A New Adventure

The first leg of the journey, two short stays:

Singapore

Wednesday 28^th August, I arrived in Singapore and stayed up chatting with Jenny till well over my usual bedtime.  I must have finally got to bed by 11pm.  Although it was a typical hot sticky tropical night I slept reasonably well, even sleeping in till 7am.   I had prepared my usual breakfast before going to bed having brought my muesli, nuts, seeds and dried fruits from Perth. It’s my favourite breakfast and keeps me going all morning.  I added banana and pineapple and freshly made kefir from the culture I’d brought from home, it had matured overnight due to the humid temperatures instead of the two days it took during winter.  I’m planning to make a fresh batch whenever I’m staying somewhere.

Jenny left for work leaving me with David’s phone so she could contact me while I was out.  I hadn’t bought a local SIM and didn’t want to put my phone on roaming.  David is a security guard and had been on nightshift and doesn’t often use his phone.  I spent time writing my blog then went back to bed where I slept another hour.  I was exhausted from my travels, late night and change of climate.

At midday I left the flat to make my way into the CBD.  I remembered how to get to the bus station, then the train and into town to meet up with a church friend, Katrina and Rod by 1pm.  I had been chatting with Katrina at church on Sunday before I left, when she said she was leaving for a week in Singapore.  I suggested we meet up when my friend was at work and so here we were.

I found my way to the hotel and asked at reception if my friends were in.  After putting me through on the phone I waited for them in the foyer.  It was lovely spending time with them.  We went up to the 31^st floor for coffee and afternoon tea scones and jam, yum!  Before coming down I used the toilet.  Wow what a modern apparatus!  The lid opened automatically as I entered the room.  I gave it a light tap to close it before it automatically flushed.  The basin water was also sensor controlled.

While waiting for the lift the fire alarm went off.  There was no way we wanted to walk down the stairs from the 31^st floor.  Praise the Lord the alarm soon stopped and the lift doors opened.  It wasn’t until we were outside that the alarm went off again this time announcing an evacuation. Praise the Lord we were already out!  With the announcements blaring in our ears we walked off to have a look at the historic Raffles Hotel.  Here, we tried to walk through but were prevented as only registered guests for afternoon tea were permitted in.  Instead we took photos with the porter dressed smartly in his Indian costume.  Katrina and Rod returned to the hotel and I wandered off to explore the area while waiting for Jenny to finish work.  First was the Chijmies Chapel, which was the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Chapel and was designed by Father Charles Benedict Nain. It is currently used for functions and corporate events.

I then walked back to near the train station where I was to meet Jenny and while waiting I looked in some of the electrical shops.  For some items, Singapore prices were more similar even more expensive than Australia.  There seemed no point in coming here for bargains in this area especially with the Australian dollar so low.  When Jenny caught up with me we walked along Esplanade, where we met a guy from Liverpool whose partner is a Malaysian Chinese man. We had a long chat before taking a selfie and going our separate ways.

We then wandered around the bay towards the lion head fountain then caught a bus back through the CBD which was alight with the Night Festival Lights. The most spectacular was a laser light display on the wall of the National Museum (click on link to see a small video clip).  Our bus stopped right alongside for an amazing view which I caught on video.  We arrived home exhausted!

Once again I stayed up chatting.  We discussed what we would do on my last day.  I wanted to go on a walk through some of Singapore’s nature reserves.  Jenny had done some research before I arrived and suggested the Treetop Walk.  I then went off to bed while Jenny stayed up longer finishing off work, as she had taken Friday off so we could explore together.

Friday I was awake at 6am.  I was thinking of going for a jog in Bishan Park while everyone slept, but as rain was predicted decided against it.  I’m glad I didn’t go otherwise I’m sure I would have been caught in the downpour!  I had a relaxing morning after my breakfast, writing, paying my water bill, reading emails and catching up with friends on WhatsApp before Jenny and David woke.

By 9:30 am we were out the door heading towards Macritchie Reserve by local bus.  We found the path to the Treetop Walk but neglected to notice it was over a 4 hr walk!  We headed off along the trail taking the Squirrel Trail which looked shorter but actually went in the edge of the forest on a trail beside the road.  We finally reached the Treetop bridge which was only one way meaning another long loop to return which had hundreds of steps up and then down the hill.

