Welcome to a traveling day. Thanks to Jeff for shuttling me to the airport and reminding me that I needed to ask him to watch the plants and check the mail.
Following a 13 hour flight, I found the Hong Kong airport fancy but a little difficult to navigate. Luckily I know the two internet free access kiosks. I found the starbucks that eluded me during my last visit. I needed the warm milk of a frou-frou latte drink.
Watched the shuttle take off on the big screen TV with many indian families. There were so many kids on the flight! Lots of seniors, too. We were met at the gate by a barrage of wheelchairs and travel assistants to help folks make it through the maze of security and flight check-in points. Watching the shuttle blast into space was exciting, but it reminded me too much of NASCAR races, where the audience is just watching to witness the horrific accident first-hand.
The harsh black peaks surrounding the airport were beautiful as they emerged through the fog and rain. They frame ginormous residential buildings that resembled memory chips. Precise repetition and huge scale to meet the growing housing needs of the peeps.
Now in Singapore after a short flight. It is too hot to do much more than sit in the internet cafe. I am very excited as it is Singapore National Day. Lots of folks out roaming the town in red and white outfits and flags. I witnessed a large contingency of coordinated headscarves. Happy Birthday Singapore!
I’ve been channeling my inner transit foamer and looking for the accessible buses that are supposed to be around here. I love the tactile pathways in the MRT (subway) stations. The metal bumps and ovals seem to be set in to marble surface, although they are probably just stuck on there. I’m drawn to the paths like a moth to a flame. I kick it and stumble along down the path to see where it goes.
The buses all have smartcard readers that look identical to the Bay Area Translink card system that will soon be unveiled. The S’pore system is cool in that it allows the user to turn the card back in and get a refund when you are done using it. Also checking out the location of the card readers on the buses. They have them at the front right next to the driver (like Muni’s new low floor buses) and at the back doors. Give it up for proof of payment (a system that allows you to board at the back of the bus if you have a valid card or transfer.
I’m off to find the Buddha’s tooth temple. Michele said that they have great free food there.
