Two days in Batam

Another day, another new and interesting experience in Indonesia.  My client, Siemens Audiology, has facilities in Batam Indonesia and we took a ferry ride 45 minutes across the harbor to have some meetings.  The weather was sunny and the ride was pleasant.  I was finally able to catch a shot of some condos near the  offices where I'm working on the way out.  I love the way the light sparkles off these buildings!

The ride across the harbor was enjoyable as the sun was out and I decided to ride on the upper deck to enjoy the breeze and sights.  We passed through major shipping lanes on our way and saw many large vessels coming, going, or just waiting to make it to the huge Singapore port.  It strikes me a bit odd now that in just 45 minutes I was in a different country with different currency and different language; rupiah and bahasa respectively.  We had to pay for a "Visa on Arrival" and based on the current exchange rates my travel companions and I all paid different amounts for using Singapore, US, and Indo dollars.  The agent meeting us refused several of the worn US dollars the PM on the project tried to use.  How funny, refusing OLD money.  Picky, picky!  I used S$ which are all shiny and new...almost like plastic!

Once we arrived and started to make our way to the office, I was struck by the similarities and differences of this country.  They love their scooters, much like Thailanders do, and they all covered up thoroughly which looks insanely hot, but they don't seem to sweat.  Also like Thailand, they sell gas for the scooters in plastic liter water bottles at numerous roadside stands.  No gas station necessary, just grab and go, literally.  Upon arriving at the Siemens office, I began to realize how this country is predominantly Muslim.  Most all of the women wore full body covering, nothing extreme like a burka, but more along the lines of a hijab minus the scarf.  The primary function for the Siemens workers is assembly of custom fitted hearing aides.  In the canal, behind the ear, and all variations in between.  The assembly line is a sterile environment, so the all wear white smocks and caps and are predominantly female.  I had to pass through the cafeteria on my way to the restroom and you would have thought they had never seen an anglo before.  Maybe it was the bald red head or the swagger I walk with, but it was as if I was dressed in a Jolly Green Giant outfit.  They all looked and grinned and whispered to their neighbor as I passed.  Now, in the plumber tradition instilled by my father, I must comment on bathroom equipment and practices.  It seems that Indonesia has not adopted the raised toilet bowl for sitting on while conducting a #2.  I was curious as the other fellow in the restroom kicked off his sandals, then hiked up his pant legs, then I saw the latrine he was using was flush with the floor.  There is no sitting, there is only squatting, and when they're done, they rinse off their feet and legs in the shower stall next door equipped with  what we use for a kitchen sink sprayer.

Our meetings were productive and our hosts were very gracious.  I decided to stay the night in Batam since May 1 is a national holiday in Singapore and the Cloud Pay offices would be closed.  I chose a hotel that looked fun and "waterfront".  I assumed this meant beach, but it was only a small marina and not very inviting.  The front desk agent said she was putting me in the "new" building, so I was a little excited about that.  Later I learned that "new" was built in 2005 and the room showed it.  Let's just say it needed paint and caulk.  At least the air, cable, and TV worked which is more than I can say for the internet.  OK, all done venting.  What can I say, I am a critic...Thanks again Dad.  LOL!
The next day I wanted to explore and I knew they had bikes available, but they were real clunkers with flat tires, loose pedals and non-functional shifters.  Opted for the pedestrian style and set out.  I cruised by a fish farm with green water and more funny English interpretations then on out into the countryside.  I'm not sure if I was breaking a law or moral code, but everyone wanted to give me a ride.  First the police stopped and asked where I was going, then another guy in an SUV was adamant about protecting me from the sun and finally a guy on a scooter stopped and we exchanged many thumbs-up and OK signs.  I was really taken by their concern and generosity.  Maybe they just thought I was plain crazy walking along a busy road with no destination in sight.  Hey, that's just how I roll.  Never really saw anything fascinating except a cute snake and some jungle type growth along the road, but time ran out and I had to turn around.

I'd had enough sunscreen tainted sweat drip into my eyes and was ready to get back to modern day; I felt like I had been transported back in time when internet was unreliable, and well, you know, other stuff just isn't what you're used to.  These experiences definitely make me more appreciative of what I have in life; love, health, family and friends.  Can't wait to get back home to see you all.
Peace and Love -

Finally, it's Friday and that means it's time for Phuket!

