My next big adventure begins one month from today...

11 years ago

On February 15th we land in Hong Kong for the beginning of a 21-day tour of Southeast Asia.

We leave Los Angeles at 40 minutes after midnight on Valentine's Day (Thursday) and arrive in HK at 1pm Friday the 15th. Two nights in a hotel and then we board a cruise ship (the Celebrity Millennium) which leaves two days later for Vietnam where we visit three ports (Hanoi, DaNang and HoChiMinh) for two days each. Then on to Bangkok, Thailand for two days, with a final cruise destination of Singapore where we spend the next five days. Our flight home allows us a 15 hour layover in Beijing, China where we plan to see as much as we can before heading home to LA (to sleep for three days no doubt).

If anyone has tips or info on any of these destinations, please write about them here.

Jodi-

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (23)

marilyn_c
11 years ago
No info, but that sounds like wonderful, wonderful trip!
kacram
11 years ago
you are so lucky! CAn't wait for pictures
Related Discussions
todays ts adventure
Q
Comments (14)
Just Whimsical area of a garden. http://www.summerspastfarms.com/fairygardens.htm http://www.thefairysgarden.com/ http://www.miniature-gardens.com/ things created in about 1/12 scale (7-8 inches) put into a little scene in the garden. Do not believe in fairies, but a fun thing for kids to play with, no more scarey than Barbies. But then some people believe http://www.fairygardenparty.com/clipart/pageHeaders/greenPlants.gif www.fairyamber.com/ You can search this site and find a lot of threads about finished ones and finds for one. Here is a link that might be useful: A great supplier and plenty of ideas
...See More
Need advice on my next big project
Q
Comments (14)
I am waiting for the mailman today. I did a very naughty thing. I tracked down the person I bought the amazing stained glass from last year. I ordered a lot more. They had to get it out of their crawl space and sort it for me. I say it's naughty because I already have thousands of pounds of glass. But I wanted this glass and my DH agreed so . . . it should arrive today. So yesterday my husband went to Lowe's to get a trailer for the riding mower because we are spreading granite on the driveway. I asked him to get me some GE Silicone II for windows and doors (clear), and SIKA Latex R. Well, he bought some other GE white caulk or something, and they didn't have SIKA so he substituted a big jug of latex additive of which I already have a bunch, so I took it all back. I had to literally climb the shelves to finally locate one small tube of the GE Silicone II for doors and windows (the workers there brought me the silicone for showers and tubs and it was white). Anyway, I finally found this one small tube and they are now out, so I will be hunting for more. But isn't it amusing when the DHs can't find what's on the list, they will invariably substitute? And the glazed look in the eyes of the workers at Lowe's and Home Depot when you start trying to explain what the purpose of your purchase is? Too funny! So hopefully I will start this up within the next two-three days!!! Here is a link that might be useful: Silva's blog
...See More
Our cat adventure today
Q
Comments (19)
Glad your kitty is safe. How scary for both of you! I had my own (mis)adventure with a kitty today. We've got a stray who has adopted us, he's a real lover kitty and lets me pick him up to snuzzle. But today i picked him up next to the washer as it was filling-the water must have startled him because he did a number on me! He got my cheek and my neck & chest. It stung quite a bit-luckily I was wearing glasses or I'd have had eye damage no doubt! But it was my fault-I got a little too comfy with him. He must have learned because later when he went to grab me (he grabs your arm to get attention) I said sharply NO and he pulled back his claws. We still love him tho! We've named him Cheddar Montgomery. We estimate he's just over a year old-he'll go in to the vet soon for neutering & shots and a claw trim!
...See More
Week 5, January 2018: One Month Ends, Another Begins...and a blue moon
Q
Comments (93)
