More to come on our truly excellent adventure to SE Asia! We learned, connected, explored, caught up and took in so much beauty! Highlights were the time with friends, Teall and Keith and Keith's daughter Alex and wife Kim!! The trip would not have happened without their support and encouragement.
Why SE Asia- in our lives on NG Road- because we were invited! The Schultz and Edds were at the Inn- a great dinner (they're DU parents as well as alumni) and they said to us- when are you coming! We said- when should be come. They said it is coolest in December. So, the trip was put together with Zoom calls and emails, recommendations and brainstorms. Joe was the coordinate of all flights and stays and did an Excellent job!
Here is our itinerary. More commentary to share as I have time to post but wanted to share!
We flew direct from San Fran to Singapore (unfortunately our connection was missed getting to SFO on the Sunday of Thanksgiving, not great care by United but ultimately, we arrived).
Day One, Two and almost Three, - we lost a day- took off on Sunday, missed a connection, took off for Singapore on Monday morning - 17 hour flight and a 12 hour time change and landed on Tuesday evening!
Day Three we landed around 8, Singapore had the easiest immigration process and enjoyed wonderful catch-up time with Teall!
Day Four:
Singapore- time with Teall was amazing! A late start due to a late night. Enough said. We walked many steps exploring:
https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Singapore-City-Gallery
This city/nation is impressive with its development, we appreciated the history and lessons in how and why at this museum!
- Lunch at a Hawker Center
- China Town
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands Hotel- the lobby alone was great, the mall but yes Spago at the top was worth it- the views, the pool- impressive place! A fourth tower is being built, we were in the middle!
We finished with a beautiful dinner on Orchard Street that included carolers!! Yes, it was hot, muggy, but you are near the equator! AC was plentiful and again Teall, we can't say thank you enough. Carolyn you too- we missed you!
Day Five- headed to Cambodia, flying Singapore Air, there were wreaths on the plane! We were picked up by our most delightful guide. We checked into the historic hotel (Raffles Grand Hotel) that we loved! A late-night swim and appetizers for dinner in the bar.
Day Six- temple day- Angkor Wat for sunrise- it was cool, quiet and very special. The change in light was a show. We were the first in the temple and learned so much as we continue to be in awe of the carvings and architecture. Angkor Thom was a favorite. Other temples showcased the reconstruction and repair- the Tomb Raider temple with trees growing through are quite impressive. Home for time to rest by the pool was nice. We found a great bar and restaurant and ended the night in market area with a Kick Boxing tournament! Oh yes, I enjoyed a wonderful foot massage at our hotel's spa!
Day Seven-
- highlight- school time- learning more about Caring for Cambodia and one of the 17 schools the Edds support. These children, teachers, administrators are wonderful. It was great to visit.
- Then we headed for the mountain. Joe was in awe of the Buddha atop Phnom Kulen, often referred to as the Reclining Buddha, Preah Ang Thom- an 8 meter (26 foot) tall statue. The waterfalls were beautiful, but for me it was 10,000 Lingas- these ancient carvings in the river bead were beautiful!
- Rest by the pool, a great dinner out and the fun of walking, exploring and riding the tuk-tuk!
Day Eight-we flew Cambodia air to Vietnam- Ho Chi Minh City HCMC or Saigon! We were picked up by Kim and Keith and taken out for a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch- the food really is "yum" or Hao hang!
We checked into the opulent Reverie- we explored the area and found a roof top bar with the perfect view of Teqball World Championships Closing Ceremony! We always enjoy learning about new sports when we travel internationally!
Day Nine
- up the river to tour the Cu Chi Tunnels and further our understanding of the Vietnam war. Cu Chi Tunnels Tour by Luxury Speedboat | Les Rives If you're there this is the way to go vs taking the bus! Neither of us really understood what the underground tunnels and shelter was all about- well-presented and experiential learning! I went 20 meters, Joe didn't fit. We did not fire the guns, but the range added to all senses learning. Back to the hotel for pool time before a decadent dinner out at Quince with Schutlz family! What a treat to enjoy this metro location- very modern and our conversation, the cocktails were a 10!
Day Ten- Saigon time that started with an American Diner breakfast! We explored town center- the cathedral, post office (still functions, reminded us of a train station), beautiful book alley where we found Denison alum James Clear's best seller- Atomic Habits! Then the formerly known as museum- American Aggression, now War Remnants. It was powerful, intense, strong and unsettling. The photos from Time. I've seen many but seeing it there, after being in the tunnels, after engaging with these good people, heart wrenching. The Vietnamese of today is all the more impressive and admirable.
The good news the unsettling of the day was balanced by the evening's fun and yum! We took a Vespa Food Tour-Saigon Food Tours and City Tours Led by Women Another highlight! The fantastic drivers/tour guides were impressive young women. The locations we visited outstanding and the food- all delicious and nothing we would have found on our own! Five stops, three food stops, and yes refreshing beer to help it all go down! then we ended the night with rock'n'roll Vietnam style! (2) Facebook Acoustic- great place, great music - we loved it- thank you Keith!!
Day Eleven & Twelve flew Vietnam Air to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay Beach Resort & Hotel in Vietnam This was the vacation time of the trip. It rained and it didn't matter! We relax, read, explored. We swam, floated and just chilled! it is a special place and we're grateful for the recommendation!
Day Thirteen- two planes on Air Asia back to Singapore for dinner out and drinks with Denisonians! We met the Chaze- Caroline and Rene- student and parent- with Teall's pals- what a treat. Great to see Dempsey road area.
Day Fourteen- all day flying home....13 hours Singapore to SFO, then SFO to Chicago, then Chicago to Columbus- in bed by 11!
Nine Flights, Five Airlines- it was a lot. But I'd do it all again...okay maybe an extra day in Singapore before getting on a plane again- the back to back flights- 5- was too much and impacted the jet lag! We did have three evenings at Ninh van Bay but the math doesn't work with the added day/lost day....
Reading- loved the time to read, enjoyed:
1. Table for Two by Amor Towles- perfect travel companion as it is short stories- on my Kindle!
2. James- by Percival Everett- book club book
3. Bessie by Linda James
4. Vietnam - A History by Stanley Karnow (Joe read this one)
Reflections:
We continue to be in awe of this incredible trip and the lessons it provided.
- Relationships are not just about the long standing ones that make a trip like this happen. Relationships are also with the tour guides! Samedi in Cambodia that spent three days with us. The women that drove us around on the Vespa and shared their life stories. The care provided by people we'll probably never see again, yet had a profound impact on the experience and provided important lessons.
- Life on Newark Granville Road- trips like this make it great to come home. We count our blessings and one of the blessings is the privilege to travel. Ask us questions, we love to share, check out the photos on social media or we'll make a Shutterfly book soon!
Cheers- we visited many of the duty free shops which is a treat of travel. We enjoyed lovely drinks at Teall's bar, liked Tiger beer and ba-ba-ba, as well as ....more on this. Joe dropped a bottle that made for laughs..The Singapore Sling isn't my drink but Joe did try it. I did enjoy the gin drink that was the special cocktail for the guest night social time! Cheers indeed to this Excellent opportunity made possible by Denison friendships!
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