Having completed the trail, we were exhausted and decided to take the exit to Venus Car Park which was the closest exit.  We were walking along the road when three young adults were entering their car.  I asked politely if they could please give us a lift but they only had room for one as there was a child’s seat in the car.  I suggested Jenny go.  She was hesitant but agreed.  A little further down the road I heard a truck coming so decided to hitch a ride.  The driver kindly stopped and took me to where I saw Jenny waiting for me.  I had tried to SMS her but too late, she was already out of the car.  We still had a long way to walk but she had felt guilty that she was not walking with me.  I told her she shouldn’t have as the Lord always provides.  I then tried hitching another ride.  Three car’s passed before one stopped.  The gentleman was very kind and took us all the way back to Jenny’s block of flats.  He said he was going that way anyway.  What a blessing!  We were so grateful, giving the Lord thanks for His provision and safety.

Although it was an exhausting morning, it was a very enjoyable one.  Because of the morning showers it wasn’t too hot and a light breeze through the tall trees made it very pleasant.  We had taken our time to enjoy the trees as we wandered along the paths.  There wasn’t much in the way of wild life although we did see one squirrel along the Squirrel trail and when we stopped for a rest at the ranger’s station the monkeys heard the rustling of our plastic bags as we retrieved our snacks.  Afraid that they would come and steal our snacks we quickly shoved them in our mouths and the containers in our bags. One monkey was very cheeky sneaking up behind me.

We reached the suspended bridge over the tree tops, taking photos looking down from the bridge didn’t really show that we were 25 metres above the forest floor.  The bridge, 250m in length, is suspended above a valley between gorges of Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang.

On our walk back to the flat we stopped so that I could buy some durian and mangosteen.  We later came back for Chicken Rice, Roti Chani or Roti Prata (which it’s called here) and sticky black rice with coconut cream.   Both Jenny and I had an easy afternoon resting our legs before enjoying the fruits and for me an early night.

I didn’t sleep well, although I did go to sleep quickly after our walk but then at 3am I woke and couldn’t sleep, so I decided to repack my bag after making my breakfast to take with me to the airport.  With everything ready, I still couldn’t sleep!  I think I finally dosed off just before my alarm went off at 6am.  Up, showered, packed the last of my things, checking all the rooms just in case I had forgotten anything, by this time Jenny was up and helping me decide which ride to take.  I had downloaded the GRAB app so thought I’d try it out.  Unfortunately, the app doesn’t work without wifi or data.  I had ordered a cab on my app, which was a mistake, as even though we were waiting at, what we thought was the obvious place at the back of the block of flats where there was room here for the cab to stop and turn, the driver didn’t find us and by the time we realised, he had cancelled the ride.  After calling the company, Jenny decided to book another one on her phone.  This time we could see where the car was on her app and realised it stopped at the front of the flats so she went around indicating where I was at the back.  It was a bit of a stressful moment but praise the Lord I had left plenty of time just in case of any holdups.  The driver then dropped me at terminal 4 where I was assisted through the automatic booking area, customs and immigration before finding a quiet seat to eat my breakfast.  Now on the airport wifi I was able to message Jenny to say all was ok.  She had inquired about the cancelled fare and was told I was not charged, which was a relief. ,

By the time we boarded, I was sleepy and tried to snooze but was unable to due to meals and refreshments being served and more crying babies; sleep was far from me.  Instead I took out my trusty tablet and started writing.

Philippines – Baguio

I arrived in Manila, Philippines at 2:30pm on the 31st August. Using the google free wifi at the airport I sent a message to Melba and Deli, my friends from Baguio, to let them know I had arrived.  Deli messaged me back to say she was waiting for me at the arrival gate. Passing through immigration I was given a 30 day stay before collecting my bag, breezed through customs before spotting Deli who waved me towards the mobile phone providers where she helped me buy a local SIM with a plan allowing 5GB data, calls and SMS.  This would give me a bit of freedom as well as security, enabling me to contact local friends if needed.

