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Author - graham

Late Traveller and facilitator looking forward to sharing my travel journey as I backpack around South East Asia and maybe the world.

Sentosa Island

March 23, 20203 min read

Comparisons

One of the things I love about SG is their ability to create something from nothing.  If you look at their history, they became independent from the British empire. They merged with Malaysia in 1963 but due to differences it lasted less than 2 years and it was virtually an island colony left alone.

If you look at the comparisons to the UK today with our venture with Brexit. One wonders if the same feelings that are simmering around Great Britain today aren’t similar to the ones felt by the majority of Singaporeans back in 1965.

Whatever your feelings it was clear back then that the person charged with leading SG from being part of a bigger nation to its independence was one of determination and character.

Starting something special

Having to be reliant on itself was indeed helped by having a more resourceful PM than the ones we have back in the UK.

His ability to see beyond an island with many religious and cultural issues which made it a hotbed of unrest with British troops remaining in situ until the end of the decade adds to my amazement.

It was at this point, that it had huge sanitation issues and didn’t even have its own water supply was incredible,

His willingness to take on the might of the world and build a better future for SG and its people by getting them to work together was a concept we could use in the UK now.

Making them not only proud but to have made the rest of the world envious is also a testament to his resilience and determination.

In less than 30 years he transformed SG into the country it has become today and made it valuable not only in south-east Asia but in the world.

One only hopes that Messrs Johnson, Rabb and Rees-Mogg with all their baloney will hope to achieve similar results. Although I doubt history will be as forgiving.

Creating History

He set out providing everything that a country and its people needed. That included recreational space and natural reserves to benefit wildlife. Also to encourage people to stay within SG and enjoy its natural beauty in many of the islands surrounding it.

One such place is Sentosa Island

A beautiful Man-made creation. Which is a short distance away from the metropolis that is Singapore on the southern side of the island.

A theme park,(universal studios) Casino and luxury hotels, shopping, restaurants. Even a waterpark make this place a great escape for fun and rest accessible by a cable car, road or MRT.

However, the best part is the beach or rather beaches all man-made. Great for you to come and relax and enjoy the coast and of course the sun.

Palawan Beach

You can walk down the rows of stalls serving food. Or even take a walk along the suspension bridge to a more quieter palm-lined beach Tanjong. I highly recommend this as it is quite nice especially if you go late in the afternoon.

Eat some food and rest on the resort that is cool and relaxing. Take a cool swim in the sea which is very refreshing.

For me, one of the highlights of my visit to SG was the Aquarium. Having been a happy fish keeper for many years I love visiting Aquariums. In SEA there are many but SG has one of the biggest.

Great afternoon spent wandering around admiring the big fish watching you.

 

 

February 2020

March 15, 20201 min read

February 2020

 

Another wedding and this time unexpected as it was the other chef Mr. Tim sister who was married.

A great couple from Belgian made the month special as they were a big help and also reminded me what I have to look forward to as they too are travelling on an indefinite timeframe.

A couple from India and another special lady from Japan made it a good month after what seemed like a slow and frustrating January.

 

Still scares from the coronavirus meant many volunteers cancelled coming to the farm. Which meant more work for me.

But as we count the days to the big wedding and my early departure from the farm I am glad of a few new friends.

I managed to get a few jobs completed off my list to finish before I leave.

But the best news was that Tiger the original volunteer dog that went missing for 10 days turned up safe and well.

Apart from a few cuts on her front paw, obviously the impression from an animal trap that had been placed in the forest.

Thank you to whoever helped release her and let her come back safe.

 

Car- Ubon to Pattaya

March 15, 20202 min read

They drive on the right side of the road!

Well okay actually it is the left like we do in the UK but it is the right side for me LOL

One of the things I love about Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore is that they take the side of the road of Britain. The rest of the Southeast Asian countries take the European approach and drive on the right.

A long 8 hour plus drive across some amazing countryside in Thailand. Plenty of stops for coffee, toilet, and spicy food and although the destination is perhaps not one of the most recommended.

