tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37063387108428435542024-03-06T14:38:54.918+08:00our life in SingaporeThis blog is about sharing our experience of living in Singapore from February 2007 thru to February 2012 and all the wonderful things we saw, what we did and the places we have been. In other words, our everyday experiences! This blog will continue to survive as I add more information when appropriate.Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.comBlogger813125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-47008889760579574392015-04-20T06:19:00.000+08:002015-04-20T06:19:23.701+08:00RANI - a tailor in Tekka Market<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">shop number </span></span></b></span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 02-125 at Tekka Market</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">and her name is</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RANI</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />This is mainly for my Singapore friends as they keep asking what tailor I use and where is she located. I came across this lady in Little India when I had some Indonesian Batik that I needed made up for the National Day Reception and since then I have given her many pieces of fabric or alterations to be done .....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been happy with everything she has done for me. Some things have been a little too large or too short etc after I have taken them home and tried them on, most times she alters those at no cost. But the rest of the garments she tends to make up are from $15.00 per item. Hems etc are anywhere from $2.00 to $6.00, but I do not know what the cost would be to make up something that would have a lot of fine detail. <span style="font-size: small;"><i>(above pricing maybe now out of date)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The following is the first outfit she made for me and I was very happy with the work done. <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TF6rebD_fcI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/34fFfx9sNZI/s1600/DSC01503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TF6rebD_fcI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/34fFfx9sNZI/s640/DSC01503.jpg" height="640" width="401" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />for those that want to know where she is located I have some images - as follows - as to where she is located in the TEKKA MARKET in Little India, Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These directions are from exit E at</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> LITTLE INDIA MRT </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">at the corner of Buffalo and Racecourse Roads.<br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D7caQn1I/AAAAAAAAGPc/SA7j7ucO5U0/s1600/DSC01956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D7caQn1I/AAAAAAAAGPc/SA7j7ucO5U0/s400/DSC01956.jpg" height="265" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />from the exit, veer to the LEFT towards the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">vegetable stalls in Buffalo Road </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D71ZXk4I/AAAAAAAAGPk/NpyeevxS2dc/s1600/DSC01958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D71ZXk4I/AAAAAAAAGPk/NpyeevxS2dc/s640/DSC01958.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Keep the vegetable stalls on your LEFT and you will see the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TEKKA MARKET on your RIGHT</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the orange colour building in this image:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D7wbZ1dI/AAAAAAAAGPs/jmlFIuKajo8/s1600/DSC01960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3D7wbZ1dI/AAAAAAAAGPs/jmlFIuKajo8/s640/DSC01960.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />cross the road (Buffalo Road) and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">walk up the stairs at this entrance </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EO40ca8I/AAAAAAAAGQE/t4_6N1ciWLA/s1600/DSC01965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EO40ca8I/AAAAAAAAGQE/t4_6N1ciWLA/s640/DSC01965.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /> keep going up to the very top level</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EPPoFAsI/AAAAAAAAGQI/fpPifKQVhxE/s1600/DSC01966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EPPoFAsI/AAAAAAAAGQI/fpPifKQVhxE/s640/DSC01966.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">walk right across the top floor and turn LEFT </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and walk past these stalls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kitchen wares, tailors, antique dealer etc </span></div>
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<b><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EYDOZa0I/AAAAAAAAGQc/snuc_hxa63Q/s1600/DSC01971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TK3EYDOZa0I/AAAAAAAAGQc/snuc_hxa63Q/s640/DSC01971.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>PLEASE NOTE:<br /><br />Since I posted the images and wrote the blog she has now moved to </b><b> 02-125<br /><br />This move takes place from the 1st May 2015</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">( shop number </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 02-125 )</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and her name is</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">RANI</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The above are the easiest directions I can give you from the LITTLE INDIA MRT, you may already know the area and so will be able to locate her easily.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cheapest place - and with far more variety - to buy fabric is in the Arab Quarters or at Mustafa's and then take it to her in Little India. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you explain EXACTLY what you want and how you want it, or be daring and leave it up to her!! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Which is what I often do anyway.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place each item / or piece of fabric in a plastic bag along with your name and contact number.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ask her to measure you on your first visit so she will always have this with her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have sometimes taken in my 'favourite clothing items' </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">that fit perfectly and have asked her to make up the fabric to that pattern. This works well too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The simple things Rani will do within 24 hours, but I usually leave the fabric or alterations with her and pick them up the next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Though have recently given her a few things to do, but also said there is no hurry and that I am more than happy to pick them up at the end of Deepavali, a period when I know she will be extra busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope that she will be of help to you. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Please be sure to tell her I sent you!</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">to all our loyal followers<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span>please note:<br /><br />since March 2012 most of the newer blog posts are now at:<br /><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA</a><br /><br />John and I have repatriated to Australia and now living in a small rural village in Regional Victoria.<br /><br />we are documenting the places we see, the things we do and what it is like to travel around Victoria!<br /><br />We still update the OUR LIFE IN SINGAPORE, <span style="font-size: large;"></span>but the majority of posts are now at </span></span></i><br />
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<i><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA.</span></span></b></a></i><br />
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com6Serangoon Road, Singapore1.307093 103.85195699999997-24.063154500000003 62.543362999999971 26.6773405 145.16055099999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-80068839729048302142014-04-16T13:24:00.000+08:002014-04-16T13:24:02.410+08:00Blogs, Flickr and Facebook Pages!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those that have this blog as a 'favourite' or perhaps a 'follower'. It is rare that I post on this particular blog now due to living in Australia. So please read the 'new blogs' and become a follower of them too!<br /><br />One is titled TASTY FUN and is about cooking fun and or recipes, usually fairly easy or low cost to prepare and make!<br /><br />The other blog is about LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA, and the places we go or the things we see and do in the region where we now live. On this blog you will also find many Military Postings in the lead up to the commemoration of the Great War of 1914 - 1918.<br /><br />But do check both blogs and perhaps become a 'follower' of these too, especially the one on living in Regional Victoria where we document the places we go to.<br /><br />The links for the two blogs are below as well as other links that maybe of interest :<br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/">Living in Regional Victoria<br /></a></b></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://easycookingforme.blogspot.com.au/">Tasty Fun</a></b></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/leonefabre/">Leone's Flickr Site</a> (photos)<br /></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/leone">Leone's RedBubble Site</a> (photos)</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ballanvic">Ballan 3342 Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Highlands-Goldfield-areas-of-Victoria/204181156330406">Central Highlands & Goldfields of Victoria Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bacchus-Marsh-Community/1483705485174220">Bacchus Marsh Community Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallanMarket">Ballan Farmers Market Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/commercialballan">Ballan ~ Commercial Hotel Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BallanCommunityKitchen">Ballan 'Cooks in the Kitchen' Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ballanbusiness">Ballan and Moorabool Business Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hudsonshotelballan">Hudsons Great Western Hotel Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Orient/101781089939741">Your Orient Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/650071871717390/">Victoria Genealogy Facebook Page<br /></a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/life-in-Singapore/163406687061862">Life in Singapore Facebook Page</a></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />would appreciate it if you could now become a new follower on my Living in Regional Victoria blog!</span></span></span><br />
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-91835493355784521072014-03-14T13:46:00.000+08:002014-03-14T13:46:52.322+08:00PHIL'S BAILEYS IRISH CREAM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAUMolbftqjnFkl84eg7_cCKfrSCv_-95d1Sc2-CEfBsIDbeK6baHhFloJjaJSLqoKRj8iM0GOIPWnx3DoUzjqiRdxBdOJvZ0z8cu71s7IL7JRK73hJDSa83S8N0e8xFKkODymhK3/s1600-h/martini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAUMolbftqjnFkl84eg7_cCKfrSCv_-95d1Sc2-CEfBsIDbeK6baHhFloJjaJSLqoKRj8iM0GOIPWnx3DoUzjqiRdxBdOJvZ0z8cu71s7IL7JRK73hJDSa83S8N0e8xFKkODymhK3/s320/martini.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><br />..... here is my recipe for Bailey's Irish Cream ...... well, it's not really MY recipe. My brother Phil made 4 litre's of this when we visited him (Perth, West Australia) in 2002. </i></div>
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<i>Have no idea who told him I liked the stuff .... but suffice to say we just had to drink it while we were there .... well we did, didn't we?<br /><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBQawnPpPvQyBjFHoVcDXwlW1ngvr-yQndPJNZGVduwYdwmCCCF28qEM0Wujo8U_YFqv-cYr9MttLh98wZYk1e1miOErd_dr7fKpIFI0TN7t7j9do5yC4qevJuc7n0klnz141gL7u/s1600-h/baileys_over_ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBQawnPpPvQyBjFHoVcDXwlW1ngvr-yQndPJNZGVduwYdwmCCCF28qEM0Wujo8U_YFqv-cYr9MttLh98wZYk1e1miOErd_dr7fKpIFI0TN7t7j9do5yC4qevJuc7n0klnz141gL7u/s320/baileys_over_ice.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><br />Gotta tell you it was D E L I C I O U S ..... absolutely!!</i></div>
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<i>So I do actually call it:</i></div>
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<i>PHIL'S BAILEYS IRISH CREAM</i></div>
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<i>450 ml cream</i></div>
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<i>1 cup whiskey ..... this is debatable, I use more!</i></div>
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<i>8 tsp sugar</i></div>
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<i>2 tsp coffee (instant)</i></div>
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<i>5 cups fresh milk </i></div>
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<i>4 large scoops of ice cream .... what? only 4? Use more .... </i></div>
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<i><br />now for the hard stuff...</i></div>
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<i>make sure you have 3 wine bottles - with screw top lids - washed and ready for the bottling!</i></div>
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<i>Dissolve sugar and coffee in the whiskey ...... hhmmm, probably better to dissolve the coffee in a little boiling water (or use some of the allocated milk and heat about 1/2 cup in the microwave) and add sugar .. stir well to dissolve then add it to the whiskey.</i></div>
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<i>add the fresh milk....</i><i> might as well use skim milk, gotta watch the calorie intake you know!</i></div>
