Casey's SE Asian Adventure

Casey had a unique opportunity to meet up with her friend, Melissa, in SE Asia. Melissa was on a 65 day journey around the world. The last part of her trip was to visit old friends, the Colyer family, outside of Manila, Philippines. Melissa was in Cape Town, South Africa, and needed to connect in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Singapore is only a short 40min. flight away from KL. So... plans were put in motion and Casey met up with Melissa in Singapore for a brief stopover.

First stop...

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE:

The Singapore Sling is a famous drink. Casey & Melissa had to find out what all the fuss was about. So, they stopped at the Raffles Hotel to try one at the Long Bar. This bar is where the drink was invented. A friend of an old coworkers of Melissa, Sondge, met the ladies for lunch the next day. He took them to a "coffee shop" Hawker Center- very popular with the locals. This man is making Rojak that they tried. Good, but leave out the cuttlefish!

Singapore has a Ferris wheel called the "Singapore Flyer." It is the world's largest observatory wheel. Of course Casey & Melissa had to go up for a look. On a walk they found these funny/cool statues.

Parliament- part of the colonial district walk the ladies took before leaving the City. They also went on a boat tour down the Singapore River and stopped for a photo in front of the Merlion, the City's mascot.

Second stop...
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA:

The ladies first view of the Petronas Towers. They are slightly taller than the Empire State Building. One night after dinner Casey & Melissa ventured to an area with several clubs. One of them had a hooka bar- of course they gave it a try! Jalan Petaling is Kuala Lumpur's China Town. C & M took a walk through and tried rambutan fruit, bought a dress for Sierra and other Christmas presents, and watched a man roasting chestnuts.

View of the Skybridge in between the Petronas Towers.

Third Stop...

LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES:


Jeep-nes. Public Transport of the Philippines. These were left over American from WWII troops. After visiting Mr. Pettyjohn's pottery studio and having a wonderful lunch on the lake, the group took a drive up the top of the mountain. The view of volcanoes, the lake, and towns was amazing.


Melissa's friend Scott has a cousin named Corinna who lives in Manila. She is originally from a town to the South called Laguna. Her Dad still lives there and has a pottery studio. They all went for a visit and Corinna Mr. Pettyjohn let Casey & Melissa try their hand at the wheel- not as easy as it looks!

Fourth Stop...
BOHOL, PHILIPPINES:

Desi took Casey & Melissa to Bohol for a few days. The island was gorgeous!

At the hotel they enjoyed being on the beach, swimming in the infinity pool, relaxing (napping) under the tree, getting massages (for super cheap!), and dinners on the beach in the sand.

Lunch on a River Boat.

The boat stopped so they could hear local songs and watch dances. They were so much fun the ladies hopped on stage & joined them. Apparently Casey needed lessons on the bamboo dance.

Tricycles- popular public transportation in Bohol. (Basically covered motorcycles with sidecars). They all have bible verses or other religious sayings on the back. The crazy driving may have something to do with it...

Walking up the steps for a view of the Chocolate Hills. Once called the Carmen hills- name of the City- they were renamed/nick named the Chocolate Hills after an American professor saw them during the summer when they were dry and brown and said they looked like chocolate hershey's kisses.

After enjoying the Chocolate Hills we stopped to see Tarsiers. These are the smallest primates- about the size of your hand. Casey thought they looked like cuter and smaller Gremlins. You can't have them as pets or put them in a cage, though. They get stressed out & commit suicide!


On the last day the three woke up very early to go and see dolphins. The sunrise was worth it- incredible.

Despite bad weather there were so many dolphins! Their boat had to be the oldest and loudest on the island. The captain also dubbed as the bilge pump.

The water was warm enough to go snorkeling. The best part was seeing blue starfish!

Rice planting (or better known as future breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Final stop...

MANILA, PHILIPPINES:

The girls stayed with the Colyer family who live in the suburbs of Manila, called Alabang. It is a very nice town. However, they were curious about Manila and wanted to venture into the City. So, on their last day they Corinna was kind enough to meet up with Melissa & Casey and guide them around the City. They stopped in Intramurous- the old walled part of the City connected to Fort Santiago. Unlike a majority of buildings, the cathedrals were two structures that were not ruined in WWII. They took a pedi cab for fun. The driver got an extra tip, seeing as how all three crammed in... and right after lunch at Jolly Bee!

If you need a key made or document notarized, just walk outside in front of the post office and this guy- or his friends- will help you. Then head to bayside where you can poke fun at the 1980s and apparently get a drink.

Dinner with Colyer family on our last night. This cake says "Bon Voyage Melissa & Casey."