Monday 11 April 2016

First Day in Puteri Harbour after arrival around 1430 was spent waiting for slowest internet in this hemisphere to divulge information on traveling by bus to Singapore. Oh, we also imbibed numerous adult beverages beginning at 1700 after 2 of last 3 days on the wagon. Motivation rapidly evaporated leaving us with only the vaguest of notions about buses. Perhaps tomorrow will bring fresh energy or possibly a moment or two at nearby Starbucks, which may have a faster connection.

- Later

Great, we have a plan. If it works out that will be even better. Bus from Puteri Harbour leaves at 0845, but may leave anytime after 0815. Starbucks doesn't open until 10. That's just wrong. Given expected time en route, coffee with breakfast won't happen earlier than 1130. We get off and on transport 3 times en route. Given caffeine deficiency this could be a challenge.

Tuesday

All ran like a clock, albeit a really slow one. Took about 3 hours to get from boat to hotel, but there were no glitches going through immigration, customs and finding correct transport. Entire cost was US$3. It's about 4 times that coming back due paying in S$. By the way, public transportation in the city by bus and by MRT is excellent. Both Singapore and Johor have Uber as well.

This city is one of the cleanest and most attractive in the world. Even the utility alleyways have floral landscaping. Of course it's one of the most expensive places on earth as well. However, it boasts 100 Starbucks and some wonderful restaurants so blowing the kid's inheritance is worth it. They're just lucky we didn't have any. Hotel is in the Arab section which is a wonderful area of restaurants, shops and bars (and a big honking mosque) - diet takes another header.

After checking into Hotel 81 we ran around getting boat stuff so we could have the next 2 days free to have fun. Long day, but easier than doing a day trip like in October and riding 3 hours back to Malaysia. May, however, do that again before heading east.

Wednesday

Jan got an A-OK from Doctor Dutton who gave her a bionic knee 3 years ago. X-rays show joint is perfect. He also shot us both with cortisone for tendinitis (Jan's leg, my heel) and didn't charge a cent. Wow. Used the windfall to celebrate with 2 original Singapore slings at Raffles Long Bar where they were invented: $62 + $13 tax. When you consider the free peanuts it was a massive bargain.

Thursday

Despite above subject title, although it has rained every day, the sun usually shines. It's hot and humid, but after awhile anything less than sopping feels comfortable.. at least until going into air conditioning where your shirt becomes an icicle.

Friday

Currently on detour to Raffles Marina chandlery via MRT and bus to look for last couple of items not at Marintech in town and to see what was missed by blowing it off in lieu of Puteri Harbour.

Thursday - no, not the next one, but the one after that - 28 April.

Yowser, time flies when you're not having fun. Both of us have the lurgy. Jan had laryngitis, but couldn't stop trying to talk and all of crew is still coughing up furballs.

Both primary winches were buggered. Won't recount boring details, but temporary reparation has involved drilling off screw heads, chasing around Johor looking for fasteners, seals, bearings and such, 3 trips to machine shop, ordering expensive parts from UK to be delivered over the next 3 to 9 weeks and liberal use of amusing vocabulary. The things now hum like sewing machines and if they don't rip out of corroded bases when placed under load we'll be laughing. List of planned projects for Puteri Harbour, last availability for some time of shore power and water, remains intact.

Currently just south of Sentosa Island, Singapore, en route to first anchorage on east peninsula. No large ships have made a serious attempt to run us down, so life is good. Will now send this off due being sick of looking at it.

Jack