Deli had come with her sister in a hired van with driver from Baguio.  I had researched the best way to get to Baguio.  In the past there was a direct flight but since the airport had closed, the quickest option was hiring a van.  I had looking into staying in Manila overnight then catching a local bus but as I only had a short time in Baguio the most economical strategy was to hire a van.  A return trip being my only option.  Deli had used this company and the driver on other occasions so I was happy to go along with her suggestion.  It was 3pm when Deli, her sister, myself and Bernard our driver headed into the traffic.  Manila was 29 degrees just as Singapore had been, hot and humid.  Praise God the van was air-conditioned. Our 252km drive started with being stuck in traffic and rain for 3 ½ hrs.  Once we reached the outskirts of Manila the traffic started flowing, although the rain continued to slow us down.

On route I asked Bernard if he had given his life to Christ.  After a time of sharing the Word of God and with Deli helping to explain things in Tagalog she led him to the Lord.  His boss, the owner of the company we hired the van from, is also a Christian so we suggested Bernard let him know of his discussion so that he could encourage him in his walk with Christ.

It took us another 5 hours, after leaving Manila, to reach Baguio, stopping on the way to eat and refuel.  We made a slight diversion to pick up Melba from the bus station in Baguio, she had been teaching all day.  School here had been closed due to the typhoon but had resumed on Saturday so classes could catch up.  We then weaved our way further up the mountain through the damp fog to Deli’s sister’s home in Green Valley, which she rents out to visitors.  It was freezing!

I prepared my breakfast for the following day, took a hot shower then jumped into bed. There was the sound of rustling of plastic all night but I was so exhausted I slept.  In the morning I realised there were many houses in various stages of construction and one just to the back of me had flapping plastic on the roof.  Occasionally I could hear the dogs across the road barking too.  Praise the Lord, Deli gave me one of the back rooms.

I was up at 6am having slept fairly well, had my water with lime and Apple Cider Vinegar, finished breakfast and was working on my blog before the ladies rose.  We were all ready to venture out by 9:30am when the power went off, a familiar occurrence here.  Not to worry, it would come on again sometime during the day.  Instead of taking a Jeepney into church we flagged down a taxi.  The Jeepney would be too crowded by the time it reached us, as many people were heading into town for the Baguio Festival, the markets or church.  I wore layers of clothes to keep warm but as we descended the mountain I slowly peeled the outer layers off.  I even had two pairs of trousers on to keep my legs warm as the long pair was a light silk fabric.

Church was under a marquee on the top floor of a shopping complex.  There was quite a turn out which made it a little difficult for the leader as the power was still off so no microphones or musical instruments except a guitar. I had asked to sit a little back from the front as I didn’t want to sit under the loudspeakers which meant we could hardly hear what was being said.  Praise the Lord the power soon returned, as did the music and mikes.  I was disappointed the overhead projection was not working which make it very difficult to sing along. The sermon was mostly in English with a smattering of Tagalog.  Unfortunately with two late nights and lack of sleep I found it very difficult to stay awake and nodded off a couple of times during the service. I hadn’t yet had my morning coffee which might have helped keep me awake!

After the service Deli took us to a coffee place so I could get my fix before 1:30pm cut off.  I had thought we might be able to find ‘proper’ espresso coffee but forgot the Philippines is very Americanised therefore serving brewed or percolated coffee.  Oh well, when in Rome as they say.  I’ve been told Starbucks had espresso coffee.  I’ll have to see if Cebu can supply this coffee snob her ‘proper’ espresso coffee.  By this time I had a splitting headache, probably from sleep deprivation but I’m sure the lack of caffeine didn’t help either!   This specialised coffee shop had different flavoured coffees to choose from, the sweet synthetic smell of the different flavours mingled with coffee didn’t help my headache either.

After a short rest watching the passers by on the street below, we joined the flow heading back towards the market.  I wanted to see if we could find Pandecoco, a small bun filled with fresh desiccated coconut and coconut sugar. We tried two places but both had sold out showing how popular they are.  We then wandered around the markets looking for fruits, vegies and fish to take home.  Melba also bought the ingredients for Guinataan which is a type of porridge made from coconut milk with sweet potato, tapioca balls, yam, glutinous rice-flour made into small balls, jackfruit, a little salt and sugar for flavour. Memories from my visit in 1983. What a treat!

