Singapore, until we meet again
With a couple of weeks of civilization, basking by the Pool, Hindu festivals, abundant shopping and mass transit under our belts left Singapore.
The history, the economics and the diversity make Singapore a unique place. It is the largest port in the world and if you doubt it, take a look at the AIS screen picture a few posts back. Ships of all sizes shapes and origins come to Singapore the hub of all trade in the region. The history and wildly diverse population make for a unique cultural experience.
We met a wonderful group of people here, mostly joined by a dedication to preserving the planet and sea life. This is not what I expected but it never is. I was encourage to see this movement here.
After 3 months at remote anchorages and small villages, 3 months on the hook a marina was nice. Shore power, abundant water, they even delivered a paper to the boat every day. Add a couple of nice restaurants and even a bowling alley and you get the polar opposite of Indonesia. The only thing that remained constant was the warmth of the people, the marina people were great.
Ah but we were in civilization with all its warts. After spending 3 months in Indonesia, the poorest country on the planet, not one report from the 110 boats of any theft—till the first day in Singapore when one of our cruising mates got her backpack stolen with all her cards and stuff a travel is naked without. This was a harsh reminder of the real world.
We headed up the famed Malaca Straights skirting the incredibly busy and seemingly unorganized shipping lanes. We did about 60 miles and found a good anchorage just off the path, joining our good friends Patanga. The wind picked up the next morning as we departed again with adverse wind and current. I wanted to get to Port Dickson the next night so I upped the RPM’s to keep our 7 knots. The day turned almost sunny and the wind died down to make for a pleasant afternoon. We arrived at Admiral Marina at 1700 in time for a slip assignment and then straight to the gorgeous swimming pool.
We reunited with many of our cruising friends here which was great. We have met such a great group on the Indonesia Rally and many are on the Sail Malaysia Rally. I find it very nice to join these events even though we often stay on the fringe.
We seem to be just north enough, above 02 degrees, that the weather is less dramatic, no more thunder storms and squalls. The equatorial zone is a tumultuous place.
With a couple of weeks of civilization, basking by the Pool, Hindu festivals, abundant shopping and mass transit under our belts left Singapore.
The history, the economics and the diversity make Singapore a unique place. It is the largest port in the world and if you doubt it, take a look at the AIS screen picture a few posts back. Ships of all sizes shapes and origins come to Singapore the hub of all trade in the region. The history and wildly diverse population make for a unique cultural experience.
We met a wonderful group of people here, mostly joined by a dedication to preserving the planet and sea life. This is not what I expected but it never is. I was encourage to see this movement here.
After 3 months at remote anchorages and small villages, 3 months on the hook a marina was nice. Shore power, abundant water, they even delivered a paper to the boat every day. Add a couple of nice restaurants and even a bowling alley and you get the polar opposite of Indonesia. The only thing that remained constant was the warmth of the people, the marina people were great.
Ah but we were in civilization with all its warts. After spending 3 months in Indonesia, the poorest country on the planet, not one report from the 110 boats of any theft—till the first day in Singapore when one of our cruising mates got her backpack stolen with all her cards and stuff a travel is naked without. This was a harsh reminder of the real world.
We headed up the famed Malaca Straights skirting the incredibly busy and seemingly unorganized shipping lanes. We did about 60 miles and found a good anchorage just off the path, joining our good friends Patanga. The wind picked up the next morning as we departed again with adverse wind and current. I wanted to get to Port Dickson the next night so I upped the RPM’s to keep our 7 knots. The day turned almost sunny and the wind died down to make for a pleasant afternoon. We arrived at Admiral Marina at 1700 in time for a slip assignment and then straight to the gorgeous swimming pool.
We reunited with many of our cruising friends here which was great. We have met such a great group on the Indonesia Rally and many are on the Sail Malaysia Rally. I find it very nice to join these events even though we often stay on the fringe.
We seem to be just north enough, above 02 degrees, that the weather is less dramatic, no more thunder storms and squalls. The equatorial zone is a tumultuous place.