(see my post on Pattaya, to understand there is more to offer than the reputation)

After all, it is all about the journey.

Some of the roads, pass through mountains on either side. Although the roads are good here in Thailand compared to say Cambodia it is a big country.

Traveling from one place to another can still take a long time.

 

A lot of the journey is using the main route roads.

There are quieter and perhaps more scenic roads. But it was our first time driving and we wanted to experience the journey but do it in a day

A total of 633km is actually a long journey. It meant that we were setting off around 10 am it means it was going to be a late finish.

 

S.E.A. Aquarium

March 8, 20202 min read

This is one of the reasons I love Asia.

I have been breeding and keeping Tropical freshwater fish for some 10 years. I love the fact that I can try and replicate their natural habitat in a tank. For me, it is a special hobby as I get to view close up the life of a species we do not always get to see.

Fish have become a source of food. Our seas and rivers are saturated with boats and nets constantly taking this valuable resource to provide food for the population.

Whatever you believe about our planet. We are indeed depleting certain aspects. So whilst people may believe that keeping fish and indeed animals in captivity is wrong, it may be the only way to ensure the survival of these species.

So I do enjoy going to aquariums and seeing what kind they keep and it’s great to see the one in Asia.

They make em big.

And Singapore, as predicted, is the biggest in Southeast Asia and possibly the world.

The entry fee is S$31 for adults and is located on the man-made island that is a theme park. Sentosa has it all, from a theme park, Universal Studios are there to a beautiful beach.

Giving that everything about this place is man-made it is worth visiting .. maybe once. Singapore has modelled this place and what they believe is what will attract tourists as well as the locals.

Over the last few years, the attraction has dwindled and as a result, this place is to undergo a huge makeover in 2020.

 

 

 

 

Ubon Ratchathani

March 1, 20202 min read

Ubon Ratchathani  (City of Lotus)

Situated to the east of Thailand. This beautiful city has a lot to offer you if you want to escape the typical tourist places and see the real Thailand.

I had been lucky enough to stay in a place that was approx 14km away from the main International airport in Ubon. Here, it is very much a rural area, farming plays a big part in this. It is also where very little western tourists tend to venture.

Because I was there for a few days, I became the talk of the town. As I was sat in restaurants with friends I had met in Bangkok, many of the friends and family came to visit us. Just to say hello, inquisitive perhaps about a strange white guy in the town.

Viewing Thailand in a different way

If you are willing to escape the tourist areas like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pii, you will discover the real Thailand. You can find the real Thai people who are genuinely friendly. They are really helpful and interested in seeing westerners, rather than seeing them as a cash cow.

Great food and a nice place to visit and you will see everyday Thai’s going about their business, working, eating and living a normal life.

Did you know?

Situated on the bank of the Mun River which flows down through the province. Ubon, as it is known, has many Buddhist traditions. One that the city is famous for is for monks living in the forest. There is an international Forest Monastery called Wat Pa Nanachat here. Which is home to non-Thai monks from all over the world. Here they learn the traditions of Buddhism. As a man, you can spend several days there to mediate. However, you need to observe the rules and have respect for there tradition

If you want to stay longer then you are expected to shave your head and any facial hair including your eyebrows whilst you are there.

Maybe I should try? Fancy a new look 😂

 

 

 

 

Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines

February 25, 20201 min read

So I landed here just after the Philippine army had just recaptured Marawi city. Which had been under the control of ISIS for many months.

I was told not to go, even though I was over 128km from there.

Natural scenery and beautiful food

I have to say it was probably the safest place I have been to in the whole of the Philippines. The people are lovely and really are friendly and welcoming.

I met a local girl there who guided me around the city, showing me so much of what I would have missed had I been alone.

She helped me understand the culture and explained so much about the history of the island.

I went to a nature reserve and visited a local church where she goes with her family. Along with the local museum, which is situated in a remarkable building.

I hope to go back this year and uncover more about a lovely peaceful island in the Philippines, which is far removed from Manila.

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