Enough of the hard work!

Let's get back to what we do best -- relaxing!

Ang Thong -- Climbing

First order of business -- climb to the top of a hill overlooking a hidden salt water lake.

The park has nicely put in a bunch of stairs to the top of the hill. When I say stairs you may think of a casual climb to the top of the hill. When in fact, let's actually say ladders. No doubt it was worth it, but whew! When she said we would work for lunch -- she meant it!

The lake was so gorgeous!

But now we are super, super hot and ready for the second trip of the day! Kayaking!

Ang Thong -- Kayaking

Second order of business -- sea kayaking. Jason and I selected a two person kayak, and set out. We (everyone) followed the coast line around a few islands. The water has eroded the rock in such a way that there are loads of underwater caves, nook and crannies. Its a very peaceful ride!

This is the first cave. I am looking up out of the cave.

Same cave -- only now I am looking back at the way we came in!

Heading through one of the nooks around the islands -- and the slight traffic jam in front of us!

I turned around as fast as I could to take this picture of Jason before capsizing our boat!

Ang Thong National Marine Park

Enough of all this relaxation! Get to work! As my dad would say -- or in our case, go climbing! Go kayaking!

The park is behind Jason. The park consists of something like 40 islands that are uninhabited around Koh Samui. Its basically a nature park with limited access for tours. Lucky for us, we were on one of these tours!

Our little heaven in Koh Samui!

This is the entrance of our front gate. The steps lead up to our bungalow.

This is our private pool! Its fantastic but freezing!!

This is a lounger bed/sun chair. We had many a nap here!

Main bedroom.

Our view. Behind that building is the ocean.

Why it was all worth it! (Thailand)

Look how pleased we are to be looking at this scenery knowing we are heading to Koh Samui, where a week of relaxation awaits us!

We are the ferry crossing to the island. I couldn't be happier that the end is finally near! Beach time here I come!

Jungle Hot (Thailand)

After waiting 3 hours in Hat Yai, we boarded the train for Surat Thani. We were stunned to see the train conditions. No air, big windows, vinyl seats and ceiling fans. We were dying. Our Western bodies unable to cope with the heat and humidity. In these pictures, you can refer to my post without pictures to get a sense of the heat. Or look at me. I am so hot! :)

The sunset and the scenery were amazing, so it was worth it. But 8 or so hours to go about 150-175 miles -- whew -- slow, slow, slow train. Once in lifetime about sums that up!

Sleeper Trains.

The sleeper train to Thailand is seriously a bit like camping. Its old and frankly reminded Jason and I of a camper van from the 1960's. It was lovely in its prime, but now its just a reminder of what used to be. That's not to say we we're smitten with the experience. We snacked, played dominos and giggled for a long time about the entire experience.

I slept on the bottom bunk, which turned out to be the better deal. The cushioning behind me held me snug in the bed whereas Jason was thrown all over on the top bunk. We giggled taking these pictures about the seat belts hanging from the ceiling to keep you in -- little did we know just how important those belts would be!

On our little table, playing dominos. Also so not 1960's -- my iPod and a last minute set of speakers my mom gave me before we left. I was hesitant aboout taking them -- but we have used them quite a bit.

Total train time -- 15 hours. At least we were comfy!

At Last...The Petronas Tower and How Small You Really Are.

What else do you do on a layover in Kuala Lumpur? See the Petronas Towers, of course! One thing that instantly struck both Jason and I -- KL isn't that tall of a city. When we were on the train I was thinking of Hong Kong. Something incredible and tall. I mean, isn't that what the city should look like, especially wehn boasting of these magnificent towers? But no. They are a sight to see, but only because they stick out so much. There is nothing in the city (minus a communications tower) that is even remotely that high. And that's not to say there aren't a lot of tall buildings, there are just none that can compete.

I am smiling in this photo because right behind me is an entrance to the very air conditioned and incredibly chic shopping centre under the towers. Once this photo is taken -- I'm in!

Time to Leave Singapore!

We opted for first class seats – and don't they look nice? The steward was kind enough to bring us bottles of water as well. Total journey time to Kuala Lumpur? 7 hours or maybe 8 -- depends on which employee you ask!

We are ready to depart!

For Lisa.

For Lisa, who loves being mentioned in my blog. Singapore slings. The guidebook says that every tourist in Singapore comes to the Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling. Oh, and you can throw peanut shells on the floor. Which ordinarily, I admit, isn't that big of a deal, but in Singapore it is advertised as the one place where littering is encouraged and not fined! The guidebook failed to mention that said famous Sling would be the most expensive drink we have ever bought. But it was good, and more importantly, the gentleman at the table next to us offered to take our picture. How lovely is that?

What to do at night in Singapore!

We loved dinner and drinks in Singapore. Around every corner is a restaurant or more likely a group of them. Our first night we headed to Boat Quay – and joined all the business workers out for a pint or two after work.

Jason took this picture of me, which I like so here it is.

Here is what we were really looking at during dinner. Its the Fullerton Hotel and its what's actually over my shoulder in the picture above.

These are both night shots around the quay. Between the lights, the warmth, the atmosphere and the people – it just has to be a great night out!

Beer and Shopping Chinatown Style

What is there to do in Chinatown you ask? Shopping and drinking beer. Good thing Jason and I happen to excel at both!

Relic's Roof Garden of Orchids (Singapore)

Because its my blog and I love flowers. Here just a few of the orchids from the orchid garden. There were so many different shapes, sizes and colours! I just could not get enough of them!

The Relic's Roof Garden of Orchids

Because its my blog and I love flowers. Here just a few of the orchids from the orchid garden. There were so many different shapes, sizes and colours! I just could not get enough of them!

Buddhist Relics

Chinatown. I always love a wander through Chinatown. In any city. What is surprising here is that, well, Singapore is mainly Chinese! So the thought of a Chinatown is a bit odd, but full of wonderful sights and few surprises.

First surprise – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Here is the outside of the Temple and Museum. Unsurprisingly, it is absolutely stunning inside. It was a very unique experience as Jason and I were trying in every way to be subtle and out of everyone's way, when everyone else marched in – took photos and videos, and were encouraged by the staff. Everyone who worked there was proud of the Temple and certainly wanted to show it off.

And here is why:

Don't forget to scroll down for the chanting as well! Its absolutely amazing!