Selemat Datang di Batam! (Welcome to Batam!)
Brian met me in Singapore on Saturday and we checked into the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a few days so that I could get my Visa finalised on Monday.
The hotel was amazing, we got upgraded to a suite with amazing views over Marina Bay. This was the view from our room
On Sunday, we went on the open top bus so that Brian could see a bit of Singapore as he's usually working when he's there (well that's what he tells me anyway!)
Got a wee bit excited to see the Xmas decorations going up along Orchard Road, still can't get my head around the fact that it's not going to be freezing here at Xmas time!
On Monday, I had to leave my passport and some cash in a sealed envelope at the hotel reception for the Visa Agent, Madam Lee to collect. Brian then had to meet her in Harry's Bar later that day to get it back. All seems well dodgy if you ask me, but apparently that's how it's done and I seem to have a valid Visa in my passport so we'll not ask too many questions............
On Monday night we got the Batamfast ferry from Harbour Front in Singapore to Batam Central where one of the drivers from Brian's work collected us. At Batam Central there is a huge shopping centre called MegaMall (wonder how long it took them to come up with that name?) and there is a Starbucks so I'll be able to get my Grande Skimmed Cappuccino if I need it :)
We finally arrived at the house at about 7pm. Good news it we have a TV and satellite dish, just no furniture yet.........
And the kitchen had been built for giants! The bottom of the wall cupboard is above my head......I'll have to add trampoline to the list of things to buy at MegaMall!
I was only in the house 10 minutes before a gecko fell off the ceiling onto my shoulder! I nearly peed my pants.......... :S Not sure I'll ever get used to sharing my house with them but if thats the worst that comes in from outside then that's just fine :)
Spent the first day at the house just pottering around and the plan today (Wednesday) was to venture out for a wander round the estate and take lots of photos, maybe have some lunch and sit by the pool in the glorious sunshine. Then this happened........
.......and it's been raining ever since. Awesome thunder and lightning though! Still can't really complain about the weather, it is monsoon season and at least it's warm :)
So until next time, when I promise I'll have thousands of pictures.
Sampai jumpa lagi! (See you later!)
Lou and Brian xoxox
