Home / Archive: April 2007

Nine Hour Lay Over in Seoul

Posted April 30, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

We followed the transfer signed and again went through a security check. We found the Asiana lounge and were admitted without fuss. The lounge again was crowded and really showing signs of wear and tear. Ros inquired if we could get an earlier flight. The attendant tried to get Air Canada but they were closed at the time. She didn’t offer any additional help. We asked where the Singapore lounge was and set off.

Upon arrival we were greeted and gained admittance. The receptionist checked available flights but there were none earlier.

The Singapore lounge was bright and airy and well appointed. We found seats and settled in. The lounge has an attached smoking room; which came complete with it’s own bar, TV and other creature comforts. I spotted a sign that said Slumbertte.

I checked it out and discovered four sleeping rooms. We took a couple and got some much needed rest. While the rest came after some electricians finished working outside the rooms.

When we got up we tucked into the best variety of food and drink I’ve ever seen in an airline lounge. We decided to take a walk around the terminal. Our flight was leaving from Gate 49 so we headed in that direction to check it out. Spotting an individual behind the counter we inquired if we could get an earlier flight to Penticton. The attendant said she was with United and that the Air Canada staff would be there about 90 minuted before departure. We retreated to the relative comfort of the delightful Singapore lounge to wait.

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Borneo - Nexus Resort Karambunai

Posted April 25, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures, Hotels 

We were off to the island of Borneo. The province of Malaysia we were visiting is called Sabah. The Nexus Resort Karambunai was to be our home for the next ten days. The plan was to relax from the rushing around we had been doing in the cities we visited. The Nexus turned out to be the perfect place to do this. The resort has a spa and golf course both of which we took advantage of. The resort is on 3300 acres and features a 6km white sand beach.

This is one place I definitely want to return to.

Adventures to have in Sabah

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Batu Caves - Kuala Lumpur

Posted April 23, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

The Batu Caves and Hindu temple are located outside Kuala Lumpur. We set off for the Caves in a minivan with six others. Along the way our first stop was at the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory. Here we saw how pewter was made and had a try at decorating a piece. Let me say that the highly skilled workers make it look easy.

When we arrived at the site there is a climb of 272 steps to reach the caves that contains the Hindu Temple. Leading to the steps is a 42.7m high statue of Lord Murugan a Hindu Deity to which the temple is dedicated. The sun was blazing in the afternoon with high humidity so I started my climb slowly. We were warned not to carry food with us as the are several rather voracious monkeys on the way up the steps. I had a run in with one on my way down, the creature tried to snatch my water bottle. Read more

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Leaving Vietnam

Posted April 22, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

We were picked up from our hotel at 10:00pm and taken to the airport. Upon arrival there were hundreds if not thousands of people outside the terminal building seeing friends and loved ones off. Our guide explained that this was customary to have several individuals see you off. We winded our way through the sea of waving arms and made it into the terminal.

The check-in at the Asiana counter went better than I had expected. We were presented with passes to the lounge, so we set off. We could see the crowd outside and Ros waved goodbye to them all. She said no one waved back.

After spending about half an hour in the immigration lineup we found the Asiana Lounge. It was crowded and quite messy with glasses and trash on most of the tables. I went to the restroom and discovered small creatures inhabiting the room.
after a few flights were called the lounged emptied out a bit and some staff started to clean up.

Our flight was called so off to the gate we went. There was only one line at security but it moved at a good pace and we proceeded to check-in. They said we had not paid the airport tax so we anted up and found seats in the business class seating area. Our seats were next to a very large TV that was equally loud. There was some Asian show playing that was very badly dubbed in another language. When an Asiana employee made for the gate the crowd rose on mass and cued up. Fortunately business class was segregated and we were allowed to board but it seem the business class passengers shared the others sense of urgency.

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Mekong Delta

Posted April 15, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

The Mekong Delta isn’t that far from HCMC but with the traffic congestion and the lack of highways it takes a couple of hours to get there. It was nice to get out of the congestion of the city and see some of the countryside. We passed huge rubber tree plantations and stopped to have a look.

Upon reaching the river we found it busy with boats of all sizes going in all directions. Phoung introduced us to our local guide Mr. Lum and we boarded our boat.

The boats we passed were loaded with all sort of produce and fish. Each boat has a long pole in the air displaying what is for sale. Many of the larger boats also doubled as home.
Read more

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Night Safari - Singapore Zoo

Posted April 2, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

Our adventure at the Singapore Zoo Night Safari started when we were picked up at our hotel. The driver of the van must have just watched a movie that featured a car chase scene as weaved and darted through the streets. He deposited us at a meeting location where we checked in and had a colored Night Safari sticker applied to our shirts.

We waited and when our group was called we boarded buses for the drive to the zoo. On the way there the guide went over how the evenings events would take place. Read more

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Bird Park - Kuala Lumpur

Posted April 1, 2007 by Ed Szajniak · Filed Under Adventures 

The Bird Park is “The World’s largest Free Flight Aviary”. Located adjacent to the Perdana Lake Gardens, a cab ride from downtown to the park is about 15RM. There are concession stands available but you would be wise to bring water.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see exotic birds in a natural setting. The several staff members work constantly to keep the park clean and well maintained. Peacocks roam the pathways and are a little tricky to get by while displaying their fabulous tail feathers. Some of the birds displayed are Flamingos, Hornbills, Waterhens, Parrots, Cockatoos, Storks, Pheasants, Macaws and Ducks.

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