So I’ve been meaning to do a summary blog, detailing my trip back to the States, although internet was a little tough to find for long periods of time. Thus I am back in Kenai at the moment (And freezing). Here are a few pictures from along the way..
I left Colombo in the early morning and arrived in Singapore at 3 pm looking forward to an 18 hour layover. With so much time, I had my bags held at the airport and I went off in search of adventure (and food) in Singapore. My first discovery was that of the MRT aka the tram system that connects everything in Singapore. It is wonderfully ran, heavily used, and still amazingly clean and very punctual. My first stop was Orchard Road to check out the shopping/mall/downtown scene. I wasn’t disappointed. The streets and malls were crammed, shoulder to shoulder with people. I managed to snag 2 t-shirts as souvenirs for my stopover.
Personal space is not an international concept.
I was hungry, and managed to find a random escalator that brought me to a massive food court. I didn’t know where to eat, so I went where the largest crowd was, hoping they would lead me to the cheapest/best food. As it turned out they did a pretty good job, and I also had quite the variety of choices on the menu to choose from.
Flying fish roe, Swordfish Belly, Goose Liver and Sea Urchin were a few of the many (weird) options.
Despite my colorful array of options, I decided to be safe (and boring) and went with Teriyaki chicken. I’m glad I did because even the chicken was worrying enough.
And yes I DID use the chopsticks.
Despite my fears, the chicken was good and I was off on my way to the Night Safari next to the Singapore Zoo. Adam told me it was worth checking out, and he was right. Unfortunately my camera didn’t take the low light situation well, so I have no pictures of the animals. (The use of camera Flash wasn’t allowed.) Here’s a picture at the beginning of the tour though.
Apparently the guy next to me thought I was a major creep.
After the safari, I heard some commotion and found a side stage where some real natives were showing how it was done with a fire dance. Impressive no doubt.
None of them had moustaches.
The night was getting late, and so I decided to make my way down to Clarke Quay (pronounced ‘key’). This was pretty cool, and had alot of resturants and attractions. I spent a few hours here before making my way back to the airport and onto Seattle.
Pronouncing it 'Quay' will reveal how much of a tourist you really are.
I spent a few days in Seattle with my brother Scott and his wife Brittani. The first night Scott presented both of us with tickets to The Lion King on Broadway for our birthdays (they’re close). We were jazzed about our plans for the following night.
I havn't been this excited since the first Lion King came out. Although I was 10 at the time.
The next day we did some shopping at outlet malls, trying to wrangle ourselves a deal. Not too many were too be found (I think it’s a bad time being in between winter and spring lines). Regardless we found ourselves a few items of interest.
Tired of our day jobs, we are pursuing careers as brotherly Visor models. We come as a package deal.
After shopping it was time to go downtown to The Paramount, to get our seats for The Lion King.
The face(s) of excitement.
Inside the paramount it was extremely decorative, and had a very cool vibe to it. Here me and Brittani are seen by a balcony which shows off some of the grandeur of the place.
I would much rather built a pirate ship in extreme heat, than this place in any weather.
Finally it was showtime. It was wonderfully done and the costumes were very impressive. I hear the show is coming to Anchorage in the fall, and I recommend anyone to go.
I AM the Lion King.
Sadly, as with all good things, (usually too soon) I had to go. Thursday I got on the plane back to Alaska, and now I find myself back my rental lodge, trying to keep warm in the arctic winter. It’s sad to think that just a week ago I was in an equatorial country building a pirate ship mast in 102 degree weather. (Well maybe not so much sad, but it does conjure mixed emotions.)
Regardless, I am back in Alaska, eagerly planning my next escape from the icy grip of winter.
I hope everyone has enjoyed my blog. (Although if you didn’t, I can’t help but wonder why you are still reading.) I plan to keep updating SeeBradRun as my life is not coming to an end (although it does feel like it at times..). I may not update with the frequency that I have been, nor the excitement (It’s not often you find monkeys, orphans, elephants, pirate ships and bombings in Kenai), but I will keep you updated on the highlights of my life. I hope you’ll continue to follow along and enjoy yourself and my writing.
Thanks again to everyone who has read, commented, and expressed interest in my blog! You can be sure that I’ll be staying busy running, and writing…
-Brad B.
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