Patti, yes, I guess a leaky heart should be looked into. And loved your approach to the doctor! Way to go! You must be SO proud of your SIL and that whole family! That's doggoned impressive! And thrilled for your son and getting his bride-to-be back here, a little nervous about her getting in without any glitches. Exciting times for you! Does she speak Mandarin?? What part of China is she from? I just did cart seeds inside for the first time last year. It was surprisingly easy with the good help of all our smart friends here. They were even more help advising where and when and what to plant and filling the raised beds. Last year, I had no idea how to tell what I wanted in a tomato or pepper (or anything else--I'm sure you all remember my ignorance); I have learned so much from you all in the past year; and I had to laugh at Rebecca saying that she bet I wouldn't buy seed from (I don't know who it was, some big box company). And it IS true that I've become very uppity about seed companies--but it's all y'all's fault! You know it is. I didn't get started on seed-planting today, Dawn. Maybe tomorrow. We are still staying away from: church, and schools. So maybe I'll get up and begin tending the garden for God. :) I'm a little bit freaked about IT, too. I bet all of you who have only recently started all the seed-growing stuff are feeling about like I am. . . So technically, this is only my second year. But it was so easy last year, I'm not too freaked out. Mostly by the nightmares of potting up, the taking all those flats out every morning, bringing them all back in in the evenings. Too funny. It's like running an orphanage, pet shelter, daycare. Constant attention, right? I'm thrilled that in what is going into my 4th year here, I have SO many perennials, self-seeding annuals, and shrubs going. SO appreciated the additional info on drip irrigation tubing. I'm still on the edge, there. I think I will maybe NOT do it in the flower beds, cept for the cement block raised one, and the raised veggie beds. Maybe soaker hoses, though. I really don't much care about the worry over sprinklers getting leaves wet, when I remember the 20" of rain we got May into July for two years in a row. The saving money part, sure. But I have those oscillating sprinklers, so can narrow down the watering to the immediate bed being watered. That's gotta help some. HJ and Dawn both posted while I was starting on this, so had to change windows to see what they had to say. lol Liked the way you tied Rh into gardening, HJ. Very creative. And now, HJ, and I am very worried about your babies since dogs seem to be about. (Which is one of the two main reasons we won't have them--the other being times we have to go to Wy or Mn.) Amy, I had to google the car accident you mentioned. How very sad. They still haven't released the names. We only go to Wahoo Bay occasionally, because you know my distaste for traveling. It's probably 25-30 miles from our house--as you know, we're north and east of Wagoner by 10 miles; Wahoo is south and east of Wagoner by about 15. We go down there a couple times each summer. Actually, that's where GDW is going to crappie fish--a nice heated dock not too far north of Wahoo. And he is on a mission now. We got his moon jigs, his special bobbers should be showing up Tuesday, and then he just KNOWs he'll be catching all kinds of crappies. That was funny, you mentioning your Mom ears. I have them, too, with the new kitties. Speaking of them. . . . uh oh, I fear they are into their teens, full blown. Jerry's actually the troublemaker; but Tom is the dangerously funny one. They were both obsessed with getting into the pantry, because of the hole in the wall where the water lines are. But mostly because it's a shut door. If a door is shut, that's where they want to go. Garry fixed the door once (previously it shut and stayed shut, but didn't latch.) But didn't fix it good enough apparently. Last night, one of the cats came racing in here with a prize--my brand new fancy dancy fuzzy "feather duster." Score!, he thought, and you could all but see them doing "high 5's" about it. All I could do was laugh. The fuzzy part is a foot long, and then has a wood handle that's another foot long. Hysterical. So I put it back and shut the door. This morning before I was up, GDW got to witness the same thing. But so, he FIXED the door good today. The cats are so ticked off. BUT, now, I fear the cabinets are next, as Tom was interested in seeing in what was one of them when I opened it today. . . and they, of course, do not latch. You could almost see the little light bulbs going off in his head. They've been rowdy today. . . SO rowdy. So funny. They're both also SO affectionate. I plunked Tom down 4 times earlier today when he was being obnoxious and in my face (AFTER I gave him 15 minutes of uninterrupted time), and four times he jumped back instantly. But he also has been in either GDW's lap or mine every time we have sat down today.
...See More
nicole__
11 years ago
WOW! No info here either...just wanted to wish YOU a WONDERFUL trip! :0) Very cool!
bigfoot_liz
11 years ago
Oooo so jealous! I can't wait to see pics! I have a cousin who has lived in Singapore for many years, he recently married an executive travel agent, I will get you some must see stops & restaurants there! ~ liz
Georgysmom
11 years ago
Sounds like a great trip! Don't chew gum in Singapore....tis against the law. LOL
glenda_al
11 years ago
By all means have Peking duck when in Beijing.

