horrors from South Korea, Ireland Death Mall, etc. You had all evils persons, Zombies jumping on you from all nooks n corners. It is not meant for faint heart person. Even the normal rides in Puss in Boots, Flying Dragons, Scared Shrek was terrible. Kris was in his element. There were many more, but we gave up, everywhere the lines were long with young crowd. It was night of your life.          

       

 

 

     
          

 
At 12am we brought in Frankie's birthday by cutting cake in shape of brain. It scary but fun night n nice birthday present for Frankie.










We came out of the restaurant and we had the zombies for company

                    

It was horrible night turned to early morning. Enjoyed but returned home dead tired. Again travelled in Mercedes taxi (Wowwww).  

SINGAPORE: 30/9

Got up late.  Roopali started packing for her return journey.  We did last minute shopping.  Evening we went to Aunty kitchen for Birthday celebration of Frankie.  All Kris & Roopali’s friends was supposed to turn up but hospitalization of Tina cancelled the full program.  Then Kris went to reach Roopali to the airport.

SINGAPORE - > MUMBAI: 01/10

Got up and started packing for our return journey.  We went to Novena Church which was rebuilt and inaugurated, with striking new Gothic-style. Beautiful airconditioned church with CCTV etc. The Church of Saint Alphonsus, or Novena Church as it is more popularly known, is a Catholic church in Singapore. It is not a parish church and is under the care of the Redemptorists. The name Novena Church refers to the novena prayer devotion, for which this church is famous.

 

 

Here we met Melissa and Sarita and their mother Antoinette. After mass we moved on to the mall connected to the MRT. We had a nice breakfast, or I should say brunch.  It was birthday of Antoinette and we surprised her with birthday cake.  We had a lovely meal together.

 

Went again to meet Tina in the hospital. She has recovered from her operation.  She was shifted to normal room from ICU.  Returned home dead tired but got ready to go to the airport.  Rushing through the airport, buying liquor etc, reach our seat in the Singapore airlines.  Had a nice journey, walked through the immigration and customs and there was Kern waiting to receive us. Back to Amchi Hot and Humid Mumbai.

Our trip was hectic but lovely.  Too much to walk but worth seeing all the places.  We felt Seam Reap Cambodia was the best. People were kind and courteous and every ready to help.  Very much tourist oriented but not cheating.