Once we arrived at Lindsey’s we made up the pull out couch and set Jim up to rest. It felt strange leaving him sick but he was happier to rest without us watching him. Lindsey had planned a dinner with her friends so we got on the train and headed into town. We strolled through the Raffles area to the Happy Crab. You pre-order the crabs so they don’t run out. The food was delicious and Lindsey’s friends were wonderful.

On Sunday Lindsey had signed us up for a free sail in the harbor. We walked around the old city then went to a hawker area for a local coffee (strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk). We met up with Lindsey’s friend Jo and went sailing. We were out for an hour. Lots of fun. We went for a drink after then home to check on Jim. Then we went to a Thai place for dinner.

After work on Monday Lindsey and I took the bus to the botanical gardens with a beautiful orchid garden. Tuesday I went out in the morning to a supermarket to get Jim different foods that he might be able to eat. Since I could go off shopping I figured I could take the train downtown to the National Museum of Singapore. It was very interesting to learn about the history of Singapore, their invasion by the Japanese, and how they became their own country.

On Wednesday we took the subway train into the biggest mall in Singapore. A short walk to the river where Lindsey dinned on sweet potato fries. The area along the river has wood walkways with lights inserted. We walked across the river to Sentosa, a resort area with universal studios! We had a great time together.

Thursday was our first doctor day which took most of the day and a lot of Jim’s energy. After getting back from the hospital Lindsey and I left him to go to Holland Village for noodles then took a cab ride to the Singapore Zoo. We had tickets to the night safari. We rode in a tram to see animals that are active at night. They weren’t very active but we saw quite a few. Then we took a half hour to walk around and see more animals.

Friday night everyone was tired so we didn’t do anything but visit and go to bed early. On Saturday Lindsey and I went to her favorite coffee shop for cappuccino and to buy some beans. Then we walked around Tiong Bahru, an old town that is up and coming with young city people. It was very cute. The apartment buildings were only 2 or 3 stories high. Many are beginning to appreciate these since most of the buildings are tall. Jim went out with us to a hotel tonight. The beginning of his vacation in Singapore.

I was very sorry that Jim was so sick… but I did get to spend some wonderful one on one time with Lindsey. It allowed us time to share our lives with each other.

(Pictures 👍🏻

After arriving on February 23rd this story sums up my first four days in Singapore. Day two and I am already to get out though I have no energy. I hear music down in a common building located between two large apartments. I think wow a concert is just what I need. By the time I got dressed and ready to go down I realize the music is moving and I was able to see the funeral procession move away. Boy I am glad I didn’t walk into that.

I should have noticed the hearse vanMy Singapore hospital

Each of the first few days was just waiting for the time I could get out. Four days of rest and malaise. Then three under a Dr’s care showed steady improvement. I gave myself a pass for a few hours out on March 2nd and Lindsey chose a bar 70 stories up with a great sunset view. Then it was on to watch the light and water show put on by the Marina Bay Resort. Great night.

The next day a longer outing to Chinatown, a Temple, the old city and then onto the hawker stalls to get the famous Chicken Rice served by Singapore’s version of the soup natzi. Another nice outing and the salubrious nature of the Singapore was taking hold.

On Monday we got the best blood results and the shackles came off. Sheri and I traveled to the Marina Bay Sands Resort for a look and then over to Gardens by the Bay. We spent a lot of time at the flowers dome, an enclosed (air conditioned) multi level tropical garden. Lindsey arrived after work in time for all of us to enjoy the high suspended walk between the artificial trees. Then onto the nearby hawker stalls for some Satay. On our way out we stayed for an amazing show of lights to music displayed on the artificial trees. We laid on our backs on the warm pavement and enjoyed.Gardens by the Bay has a large inside garden

I know that I only did a fraction of the actives Singapore and Lindsey were offering but I was glad I got a taste!!

Sheri had an entirely different Singapore experience. She would tell me about her adventures but in my glazed state I was little more than a sounding board. The tale continues in the sequel… Sheri’s great adventure.

Sheri, Wade and I enjoy an early morning ridge walk then spend the day connecting online with others and disconnecting from any routine. Heavy monsoon rains overflowing the pool was today’s entertainment. By mid afternoon it stopped just in time for a beverage and dinner.

Thursday is our day to return home and we’re all moving slowly so it is good we have a goal for the day. It is to taste the coffee know as Kopi Luwak. The coffee bean is fed to a Luwak, swallowed whole and when it comes out the staff picks through the dropping’s locating the bean. The cleaned casings are removed, beans roasted and….who was the first one to try that. Butt I must say it is good coffee! The whole process is depicted from freshly ejected beans under glass, removing husks and then roasting.Who’s gonna say it…come on. OK I will…Doesn’t he look pooped..Thursday is traditional dress day as seen from the students coming home

Our hosts bring us to a favorite restaurant for a great Italian meal and gelato too. It is a local institution but not what I expected.