This is me, can you believe it, at The Great Wall, when I toured Mainland China with 4 other educators.

Great memories with many many pictures!

That black pack I purchased in Hong Kong and it still goes with me on my ventures. It just keeps on going and going and going :o) {{gwi:1568399}}
hounds_x_two
11 years ago
Sounds like a fabulous trip. Can't wait to hear all about it, as your itinerary is on my wish list!

I am a big fan of Celebrity!
marie_ndcal
11 years ago
Have a great trip and DH and his brother went to China twice and really liked it.
fran1523
11 years ago
How very exciting. I have been to Hong Kong and Bangkok. You will find thousands of photo opportunities in both places. I expect we will see lots of Buddhas and temples upon your return. Remember not to drink the water on the mainland.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
My best friends husband is a heart surgeon, they went for him to teach new procedures at hospitals there. Her comment was she wished she had packed more toilet paper!He was very upset at the lack of scrub facilities in the hospitals, in the bathroom where he went before he went into the surgery there was no place to wash, he said there was a bucket of dirty water on the floor, and of course there were no actual toilets.
I would never be able to balance myself over those kind of bathroom facilities.
They did have some beautiful pictures of their journey, she set up an online travel blog and posted pictures and blogged of their adventures, very good idea so we could all be updated as they traveled.
patti43
11 years ago
I love your itinerary because you get to spend enough time at each stop to see everything. It sounds like a wonderful time! Do meals come with the trip or do you have to wing it?
Jasdip
11 years ago
You can't chew gum but feel free to spit! LOL
At least of the Asians I used to work with in the factory spit freely.

I love the adventures you and your GDH (Gorgeous dh) take Jodi. Definitely looking forward to lots of pics.
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
11 years ago
Singapore is going to be great because an old Navy buddy of my "GDH" (LOL Jasdip) lives there. Gum is definitely out of the question. When we asked DH's buddy Ken what he would like us to bring him from the states, he said he'd love some gum as it actually is illegal there but didn't want to have to visit us in jail if we were caught. I suspect spitting isn't too high on Singapore's allowed list either.

Ken will show us parts of Singapore most tourists don't get to see.

We also have connections in Vietnam. Not sure which ports though. One is a client of my DH who lives part time there and part time in So Calif. The other is the sister of a fellow he plays tennis with. She is a tour guide. Hopefully we can connect with both while in VN.

I'm so sad, my camera is acting up and taking terribly blurry pictures. I went on an annual tour of a wildlife refuge on Monday where only 20 people a year are allowed to sign up. Out of 456 photos about five are worth saving. I really hate to buy a new camera before I leave but I might have to if I can't figure out what's going on. This is by far the priciest trip I've ever taken, it would be a shame to not have a working camera.

Since 14 days of the 21-day tour is on a ship most meals are included. We are on our own for two days in HK, three days in Singapore, one in Beijing and two in the air.

Jodi-
nicole__
11 years ago
Jodi...sounds good!!!

I was in Taipei 4 years ago...everything was so cheap! I know you just redecorated, but the market for "Chinese" is HOT right now. If you have room for souvenirs....SHOP! Take a look @ this link....I think you'll get what I'm saying...yes, I know YOU do Kanji...:0)

Here is a link that might be useful: Kanji Pillows
alisande
11 years ago
Wow, Jodi--hard to imagine anything more exotic!!

