from Pulau Batam
Hi everyone from the marina resort of Nongsa Point on the Island of Pulau Batam, a mere stone’s throw from Singapore.
We’ve been having some R&R time here for the past few days in advance of us arriving to a formal ceremony, lasting most of the day, in Singapore on Saturday morning.
Nongsa Point is like any holiday resort complex with beachside huts and apartments together with an adjoining 9 hole golf course and of course the marina complex where we are moored. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Last night Nongsa Point Marina laid on a crew party with some local entertainment and fireworks. Justin from Clipper nearly blew himself up lighting one of the fireworks which seemed to go off prematurely before he had time to move away from it. Luckily for him there was no damage done.
Yesterday I played 9 holes of golf with Brian (New York crew) and suffice to say I hit a few good ones and lots of bad shots, but all in all an enjoyable few hours away from the boat.
We’ve also taken the shuttle bus from the resort to the local ‘Mega Mall’ which is just like any mall you see anywhere in the world these days. We bought some food there for those staying on the boat during the stopover and a few of us had an impromptu barbecue at the end of the pontoon with some drinks. A very pleasant evening indeed. There are only three of us staying on the boat: myself, Ruth and Rachel. Everyone else has opted for rooms or an apartment at the resort, which by all accounts needs some upgrading. I don’t quite understand why everyone wants to get away from the boats so quickly but each to his own I suppose. Maybe it’s more to get away from the people than the boat itself. Ruth and Rachel are like the terrible twins, always up to mischief and having a grand old laugh. They’re a real breath of fresh air on the boat. Ruth will be missed for her jollity when she gets off in Qingdao I’m sure.
Today is Friday, our last day here. I’m planning on a walk around the local area this morning and maybe sit by the pool and chill this afternoon. We leave at 0430 local tomorrow for Singapore, so it’s early to bed. Clipper has warned everyone that if they are not on the boats by 0400 latest they will not wait. Let’s see what happens hey!
Sarah’s (my wife) colleague at work has friends that live in Singapore (they moved over here last year) and they are keen followers of the race so I’m hoping to meet up with them after we arrive and maybe even spend some time with them sight-seeing etc. Not sure exactly how this will work out yet because of the busy programme in Singapore.
Take care everyone,
Martin
