SinDo 2009 BATAM Jaunt Sub-thread
Jan 6, 2009 | 5:17 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: ELP
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLAT, Marriott Titanium/LT PLAT
Posts: 4,140
Not to sound like Dan, but the tread pretty much outlines what people do on Batam. Is it the greatest, most interesting place in the world to visit? In a word, No. But it is the best available as has been explained.
Hey, about 50 people go to Brooklyn each year to eat Italian food, munch appetizing, get a sugar high, see where the "goombahs" live and stare at the Russian Mafia in Brighton Beach. Having lived in Brooklyn, I find Batam more interesting.
This trip will allow the participants to do what they wish, be it shopping, experience a country that contrasts with Singapore in attitude and beliefs, take 2 nice ferry rides, get another visa and passport stamp (or 4), drink beer in a pleasant location, sightsee, get about 10,000 rupiah for 1 U.S. dollar or experience the seamier side of life including kareoke. It is up to those going to choose.
But I think I said that in what has been posted as Dan would say.
This is not a "spoon feed the participants" jaunt. It hopefully will be a fun time no matter what people decide to do. And the nice thing, is that we do not all have to do the same thing.
Hey, about 50 people go to Brooklyn each year to eat Italian food, munch appetizing, get a sugar high, see where the "goombahs" live and stare at the Russian Mafia in Brighton Beach. Having lived in Brooklyn, I find Batam more interesting.
This trip will allow the participants to do what they wish, be it shopping, experience a country that contrasts with Singapore in attitude and beliefs, take 2 nice ferry rides, get another visa and passport stamp (or 4), drink beer in a pleasant location, sightsee, get about 10,000 rupiah for 1 U.S. dollar or experience the seamier side of life including kareoke. It is up to those going to choose.
But I think I said that in what has been posted as Dan would say.
This is not a "spoon feed the participants" jaunt. It hopefully will be a fun time no matter what people decide to do. And the nice thing, is that we do not all have to do the same thing.
Me and boats do not get along....prefer to stay on terra firma !!
Jan 6, 2009 | 6:35 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SE MI.
Posts: 309
Jan 6, 2009 | 7:19 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
This is astonishing
The great thing about SinDo is that we do what we wish. I am frankly astonished also that 15 confirmed people wish to accompany me to Batam after most have flown 1/3 of the way around the world the previous day.
I believe that the Zoo and Night Safari are more the above poster's speed. Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are certainly highlights of any visit to Singapore, but to me, also is the boat ride through the myriad ships anchored on the way to Batam.
That floats my boat.
Jan 7, 2009 | 10:46 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
welcome KRS to the jaunt
KRS has PMed that he will be coming with us. We are up to 17.
LarryU kindly e-mailed the following in reference to herding cats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
The responsibility for any humor is his alone.
LarryU kindly e-mailed the following in reference to herding cats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
The responsibility for any humor is his alone.
Last edited by opushomes; Jan 7, 2009 at 10:52 am
Jan 10, 2009 | 2:42 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
Bump once again as 1st Attendee is on the way
B&BM called from Star Alliance lounge at LAX to confirm prior to boarding her SQ flight to NRT. She has a long stop-over arriving in SIN around noon on Thursday. She said she is really excited about her 2nd SinDo.
upup&away is definitely attending.^
We are up to 17 not including your "not-a-tour-leader". Do look for a yellow FT tag or two in the Novotel lobby.
upup&away is definitely attending.^
We are up to 17 not including your "not-a-tour-leader". Do look for a yellow FT tag or two in the Novotel lobby.
Jan 10, 2009 | 10:08 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Perth, WA, Australia
Programs: QF Gold, VA Plat, IHG Plat Amb, LCAH Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,934
A VOA gets a bit more than just a stamp. You get the full page sticker as well.
Jan 10, 2009 | 10:33 pm
#24
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,393
LarryU kindly e-mailed the following in reference to herding cats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
Should this be required viewing for DO organizers?
Jan 13, 2009 | 11:39 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
Contingency in event of irregular ops
On one of my trips to SIN, my flight from PDX had a collision with another airplane while taxiing. I arrived 26 hours late. Last year my flight from SIN was cancelled at 4 a.m. and Blank Sheet and I finally left at 10 a.m. Things happen so a contingency plan is in place.
In event that I am a "no show", please look to karenkay for guidance. She graciously has volunteered to stand in if need be.
The first 3 taxis to Harbour Front are scheduled for 1015. The concierge will arrange the remainder. Please try to be on time.
If you miss us, just go to Harbour Front Ferry Terminal and proceed to the upstairs ticket area. The group should be in the area unless they are in the Immigration line or holding area. Remember, the central point for meeting in Nagoya, Batam is the Harmoni Hotel.