Finally, Friday is here and I am in Phuket, but first some further observations about Singapore.  Singaporeans love their devices!  Whether reading from a tablet, phoning from a “phablet”, playing games or texting, the “Sians” are majorly into their devices.  Not as much for the Malay, or Indo, but the A-sians have their nose stuck, face buried, and head into their devices.  They are engrossed so much so that they barely look up while negotiating the crowds in the train stations.  Tuesday I finally saw evidence of the police force – three times in one day, all in the train stations.  The look somewhat paramilitary in their green uniforms and blue berets, but they do look serious and mean business.  Other observations, light switches go up for off, down for on and the power plugs in the wall also have switches.  The hotel gladly provides tooth brushes and toothpaste, razors and shaving cream, but no clock.  You can text for a taxi if you know your location code, but if it's raining, you need to go to the hospital to find one.  It's just the way it goes...  One other BIG thing, there is NO evidence of homelessness or poverty in any of the areas I've travelled in Singapore.  Is this a utopia???
OK, moving on now.  The drive to the airport was amazing as is most of Singapore so far.  The whole expressway is lined with bougainvilleas and other assorted palms and lush greenery.  The airport itself is super clean, efficient, and modern.  Jetstar, the carrier I chose for the hop to Phuket, did me wrong with their over 10 kg combined weight for my two carry ons; a duffle and my backpack with laptop.  At first I thought everything was going smoothly, then just as I was about to enter security, some little Jetstar rent-a-cop comes walking my way with a purpose and said she needed to weigh my bags again...huh?  We already did that!  The big difference this time, was that the agent at the check in counter "didn't see" my backpack. Long story short, I had to fork over S$60 to gate check my bag.  So, it's not too heavy to go on the plane, it's just too heavy to go in the cabin.  They were afraid it was unwieldy in the overhead bin and could hurt someone. Ugh!  Also forgot my exit paperwork and the Delta shared lounge refused me entry because I wasn't flying Delta.  The last negative thing I'm going to say is they charged me S$4 each for coffee and water.  Double Ugh!!!
OK, done my bitching, on to Phuket...  Flight was smooth and short, immigration didn't take too long, found an ATM and taxi service for the ride to the southern tip of Phuket where my Dad's friends Templeton and George live.  George is mid-50s and retired.  Templeton is a designer and they both live just a hair off the beaten path in their own little Shangri-La resort.  I met the menagerie, had a swim, then off to a beachside Thai restaurant for some awesome green curry under a full moon.  Not a bad start!

Sunday

Today I got the full experience of what Sunday means in my area...The Filipina community comes out in force on Sundays' and they ALL apparently go to the "Lucky Plaza" which is very close to my hotel.  So, it seems that much of the domestic here is from the Philippines and they must work 6 days a week, because they really come out on Sundays and for some reason flock to this area.  The Lucky Plaza caters to them and have Filipino orientated grocery, staffing agencies, and money transfer/wiring stores for sending their money back home.  The tend to setup picnics on the sidewalk, but since it was raining today, they moved inside.  I was trying to print some pictures and go to the post office (yes, it's open on Sunday!!!) and those are also located in Lucky.  It was mobbed with 5 foot tall, black haired women everywhere.  It was social time: they were snapping pics, getting their hair done, eating, and just generally hanging out.  Apparently management has tried, unsuccessfully, to keep this is check with some signage, but it mostly gets ignored...

More exploring

Greetings friends and family and Good Sunday Morning from Singapore.  First, some quick observations about Singapore; guns are illegal (good), drivers don't really yield to pedestrians (bad) and it's amazing how many apps and gadgets we have to stay connected if you look hard enough.  For those of you who know me well, you know about my relationship with Cindy.  At first this trip was daunting and making her very uneasy about me being gone for so long.  But we have worked out the kinks with technology and schedules and now thanks to Skype and What's App, we've found a new fondness for each other.  The distance definitely makes the heart grow fonder and the effort is something that adds emphasis and punctuation to every word!

It's been hard to keep up with all the family members, but Chelsea and Shana, you know I miss you and love you!

Something else we might take for granted.  Our postal service.  I mailed postcards to my girls and they have still not arrived almost two weeks later.  I wanted to send a package home, but it would take almost as long to get there as I have left in my trip and cost as much as the item itself.  Sandra, my travel partner, agreed to take it home with her and then ship it from Michigan at a fraction of the cost and transit time.

The feedback from a few on Facebook has shown you like my blogging!  Who knew???  My weeks have been consumed by work and I have to practically pull a double every day to keep up with both time zones.

Yesterday, I took a cable car ride to the top of a hill called Mount Faber.  Wanted to really explore the jungles and hopefully encounter a monkey or two, but I was met by staircase after staircase of steep leg burners.