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<i>Put ice cream in a very large bowl and soften it ...... then add the rest of the ingredients and stir it really well. </i></div>
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<i>Do not beat or else the cream will 'thicken'.</i></div>
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<i>Bottle and store in the refrigerator..... I said, in the refrigerator!!<br /><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQRPmfIGBKCbfLoXEznSyNK4Q0ciq1QwgJsmJZqmrqqH3dx_TObQ0FTm3l-pcYYkljKupA4cfFwHNjIeHnmNRBTvdnhrqs_Awf_2nwjdvqYLFarZc0H-PKeS1qjCWLXIiIqYFX0ON/s1600-h/baileys_original_irish_cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQRPmfIGBKCbfLoXEznSyNK4Q0ciq1QwgJsmJZqmrqqH3dx_TObQ0FTm3l-pcYYkljKupA4cfFwHNjIeHnmNRBTvdnhrqs_Awf_2nwjdvqYLFarZc0H-PKeS1qjCWLXIiIqYFX0ON/s400/baileys_original_irish_cream.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><br />Now don't do too many 'taste tests' before bottling otherwise you will make a big mess trying to strain it into the top of the bottle!</i></div>
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<i>Now the recipe can be altered to suit your taste buds, you do not have to stick to the above amounts ..... after making the first batch, you might like to play around by adding more coffee or whiskey etc.... up to you. </i></div>
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<i>Just be aware that it is alcoholic and not suitable for children or for adults in large amounts!!</i></div>
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<i>There are many other recipes around, but this is by far the best tasting ... and that's what it's all about eh?<br /><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSDmTtx-8PQ6Pnt8NuWftg41Kkef3oOa5a1ehQlOMak0EorNcFf-j8j0yml5C7DIbyIHg-gQdMGExwes7YEeTRADsKPjNm9U0Cm_mDsB6KGAbYRpoC0yEMVbDUBmVoAqyuJy8SIgU/s1600-h/003-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSDmTtx-8PQ6Pnt8NuWftg41Kkef3oOa5a1ehQlOMak0EorNcFf-j8j0yml5C7DIbyIHg-gQdMGExwes7YEeTRADsKPjNm9U0Cm_mDsB6KGAbYRpoC0yEMVbDUBmVoAqyuJy8SIgU/s320/003-10.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdQUh9Apmf_s_aOWGjBCvu6oGwuSjM5XQ4YyZd8Pr94QoSpeRDtWGQBFXH9YlzBc-URsCS2E5i1o1ypzg2aoQGyGpdnk2L8GRMW4NQ7zc3qcpjbgrcC1zdadirVzNHQCqpSd33X_/s1600-h/firesidemartini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cdQUh9Apmf_s_aOWGjBCvu6oGwuSjM5XQ4YyZd8Pr94QoSpeRDtWGQBFXH9YlzBc-URsCS2E5i1o1ypzg2aoQGyGpdnk2L8GRMW4NQ7zc3qcpjbgrcC1zdadirVzNHQCqpSd33X_/s400/firesidemartini.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwkLTp1mEGZgwJKN-mbmi9YkvVblJLH0C-FO07q8ibYkTgMmt8q5z-IwetwdjgiqA0P54jPFl4-wrtWExMIOldoQhkon9sDEMgb4fWWswiRcPJiBwCo6dYnKld1NwqBVOB98isiM/s1600-h/choc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdwkLTp1mEGZgwJKN-mbmi9YkvVblJLH0C-FO07q8ibYkTgMmt8q5z-IwetwdjgiqA0P54jPFl4-wrtWExMIOldoQhkon9sDEMgb4fWWswiRcPJiBwCo6dYnKld1NwqBVOB98isiM/s400/choc1.jpg" height="370" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /><br />Thanx Phil .... luvs ya!</i><br />
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<i>(the above images are not mine, all are from a google image search)</i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /><br />ENJOY!!</b></span><i><br /><br /></i></div>
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-2968437938532847782013-02-07T07:29:00.000+08:002013-02-07T07:29:18.547+08:00a magical dinner on Halong Bay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last night of our 3D2N cruise of Halong Bay (on board the <b>Dragons Pearl 3</b>) we were told that we would be having a BBQ on the beach ..... now this sounded pretty good to us, so we watched for this 'beach' as we sailed around the many 'islands' of Halong Bay .....</div>
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Once we anchored I couldn't see any beach where we could possibly have our BBQ, but had faith in the crew that they knew where we were and where our dinner would be!</div>
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It was dark ..... very, very dark.</div>
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We were out in the middle of Halong Bay and could not see any lights at all ... anywhere.</div>
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Most of us were sitting around chatting until someone called out to have a look at the lights going up the 'mountain'... Lights? Mountain? </div>
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Yes there are hills that pop up all around Halong Bay, but at night the only person that needs to know where they are is the captain of the junk!</div>
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But we dutifully look out the side and we see a row of candle lights slowly making their way up the side of the island or hill if you prefer. You can vaguely see what I mean in the following image.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grptSFBFKxc/TuHdK3cV4AI/AAAAAAAAPXM/S0FyWZX-v_g/s1600/cave-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grptSFBFKxc/TuHdK3cV4AI/AAAAAAAAPXM/S0FyWZX-v_g/s640/cave-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Next thing we knew we were on the tender and heading towards the lights that we had previously seen in the dark...... and climbing up the 90 steps to reach the top!!</div>
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We could peer into the cave at this point as seen in the above image too. </div>
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We soon passed through the cave’s mouth and along the candle-lit pathway for the
most enchanting experience I think I have ever had!<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uLvcfziDvk/TuHdLSFvpJI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/-hQbQinNSqU/s1600/cave-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uLvcfziDvk/TuHdLSFvpJI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/-hQbQinNSqU/s640/cave-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30bBziH4-PA/TuHdMlH7zsI/AAAAAAAAPXk/iZqDMIUpphg/s1600/cave-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30bBziH4-PA/TuHdMlH7zsI/AAAAAAAAPXk/iZqDMIUpphg/s640/cave-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />You really need the time to allow yourself to be bewitched by the
mystical scenery inside. The dinner was an unforgettable experience
as much for the delicious and beautifully presented food, as for the
romantic setting complete with candles, special lighting and music. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxL-NcTEaRY/TuHdMo-QrxI/AAAAAAAAPXg/DyBzjR3jPCA/s1600/cave-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxL-NcTEaRY/TuHdMo-QrxI/AAAAAAAAPXg/DyBzjR3jPCA/s640/cave-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />The BBQ'd food was delicious, had far too much food that included the prawns, crabs, fish, chicken that had been cooked on a ledge just on the outer edge of the cave.<br /></div>
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After a whole day packed full of activities, we had anchored at a secluded
harbour then enjoyed this amazing dinner in a magical cave. <br />
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Not many people get to do something as special as this!</div>
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Relax, enjoy, share, – it will make your trip even more
memorable.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR HANOI AREA:</span></b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-not-judge-book-by-its-cover.html">Blog posting on the Royal Palace Hotel. </a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/madness-of-hanoi-traffic.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blog posting on the madness of Hanoi traffic. </span></b></a></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/humble-motorcycle.html">Blog posting on the humble motorcycle </a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/local-coffee-shop-in-hanoi.html">Blog posting on the local coffee shops of Hanoi. </a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-way-to-halong-bay.html">Blog posting on the way to Halong Bay </a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-aboard.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blog posting on our arrival onboard the Dragons Pearl</span></b></a></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/fruit-and-vegetable-carving.html">Blog posting on the kayaking </a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/fruit-and-vegetable-carving.html">Blog posting on the vegetable and fruit carving</a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hanoiroyalpalacehotel.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Royal Palace Hotel<br />
</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://indochina-junk.com/contact-us.aspx">IndoChina Junk Company </a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://myaconsulting.vn/web/our-class/vegetable-and-fruit-carving-class/">Fruit and Vegetable carving classes (in Saigon) </a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://asiarecipe.com/carving.html">Fruit and Vegetable carving website (with recipes)</a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://deadlyshow.com/creative-fruits-and-vegetable-carving-artworks/">Fruit and Vegetable carving (images)</a></span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://hanoikidstours.com/">HANOI KIDS</a>- </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">volunteer tour guides - hotel can organise if you book well ahead.</span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.koto.com.au/en/about-us/koto-hanoi">KOTO Restaurant</a></b> - <i>hotel can book a table for you. </i></span></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TRIP ADVISOR </span></a></b></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.xe.com/ucc/">CURRENCY EXCHANGE </a></span></b></li>
<li><a href="mailto:booking@royalpalacehotelhanoi.com"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">email for Royal Palace Hotel</span></b></a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is the 9th blog posting of our visit to Hanoi and beyond. </span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So stay tuned for more updates!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><br /></i></span></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">to all our loyal followers<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>please note:<br /><br />since March 2012 most of the newer blog posts are now at:<br /><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA</a><br /><br />John and I have repatriated to Australia and now living in a small rural village in Regional Victoria.<br />we are documenting the places we see, the things we do and what it is like to travel around Victoria!<br /><br />We still update the OUR LIFE IN SINGAPORE, </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but the majority of posts are now at </span></span></i><br />
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<i><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA.</span></span></b></a></i><br />
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-62713140415054082272012-10-27T08:08:00.001+08:002014-07-29T14:46:57.756+08:00the life of Ernie Roberts [1914 - 1943]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Today - 27th October 2012 - is the 69th anniversary of the death of Ernest Lister ROBERTS who was killed in action on 27 Oct 1943 in <span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ew Guinea.<br /><br />I have documented his military life throughout the second <span style="font-size: large;">world war on my "<a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/">Living in Regional Victoria</a>" blog and all three blog posts related to him are below:<br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/just-one-of-rats-of-tobruk.html"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Ernie in the Middle East</b></span></a><br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/ernie-roberts-in-new-guinea-ww2.html">Ernie on his way to New Guinea</a></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/the-last-post-for-ernie-roberts.html">The Last Post for Ernie</a></span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veLxbdZdG-0/UHZPXGvoEUI/AAAAAAAAU-k/ibCcFC4AGPg/s1600/Ernie-Roberts-Egypt-July-1941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veLxbdZdG-0/UHZPXGvoEUI/AAAAAAAAU-k/ibCcFC4AGPg/s640/Ernie-Roberts-Egypt-July-1941.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lest We Forget</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">to all our loyal followers<br />please note:<br /><br />since March 2012 most of the newer blog posts are now at:<br /><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA</a><br /><br />John and I have repatriated to Australia and now living in a small rural village in Regional Victoria.<br />we are documenting the places we see, the things we do and what it is like to travel around Victoria!<br /><br />We still update the OUR LIFE IN SINGAPORE, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but the majority of posts are now at </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA.</span></span></b></a><br />
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0Bonga area, Papua New Guinea-5.7362428668801391 146.392822265625-6.7485958668801391 145.129394765625 -4.723889866880139 147.656249765625tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-38816380936074084512012-09-20T12:32:00.000+08:002012-09-20T12:32:55.558+08:00starting the first day of trekking in Sapa ......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had a great couple of hours exploring the town of Sapa before setting off on our trekking experience with our guide and two H'mong ladies ...</div>
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<i>* from Wikipedia: <br />The <b>Hmong</b><span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"></span>, are an Asian ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Hmong are also one of the sub-groups of the Miao ethnicity in southern China. Hmong groups began a gradual southward migration in the 18th century due to political unrest and to find more arable land.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A number of Hmong people fought against the communist Pathet Lao during the Laotian Civil War.
