Finally, after a few days delay (such is the nature of standby) we departed Syracuse on Wednesday, 13th we just barely made it to DC in time to catch our flight to Tokyo only to find that our plane's starter engine was broke. Our trip was delayed 3 hours, but once we were on our way we thoroughly enjoyed our 13 hour ride in Business Class. Sadly, we missed our connection to Singapore though. Since the Narita airport is a very expensive hour long train ride from Toyko we decide to suck it up and stay at the airport until our flight the next day. During this 22 hour waiting time we realized how wise it was to bring our internet accessible Ipod. Its been super useful getting information and to relist us on our flight. We also discovered a highly addictive app that help us pass the time. Its called Doodle Jump, we suggest you check it out.
Finally, we arrive in Singapore on Sat, 16th at 00:30 hrs. Since the public transport stops running during the night we spend another night on an airport floor. By 6:30am we are in the city watching as it slowly unfolds in the early morning light. We are stumbling and fumbling like tourists, but quickly find our feet and make our way to a very bizarre, Disney World-esk island south of the city called Santosa. When we arrive the beach is deserted. We cross a foot bridge and find a sign informing us that we have just reached the most southern point of Continental Asia. Interesting. By the time we leave, Singapore is alive and there are people everywhere.
To avoid paying double for a bus ride to Kuala Lumpur we take a local bus over the border to Jahor (a three leg ride with two custom stops). We and another American couple are swept onto a bus at the bus cartel to KL.
The city is fast paced, dirty, HOT, crowded and fun. Then again, anywhere outside of airports feels like paradise. Food and goods everywhere lots of tourists. We will most likely leave tomorrow, we are anxious to get to Krabi so we can spend a week climbing and relaxing on the beach before we head to Bankok for the tournament and to meet Geoff.