For those who obsess about where they are. Also useful if one needs either a MickyD or KFC fix.
http://www.harmonigroup.biz/hotel/im...ionmap_big.gif
Telephone of Harmoni: Tel: (62-778) 459308 - 459311
Novotel Telephone Number: Tel (+65)63383333
And for the really obsessive: There must be a couple of you in the group.
GPS. N 1° 17' 21.87'' E 103° 50' 59.86''
In event that I am a "no show", please look to karenkay for guidance. She graciously has volunteered to stand in if need be.
The first 3 taxis to Harbour Front are scheduled for 1015. The concierge will arrange the remainder. Please try to be on time.
If you miss us, just go to Harbour Front Ferry Terminal and proceed to the upstairs ticket area. The group should be in the area unless they are in the Immigration line or holding area. Remember, the central point for meeting in Nagoya, Batam is the Harmoni Hotel.
For those who obsess about where they are. Also useful if one needs either a MickyD or KFC fix.
http://www.harmonigroup.biz/hotel/im...ionmap_big.gif
Telephone of Harmoni: Tel: (62-778) 459308 - 459311
Novotel Telephone Number: Tel (+65)63383333
And for the really obsessive: There must be a couple of you in the group.
GPS. N 1° 17' 21.87'' E 103° 50' 59.86''
Last edited by opushomes; Jan 13, 2009 at 12:02 pm Reason: add further info.
Jan 13, 2009 | 12:05 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SZG, Austria
Programs: LH(OS) HON, IC RA
Posts: 33,193
On one of my trips to SIN, my flight from PDX had a collision with another airplane while taxiing. I arrived 26 hours late. Last year my flight from SIN was cancelled at 4 a.m. and Blank Sheet and I finally left at 10 a.m. Things happen so a contingency plan is in place.
In event that I am a "no show", please look to karenkay for guidance. She graciously has volunteered to stand in if need be.
The first 3 taxis to Harbour Front are scheduled for 1015. The concierge will arrange the remainder. Please try to be on time.
If you miss us, just go to Harbour Front Ferry Terminal and proceed to the upstairs ticket area. The group should be in the area unless they are in the Immigration line or holding area. Remember, the central point for meeting in Nagoya, Batam is the Harmoni Hotel.
For those who obsess about where they are. Also useful if one needs either a MickyD or KFC fix.
http://www.harmonigroup.biz/hotel/im...ionmap_big.gif
Telephone of Harmoni: Tel: (62-778) 459308 - 459311
Novotel Telephone Number: Tel (+65)63383333
And for the really obsessive: There must be a couple of you in the group.
GPS. N 1 17' 21.87'' E 103 50' 59.86''
In event that I am a "no show", please look to karenkay for guidance. She graciously has volunteered to stand in if need be.
The first 3 taxis to Harbour Front are scheduled for 1015. The concierge will arrange the remainder. Please try to be on time.
If you miss us, just go to Harbour Front Ferry Terminal and proceed to the upstairs ticket area. The group should be in the area unless they are in the Immigration line or holding area. Remember, the central point for meeting in Nagoya, Batam is the Harmoni Hotel.
For those who obsess about where they are. Also useful if one needs either a MickyD or KFC fix.
http://www.harmonigroup.biz/hotel/im...ionmap_big.gif
Telephone of Harmoni: Tel: (62-778) 459308 - 459311
Novotel Telephone Number: Tel (+65)63383333
And for the really obsessive: There must be a couple of you in the group.
GPS. N 1 17' 21.87'' E 103 50' 59.86''
Jan 13, 2009 | 1:37 pm
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
Andreas
Always thinking of you.^
Note the GPS from the Novotel Singapore web-site
And in case any of you want the name of the manager.
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-5993...ay/index.shtml
Note the GPS from the Novotel Singapore web-site
And in case any of you want the name of the manager.
http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-5993...ay/index.shtml
Last edited by opushomes; Jan 13, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Jan 13, 2009 | 8:50 pm
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Delta Gold 1 MM
Posts: 2,711
one from probable to confirmed
Techgirl is underway in true FT fashion. Who flies westbound from SFO via JFK to SIN? According to the main thread she does.
We are now at 21
NW on-line check-in is telling me to see an agent. DL printed a 1/3 page ad in today's Oregonian stating they now fly to 12 Asian cities from PDX. Could that be the problem?
According to LarryU there is a free SWU on coupon connection for a UA flyer on a W or higher fare. Or for the true hedonists, an upgrade from business to first.
We are now at 21
NW on-line check-in is telling me to see an agent. DL printed a 1/3 page ad in today's Oregonian stating they now fly to 12 Asian cities from PDX. Could that be the problem?
According to LarryU there is a free SWU on coupon connection for a UA flyer on a W or higher fare. Or for the true hedonists, an upgrade from business to first.
Last edited by opushomes; Jan 13, 2009 at 9:11 pm