What the heck is wrong with gum? I don't chew it myself, but I think think of a lot of other things with more reasons to outlaw.
chisue
11 years ago
This is great! We'll get to go to the Far East (vicariously) without the effort of going to the Far East. IF we ever did it, it would be this way, on a nice, comfy ship. DH is completely disinterested in traveling in some parts of the world.

alisande -- I think they outlawed it to avoid the mess of carelessly discarded gum. Cleaning gum sidewalks and streets is a big expense in some cities. I don't think dogs are permitted to be walked there either.
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
11 years ago
Nicole, yikes, $265 for two 19" pillows??? I was grousing about paying $20 for one very nice 22" round pillow for my Peacock rattan chair. I'm going to have to recant my grouse.

I checked around today about getting my camera cleaned and serviced for the trip and it's over $150. And mine is just a point and shoot camera, not an SLR. Perhaps it's time to join the big boys and buy a DSLR. Seriously considering a Canon 60D. Will make the decision some time this evening. The price of the trip is growing every minute. ugh.
jae_tn2
11 years ago
jodi - longtime Canon user altho it's been a while since I upgraded. You can't go wrong with a DSLR for this trip of a lifetime. You won't want to be burdened with a variety of lens but there are some with a range of coverage that should work. Do expect it to be a bit of extra weight though and definitely a lot more than a good regular camera. Thinking as I type, have you heard anything about the Panasonic Lumix series? My Canon camera bag was very heavy!
With any new camera there is a learning curve, as I'm sure you know, so I would get one early enough to be comfortable with it by the time you leave.

No matter what you decide, enjoy the trip!

Here is a link that might be useful: camera
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
11 years ago
Jae, I just spoke to my photography teacher and he wholeheartedly endorsed my choice of the Canon 60D.

I currently have a Panasonic Lumix FZ100 and like it but image definition is not up to what I'm now looking for. A year ago when I bought it, it suited me fine but now that I'm not working and spending more and more time hiking, traveling and taking photos, I'm wanting more. I do not, however, look forward to lugging around a heavier camera. I will probably use only a 75mm-300mm zoom most of the time.

Jodi-
jae_tn2
11 years ago
Great Jodi! You probably have lots of "what to expect" info already. I would go to the depreview site and see their recommendation on that lens. As I recall, there were 2 different ones with one being far superior than the other.
Jodi_SoCal
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, the Canon lenses with a red ring around them are a gazillion dollars more than the standard lenses. And I want one! For now, it will have to be on my wish list.

Below is what they look like. I like to take mine and nonchalantly toss it to some unsuspecting camera savvy person. They are exceedingly relieved when they catch it without dropping it, all the time thinking I'm nuts for tossing around such an expensive lens. ... until they discover it's a drinking cup. LOL
susanjf_gw
11 years ago
wonder if you can buy fabric still? a friend was hongkong for the old old movie the ugly american. he brought home 2 yards of ice blue brocade, which i STILL have the dress my mother made from it...
jae_tn2
11 years ago
the cup is great! I have 2 of the big, 8" - 10" long and very heavy, long lenses that cost a small fortune. If you were to try and take something like that you would be very uncomfortable! I'm sure that there have been great new lens developed since I was in the market. One the size of that cup would be nice.

My next big adventure begins one month from today...

Comments (23)

marilyn_c

kacram

Related Discussions

nicole__

bigfoot_liz

Georgysmom

glenda_al

hounds_x_two

marie_ndcal

fran1523

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

patti43

Jasdip

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

nicole__

alisande

chisue

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

jae_tn2

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

jae_tn2

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

susanjf_gw

jae_tn2

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

My next big adventure begins one month from today...

Comments (23)

Related Discussions

Jodi_SoCalOriginal Author

Jodi_SoCalOriginal Author

Jodi_SoCalOriginal Author

Jodi_SoCalOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author

Jodi_SoCal
Original Author