Hmong people were singled out for retribution when the Pathet Lao took
over the Laotian government in 1975, and tens of thousands fled to
Thailand seeking political asylum. Thousands of these refugees have
resettled in Western countries since the late 1970s, mostly the United States but also in Australia, France, French Guiana, Canada, and South America. Others have been returned to Laos under United Nations-sponsored repatriation programs. Around 8,000 Hmong refugees remain in Thailand.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT2BeSDvnJw/Tu3e4ODootI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/bdfuaHFyWHk/s1600/DSC_0140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lT2BeSDvnJw/Tu3e4ODootI/AAAAAAAAPuQ/bdfuaHFyWHk/s640/DSC_0140.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The two ladies that followed us were Mei and Cor (pronounced May and Kerr) and they were a God-Send to us .. they laughed and chatted with us and their English and command of the language was outstanding. When we asked where they had learned their English, they told us "from the tourists" ... they speak exceptionally well, yet neither can read or write!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They did not hound us in any way, they asked if we would purchase their trinkets and we said no, but they had to walk in the same direction as us to their own village, so they walked with us and helped us many times. I was very grateful for their companionship and their support!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As we walked out of the town early in the morning the weather was quite cool and very misty around the mountains ......</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYEDsDxI79k/Tu3e4_M7b2I/AAAAAAAAPuY/qd7Uk6E7Gd8/s1600/DSC01159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYEDsDxI79k/Tu3e4_M7b2I/AAAAAAAAPuY/qd7Uk6E7Gd8/s640/DSC01159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAKEx0B4KXs/Tu3e5mRgkxI/AAAAAAAAPu0/_8xeNRTYLJ0/s1600/DSC01163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAKEx0B4KXs/Tu3e5mRgkxI/AAAAAAAAPu0/_8xeNRTYLJ0/s640/DSC01163.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ac8VymIuNw/Tu3e8qJur_I/AAAAAAAAPvA/_oIcB_8dyCQ/s1600/DSC01176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ac8VymIuNw/Tu3e8qJur_I/AAAAAAAAPvA/_oIcB_8dyCQ/s640/DSC01176.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">everywhere we looked, it was breathtaking and not one of the images wil do it justice!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QOIzIM4JUs/Tu3e7zLjtII/AAAAAAAAPu4/rgiojA-zcWg/s1600/DSC01170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QOIzIM4JUs/Tu3e7zLjtII/AAAAAAAAPu4/rgiojA-zcWg/s640/DSC01170.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQOONN07vE/Tu3e8y9u9XI/AAAAAAAAPvE/W_Yzu99A838/s1600/DSC01172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDQOONN07vE/Tu3e8y9u9XI/AAAAAAAAPvE/W_Yzu99A838/s640/DSC01172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iSpAC4KJ1o/Tu3e9QMs2HI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/eTUzpV-hcgw/s1600/DSC01175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iSpAC4KJ1o/Tu3e9QMs2HI/AAAAAAAAPvQ/eTUzpV-hcgw/s640/DSC01175.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">as we walked along the road, there were a few people that passed us ..... one in particular caught our eye. Just as she had passed us, her cell phone rang. It was a surprise to us to see one of the minority group ladies out in the middle of nowhere talking on a cell phone!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKdXOah7vI/Tu3g3Jd9v4I/AAAAAAAAPy0/uRGwHJZOrQA/s1600/DSC_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKdXOah7vI/Tu3g3Jd9v4I/AAAAAAAAPy0/uRGwHJZOrQA/s640/DSC_0090.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KAdCg2AXMg/Tu3gz3VrhII/AAAAAAAAPys/Rb_11Vg2H0U/s1600/lady-and-cell-phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2KAdCg2AXMg/Tu3gz3VrhII/AAAAAAAAPys/Rb_11Vg2H0U/s640/lady-and-cell-phone.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but communication is important to us all and the same goes with these ladies ...so we continued on our way .....</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv-SLgwMx9o/Tu3e_H_cDDI/AAAAAAAAPvw/4zRIn-LbraU/s1600/DSC01189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv-SLgwMx9o/Tu3e_H_cDDI/AAAAAAAAPvw/4zRIn-LbraU/s640/DSC01189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">then our 'road' became a muddy track and as we looked up we saw this bend in the road ..</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38C-Ddy-96M/Tu3e4FrOOXI/AAAAAAAAPuU/j7oapocrs4Q/s1600/DSC_0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38C-Ddy-96M/Tu3e4FrOOXI/AAAAAAAAPuU/j7oapocrs4Q/s640/DSC_0127.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and stopped at the top to admire the scenery once again...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q529C5zyy4I/Tu3e9X_cKkI/AAAAAAAAPvM/0WdDrFm3ot0/s1600/DSC01179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q529C5zyy4I/Tu3e9X_cKkI/AAAAAAAAPvM/0WdDrFm3ot0/s640/DSC01179.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> as we looked over the edge, we could see the river far below ......</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTCQ2maZs5Q/Tu3e4OpPHwI/AAAAAAAAPuM/2TVdfCUIRUg/s1600/DSC_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTCQ2maZs5Q/Tu3e4OpPHwI/AAAAAAAAPuM/2TVdfCUIRUg/s640/DSC_0128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and this is when we were told that we would be going DOWN that steep slope to the river as seen here. <br /><br />Down? <br /><br />Down there? ..... <br /><br />straight off I said "there is no way I could do that" ..... and I didn't believe I could.<br /><br />But with the help of the two H'mong ladies and a bit of encouragement from John and our guide, somehow I did it.....</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4dJc7sF8II/Tu3e99MGqTI/AAAAAAAAPvU/EJRMinDJQY8/s1600/DSC01181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4dJc7sF8II/Tu3e99MGqTI/AAAAAAAAPvU/EJRMinDJQY8/s640/DSC01181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">we looked back to the top and saw a group of people also trying to decide if they would continue down or not. <br /><br />They did not. They actually returned back to Sapa.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrnHKcp870E/Tu3flxNN7yI/AAAAAAAAPx8/sQG5iNLh3bI/s1600/DSC01184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrnHKcp870E/Tu3flxNN7yI/AAAAAAAAPx8/sQG5iNLh3bI/s640/DSC01184.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This was really just the start of the trek and by this stage I was wondering what was ahead of us. But we continued on down the mountain, across the valley and up the other side ....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />passing by some of the most amazing scenery......</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7rGOFNg_f0/Tu3fGAMrVtI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/YMjBwLd-oeo/s1600/DSC01214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7rGOFNg_f0/Tu3fGAMrVtI/AAAAAAAAPxQ/YMjBwLd-oeo/s640/DSC01214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKmuSkRdG24/Tu3fGhJRkOI/AAAAAAAAPxU/TOr0Nd5XNT0/s1600/DSC01216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKmuSkRdG24/Tu3fGhJRkOI/AAAAAAAAPxU/TOr0Nd5XNT0/s640/DSC01216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkKJ8CzgTlE/Tu3fDtrK_HI/AAAAAAAAPww/JM9csdSTgrc/s1600/DSC01205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JkKJ8CzgTlE/Tu3fDtrK_HI/AAAAAAAAPww/JM9csdSTgrc/s640/DSC01205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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in the above image I have marked the track - in red - we had taken up till this point.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />if you look closely in the above image (at the top) you will see the water buffalo that just stood there as we passed by it on the track.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">we managed to get past the road machinary ..... somehow!!<br /><br />I think this is where I fell as I was scrambling over the 'wheel track' to get past it. It looks easy here, but it wasn't!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and down to the river we went .....</span><br />
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... and yes, crossing the 'wobbly' bridge ..... this was the first of four!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">magical scenery eh?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Other blog posts on our journey in and around Sapa, Hanoi and Halong Bay are as follows:</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PREVIOUS BLOG POSTS - on our visit to Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa<br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-not-judge-book-by-its-cover.html">Blog posting on the Royal Palace Hotel. </a></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_208623382"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/madness-of-hanoi-traffic.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blog posting on the madness of Hanoi traffic. </span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/humble-motorcycle.html">Blog posting on the humble motorcycle </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/local-coffee-shop-in-hanoi.html">Blog posting on the local coffee shops of Hanoi. </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/on-way-to-halong-bay.html">Blog posting on the way to Halong Bay </a></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-aboard.html"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blog posting on our arrival onboard the Dragons Pearl</span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/fruit-and-vegetable-carving.html">Blog posting on the kayaking </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/fruit-and-vegetable-carving.html">Blog posting on the vegetable and fruit carving</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/magical-dinner.html">Blog posting on the Magical Dinner! </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/paddling-around-in-bamboo-boat.html">Blog posting on the Bamboo Boat </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/halong-bay-fishing-village.html">Blog posting on the Fishing Village</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/hurry-up-village.html">Blog posting on the Yen Duc Village </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/st-josephs-cathedral-in-hanoi.html">Blog posting on the St Josephs Church of Hanoi</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/koto-know-one-teach-one.html">Blog posting on the KOTO Restaurant </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/by-train-from-hanoi-to-lao-cai.html">Blog posting on the overnight train journey </a></span></b><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/arriving-in-sapa.html"><span style="color: blue;">Blog posting on the arrival at Sapa</span></a></span></b></div>
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<b style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/market-in-sapa.html"><span style="color: blue;">Blog posting on the market in Sapa </span></a><br /><br /><br />HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR HANOI and SAPA AREA's:<br /></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.hanoiroyalpalacehotel.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Royal Palace Hotel<br />
</span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://indochina-junk.com/contact-us.aspx">IndoChina Junk Company </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://myaconsulting.vn/web/our-class/vegetable-and-fruit-carving-class/">Fruit and Vegetable carving classes (in Saigon) </a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://asiarecipe.com/carving.html">Fruit and Vegetable carving website (with recipes)</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://deadlyshow.com/creative-fruits-and-vegetable-carving-artworks/">Fruit and Vegetable carving (images)</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://orangefoamfinger.com/2011/09/01/halong-bay-floating-fishing-village/"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://orangefoamfinger.com/2011/09/01/halong-bay-floating-fishing-village/">OrangeFoamFingers trip to the Fishing Village</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seat61.com/index.html%20">The Man in SEAT 61</a> </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(website on train travel)</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Train Travel in VIetnam </span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://hanoikidstours.com/">HANOI KIDS</a>- </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">volunteer tour guides - hotel can organise if you book well ahead.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.koto.com.au/en/about-us/koto-hanoi">KOTO Restaurant</a></b> - <i>hotel can book a table for you. </i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TRIP ADVISOR </span></a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.xe.com/ucc/">CURRENCY EXCHANGE </a></span></b></div>
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<a href="mailto:booking@royalpalacehotelhanoi.com"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">email for Royal Palace Hotel</span></b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is just one of the many blog posts of our visit to Hanoi and beyond. </span></div>
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Since February 2012 we have started a new blog titled <br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b>Living in Regional Victoria</b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Borders2008_3-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hmong_people#cite_note-Borders2008-3"></a></sup></div>
Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-43188300766492344132012-09-17T07:37:00.000+08:002013-11-11T16:40:42.714+08:00by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai ......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Taking the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then the shuttle bus to Sapa sounds quite daunting for those not used to Asian travel. Am sure most people try and gather as much information as possible via Google or from friends that have possibly done the same trip in the past. We gathered what we could from TripAdvisor, a few travel blogs and then from the hotel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best way to get to Sapa is to take the
overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, then transfer the final
38 km (24 miles) from Lo Cai to Sapa by bus, car or
taxi. There are both daytime and
overnight sleeper trains between Hanoi & Lao Cai, and on the
sleeper trains you can use a regular Vietnamese
Railways soft or hard sleeper or choose from a whole range of
<a href="http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm#Hanoi_to_Sapa_by_luxury_tourist_train">privately-run
sleeping-cars</a> of a higher standard aimed at tourists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the best websites for any train travel in Asia is <a href="http://www.seat61.com/index.html"><b style="color: red;">SEAT 61</b> </a>..... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the page for Vietnam is titled <b><a href="http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm"><span style="color: red;">a beginner's guide to Train travel in Vietnam</span></a> . . . </b>you will find everything you need to know there. Some of the info I have lifted and placed here (in brief) but do suggest you take note of all the information located on his website.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we booked our hotel <b>- <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-not-judge-book-by-its-cover.html" style="color: red;">The Royal Palace Hotel</a> - </b>in Hanoi, we asked if they could suggest a Tour Company that could help us with a trip to Sapa and the overnight train. Within minutes they replied saying they could help us ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did not have any thought or idea as to who to use, so agreed. They came back with reasonable prices that included the overnight train, the trekking, the overnight homestay, the guide .. in fact, everything!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We then sent many emails asking different questions re the train, the type of trekking, if there would be a shower we could use etc... they answered all our questions without delay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our concerns - as with most Westerners - is the lack of privacy in a 4 berth cabin on the overnight train. But that was quickly sorted out as the hotel suggested we book the four berths both ways. We were so glad we did as we heard many tales from people on the train about noisy guests in the same cabin, or one young woman with three older men, etc .. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our train was to depart at about 9.00pm from Hanoi ..... so we went down to the reception desk and asked if they could organise a cab.... "all organised" we were told!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cab arrived and off we went. Would you believe the 'bell boy' of the hotel got on his motorcycle and followed us to the station, guided us through the crowds of people, organised our ticket to be stamped AND then took us all the way (crossing rail tracks) to our carriage AND onto the train to make sure we were in the correct cabin!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you book your ticket through any hotel or agency, the voucher that they
give to you is NOT the actual ticket you need to board the train, you have to
exchange that voucher against the real ticket at the railway station
(and, again, read that ticket carefully, errors are frequent)</span></div>
