drron29

Same with us this year.

Thanks for that. I decided to find out more about the man. Obviously a good scholar but with a down to earth approach to life as well as being humble. I just love what he said when asked why he issued the visas in Lithuania. "You want to know about my motivation, don't you? Well. It is the kind of sentiments anyone would have when he actually sees refugees face to face, begging with tears in their eyes. He just cannot help but sympathize with them. Among the refugees were the elderly and women. They were so desperate that they went so far as to kiss my shoes. Yes, I actually witnessed such scenes with my own eyes. Also, I felt at that time, that the Japanese government did not have any uniform opinion in Tokyo. Some Japanese military leaders were just scared because of the pressure from the ***; while other officials in the Home Ministry were simply ambivalent. People in Tokyo were not united. I felt it silly to deal with them. So, I made up my mind not to wait for their reply. I knew that somebody would surely complain about me in the future. But, I myself thought this would be the right thing to do. There is nothing wrong in saving many people's lives... The spirit of humanity, philanthropy... neighborly friendship... with this spirit, I ventured to do what I did, confronting this most difficult situation – and because of this reason, I went ahead with redoubled courage.[44]" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiune_Sugihara

SS usually supply a shuttle to the town unless berthed in town.

I’ll be posting some more of the time at the hotel. It was built in the mid 1990’s. I like the position though we have stayed in Tokyo many times. Really there is no “best” position in Tokyo as attractions are so spread out. Getting around by public transport is very easy. We landed at NRT and got a limousine bus to the door of the hotel. From HND you can take the monorail or JR train and change to the Yurikamone line and Takeshita station is less than 100 metres from the hotel. If you want what I consider the best IC hotel for position for an Intercontinental Hotel in Tokyo then look at the Intercontinental Three Strings. It is right at Shinagawa station with direct trains to both airports and is a Shinkansen stop so easy to get anywhere in Japan.

Sorry but when posting a vital few words were left out and it is too late to edit. It. should read that those over 65 get free entry

A little out of order but we are now in Tokyo staying at the IC Tokyo Bay with an upgrade to a suite. Great views. But tonight went to a buffet in their all day restaurant. We don’t do buffets anymore but this was a Hokkaido themed buffet so lots of seafood. Cost $US 60 each. Here are some of the food. I think JP would like this Roast beef even with the photo upside down. I had it with wasabi “inclusions “. Went very well. Like horseradish but with more heat. Hand made sushi made when you order it. Also sashimi rice bowl made when you order it. Same with the tempura. Also Snow crab, bouillabaisse, tasty salads and other do. A good selection of desserts worth sampling. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

The KenRoku - En gardens are magnificent but those over 65. So those that are should never pay for an excursion to go there. Do half a day on your own then an included excursion the other half day. Did you have a Gold leaf ice cream?

there is no definite number but the most crowded excursions have been 20 - 25 per bus.With popular excursions if they have enough on the waitlist they will open up another group at the same time. Mostly for excursions they feel will be popular and the whole day is in port they will have morning and afternoon excursions that are otherwise identical. The lowest number on an included excursion with a full size bus was 9. Though Rojaan cancelled at the last minute due to pain issues. My guess is if less than 10 are booked the excursion is cancelled. The real difference in excursions is the guide the contracted tour company supplies. We have had some superb guides and others who are next to useless. No way of predicting this unfortunately.

The best area for tourists in Bangkok would be the river area. We have stayed in the Peninsula, Millennium Hilton and the Royal Orchid Sheraton and enjoyed them. The next area is around the Siam area where the major shopping is and many luxury hotels including Hyatt, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria and the Ritz Carlton is coming. Though now that Icon Siam has opened at the riverside most of the shops have branches there. We used to stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit at Asoke. Next to a BTS and a MRT station so easy to get around. Also love the food court at Terminal 21. However our last 2 stays were with a new GM and service had slipped so after 101 stays we are trying a few more hotels.

Yesterday we flew Singapore Airlines from Bangkok to Singapore. Last month was. 100 years since Lee Kwan Yew was born so they had several videos of his life. I watched Time nor Tide Remembering Lee Kwan Yew. A 3 part series that was absolutely fantastic. You can watch it on You Tube.

Some night lights in Bangkok.

We also love our jazz which is why we always stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok. Jazz trio 6 nights a week at happy hour and shows with visiting musicians and/or singers. We especially loved Randy Cannon. Many of you may have seen him as the pianist on the first season of The Love Boat. We became friends of Randy. Unfortunately he passed during the pandemic. But of his medical issues not the virus.

Route 1 or 3 for me.

Happy hour that evening was fun. The weather put on a show. We had fortunately seen the rain coming and moved our table into a sheltered spot. We were joined by an Australian woman who lives in Hong Kong. In one of those co incidences she was born the day after our son. So here is the weather.

Sorry @Mysty but I can imagine you going into serious BTK withdrawal on the upcoming World Cruise.

APT took over the Caledonian Sky in 2022. https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/expedition-cruising/apt-commences-2022-kimberley-season However they have now sold it to Captain cook cruises Fiji. https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/captain-cook-cruises-purchases-ms-caledonian-sky/ Possibly because APT has a little fight on their hands. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-07/cruise-liner-ms-caledonian-sky-under-investigation/102811842

So today was the day of our usual Bangkok ritual. Spoiling our nails. Rojaan had a pedicure and I both a manicure and pedicure. You really get spoilt with hand and foot massages thrown in. It took me a long time to finally have taken Rojaan's advice and now I wouldn't miss it. The girls are fantastic and obviously take pride in their work. Despite being 9 months since our previous visit and many new staff I got a smile from 3 of the 4 I recognised. Unfortunately my favorite nail person wasn't there today. Nearly 6 foot tall with an adam's apple we get on very well. The place we go is Take Care at Terminal 21. Total cost with a tip for the 3 women was 2700 baht. $A120, $US75.

And in the words of Neddie Seagoon -"I'm as sane as the next fellow." Eccles -"little does he know that I am the next fellow' For our UK Goon tragics.

So a little more light relief.

We managed to have a good sleep at the Crowne Plaza at Changi. We no longer ly through to anywhere if it means a change of plane. So the next day was fling from Singapore to Bangkok this time on Singapore Airways. I do like the Singapore lounge which usually is crowded but very quiet this time. We fly this route at least a couple of times a year but still surprised to be greeted at the door by welcome back drron before I even produced my boarding pass, Only a 2 hour flight this time on a new 787-10. I'm not particularly fond of the 787. Met at the Airport for our limousine transfer to the fairly new Kimpton. The first time her. A very nice room.

Absolutely agree with that statement JP.😉