With our market baskets overflowing we clambered into a waiting Jeepney heading our direction.  The ladies were hungry by the time we reached the house as it was after 3pm.  I retired after taking paracetamol for the headache, leaving the cooking to those who knew how.  With a flurry of preparations and cooking the late lunch, early dinner was ready by 5pm.  This was the first time we really had time to catch up with what had been happening over the years. Then an early night for me but first sorting through my things to see where I had put my toilet paper.  In Asia it’s wise to carry your own around with you as it’s not provided in public toilets.  I was also reminded not to flush the paper as it blocks the loos, it is put into a bin beside the loo. I showered and jumped into bed to warm up and check messages, but oops power outage again!  The ladies were watching TV downstairs so were unable to turn it off before retiring to their room.  I slept.  Waking at 10:30pm, the TV was on with no one watching, the ladies had closed their bedroom door, so were unawares so I turned it off for them before sleeping again till 6am.

I could hear the ladies were already up.  Deli had a pastoral meeting to go to, leaving Melba and I at the house.  We had decide we would have a day at home.  After breakfast together Melba and I put the washing out.  It had been washed and hung out the day we arrived but was still damp due to the overcast, rainy weather. Today with sunshine and a slight breeze it was perfect weather for drying.  The small thin towel I had brought with me hadn’t dried since arriving nor had my underwear which I washed on the first night! After hanging the clothes, we decided to explore our surroundings.  It was then we realised Deli hadn’t left the keys.  We tried contacting her but she was still in her meeting.  I eventually thought of checking the keys that hung in the lock of my bedroom door.  This house is used for guests so surely they would have keys to enter the premises.  Praise the Lord, they worked.  First we walked through the housing complex, then along the main road going further up the mountain.  We looked into the roadside shops on route and into the valley between dwellings as we climbed the slope.  This road, boarded by single dwellings, went all the way up to a communication tower at the top.  We didn’t go that far as we saw the fog sweeping up the ravines from the valley below.  It was quite amazing how fast it was rising.  On our descent, we stopped and bought some food for lunch which we added to leftover rice and fish soup.  We arrived home just as it started to sprinkle.  The clothes were mostly dry, which was great as there was a lot of laundry from previous clients.

We then had a restful afternoon waiting for Deli to return from the pastors meeting.  She was caught in the traffic coming home after picking up some more milk for me. Deli said she doesn’t drink milk so didn’t know which to buy and bought fortified milk made from reconstituted milk which had been sweetened.  It was ok for my cereal but definitely not for coffee.  When she did arrive it was time for Melba to leave, she was heading home to prepare for her class in the morning.  I had an early night too knowing I wouldn’t be having much sleep the following night as I needed to catch a bus to Manila at 4am.

I slept well till just before 4am, which is my usual Perth time for waking.  I’m glad both Singapore and the Philippines are the same time as Perth, it’s easy to keep track.  Deli was up by 7am.  After breakfast, I prepared breakfast for the next day for my journey down as the bus company only provided a small bottle of water and a biscuit.  I took extra water just in case.

It was a wet morning and my towel and underwear hadn’t dried which is so annoying when you have to pack.  Around 10am we headed to town, stopping to ask the guard at the gated complex if he knew a taxi driver who lived nearby.  He did and gave his number to Deli.  I was concerned about getting a cab at 3am as we are a little out of town and not many people knew how to find the place.  If we ordered a taxi from town I would have to pay both ways which could be quite expensive.  A GRAB, similar to Uber could be unreliable at that time.  I would prefer to know one was definitely coming.  After some to and fro between Deli and the taxi driver, they settled on a fare which was very reasonable.  He would come at 3am, which gave us 15mins to reach the bus.  Praise the Lord!  I felt much better knowing it was all booked.

