My first introduction to the Southeast Asia region was to the city-state of Singapore. The perfect location to be wowed by beautiful nature, architecture, skyscrapers, incredible malls, history, a fabulous transit system, and every modern amenity imaginable. Hence, my major adjustment was only with heat and humidity.
Andy landed a few hours earlier from New Delhi, India. It was so great to see him at the airport as he has been traveling and working overseas for the past four months. We found a computer to send an e-mail home to let others know of my safe arrival and rest assured we found each other. It wasn’t until we stepped outside the airport did I feel the full weight of the heat and humidity. I thought I knew humidity. After all, I’ve vacationed in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida. Lived in Houston, Texas for five years, I know humidity. But no, this trip would take humidity to a whole new level.
Traveling with Andy is an adventure in and of itself. He’s a minimalist and on a tight budget, both, not how I identify myself. My backpack will force me to be a minimalist on this trip but tonight our sleeping arrangements will be on my budget. We have a room for tomorrow night and shouldn’t have a problem finding a place to stay tonight. However, we were wrong. We didn’t know that it’s National Day – independence for the Republic of Singapore and everyone comes to the city to celebrate, watch the fireworks and be with family and friends. After navigating ourselves to the city we walked from one to another; guest house, motel or hotel. I’m tired, no, I’m exhausted. I’ve been traveling the last two days to get here and I’m done walking. I don’t care how much this hotel is going to cost. If they have room, we are staying here! We stay at the InterContinental Singapore Hotel. Andy is feeling terribly guilty because it is so luxurious, I can’t get over how beautiful it is and that’s even before we got to our room. A wonderful place after such a long trip ~ reality can start tomorrow.
August 8, 2008