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<i style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">see following images from the train station to the cabin!</i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwIPIsDZsE4/TuigQJ8j1OI/AAAAAAAAPnw/B8XelqR5aEo/s1600/DSC01123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PwIPIsDZsE4/TuigQJ8j1OI/AAAAAAAAPnw/B8XelqR5aEo/s640/DSC01123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"> Hanoi Train Station</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_RTzblhaH4/TuigPSr8TYI/AAAAAAAAPno/EK5b8SMfIxc/s1600/DSC01125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u_RTzblhaH4/TuigPSr8TYI/AAAAAAAAPno/EK5b8SMfIxc/s640/DSC01125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bed_fWlynIQ/TuigVWg1-xI/AAAAAAAAPow/WTFBR-1kFUc/s1600/train-ticket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bed_fWlynIQ/TuigVWg1-xI/AAAAAAAAPow/WTFBR-1kFUc/s640/train-ticket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: blue;">Train ticket for Vietnam Railways.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember there are four trains per night going up to Lao Cai, you will need to know what train and what carriage you have been allocated. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guGCd_rLbLk/TuigV3edbhI/AAAAAAAAPo4/sV7F2JJWNpw/s1600/timetable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guGCd_rLbLk/TuigV3edbhI/AAAAAAAAPo4/sV7F2JJWNpw/s640/timetable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXV1lUJRY8/TuigQF3b4dI/AAAAAAAAPn4/tqPwz6jRlTg/s1600/DSC01127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXV1lUJRY8/TuigQF3b4dI/AAAAAAAAPn4/tqPwz6jRlTg/s640/DSC01127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KHocGWWxug/TuigRp_A7NI/AAAAAAAAPoI/1pO17racd40/s1600/DSC01128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KHocGWWxug/TuigRp_A7NI/AAAAAAAAPoI/1pO17racd40/s640/DSC01128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHcinvUK5FQ/TuigL2b9NeI/AAAAAAAAPm4/kXeCXSsnixc/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHcinvUK5FQ/TuigL2b9NeI/AAAAAAAAPm4/kXeCXSsnixc/s640/DSC_0004.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><b>above:</b> walking across the tracks at night to locate the correct train, carriage and cabin ....</i></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>below</b>: our cabin</span></i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYwowLqlKaM/TuigSt_MQJI/AAAAAAAAPoY/-_HMP7RI6SI/s1600/DSC01132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYwowLqlKaM/TuigSt_MQJI/AAAAAAAAPoY/-_HMP7RI6SI/s640/DSC01132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3q-0Ldi7TQ/TuigNOVz1AI/AAAAAAAAPnM/I47f5jmVmKk/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i3q-0Ldi7TQ/TuigNOVz1AI/AAAAAAAAPnM/I47f5jmVmKk/s640/DSC_0002.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pCZdyraUHk/TuigS_0zhbI/AAAAAAAAPoc/4vROV6fyjTI/s1600/DSC01135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1pCZdyraUHk/TuigS_0zhbI/AAAAAAAAPoc/4vROV6fyjTI/s640/DSC01135.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">There are ladies selling drinks, beer and snacks (from mobile carts) outside the carriages if you feel you need something on the train overnight. Though there is water in the cabin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It had been suggested we carry very little in the way of luggage, so we each
had a day pack. A good tip as there really is not a lot of room in the
train cabin. Especially if there were four people. The cabin locks securely from the inside, so security is not a problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had four water bottles, clean bed linen, bedding etc ..... not so sure about the floor of the cabin though .... would advise anyone to take 'slippers' (as in flip flops) so your bare feet do not touch the floor if you need to get up to use the toilet during the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We did not feel that it was cold, we had a comfortable cabin and the temperature was perfect. Though if you are traveling on the train, note that there are 16 vents (in the ceiling) blowing cold air into the cabin ... we shut down 14 of them. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQgBs4NUX-c/TuigLUpRNNI/AAAAAAAAPm0/lgI-3kzfKAE/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQgBs4NUX-c/TuigLUpRNNI/AAAAAAAAPm0/lgI-3kzfKAE/s640/DSC_0001.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is not easy to use the toilet as the train rattles along, but by being 'careful' and holding onto the rail ... it can be managed. We also suggest that you take some tissue with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had no trouble at all sleeping on the train.... yes, you can hear some people walking along the corridor (many people totally ignore the idea that others maybe trying to sleep) and yes, you can hear the rattle of the train .... but overall it is quite a good train trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We do suggest you take ear plugs or ear phones so you can listen to music (on your IPhone etc) as you drift off to sleep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The line
from Hanoi to Lao Cai
(296 klms) was built by the French and opened in 1910 as part of the Vietnam to
Kunming railway. The Lao Cai to Kunming section is currently
out of commission following landslides in 2002. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Set your alarm for 4.30am .... yes, FOUR THIRTY in the morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The train pulls into Lao Cai at about 5.00am and you will only have about 5 minutes to get ready, packed and off the train. Some carriages (ours was the Orient Express) have train staff on board to offer tea or coffee ( a private enterprise perhaps?) and they will come along banging on the doors to wake you, also giving you time to have one of their cups of tea / coffee!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrmd0CQ5rUs/TuigN-AAHYI/AAAAAAAAPnU/g0hGTc6Z-Fc/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrmd0CQ5rUs/TuigN-AAHYI/AAAAAAAAPnU/g0hGTc6Z-Fc/s640/DSC_0009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enE72S99kl8/TuigOUwQnlI/AAAAAAAAPnc/heMuWqWy35w/s1600/DSC_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enE72S99kl8/TuigOUwQnlI/AAAAAAAAPnc/heMuWqWy35w/s640/DSC_0010.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It will be dark when you alight, but follow the other passengers to the exit point and remember to have your train ticket ready to hand to the gate staff. <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully your shuttle bus / cab / bus etc is waiting for you at this point ... we were very lucky as we had booked through the hotel and we could guarantee someone would be waiting for us ... and yes .... there was our shuttle bus and driver ready to take us on the 38 klm journey to Sapa .... </span></div>
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<i style="color: blue;"><b>Below</b>: Lao Cai Train Station early morning.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRwa-n0QfgE/TuigPfEqi8I/AAAAAAAAPns/Z3u7xv-iht4/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRwa-n0QfgE/TuigPfEqi8I/AAAAAAAAPns/Z3u7xv-iht4/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRwa-n0QfgE/TuigPfEqi8I/AAAAAAAAPns/Z3u7xv-iht4/s640/DSC_0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember to only pack a small bag for your trip to Sapa and the train journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Take camera!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take a flashlight / torch (there are lights are on the train though)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Take ear plugs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe eye shades too?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Dress comfortably. Loose clothing is best.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pack toilet tissue</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 11px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Slippers (light flip flops) for over night on the train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Music on your IPhone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Playing cards perhaps.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Do not hand your train ticket to anyone but designated station staff only.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">the following maybe helpful to you, and is from the SEAT 61 website:</span></b></i></span><br />
<h2 style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 26px;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3706338710842843554" name="Hanoi_to_Sapa_by_luxury_tourist_train">Hanoi to Sapa by privately-run tourist sleeping-car</a>...</b></span></i></h2>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 22px; margin-top: 11px;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
You may prefer to take a privately-run sleeping car to Lao Cai for
Sapa. In addition to the normal Vietnamese Railways sleepers &
seats, overnight trains SP1-SP8 between Hanoi & Lao Cai convey a
bewildering range of privately-run deluxe sleeping-cars for
tourists. <br /><br />If you want extra comfort & cleanliness and don't
mind paying a bit more, go for one of these private cars as they're
all significantly better than the regular Vietnamese Railways
sleepers.</span></i></div>
<h2 style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 11px;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
Fanxipan, Sapaly Express, King, Livitrans,
Orient Express,
Tulico, Ratraco, TSC, Friendly, Royal, Hara... </span></i></h2>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
All these private operators offer berths in shared First Class
4-berth sleepers, and a few also offer a handful of VIP 2-berth
sleepers (though if these have sold out you can always pay for all 4
berths in a 4-berth if you like, the price works out pretty much the
same). The sleepers all
have air-conditioning, fresh clean bedding, complimentary mineral
water and snacks, and clean western-style toilets. These
private sleepers are all very comfortable, just
remember that this is still Vietnam with Vietnamese standards,
you'll enjoy the trip more if you don't turn up with unrealistic
expectations of 5-star western-style luxury for $35! <br /><br />Most of these
private tourist sleeping-cars run attached to train SP1/SP2, though
one or two (TSC and Sapaly) are
attached to SP3/SP4 and Livitrans cars are attached to SP7/SP8.</span></i></div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 8px;">
</div>
<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 11px; margin-top: 11px;">
<i><b>Can I buy all 4 berths
in a compartment to have a room to ourselves?</b> Yes, if you
insist, if the very few 2-berth VIP compartments are all sold out as
they often are. But
meeting fellow tourists and talking over a beer into the night
is great fun. Would I recommend paying double to miss
all the fun and sit in glorious isolation? No!</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 11px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(we were happy we booked the four berths to ourselves, everyone has their own thoughts on this though)<i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
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<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://orangefoamfinger.com/2011/09/01/halong-bay-floating-fishing-village/">OrangeFoamFingers trip to the Fishing Village</a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.seat61.com/index.html%20">The Man in SEAT 61</a> </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(website on train travel)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.seat61.com/Vietnam.htm"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Train Travel in VIetnam </span></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://hanoikidstours.com/">HANOI KIDS</a>- </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">volunteer tour guides - hotel can organise if you book well ahead.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.koto.com.au/en/about-us/koto-hanoi">KOTO Restaurant</a></b> - <i>hotel can book a table for you. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:booking@royalpalacehotelhanoi.com"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">email for Royal Palace Hotel</span></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So stay tuned for more updates!!</span></b></span></div>
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Since February 2012 we have started a new blog titled <br />
<a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b>Living in Regional Victoria</b></a></div>
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-84900398833247291442012-08-09T19:59:00.000+08:002012-08-09T19:59:57.450+08:00our other blog is ........<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Been a bit slack with this blog, but will have some new blog posts coming up soon. In the meantime do check our other blog titled <a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b>LIVING IN REGIONAL VICTORIA </b></a>where I have been documenting our move back to Australia and in particular living in Regional Victoria!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />So I guess we have not been that slack, just diverted to other events in our life at this time.<br /><br />We have been back in Australia now for nearly six months, and cannot believe that it has flown by so quick.<br /><br />Anyway, just popping in to say Hello and do check out our new blog about living in Regional Victoria, Australia!<br /></span><br />
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<br /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-49996099619435058562012-07-22T13:18:00.000+08:002014-07-29T14:47:13.886+08:00Leslie Norman KRAUSE (1896 - 1917)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Leslie Norman KRAUSE</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">born 1896</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Richmond, Victoria, Australia</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">to John Thomas KRAUSE and Eliza Jane BARTRAM</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This blog post has been updated and moved to:<br /><br /><a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/leslie-norman-krause-1896-1917.html">HERE</a></b></span></span></div>
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-21790501414513077492012-05-31T07:33:00.000+08:002012-05-31T07:33:58.653+08:00the Kampong Glam area of Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The area's name is derived from two Malay words, <i>Kampong,</i> meaning "village" or "settlement", and <i>Glam</i> (or <i>Gelam</i>) referring to a variety of eucalyptus which grew in the area. <br /><br />Its bark was used by boat builders in the village to caulk boats while its leaves provided cajuput oil which could be used to treat muscular aches and pains, as well as respiratory problems.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TGx4Mpy0roI/AAAAAAAAFvU/a8O3czUOWyc/s1600/DSC_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_o47PZo0_Y8g/TGx4Mpy0roI/AAAAAAAAFvU/a8O3czUOWyc/s640/DSC_0143.jpg" width="379" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Today, Kampong Glam still retains strong ties to the ethnic-Malay and Muslim community, and has sometimes been termed the "Muslim Quarter" due to its history. The Muslim population still remains a significant presence in Kampong Glam, especially in Bussorah Street. The area remains a centre for Muslim activities and the Sultan Mosque remains a major landmark and congregation point for Singapore Muslims.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kampong Glam is Singapore's Arabic/Muslim quarter and therefore is the best place in Singapore to explore bazaars and markets with an Arabic tinge to them. If you're a shisha (water pipe) fan then this is where to come. Hindi influences also exist here and you'll find an impressive-looking Hindu temple. Also in the area, the Singapore Bazaar and Flea Market both sell cheap attire and are fun places to visit. <br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Kampong Glam's restaurants stand out from the rest of Singapore's with their exotic menus and eastern influences.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><a href="http://www-singapore.com/kampong-glam.htm#ixzz14bAdJPeb" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Friday we had lunch with friends at Amirah's Grill, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but there are many wonderful restaurants and cafes in and around Arab St or Bussorah St.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the blog posting on our lunch, click <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2010/11/lunch-at-amirahs-grill.html">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">after our lunch we wandered around the area taking loads of photos of the Shop houses and all the colourful products that are on sale!<br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the Shop houses of Singapore, there are so many. But equally there are many that are not 'cared for' which really is a shame as these can also be a 'tourist attraction' for these area's.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The maintenance costs must be fairly sizable, but I still think a coat of paint, a few bits of timber and maybe a few nails ... shouldn't cost too much, but the result would certainly brighten up some of these shop houses that are in desperate need.</span></div>
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</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will have to do another blog post I think just on the Shop Houses of Singapore!!<br /><br />enjoy your wander around the Arab Quarters, there is much to experience.</span></span></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-36427353629983742742012-05-23T14:10:00.001+08:002012-12-17T15:47:19.661+08:00memories of Oscar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlmSxBvCNXk/T7x5itN_9gI/AAAAAAAASps/rwOFlIxnuzI/s400/OCT+7+2006.jpg" width="312" /> </div>
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<i>above: Janine took this image of Oscar on 7th Oct 2006 </i></div>
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memories of Oscar </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">our very special little boy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">28 March 1998 - 23 May 2012<br /><br /><br />We lost a special friend today
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />the kind you can't replace,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />and looking at his empty bed
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We still can see his smiling face.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
We see the endless energy <br />the sparkling puppy eyes,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Not the tired, fragile friend
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />we had to bid goodbye.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
We know he's in a special place <br />our Lord has for such friends,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Where meadows, fields & flowers
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />help make them strong and whole again.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />We will remember how he'd run to us
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />to play his favorite puppy game,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />And how his ears would perk right up
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />When he heard us call his name.</span>
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<span style="font-size: small;">But as those precious years went by <br />And we all aged and grew,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
we found him often slowing down <br />But we had still so much to do.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />We have noticed in the recent times
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />His ears were not as sharp,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Where is that running ball of fur
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The years have shown their mark.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />He started sleeping next to us
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Was this his special clue,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Because he felt the end was near
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />We certainly feel that it was very true
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;">
Our Oscar was a special boy <br />
We know he gave his best, <br />But as we looked deep into his eyes
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
we knew it was the time for him to rest.<br /><br />It will truly be a struggle
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
we don't know how we will face each day, <br />
we have to let him go - we know <br />But in our hearts he'll always stay.