We then walked up the hill to the Jeepney station as the ones that passed us were all full.  It arrived just as it started to rain.  We jumped out in town and walked to the Mall where Deli knew there would be a few espresso coffee shops to choose from.  We got quite wet even without umbrellas but it was worth it and our clothes quickly dried in the air conditioning.  We found three coffee places serving espresso coffee.  I chose one where we sat watching the passers by.  While Deli finished hers I wandered off to check out the supermarket.  I wanted to know what type of things I could expect when I reached Cebu.  They didn’t have Muesli, only granola, so looks like I will have to make my own.  Lots of lovely fruits and vegies of all kinds.

We then headed out of town again, up the mountain on the other side of Baguio to visit Deli’s Mum and for Deli to help her brother with a work application for New Zealand.  Deli’s sister in NSW where Deli also worked for three year.  While she helped her brother, I took a walk through the village along the narrow road which wound up the mountain side.  It had been sprinkling with rain most of the time till we were back in Baguio where we wandered around the notorious Burnham Park before taking a Jeepney back to Green Valley.  Baguio city, the summer capital of the Philippines, has a park which is 32.84-hectares, designed by an American architect who Daniel Hudson Burnham, who also designed the original plan for Baguio City. The park has 12 main areas, the most popular of which are the Burnham Lagoon, a man-made lake with rowboats for hire; a children’s playground; a skating rink; the Rose Garden and the Picnic Grove.

Back at the house, I went on line to check in.  After three attempts where I got a message saying I’d have to check in at the airport counter, I realised I had answered one of the luggage questions incorrectly.  Praise God, it finally went through although I was not happy that I was only given 10kg of luggage as well as the usual 7kg for cabin luggage.  I had specifically asked for more luggage just in case I needed it when I booked the tickets through the agent in Perth.  Oh well I just pray I have given away and eaten 5kg of stuff I brought with me.

Both Deli and I snacked on leftovers, including a Soursop I had bought at the market on Sunday.  Then off to bed for an early night.  I woke just before the alarm at 2:35am dressed, packed the last of my things, and grabbed the food from the fridge.  Deli was already up. The taxi arrived just before 3am and I was off waving my thanks to Deli.  I was very thankful there was no fog and the roads were fairly quiet.   After being dropped at the bus station, I waited beside the bus before being allowed to board.  My seat was 2a, a single seat, one back from the front.  I made myself comfortable and waited.

Photos:   Singapore: 1. Forest fig        2. View from Jenny’s flat    3. Indian Porter Raffle’s Hotel    4. Jenny and me on the Esplanade      5. Panorama view along the Esplanade    6. Tree Top bridge     7. The steps     8.  Jenny and on the suspension bridge   Philippines:  9. Manila traffic       10. Baguio, Green Valley    11. Deli, Melba and me at coffee shop      12. Baguio Markets    13 & 14. Walk up the mountains     15. Deli’s home town

Prayer & Praise Points:
Praise the Lord for the wonderful time I had in Singapore catching up with Jenny and David and generally enjoying Singapore, both the city and the nature reserve.  For the lovely time with both Melba and Deli in Baguio.

Praise the Lord for His protection, leading and guidance as I navigated the travel maze at each destination.

Please pray the Lord will continue to watch over me on my travels, keep me safe from harm and disease, for good weather when it is needed.

Pray also for open doors and open hearts as I travel.  Pray the Lord will provide many opportunities to speak about the mystery of Christ during my time in Cebu.  (Col 4:3)

Please continue to pray for accommodation and ministry opportunities in Phuket and Malaysia.  I’m confident the Lord will lead me as I look to Him for guidance.

Please keep Patrick in your prayers as he ministers with hymns and Gospel songs at Regis Residential Centre.  Pray that more helpers will join him between 2-3 pm on Sunday 22 September.

Please continue to pray for the salvation of my three sisters, Tricia, Jen and Kat and especially for reconciliation and forgiveness between Tricia and the rest of us.

Thank you for your prayers for the business, Senior’s Benefits and Rewards.  It continues to proceed, although there have been a few hiccups.  The trademark application is going ahead, as is Grace who is working on a map for the location of our business partners.  Grace will soon be starting the app trial with seniors and coffee shops she knows in Sydney.  Please continue to pray for the success of our venture.

Thank you to all my supportive friends and prayer partners; it’s reassuring and encouraging to know you are all standing with me.