The Amorese Duo: Pulau Ubin Bicycle Tour (Mar 16)

This was a very pleasant surprise! If you're in S'pore and have some time, go to Pulau Ubin before it gets development (more on that later).

Tavia really wanted to go and I didn't even know about this island off the eastern shore of Singapore. We had a blast! The pictures should tell the story pretty effectively. Essentially, we rode bicycles all over the island and explored one of the only Mangrove Farms left. Of course, it was hot, but even the girls did well AND no accidents! Yeah!

My bicycle is the baby blue one to the left of the guy in the green t-shirt. Tavia told me it was a "cruiser." I think that's the kind of bicycle I want next! It didn't hurt my bum or anything - loved it and it had gears. I especially like the basket on the front; I could see myself tooling around town picking up fruits and veggies at a farmers' market. Ahhhh...can you tell I'm seeking a simpler life, maybe...

The landscape of Pulau Ubin is just beautiful and untouched; I was disheartened to hear that the S'pore Govt. has given the okay for it to be developed. It's quite bohemian on this island, and to be honest, that's what I liked. It's supposed to be what Singapore used to be like. But, there is a lot of money potential here and I'm afraid they will turn it into a small Bintan - no character, just resorts.

Another issue is that they have had quite a few accidents and deaths on the island. Helmets are not required and, yes (don't tell my Dad), I didn't wear one either. But, I was careful and we didn't do any stupid tricks. As I read in a Straits Time article the other day, a woman tourist did die by clamping down too fast on her brakes and flipping over the bicycle causing a fatal head injury - she died on the way to the hospital. Another issue is that there is really no medical on the island; that aspect really is unforgivable. With the heat, the amount of tourists and the fact that everyone is riding around a bicycle they don't really know, is cause for a little more attention. Tavia, Jason and I noticed really how poorly people rode - it's not like America where you get your first tricycle at 3 and you're riding free by 6 or 7. There were people that were older than us that were having trouble - I suspect those are the ones that are having the most accidents. There are some really steep and treacherous hills.

After a great ride, we got to see the most natural part of the island - Mangroves Farm. What a place; we had to walk along a raised boardwalk. We felt lucky to have the tide out; the kids got to see a bunch of Fiddler Crabs and the exposed roots of the Mangroves.

Along the boardwalk, the ladies all pulled out their umbrellas - the sun was intense! Here's a pix of the Olive girls -

You can tell the girls love their daddy! This was two seconds before Jason had had enough, though! They may look comfortable but it was at least 85 degrees with that much humidity or more!

There were some Filipino tourists that took a liking to Lila and Phoebe; Lila was in most of the photos because of her blonde hair and because of Phoebe's intolerance of their attention. Good for you Phoebe! I love ya'!

By the way, the picture above was taken on top of a very high tower that SWAYED!!!! I thought I was going to die! Jason and Tavia thought I was crazy. I stood up there long enough to take some pix and then I was down like nothing!!! Here is one shot that Tavia got of me...

This is a fake out - I wasn't even close enough to put my hand on the railing - no way! I don't know what happened! I used to be able to handle heights - I used to work on roofs with my Dad, now I'm at my limit on a 10 foot ladder and that's pushing it!

As you know, we did make it home safe, but take a look at the boat captain below...really look. Yes, he is sitting on a plastic chair that is supported by a tire. Additionally, can you see where his cigarette is? On top of the fuel tank? Yes...lovely... Got to give a shout out to Jason for catching this and then we both got shots of it - too funny!

Random sign - kind of funny, weird...

My buddy - miss you!

Turquoise - beautiful!

This was our view leaving the island - just natural beauty!!!

This is the way I felt after that day...I really needed it:

"Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." ~John Muir

A ride in the MRT after a long, long, long day. We all so tired afterwards. Lila fell asleep in Tavia's arms.