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />This special place our Lord has made
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Health and strength, wait for him there,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />So with our very special friend
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
we are sending all our prayers.<br /><br />For we know he's watching over us
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />and he'll be with us when we cry,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />So with one more kiss on his beloved head
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
we told our darling boy </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">goodbye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: small;">the above is very much the same I wrote out for <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2009/01/memories-of-zac.html"><b>Zac</b></a> and also for <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/my-pokey-boy.html"><b>Pokey.</b></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_2aBIjYGjI/T7x4iuKgfLI/AAAAAAAASpU/wcG3fvvQDjs/s1600/Oscar12+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_2aBIjYGjI/T7x4iuKgfLI/AAAAAAAASpU/wcG3fvvQDjs/s400/Oscar12+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVvUqQeD9sA/T7x4ffUR5KI/AAAAAAAASpM/ioNb8PGfJQM/s400/Oscar8.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">above: when Oscar was just a tiny little puppy<br /></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oscars brother – Pokey
- was born in January 1997. </span></span>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then in <b>March 1998</b>, along came Oscar. But sadly 5
days after he and his 3 siblings were born, their mother – Sugar - passed away.
Oscar was 55 grams in weight ....that is the weight of one medium sized egg! </span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These
four little five day old puppies ...... what to do? Even the Vet said
they would not survive. But with the love and care devoted upon them, they
survived ... each and everyone of them.<br />
<br />
</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Yes, Oscar is a
fighter, his true name is Sugar Ray Robinson (one of the great boxers of all
time [1921-1989]) and as with all four puppies, they were named after a famous
'fighter'.</span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>1999</b> both Pokey and Oscar were sterilized <br />
</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>2002</b> we took Oscar and Pokey on a 12 mths holiday traveling all over Australia.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6h8r0Rg9Q24/T7x4VPGiP5I/AAAAAAAASpE/OgxHqhJRgaU/s400/in+motorhome.jpg" width="296" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">above: in 2002, he used Pokey when he needed some extra height </span></i><span style="color: #663366;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">to see outside the motorhome </span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>2005</b> he had an eye infection and had to have major surgery to have the lens replaced in his eye.</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>2007</b> both Pokey and Oscar flew to Singapore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>2009</b> he pulled one of his nails out when it caught in his collar, more surgery!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmixxcCySDA/T7x4nwoDWbI/AAAAAAAASpc/fTgiVi1AStw/s1600/sore-foot-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmixxcCySDA/T7x4nwoDWbI/AAAAAAAASpc/fTgiVi1AStw/s400/sore-foot-1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In <b>2011</b> he lost his brother Pokey on 7th July and he grieved more than we thought was possible.</span><br />
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks later we took
him to the vet and he was diagnosed with Pituatary Dependent
Hyperadrenocorticism. (Cushings Disease) and a month later they found he
also had
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
Congestive Heart Failure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He started off on his medication twice a day, but over the past month it was increased to three times a day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In <b>December 2011</b> we applied for a permit for his re entry into Australia and this was declined due to his health and age.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We
wrote a long letter to AQIS (Australian Quarantine) explaining a bit
more about Oscar and that he was a fighter and that he would survive the
flight, but could possible struggle with the 30 days of Quarantine. But
we were willing to take the risk as we felt he would be OK.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">30 minutes later, we rec'd the permit and he was allowed to return to Australia!<br />
<br />
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He left Singapore on <b>21st February 2012</b> and arrived the following morning at the AQIS station in Spotswood where he stayed for the full 30 days.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-eaI3k4RGg/T7x37jaQxwI/AAAAAAAASog/7dWIXiPrGWY/s1600/Oscar-March-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-eaI3k4RGg/T7x37jaQxwI/AAAAAAAASog/7dWIXiPrGWY/s400/Oscar-March-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #663366;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">above: running around while in Quarantine at Spotswood.<br /></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eachsjPs1I/T10hiEIvOAI/AAAAAAAAQlI/6dK_vofFpNA/s1600/DSC02486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eachsjPs1I/T10hiEIvOAI/AAAAAAAAQlI/6dK_vofFpNA/s400/DSC02486.jpg" width="282" /><br /><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">above: with John when he was in Quarantine</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3eachsjPs1I/T10hiEIvOAI/AAAAAAAAQlI/6dK_vofFpNA/s1600/DSC02486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">He
was very happy to be back with us and settled in very well. We knew we
wouldn't have him forever and the vet thought he might survive till mid
April .... but we managed to have him for a full two months at home.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We brought him home to Ballan on 23 March.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhK-0n5xqqI/T7x4BC2JDGI/AAAAAAAASow/zYKxHZngqs0/s1600/May5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fhK-0n5xqqI/T7x4BC2JDGI/AAAAAAAASow/zYKxHZngqs0/s400/May5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbbTZk4HYOs/T6T1Nfmb_1I/AAAAAAAASP0/EXJkcEVdefE/s1600/DSC03086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MbbTZk4HYOs/T6T1Nfmb_1I/AAAAAAAASP0/EXJkcEVdefE/s400/DSC03086.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">above: last month he got to go to Blackwood again where he used to chase lizards </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">with his brother Pokey.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of his favourite
things to do was "get in the car". It was such a novelty for him to be
able to travel around and he loved it. The minute we picked up the keys,
he was waiting at the front door!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
On Sunday (20 May) he was chasing the Magpies outside, on Monday (21
May) he traveled with us in the car to Bendigo for the day. On Monday
evening his breathing became erratic and through the course of the night
we realised his time was coming to an end.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeoxtQXlpBQ/T7x36C6bHvI/AAAAAAAASoU/HqQEe43OZYs/s1600/May22-12noon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XeoxtQXlpBQ/T7x36C6bHvI/AAAAAAAASoU/HqQEe43OZYs/s640/May22-12noon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">above: photo taken yesterday at 12 noon</span></i></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> as he lay in the lounge room in the sunshine</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />Yesterday (22 May) he really struggled with his breathing, one minute hyperventilating and the next 'shallow breathing'. I was too selfish to take him to the vet after what we went though with Pokey, but at 3.15am this morning while I was nursing him in the lounge ..... I knew we had no choice but to call the vet as soon as we got up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We took him back to bed with us and we held him till he closed his eyes at 6:10am this morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Letting him go was the hardest thing I have
ever done in my life, unbearably difficult. He was my friend. A special friend I will never
forget. I know we were really lucky to have had him
for so long, possibly more than his fair share of life expectancy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jzkAOTf6A/T7x3593dwDI/AAAAAAAASoM/j-4gQFGRbqI/s1600/May22-10.40am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jzkAOTf6A/T7x3593dwDI/AAAAAAAASoM/j-4gQFGRbqI/s640/May22-10.40am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">above: John took this photo yesterday - Tuesday 22 May 2012</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rest in Peace </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oscar </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">(Sugar Ray Robinson), </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">you fought the good fight right till the end.<br /><br />we all loved you so much</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">you were one very special little dog</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">there will never be another like you.</span></span></div>
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Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com8Ballan VIC 3342, Australia-37.5996875 144.2260544-37.700332 144.0681259 -37.499043 144.3839829tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-13440523290756381432012-05-21T16:19:00.000+08:002012-05-21T16:19:56.978+08:00Art at the Merrill Lynch HarbourFront Place, Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our walk towards HarbourFront ... we came across the Bank of America Merrill Lynch building. At the base there is a delightful 'set of glass, steel flowers' in a reflective pool all completely lit by natural light.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmOxFB6S4kg/TdiB8nmHxzI/AAAAAAAAJTE/7lPCwuyZzBA/s1600/reflections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmOxFB6S4kg/TdiB8nmHxzI/AAAAAAAAJTE/7lPCwuyZzBA/s640/reflections.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I often see photographic opportunities when I don't have the camera - as we all do - which is rather frustrating, but did have it with me this time .... then wished I had the tripod as these 'glass flowers' were swaying in the breeze. I still managed to capture a few of them though.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkTvGIoDrw/TdiB4HT0SxI/AAAAAAAAJSc/VKfgXeaYKJU/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1GkTvGIoDrw/TdiB4HT0SxI/AAAAAAAAJSc/VKfgXeaYKJU/s640/DSC_0013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is an art glass installation consisting of large glass flower forms supported on metal stems that grace an office building’s reflection pond. The flowers stand more than two meters high, are 80cm in diameter and exposed to the equatorial weather conditions.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDDT5WvetA/TdiB5FkvcbI/AAAAAAAAJSo/wFLMFEaf9RI/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-opDDT5WvetA/TdiB5FkvcbI/AAAAAAAAJSo/wFLMFEaf9RI/s640/DSC_0030.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0aTmS8BvtE/TdiB4g9CtVI/AAAAAAAAJSk/pbsC4D7_ZtQ/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0aTmS8BvtE/TdiB4g9CtVI/AAAAAAAAJSk/pbsC4D7_ZtQ/s640/DSC_0026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pipes and services were effectively concealed below the raised pavers installed beneath water level. The unbroken mirror images in the water of colourful glass sculptures lit only by natural light from the glass ceiling above create an attractive reflective pool.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYxUP0XG3UQ/TdiB5mxDlHI/AAAAAAAAJSw/fxoXWUNFnSo/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYxUP0XG3UQ/TdiB5mxDlHI/AAAAAAAAJSw/fxoXWUNFnSo/s640/DSC_0034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lU3tKfrAtaE/TdiB6rtzmiI/AAAAAAAAJS4/1gFJKDUHn-E/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lU3tKfrAtaE/TdiB6rtzmiI/AAAAAAAAJS4/1gFJKDUHn-E/s640/DSC_0042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl_fOSRi_dQ/TdiB7GZOiuI/AAAAAAAAJTA/NeNi_0oNTdM/s1600/one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tl_fOSRi_dQ/TdiB7GZOiuI/AAAAAAAAJTA/NeNi_0oNTdM/s640/one.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The glass and stainless steel flowers installation at the Merrill Lynch HarbourFront Place, Singapore were created by <a href="http://www.artglasssolutions.com/website/projects/enchanting">Art Glass Solutions Pte Ltd</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Art at the Merrill Lynch HarbourFront Place, Singapore</span></span></div>
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</div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-352979658526983112012-05-21T15:55:00.001+08:002012-05-21T15:55:20.292+08:00life is about trust<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is all about Trust</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS4eqB64PE/T7nwTSqifzI/AAAAAAAASks/ObLzfYGG6Cc/s1600/Trust-Me-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIS4eqB64PE/T7nwTSqifzI/AAAAAAAASks/ObLzfYGG6Cc/s400/Trust-Me-main.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TRUST </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in relationships </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TRUST </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in people </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TRUST </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in business</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it's sad when others don't abide by this</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and some don't even deserve to be in business</span></div>
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<i><br /></i><br />
<i>“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth
and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for
a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.
Think of it--always.”