  The opposite side of the cable ride lies Sentosa Island.  I had hopes of finding an idyllic area with lot's of quiet beaches, but sadly, it was another mega-complex comprised of the Hard Rock, Universal Studios, and a casino.  I was told later that the beaches exist, but you have to take a bus...I don't like to explore by bus...oh well.

After returning "home" to rest, shower and Skype, I wanted to check out the art at the Ritz Carlton mentioned in an online article.  It was a good recommendation  the hotel is amazing, the service was grand, and the artwork is...in the eye of the beholder!  I found the Chihuly in opposites ends of the lobby and there were  many other works commissioned just for the Ritz.

What day is it?

Greetings Friends and Family.  My apologies to all my non Facebook blog followers for the lack of updates. Work has kept me very busy during the week and my exploration on the weekend leaves me quite exhausted.  Friday I was at the client's office until 7 PM and when they were trying to call us a cab explained that it's difficult to get a cab late Friday afternoons.  "Friday, I thought it was Thursday!"  Literally, I've been lost in a bit of a time wharp since arriving.  The time zone is 12 hours ahead of EST and my brain (circadian rhythm) is still trying to figure out what's going on.  Despite all that, I'm still loving every minute of being here. New clients, new challenges, new experiences are what makes this Buttrill tick.  Someone said I'm a "novelty seeker".  OK, so be it.
Where did I leave off?  So much has happened.  I've booked a weekend trip to stay with Dad's old friends and neighbors from Crisfield, George and Templeton.  So fortunate to have such a vast network I can find friends so far away.  I'm also looking into a trip this weekend to Tioman Island to the northeast of Singapore technically in Malaysia.  It's a bit of a long shot to get all the logistics in order; cab, bus, train to ferry, hotel, etc.  Not sure my stars will align.
Since my last update, I've almost mastered the MRT, walked the circumference of the harbor protected by the Merlion, visited and witnessed some very interesting places of worship.  Thursday night we ate at a restaurant in the financial center on the 33rd floor called Level 33 appropriately enough.  The view was spectacular!  To the right is the Marina Bay Sands, aka the big buildings with the boat on top, and the Merlion and other skyscrapers to the left.
Friday was a long day as mentioned and we (I) were (was) dying to get off the train after a long day and explore Clarke Quay (key), a food and entertainment district located off the Singapore River fed from the harbor and ultimately the South China Sea.  We were able to secure some patio seating and enjoyed the lights and festive atmosphere despite our superiors wanting an "urgent" update about the project.  Please....it's FRIDAY!

Saturday I slept in long and hard till about 10:30, unheard of for me.  Sandra, my travel partner and I had already discussed visiting Little India and Chinatown.  The two somewhat mixed and merged as we found markets and places of worship that catered to both and then some.  Again, the US has nothing on Singapore for being a melting pot.  So many flavors, scents, colors, etc.  The one thing most everyone here has in common is their hair color, which is BLACK.  No Gingers here, not native anyway.

We found a great corner patio setting to sit down for a late lunch/early dinner that had crocodile on the menu plus a few other interesting things.  The last stop was a Hindu temple that I was attracted to by the sound of beating drums - go figure?!?  Got in just as the players were going on break and I had to pay a $3 SNG camera fee to take pictures, so I only got the "horn player" - think snake charmer.
Sunday Sandra wanted to go to Mass at 7 AM and I slept in again and did laundry at $10 SNG a load; that's about $9 US each to wash and dry!  The hotel was happy to advance me $20 SNG worth of coin to take care of business.  Laundry all done, I set off to find the Merlion and get a close up look at the hotel/casino with the boat on top.  Took the train down to Raffles Place and started wandering, and wandering and wandering.  Cindy thinks it's cool I just set off with no real plan, just a sixth sense for adventure.  Boats were sailing, locals were picnic-ing, and Lions were spewing.  The one thing that fell out of the game plan was a stroll through the Sands casino.  They required passports AND, not that it affected me, but they charge the locals S$100 (SNG isn't the proper notation for Singapore dollars) to get into the casino.  Not only was I lacking my passport, I don't like to carry that around, but the line was a mile long.  Pass...
I got to see plenty including the Singapore Flyer, The Esplanade - Theaters on the Bay, The ArtScience Museum, and Gardens by the Bay.  And for those who missed it, the magnificent Marina Bay Sands hotel/casino/shopping "palace"...my words, not theirs.
Peace and Love to all...enjoy!