On Friday though I am not feeling 100% Wade and I keep our morning paddle boarding plans and soon are riding waves and paddling out past the reef. As we headed home and stopped to do errands I gradually became more fatigued which I was to learn was dengue fever. The afternoon had us all returning to get those necessary and inexpensive massages. We located a barbershop and Paula guided me through the haircut process. At home I just wanted to sleep and could eat little as the downhill slide continued.

Though it ended rough the stay was great and Paula and Wade were the best hosts. I can’t imagine a better visit and we can’t thank you enough!!

The two health updates posts fill-in most of what it was like but it was great to have days with Lindsay and Sheri enjoying some of the best of Singapore.

I almost felt this good!

Pics too

“I’m going to someplace that I’ve never been before” Canned Heat 1968

I know where the beach is now so a sunrise walk starts the day. Returning home to the daily pool and breakfast ritual is not getting old.

We packed and headed out for three nights at a favorite of Paula and Wades in Ubud. Taking the scenic route through small towns and rice fields we would often come upon the completion or preparation for a festival. These religious events involve the community to decorate, cook and fund. Pressed into service by local religious leaders villagers are obliged to learn how their participation might change the bad fortunes, luck or predictions about their families future. I would at times be saddened for their never ending struggle as their extra monies and time gets syphoned.

Our Villa, similar to many around the Ubud community, is setback from the road and narrow cement alleyways lead to a scattering of villas tucked on the hillside and surrounded by tropical jungle. A three bedroom, three bath with private pool and a young man who gets us settled and returns each morning to prepare breakfast is only 35.00us per couple/night.

After enjoying the pool during a tropical rainstorm we head out for dinner. Their we walk three levels down the restaurant to a patio near a river. The thousands of stones laid into the walls and floors capture my attention.

Breakfast each day is an egg dish and a plate of fresh cut fruit. The passion fruit falls from a tree in the villa. Today we head north to a popular area to visit and view terraced rice fields and then to explore an expansive area inside a dormant volcano. My highlight was a man holding a child who came up while I was photographing his field of orange…….. He hurried across the street and returned with two cut flowers for me.

Our guides have many favorite places to eat and see and on the way home we ate at a roadside restaurant specializing in meats they grill in front of the restaurant. The restaurant, though often filled with smoke, is a very popular place.

(Sent 3/19) pics 3/25

Time to enjoy home and “simple”pleasures so Saturday we rest and work online. Wade works for a few hours on the sermon etc and we have time for laundry and WiFi.

By late afternoon we head for the beach to enjoy a coffee etc at a resort owned by another Christian who goes to their church. The Tandjung Sari’s beach is set up in small sitting areas with tables and lamps. We sat and talked till after sunset. A short drive down the beach and dinner is half price and also with a great view.

Sunday morning and off to the “office” with Wade and Paula. The community of believers are welcoming and warm. Music, sermon and fellowship till it’s time to leave for a baptism.

stay away from the red speckled chicken

Believers baptism is a big step for Christians as it makes a public confession of their desire to follow the teachings of Jesus. For local believers, in Bali, it’s even more dramatic because leaving their Muslim/Hindu/Buddhist traditions might mean that they are alienated from their families. They know that what lies before them is worth it. Plus the pot luck meals are great.

Wade and I have time before dinner to walk the 10 minutes to the beach and pier near the house. We join with lots of locals who gather for Sunday picnics and the sunset. Pizza and a movie at home completes our Sunday in Bali.

Today was the final of four blood tests performed at the hospital in Singapore. It was good to get these results more importantly to begin to set the critical portion of this health scare aside. Each of the last 2 blood tests showed a big improvement. Now I am out of the woods.

When we arrived on Saturday, February 23 we went straight to daughter Lindsay’s 14th floor apartment. For the next four days I would sleep, drink fluids and try to eat. My fever, chills, joint aches and indigestion would keep me asleep and awake. Sheri was able to go out with Lindsay on the weekend and after work and that left me alone to complain in peace.

The issue that seem to bother me the most was that I wasn’t able to eat. My stomach would growl and wake me up. More than 3/4 of the things I tried were only a small amount and then they were not appealing. One factor that contributed to my lack of eating was the smells that wafted up from the other units in this public housing complex or came in from the street below. One night I was awoken with a very strong trash burning smoke smell. The next day I saw the barrels down in the courtyard between the buildings where one could go and burn their trash.

Being a cold-weather guy left me with the constant struggle of the heat. With a heat index over 100 it was either hot and humid or very hot and sticky. By Wednesday Dr plans were made and Thursday we spent the day visiting clinics and Drs and testing blood. The last Dr gave me medicine for my stomach so I could eat and be comfortable.

With each passing day eating, fluid intake and sleep improved. I was able to escort Lindsey and Sheri out for a couple of hours Saturday night and for a few hours Sunday. Sheri and I will go out again this afternoon for about 5 hours to visit the garden area of town.Chinatown chicken/rice a famous Singaporean dish

Tomorrow we will cruise out of Singapore and onto the next phase of the trip. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.