<br /> ―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4467789.Mahatma_Gandhi">Mahatma Gandhi</a></i><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-60137346066985259272012-05-11T15:26:00.000+08:002012-05-11T15:26:35.720+08:00our visit to Olympia - Ancient Greece<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">appropriate to re-post this as the Olympic Torch left Olympia yesterday on its way to London .....<br /><br />Olympia Greece was the site of the ancient Olympic Games, which were celebrated every four years by the Greeks. Olympia was situated in a valley in Elis, in western Peloponnisos (Peloponnesus), through which runs the Alpheus River. <br />
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It was not a town, but only a sanctuary with buildings associated with games and the worship of the gods. Olympia was a national shrine of the Greeks and contained many treasures of Greek art, such as temples, monuments, altars, theaters, statues, and votive offerings of brass and marble. The Altis, or sacred precinct, enclosed a level space about 200 m (about 660 ft) long by nearly 177 m (nearly 580 ft) broad. In this were the chief centers of religious worship, the votive buildings, and buildings associated with the administration of the games.<br /></span><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br />Katakolon - where our ship docked - is the gateway to Olympia, where the ancient Greeks flocked every four years for more than a millennium to celebrate the sacred games dedicated to Zeus.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br />We arrived there on April 1st ..... and drove through the town - of Katakolon - to reach Olympia on a rather wet Friday morning. But it did not last long and the rest of the day was beautiful, though cool.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br />The French began excavations here in 1829. German explorations of 1875-81 threw much light upon the plans of the buildings; they were resumed in 1936, 1952, and 1960-61. Many valuable objects were discovered, the most important of which was a statue of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, by Praxiteles.<br /></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br />it was a perfect time of year to visit as it was not too crowded and there was evidence that spring had arrived!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">more on Olympia in the next blog post.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">This blog post <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/05/arrival-into-katakolon-in-greece.html">HERE</a> is of our arrival </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">into Katakolon in Greece.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">stay tuned as I have many more blog posts on our </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">recent 22 day cruise of the Mediterranean!</span></div>
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</span></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-35768391772114389822012-05-11T15:24:00.000+08:002012-05-11T15:24:14.164+08:00how to blow your Baht in Bangkok!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> dare I say that shopping in Bangkok </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">might surpass shopping in Singapore?</span><br /><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bangkok.com/shopping.htm">Shopping in Bangkok</a> is an experience to thrill and delight the most discerning of shoppers - whatever it is you're looking for. From the gleaming chrome and towering size of modern, air-conditioned malls, to the hustle and bustle of its famously buzzing street markets, Bangkok has all kinds of places to blow your baht. With everything from antiquities and the latest pair of trainers to designer jewellery available, Bangkok has an equally exhaustive, and potentially exhausting, variety of things to buy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To get around Bangkok for shopping is quite easy, one can go by taxi or even quicker would be by train to most shopping malls or perhaps the local Tuk Tuk? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the train stations there are many safe walkways that link with the shopping centre's as seen here:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rjblDQ166Xl0jTU6ImKBmYnOPV6B0eGJBwQDm_KcScyrGx_IikOwjBSoWyA819Pz-TmNCKnYMf623WZeQLQKSg_qzumGsnAM726zbZOq7SerxG_HR2NZsQtXl0L6aRTohnWFfre5G7A/s1600/shopping-four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rjblDQ166Xl0jTU6ImKBmYnOPV6B0eGJBwQDm_KcScyrGx_IikOwjBSoWyA819Pz-TmNCKnYMf623WZeQLQKSg_qzumGsnAM726zbZOq7SerxG_HR2NZsQtXl0L6aRTohnWFfre5G7A/s640/shopping-four.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are also many websites dedicated to shopping in Bangkok, one of them being <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-top10-experiences.htm">The Top Ten Shopping Experiences.</a> It lists markets, shopping malls, after dark shopping, the flower markets and street shopping. There are so many shopping malls and you will always find 'something' for yourself, then there is the 'street shopping' too..... and don't worry about 'rest time' as there is always a Starbucks somewhere close by in Bangkok!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUXfzjGCfinFfqDodKBu0oru4vuT5e0XrtCDiSNt1QaBFzeoeFuKRXeKBfz6hQQdu3XNVeZOp2bROdK0KqzmrFCZlJlJ8UoJ12ibnB4Cel8bEsuPT5jjLlUs829lF0C5M0soPCuotUJE/s1600/shopping-three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUXfzjGCfinFfqDodKBu0oru4vuT5e0XrtCDiSNt1QaBFzeoeFuKRXeKBfz6hQQdu3XNVeZOp2bROdK0KqzmrFCZlJlJ8UoJ12ibnB4Cel8bEsuPT5jjLlUs829lF0C5M0soPCuotUJE/s640/shopping-three.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you're looking for fabric for a new outfit or curtains, or ready-made gift items for your loved ones at home, you'll be thrilled with the endless selection Bangkok has to offer. Everything from shimmering Thai silk and pure cottons to exotic batik sarongs are readily available at Pahurat Textile Market, Thailand's largest fabric market, Silom Village and many other markets and mall outlets. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDTr5yEnqrKzYqN1so4HEbRoGxv7tPc9ZyR1zd-qqSuKaMHfxAttCcXKDCfcOf-eotfv30hoQ0lOWQSYc_7KhrCPb35lGXdmJ-OPeHS_2IlZWrbIg4kImVGiMWTD6dFIS6J-iFFEKMEQ/s1600/shopping-six.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDTr5yEnqrKzYqN1so4HEbRoGxv7tPc9ZyR1zd-qqSuKaMHfxAttCcXKDCfcOf-eotfv30hoQ0lOWQSYc_7KhrCPb35lGXdmJ-OPeHS_2IlZWrbIg4kImVGiMWTD6dFIS6J-iFFEKMEQ/s640/shopping-six.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPAl48nyuYbfaIFOOVUgOPNa_c6wKGnqEXmpyQS0yZAvm1r68iVazHm7OIS3MMqyarg4cN81jRMQXNQbwy_cxl67OpljetY7h5bhjw7xYylEk_3Drfu7tC0f0OqiRWlc0voYyrtZI3xM/s1600/shopping-seven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPAl48nyuYbfaIFOOVUgOPNa_c6wKGnqEXmpyQS0yZAvm1r68iVazHm7OIS3MMqyarg4cN81jRMQXNQbwy_cxl67OpljetY7h5bhjw7xYylEk_3Drfu7tC0f0OqiRWlc0voYyrtZI3xM/s640/shopping-seven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unique in its own right, Pahurat or 'Little India' (near Chinatown) is not so little when it comes to variety. Cotton, chiffon, linen, satin, silk and velvet come in all sizes and colours. Even if you're not looking to buy fabric, Pahurat is still quite a feast for the eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think most people used to go to <a href="http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-fabric-textiles.htm">Bangkok for the fabrics</a>, especially the Thai Silk and yes, this still is the case, but Bangkok is by far, a lot more than just the Silk Fabrics.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGmJDMaj21P0xgCNNB61SOLfo0eWT4Nf-2ZSK1Fo1Q5F6BhL5RIXXf5-FXN5aZD0Y3toaa_owOs0ocIufIhAZeO1cGFKZqudlxs2mt-i1xPX3nfCW6KRfUo7qQwzIka_vnaHtLize7UA/s1600/shopping-five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGmJDMaj21P0xgCNNB61SOLfo0eWT4Nf-2ZSK1Fo1Q5F6BhL5RIXXf5-FXN5aZD0Y3toaa_owOs0ocIufIhAZeO1cGFKZqudlxs2mt-i1xPX3nfCW6KRfUo7qQwzIka_vnaHtLize7UA/s640/shopping-five.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Antiques and Crafts are just so beautiful too and well worth checking out ... if not for purchase, then certainly to view them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With skills that are passed down for generations, the art of Thai crafts has long been a reflection of Thai people's creativity and ingenuity. The intricate detail and meticulous methods is a display of inventiveness, and the elaborate designs proof of perseverance. Moreover, the abundance of natural materials such as wicker, palm leaves, rattan and coconuts make it possible for Thais to produce beautiful and inexpensive handicrafts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and supermarket shopping too ...... large, clean supermarkets with wide aisles and not crowded either!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> dare I say that shopping in Bangkok </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">might surpass shopping in Singapore?</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">previous blog post was </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/05/traveling-on-bts-skytrain-bangkok.html">traveling by train in Bangkok</a></span></div>
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</div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-14090155948135988482012-05-07T10:16:00.002+08:002012-05-07T11:45:24.311+08:00my daily medication<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">sometimes we all need a dose of this medication ...</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnyqeFpC_xw/T6cvFWEh7UI/AAAAAAAASWU/96K19h2Vejw/s1600/Medication+of+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lnyqeFpC_xw/T6cvFWEh7UI/AAAAAAAASWU/96K19h2Vejw/s640/Medication+of+life.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> full of natural goodness .... no chemicals at all. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <a href="http://lifereflexology.blogspot.com.au/">Thanks for the reminder LifeReflexology!</a></span><br />
<br /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-45709527438985982242012-05-07T09:11:00.000+08:002012-05-07T09:11:38.973+08:00Wow! Wow! Triple Wow !!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;">OK ... yes I did get carried away a bit there ....... but rightly so and for good reason. Recently we were very privileged to see Singapore's great icon up close and personal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have watched this baby grow from its embryonic stage up till the day of opening, and everything else since ...... yes, I am talking about MARINA BAY SANDS - SINGAPORE.<br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZKUqyXYJM/Tsj-5VcuSyI/AAAAAAAAOiE/pZDsdFe0XTM/s1600/Before+building+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="339" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGZKUqyXYJM/Tsj-5VcuSyI/AAAAAAAAOiE/pZDsdFe0XTM/s640/Before+building+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> image off the Internet / local forum</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We
arrived in Singapore at the beginning of February 2007 when it was virtually
just a very large dirt patch with many, many cranes and other large
working machinery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following image was taken in October 2007 from near the Merlion stands! <br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SnZCrD5IFQ/Tsj_AR9LlJI/AAAAAAAAOiU/v3pSvWXWDgk/s1600/OCT+2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SnZCrD5IFQ/Tsj_AR9LlJI/AAAAAAAAOiU/v3pSvWXWDgk/s640/OCT+2007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The following image would have been taken in 2008..... photographer not known as it was taken off the Internet and there was no mention of when or by whom.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P127mh6_ANI/Tsj-82-9tJI/AAAAAAAAOiM/IsGrLkdKDXA/s1600/Marina+Bay+Sands+Construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P127mh6_ANI/Tsj-82-9tJI/AAAAAAAAOiM/IsGrLkdKDXA/s640/Marina+Bay+Sands+Construction.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> image off the Internet / local forum</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Below you can see the original "Google Earth View" showing the area pre - MBS days!</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7iNIqN-IxI/Tsj55Vb0v3I/AAAAAAAAOhc/amXLsBCDWqQ/s1600/map-of-bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O7iNIqN-IxI/Tsj55Vb0v3I/AAAAAAAAOhc/amXLsBCDWqQ/s640/map-of-bay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">By August 2009 - the three towers were standing proud and would soon be ready for the top section to be installed. Images taken from The Fullerton Hotel.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps-v4ui3mag/Tsj5BOJctbI/AAAAAAAAOg8/m07-PQdWOuE/s1600/AUG-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ps-v4ui3mag/Tsj5BOJctbI/AAAAAAAAOg8/m07-PQdWOuE/s640/AUG-2009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--boB2mGeC-c/Tsj3u5kZq9I/AAAAAAAAOc4/ok_aKJAuRZY/s1600/AUG-2009-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--boB2mGeC-c/Tsj3u5kZq9I/AAAAAAAAOc4/ok_aKJAuRZY/s640/AUG-2009-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Marina Bay Sands was officially opened with a two-day celebration </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">on June 23 2010</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> at 3.18 pm, after a partial opening (which included the casino) on
