What I Like About Singapore
Apart from the obvious things like safety and cleanliness, Singapore is quite ingenious.
For example, each car has a device mounted on the dashboard that holds a cash card which automatically debits when you drive into a parking garage or go through a toll. Your card balance flashes on the device's screen for a moment. When you leave the parking garage, the barrier opens again and the parking fee flashes on the screen, along with your new balance. That brings me to parking rates: they are very reasonable, like maybe $3.00 for a whole afternoon. This card also pays the fees for crossing the border into Malaysia.
The mass transportation system operates much the same way. I carry an "EZ Link" card in my billfold. When I get on the bus, I just tap my wallet on a reader and it flashes my balance. When I exit the bus, I tap my wallet on the reader again and it shows my fare and new balance. Getting into the subway station works the same way, just tap my wallet on a little pad and the barrier lets me through. The beauty of the EZ link card is that you can also pay library fines with it or purchase coffee in certain shops.
Both cards can easily be 'topped up' at any ATM (most parking garages have an ATM for emergencies) or at a 7-11 store (yes, there are 7-11s EVERYWHERE!)
Some other things I really like:
-super fast escalators
-disinfectant dispensers in the toilet stall - simply spray onto some toilet paper and wipe the toilet seat down
-to-go drinks are put into little slings...the cup is 'dropped' into a little plastic bag with handles and no bottom, so you are carrying the bag over your arm leaving your hands free to carry pastries and don't burn your hands either.
-you can purchase duty free liquor as you are leaving the airport, right after you collect your luggage, simply stop at the Duty Free shop, stock up on liquor and off you go. No more schlepping bottles on the airplane. It also keeps the money in S'pore - pretty clever, eh?
-bags of ice (not for consumption) in freezers behind the checkout. Just grab one to throw in with your groceries and keep them cool until you get home.
-the medical system. You call for an appointment in the morning and they say: "Can you come at 11:30?" "Today??" "Yes, today." Then if you need an x-ray, you can usually go to another office in the same building, get an xray immediately, wait 5 minutes and trot back to the first doctor to discuss the results. You pay about $60 total.
Stay tuned, more to come...

Weekend in Phuket, Thailand (late July)

Opening the door to our room at the JW Marriott in Phuket was like opening a treasure chest: wonderful to delight you everywhere you turn. From the little carved wooden chest holding something toiletries to a bathtub full of floating orchid blossoms, the Thai sense of artistry is evident everywhere. The room opens out to a private patio with two chaise lounges and a table with a sun umbrella. From our little patio, you can follow a path meandering through a lush tropical garden to the pool.
We woke Sunday morning to the sound of torrential rain. Hoping that it would be a short downpour and clear up shortly, we went to breakfast. The breakfast buffet was fabulous. After abandoning all pretenses of a healthy diet, we thoroughly enjoyed every morsel of food we ate.The rain continued its assault with no hint of letting up. Gerhard went for an intense workout to rid himself of some breakfast calories while I opted for a more relaxing massage.

Since the rain had only let up but not stopped, we spent the afternoon on our mats reading, drinking wine and not really minding the weather.

After the rain finally stopped, we decided to take a walk on the jogging path which led to a small inland lake.

On Tuesday morning, we showed up for our 90 minute time share sales pitch. Luckily our salesperson let us leave without hearing the presentation since we convinced her we weren't interested in purchasing a time share.