From Peking Duck to Laksa

After the journey, which went off without a hitch, but with only 2 hours of sleep at most, we arrived in Beijing in the morning around 6 o'clock. After giving my fingerprints twice and convincing all the police officers that I am indeed the one in the photo of my passport, we could explore Beijing. The area around the Forbidden City, as well as the Forbidden City itself, are absolutely well-groomed. However, I had imagined the temples and buildings to be much more extravagant. Nevertheless, they are worth a visit!

We then continued to the Olympic Park. Here, as with the transfer from the airport, it became clear that Beijing is an expensive place, a ride up the Olympic Tower was supposed to cost €20 per person. An recommended restaurant with Peking Duck was unfortunately full, and in another one we were supposed to wait 45 minutes for an overpriced duck, but we didn't have the time for that. So this dish remains on my to-do list. After a short walk through downtown, we returned to the airport.

At 6 o'clock we landed in Bangkok, from there we took the elevated train to the hotel as usual. The check-in was not possible until 1 pm. So we immediately continued by boat to the Royal Palace. Completely crowded, but still worth seeing and quite pleasant in the morning hours. After a small lunch, we returned to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, we visited Khao San Road and the Sky Bar of the Marriott Hotel, including an impressive view. Lights and skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. We definitely did not expect that. After 65 hours, we fell half dead into bed.

The next day, we went to a large fish and meat market (Klong Toei), the Wat Arun and took a slightly overpriced ride through the canals. After our dinner and an extensive massage, we went back to the hotel. We'll just ignore the fact that I almost got run over, almost sank in wet concrete, and tripped over a trip wire on the path. That's all part of it.

Bangkok is an amazing city, even after the third visit, where you always discover something new, can simply enjoy great food and try everything :)

The start in Singapore was catastrophic. It took 6 hours from the border town of Johor Bahru to the hotel. The border officers on both sides were extremely relaxed and the entry and exit alone took about 2 hours. We then stood between Malaysia and Singapore on the bridge in traffic for another 2 1/2 hours. At 10 pm, we decided to just go out for dinner and explore Singapore the next day.

The next day, we first went to Little India (although we couldn't taste anything except spiciness in the food), then to Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Hotel, including the small shopping mall. The hotel and the view of the skyline are absolutely impressive. We then took the metro two stops further to the Formula 1 track and the Singapore Flyer to see everything again at night. Everything is even more impressive in the darkness. The Christmas market in the park was supposed to cost €25, which of course we didn't do, we could still see everything without it. We also skipped the largest underwater world in the world (€25), the observation deck on the hotel (€20), and the Ferris wheel (€20). Firstly, we didn't have enough time for all of that, and secondly, we didn't want to pay so much for admission everywhere. Instead, we went to the largest residential building in the world (€5) the next day and had a spectacular view of the city from the other side.

Sentosa Island is solely designed for consumption. Artificial beaches with an ugly harbor in the background, the so-called southernmost point of Southeast Asia, countless shopping malls, amusement parks for young and old. While there are some things you can see for free, you have to pay hefty prices for the parks and when eating. Well, you have to see it at least once :)

Since we had some money left, we thought that a drink on the promenade should be possible. After the bill came, we were wiser. Will there be anything left to go home with? €15 for a small cider is quite expensive!

Conclusion about Singapore?! A city completely designed for consumption, there is nothing that doesn't exist, everything must be bigger and better. In addition, everything is regulated or restricted, either through bans (chewing gum) or requirements (use of escalators and the subway). One has the feeling that the residents are being wrapped in cotton wool, so that nothing really happens to anyone, and hefty fines contribute to that. In any case, you should visit the city for a few days.