27 April 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-8"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Bay_Sands#cite_note-8"></a></sup></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztjd53HLTWY/Tsj1ts-RjWI/AAAAAAAAOY0/wovSHW_tnfw/s1600/DSC_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ztjd53HLTWY/Tsj1ts-RjWI/AAAAAAAAOY0/wovSHW_tnfw/s640/DSC_0134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sf2jWAU2jQA/Tsj1rGa8HMI/AAAAAAAAOYU/H3pRLBUExc4/s1600/DSC_0111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sf2jWAU2jQA/Tsj1rGa8HMI/AAAAAAAAOYU/H3pRLBUExc4/s640/DSC_0111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The opening was spectacular ... well it was from the North side of Marina Bay where I had planted myself to take all the wonderful photos I was hoping to be able to take!!<br /><br />I was there to see the magic that MBS was creating on that special night and loved every minute of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So you can understand why my excitement was back when I was invited to view Marina Bay Sands "up close and personal". I will be blogging about the 'experience' over a period of time as there is more to MBS than it being "just a hotel" or as some may think "it's only a Casino" .... believe me, the magic of Marina Bay Sands is way beyond what I could ever have imagined and I seriously want to share everything about the experience with my readers.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFoe3QQx3-g/Tsj1oF2l1OI/AAAAAAAAOXc/_F-M5qIMboI/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFoe3QQx3-g/Tsj1oF2l1OI/AAAAAAAAOXc/_F-M5qIMboI/s640/DSC_0056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Marina Bay Sands is certainly a major icon on the Singapore scene ... everywhere you look around the horizon, you are sure to see a part of MBS somewhere.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qdWkSyolVs/Tsj1vnUZsmI/AAAAAAAAOZc/ha0PiLD-hww/s1600/DSC_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qdWkSyolVs/Tsj1vnUZsmI/AAAAAAAAOZc/ha0PiLD-hww/s640/DSC_0214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yS75s9q-I00/Tsj3z6ul9qI/AAAAAAAAOeM/mEMLKr593wI/s1600/DSC_0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yS75s9q-I00/Tsj3z6ul9qI/AAAAAAAAOeM/mEMLKr593wI/s640/DSC_0452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLz0QQzcKyI/Tsj30KK8DDI/AAAAAAAAOeY/nx2DOKx-_is/s1600/DSC_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLz0QQzcKyI/Tsj30KK8DDI/AAAAAAAAOeY/nx2DOKx-_is/s640/DSC_0459.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjnjY5fYKmc/Tsj5dWijqRI/AAAAAAAAOhE/uK95mteKNyc/s1600/DSC01243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjnjY5fYKmc/Tsj5dWijqRI/AAAAAAAAOhE/uK95mteKNyc/s640/DSC01243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5iAedZBdw/Tsj1YmwAL4I/AAAAAAAAOWM/AOJcHRyjzow/s1600/AUG202011b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cz5iAedZBdw/Tsj1YmwAL4I/AAAAAAAAOWM/AOJcHRyjzow/s640/AUG202011b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWIdBga9PNs/TsQ4LhVA0vI/AAAAAAAAN50/usq3oCYpJOk/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWIdBga9PNs/TsQ4LhVA0vI/AAAAAAAAN50/usq3oCYpJOk/s640/DSC_0031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Please stay with us as we share our experience of the visit to Marina Bay Sands last week.</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXkeUy8P9yQ/TskTsVRbE2I/AAAAAAAAOio/Ky5a9Du0fNM/s1600/DSC00417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXkeUy8P9yQ/TskTsVRbE2I/AAAAAAAAOio/Ky5a9Du0fNM/s640/DSC00417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">and yes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I even managed to stand at the very top </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">- on the pointy end - </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">of the 200 metre high MBS. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">what an awesome experience!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>THANKS MARINA BAY SANDS FOR HOSTING US.</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></div>
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</div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-12255933342817004592012-05-07T09:09:00.000+08:002012-05-07T09:09:07.373+08:00~ in grand style ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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During our recent visit to Marina Bay Sands - Singapore, we were shown one of the suites. This is amazing accommodation in any ones language .... and is not what they would consider 'the best' either!!<br />
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There are suites that are even more luxurious ... unbelievable but true.</div>
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I honestly think that no matter what sized room you had at the Marina Bay Sands, you would have just the same amount of enjoyment staying there ... staying at Marina Bay Sands is a complete experience in itself. There is no need to leave the building for anything!</div>
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It is mind boggling, there are shops and stores to suit everyone, there are restaurants for fine dining right through to the fresh food cafes and as a guest you have the use of the spas, the gym, the pool, the SkyPark and so many other amenities. It is a complete holiday within itself.</div>
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Try it out for yourself. Up until December 22 there are some great promotions running as seen in the <b><a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Promotions/">Marina Bay Sands </a></b>website. Browse through all that are on offer and choose the one that suits you. Just think Christmas, think birthday, think special date, think great weekend and you will enjoy every single moment of the experience here.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjc7I66RiSc/TsuuSOKiZvI/AAAAAAAAOkc/_0Bewufd48k/s1600/info+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xjc7I66RiSc/TsuuSOKiZvI/AAAAAAAAOkc/_0Bewufd48k/s400/info+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4snBd6npqg/TsuuSLe1ckI/AAAAAAAAOko/IUb6qHVpo7s/s1600/info+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g4snBd6npqg/TsuuSLe1ckI/AAAAAAAAOko/IUb6qHVpo7s/s400/info+1.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Here are a few images of the suite we had the chance to view:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The following information is from the <b><a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">Marina Bay Sands</a></b> website:</span><br />
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<h1 style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Straits Suite</span></i></h1>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i>The perfect choice for those seeking a higher level of privacy,
luxury and convenience, the 330-square meter Straits Suite is designed
with all the perks of contemporary living, while offering the ambiance
and intimacy of a refined residence.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Cosmopolitan living, dining and entertainment spaces offer guests
unbelievable views of the glittering city skyline or the soothing
Gardens by the Bay. Guests may choose from a wide array of entertainment
options, ranging from their own baby grand piano, and state-of-the-art
media room, as well as, dry bar and pantry for social gatherings.</i></div>
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<i>The adjoining master bedroom is a lavish private retreat where guests
will be pampered with a plush king-size bed, a walk-in closet, His and
Hers toilets, as well as a study area; while the tastefully appointed
second bedroom comes with twin beds. Both have ensuite bathrooms with
jacuzzi bathtubs and rain showers to deliver the most refreshing,
calming experience for guests. In addition, an exercise room lets guests
work out at their convenience, while the adjoining massage area allows
them to receive a relaxing therapeutic session in total privacy.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i>For the utmost comfort and pleasure of guests, a team of butlers is
at hand to provide for every need throughout their stay, graciously
attending to every request no matter how big or small.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<i>Straits Suite guests also have exclusive and privileged access to The
Club at Marina Bay Sands, located on the 57th floor of our hotel towers
within the Sands SkyPark. At 200m above the city, overlooking the
stunning pool, guests can enjoy the restaurant and lounge for breakfast
with a view, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, evening canapés
and cocktails, as well as, use private meeting space, and complimentary
wireless internet while relaxing in the lounge.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Guests can complete the spectacular Marina Bay Sands experience by
indulging in world-class shopping, dining, gaming and entertainment all
just minutes from their doorstep.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Straits Suites with City Views</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> are also available and feature
a spectacular city-skyline view. </span></i> <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7icS7Wo_ZA/Tsj1qyvrd3I/AAAAAAAAOYE/OMsh-cuh5ao/s1600/DSC_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="401" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7icS7Wo_ZA/Tsj1qyvrd3I/AAAAAAAAOYE/OMsh-cuh5ao/s640/DSC_0093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If the promotions that are on for the rest of the year do not suit, check back often for further promtional events. You may want to consider booking for a special birthday or anniversary next year or the opening of the Gardens by the Bay in June ... but you really don't need to have an 'excuse' to stay at Marina Bay Sands!</div>
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<b>Useful Links</b></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Attractions/Sands-SkyPark/">Marina Bay Sands - SkyPark </a></b></div>
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</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b> <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">Marina Bay Sands</a></b></div>
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</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Attractions/ArtScience-Museum/"><b>ArtScience Museum</b></a></div>
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</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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</div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/11/wow-wow-triple-wow.html"><b>blog post on watching the Marina Bay Sands grow.</b></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_19697344"></a></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com/2011/11/marina-bay-sands-skypark.html">blog post on the SkyPark and Observation Deck</a></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6w5t8aFSrE/Tspu4IcBPAI/AAAAAAAAOjI/LELQvPCDxTw/s1600/MBS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6w5t8aFSrE/Tspu4IcBPAI/AAAAAAAAOjI/LELQvPCDxTw/s1600/MBS.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We
would like to thank Marina Bay Sands for the opportunity to view this
"architectural masterpiece" and also thank both Philicia Tan and Bhavna
Moolani for taking the time to show us around and explain the 'workings'
of the hotel in greater detail. </span></i><br />
<br /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-80109107709962419422012-05-06T12:34:00.001+08:002012-05-06T12:34:31.123+08:00Pasir Panjang Food Centre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I keep meaning to update this blog post!!<br /><br />Situated along Pasir Panjang Road and near to industrial estates, the
food centre comprises 45 cooked food stalls and serves a variety of
hawker fare including BBQ Seafood and Zi Char. The food centre was built in 1978.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S94UsRkcnZI/TomCF96FNiI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/9GUz4aPsFbs/s1600/PP-Food-Centre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S94UsRkcnZI/TomCF96FNiI/AAAAAAAAMZQ/9GUz4aPsFbs/s640/PP-Food-Centre.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have been there a few times now and have never been disappointed. Their seafood is so fresh you can taste the 'salt water'!</div>
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The <b>total cost</b> for the three of us - dinner late last year - that included our meal, two lime juices and one pot of Guinness stout was:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>$23.00 SGD</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mq8l1h1HWto/TomCCW3G-CI/AAAAAAAAMZE/Nu46QzVvgT8/s1600/PP-one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mq8l1h1HWto/TomCCW3G-CI/AAAAAAAAMZE/Nu46QzVvgT8/s640/PP-one.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpIR4ovSz7E/TomCCdFuUCI/AAAAAAAAMZA/CQzLqros_ZA/s1600/PP-four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpIR4ovSz7E/TomCCdFuUCI/AAAAAAAAMZA/CQzLqros_ZA/s640/PP-four.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx6-vJmFJ80/TomCC_-W8MI/AAAAAAAAMZI/T7jDf6qYcQs/s1600/PP-three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx6-vJmFJ80/TomCC_-W8MI/AAAAAAAAMZI/T7jDf6qYcQs/s640/PP-three.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlIAP2mz9jE/TomCDZPx6JI/AAAAAAAAMZM/uWxYlMP-BNM/s1600/PP-two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlIAP2mz9jE/TomCDZPx6JI/AAAAAAAAMZM/uWxYlMP-BNM/s640/PP-two.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUDb2IcajuA/TomCNWoEbWI/AAAAAAAAMZU/LZd2CF3B4HE/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUDb2IcajuA/TomCNWoEbWI/AAAAAAAAMZU/LZd2CF3B4HE/s640/DSC_0062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b> PASIR PANJANG FOOD CENTRE</b></div>
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
121 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118543</div>
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right next to the new Pasir Panjang MRT </div>
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<b>as at Oct 3 2011 </b></div>
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<b>$23.00 SGD </b></div>
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<b>is equal to:</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>17.53 USD</b></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>18.20 AUD</b></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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</div>
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<b>18.37 CAD</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>11.28 GPB</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>13.13 EUR</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<<<<**<>**>>>></div>
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</div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-44379790201616575592012-05-06T12:31:00.000+08:002012-05-06T12:31:52.555+08:00an overdue thank you to our followers!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08gASKGUtdo/T6X4-UV4K6I/AAAAAAAASR4/w6G-_05QFrE/s1600/Thank_you_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08gASKGUtdo/T6X4-UV4K6I/AAAAAAAASR4/w6G-_05QFrE/s320/Thank_you_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Because we have been busy of late, we are way behind in saying a big <b>Thank You</b> to our many "followers", we appreciate your commitment to the following of our blog - which is all about "Living in Singapore" and what it entails. Be it our daily life while we lived in Singapore, the Social Media events we attended, the restaurants we were invited to, the travelling we were lucky to experience and of course all the events we were extremely lucky to be invited to.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Must admit, we do miss the social whirl of catching up with fellow bloggers and the many photographers at all the social functions we were invited to participate in .... be it the<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/artscience-museum-singapore.html"><b> ArtScience Museum</b></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and its many exhibitions, one being the </span><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/van-gogh-alive.html" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Van Gogh - Alive!</b></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> and another being The <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/titanic-artifact-exhibition-in.html"><b>Titanic Exhibition</b></a>.</span> But all events were interesting and informative for one reason or another. A very interesting 'event' was the<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/walk-thru-bukit-brown.html"><b> walk around Bukit Brown Cemetery</b></a>. It was a fun afternoon when we all enjoyed the afternoon of <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/understanding-western-classical-music.html"><b>Understanding Classical Music </b></a>or the <b><a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/invite-and-teochew-opera-street.html">Teochew Opera Street Performance! <br /></a></b>We always had a great time wherever we went, but always more enjoyable when we met up with fellow bloggers and photographers.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the most memorable restaurant evenings was at <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/usher-in-chinese-new-year-at-halia.html"><b>The Halia</b>, </a>another was <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/singapore-food-trail.html"><b>The Singapore Food Trail, </b></a>and of course, who could forget the equisite meal at <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/novus-fine-dining-at-its-best.html"><b>NOVUS? </b></a></span><br /><br />Also would like to thank <a href="https://www.notatourist.sg/"><b>NotaTourist</b></a> for their help and support of our blog!<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I remember last year when I had someone ask if I was starting to do a "food Blog" as we had been doing quite a few 'reviews' of the restaurants around Singapore and then suddenly I did one on a<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/bananas-to-boost-your-brain-power.html"><b> recipe I was making at the time</b></a>! No, it's not a food blog - far from it - (but our <a href="http://livinginballan.blogspot.com.au/"><b>new blog</b></a> is fast turning into one!) ........ and no it's not a travel blog either. Though we do quite a few reviews on hotels and resorts that we have stayed in. Its not really a "lifestyle blog" either, its just an everyday 'diary' of where we go, what we do and some of our experiences along the way. If we can help others at the same time ... all the better!!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />We enjoyed our time in Singapore and hope to return again very soon. I have lived in Canada, USA, Singapore and many parts of Australia, but Singapore will remain close to our hearts for many reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The joy of new friendships that
will be with us for the rest of our lives. The people we have met have
been just incredible. I would also say that we probably have more
'local' friends than we do 'expat' friends, so its been a good balance
for us. We spent time with people that 'talk the talk' with us, sharing
the festivals with friends from the Indian culture in particular, we
spend time having kopi with others or sharing a plate of Char Kwe Tiau,
wandering around Bukit Brown Cemetery or exploring Bukit Chandra with
others, cycling, kayaking or photography, just so many people from all
over Singapore share these same interests.</span></span></span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We sincerely
thank our loyal "followers" for the many emails and comments we recieve
about this blog and the posts. There are 115 followers just through
"blogger" and many, many more through the RSS feed and elsewhere. At
last count we have - on average - about 400 regular readers on a daily
basis.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">According to the
stats rec'd yesterday we had just on 33, 000 hits last month alone and
yesterday there were 1250 visitors to this blog. Thats is a lot of
people!</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many readers write thanking us for a particularly helpful blog post, might be about what to pack or not pack when going on vacation. One that was helpful to many was <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/in-transit-at-singapore.html"><b>what to do when in transit</b></a> at Changi Airport , another being <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/where-to-live-in-singapore.html"><b>where to live in Singapore</b></a>, or those that were looking for a <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/looking-for-good-hair-salon.html"><b>good hair salon. </b></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But by far the most popular - and most helpful - is the blog post about<a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/taking-bus-from-singapore-to-johor.html"><b> how to go to Johor Bahru by bus!</b></a> This post alone gets at least 1500 hits per week. But also will add that it has had over 34,000 hits since it was written.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So its obviously helpful to those people!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<br /><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Thank you again ... its because of you guys we keep writing</b>!<br /><br /><br /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-18227937474837936152012-05-05T19:05:00.000+08:002012-05-05T19:16:07.407+08:00Oscar's visit to Blackwood.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a busy
week, but on Wednesday we took some time
out to go up to Blackwood, an old historical village on the Lerderderg
River. Blackwood is 89 klms from Melbourne in Victoria, Australia and where we have a small
holiday place. It is also where gold was discovered on Jan 4 1855.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blackwood is
only 20 minutes from Ballan, so it was a quick trip there to pick up a few
things. It was very cold and wet, but we still had to go. <br />
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On our arrival we let Oscar out of the car to 'explore'.... this is
where he and Pokey chased lizards nearly every weekend and after doing
that all day long they were exhausted, so they lazed in front of the
fire with Zac (Janines dog). <br /></span></span></div>
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<i><br />above: Zac, Oscar and Pokey at Blackwood on March 13 2005.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But we watched
Oscar running around, sniffing here and there and we wondered how much
he remembered of previous visits so many years ago?</span></span>
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<i><br />above: Pokey and Oscar looking for lizards in January 2007 at Blackwood.</i><br />
<i><br />below: Oscar running around the front area of Blackwood in May 2012</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />His nose was "working overtime" while there, did he know where he was?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Can he remember Pokey or Zac at all?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />We are happy we got to take him to Blackwood again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He has settled in at Ballan very well, he is still on medication three times a day and sometimes has difficulty breathing, but overall he seems to be happy. The vet says he is in no pain, but to just watch him closely. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had a 'doggie door' installed into the laundry door on Thursday and already he uses it. We thought it might take a week or two for him to get used to something so 'new'. But with a little encouragement he was in and out of it within the first hour and now takes himself outside when ever he needs to.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We are happy that he got to "come home" and also that he has now been to Blackwood. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No one knows what tomorrow will bring, but with loads of love and care, we hope he is with us for sometime yet!<br /><br /><br /><br />.</span></span></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com1Blackwood VIC 3458, Australia-37.4726832 144.3062124-37.523091199999996 144.22724839999998 -37.4222752 144.3851764tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-57191237498774701582012-05-04T18:32:00.001+08:002012-05-04T18:32:13.842+08:00Singapore Food Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners .....</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-BmloT9hkqJGupWVlzgbpy8GaMMubaEtGZJAszLo7CudyD2mXxRBABnBneYE1Co6f5vwzk8EnyQOk8mLXycVzuDsaiFEBAmxuCkcV6YYLURdPvLhQ34zvfrmB9ciJ29djE5hnpZWk5k/s1600/416730_380463772006469_159713144081534_1121792_2076488592_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-BmloT9hkqJGupWVlzgbpy8GaMMubaEtGZJAszLo7CudyD2mXxRBABnBneYE1Co6f5vwzk8EnyQOk8mLXycVzuDsaiFEBAmxuCkcV6YYLURdPvLhQ34zvfrmB9ciJ29djE5hnpZWk5k/s1600/416730_380463772006469_159713144081534_1121792_2076488592_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those that have not experienced the Singapore Food Trail .... you are missing out on a great food experience!!<br /><br />Grab some friends and head on down there tonight, if not tonight ..... make it tomorrow night!<br /><br />You will not be disappointed.</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-49967563331154800642012-05-04T18:20:00.001+08:002012-05-04T18:20:14.368+08:00Lizard on the pathway......<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leonefabre/2083234884/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2168/2083234884_984ac79f3c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leonefabre/2083234884/">Lizard on the pathway......</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leonefabre/">Leone Fabre</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Jurong Bird Park is not just for birds!<br /><br />Keep your eyes and ears open and you might be surprised at what you see.<br /><br />http://www.birdpark.com.sg/</p>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-59912103934378481762012-04-12T14:17:00.000+08:002012-05-05T17:52:36.859+08:00countdown: one week!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our shipment is due in ONE WEEK. That means only one week left of living in an empty house ...... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The shipping company phoned yesterday to say the delivery would take place next Wednesday. This is good news. We are starting to feel like we are 'camping' with just a bed and a few chairs. We certainly need our things around us, we need to feel 'settled' as soon as we can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />The renovations are slowly progressing, but both of us want everything done 'yesterday' and not good with playing the waiting game! The kitchen is about half completed and there are still other things to be finished as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am fed up with living amongst renovations, builders things, dust, paint cans and mess..... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But it is a
beautiful sunny day here in Ballan, I have Oscar sitting at my feet and
John is outside cleaning a few things around the back patio area. <br /><br />
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All is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br />My previous blog post about our shipment, is <a href="http://leonefabre.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/playing-waiting-game.html"><b style="color: red;">HERE.</b></a></span><br />
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<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></div>Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3706338710842843554.post-71958641839508387292012-03-27T16:16:00.000+08:002013-06-19T15:09:40.657+08:00Y the Y ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last few days
we spent in Singapore, we chose to stay at the Y (YMCA) . Probably two
main reasons come to mind, one the lower cost and two, it is centrally
located being at 1 Orchard Road.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvZ_eLOXUPc/T3Fw9fWZ-hI/AAAAAAAAQ6o/xC9rRSeFC3o/s1600/DSC02369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wvZ_eLOXUPc/T3Fw9fWZ-hI/AAAAAAAAQ6o/xC9rRSeFC3o/s640/DSC02369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8q3R3fDAPE/T3Fw8PFHIWI/AAAAAAAAQ6U/Dvcfo2ZG6hI/s1600/DSC02362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a8q3R3fDAPE/T3Fw8PFHIWI/AAAAAAAAQ6U/Dvcfo2ZG6hI/s640/DSC02362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>the above images are of the view from our room and from the top floor of the YMCA.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2001 when I visited Singapore with my sister in law, we stayed at the YMCA and we were impressed with the service and cleanliness then too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I was willing to stay there again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first suggested to John that we should stay at the Y after we did the key 'hand over' to our apartment and prior to our departure on Friday February 24th, he was a little concerned as to "what it would be like". So we did a quick visit for him to view the rooms and amenities. He was impressed with what he saw and was happy enough to book in for the three nights.</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cost for us for a deluxe double room inc breakfast, free WiFi, tea and coffee was $150.00 SGD per night. [$113.00 AUD]</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have stayed in many 5 star resorts and hotels, hardly any actually supply free WiFi. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So as far as we are concerned, the Y offers good value - in fact very good value!!</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The following images were taken at the YMCA when we stayed there on February 22, 23, 24 2012:</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViXIZzNIAgQ/T3Fw8HTjBYI/AAAAAAAAQ6I/NOCXXcIez-c/s1600/DSC02356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ViXIZzNIAgQ/T3Fw8HTjBYI/AAAAAAAAQ6I/NOCXXcIez-c/s640/DSC02356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrxwSRZr6G9GB1ZokPaleSL2erd174r2G9rkoS-TkgP4sfkQxfDsu3uaN2CUSKx_gwmS0o-x9GvWinoz0e95171EprT6NDI2FH8zFD6Jipxk-KsPqTIwDDpvGD1vhVdhqiz5ETpe84HU/s1600/DSC02359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrxwSRZr6G9GB1ZokPaleSL2erd174r2G9rkoS-TkgP4sfkQxfDsu3uaN2CUSKx_gwmS0o-x9GvWinoz0e95171EprT6NDI2FH8zFD6Jipxk-KsPqTIwDDpvGD1vhVdhqiz5ETpe84HU/s640/DSC02359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The swimming pool - as seen below - is on the roof top and available for guests to use: </i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK5Ymxib2oY/T3Fw863otFI/AAAAAAAAQ6g/wyZCB_FnnKg/s1600/DSC02368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK5Ymxib2oY/T3Fw863otFI/AAAAAAAAQ6g/wyZCB_FnnKg/s640/DSC02368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSW5ZP4pXMk/T3Fwy4Rwm5I/AAAAAAAAQ5k/8h2i5Xt67JU/s1600/YMCA-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SSW5ZP4pXMk/T3Fwy4Rwm5I/AAAAAAAAQ5k/8h2i5Xt67JU/s640/YMCA-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<i>and of course there is the Y Cafe for a delicious afternoon tea, and they also serve lunch and dinner!</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will certainly stay there on future visits to Singapore, it is close to everything we need and the lower cost is of great benefit too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.ymcaih.com.sg/Web/main.aspx?ID=,b3e9ee8b-13db-43d7-8335-49d7b9c9c8c4" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">YMCA website</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">One Orchard Road, Singapore 238824</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">contact: Tel : (65) 6336 6000 Fax: (65) 6337 3140</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
Leone Fabrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17184959562671042750noreply@blogger.com01 Orchard Road, Singapore 2388241.297649 103.848116-24.2243855 62.539522000000005 26.8196835 145.15671