Choccy's first travels outside of Europe, an adventure of a
lifetime.
"I've got a business trip in Singapore,.... wanna come along ?" excited Grozzie asks
"Make your mind up, now or never. Got to book the flight tickets if we are to travel together"
It was the most worrisome moment of my life spending all that money (the most ever) in one go!
Too much of a fantastic opportunity not to take up!
My
mouth went dry as I pressed "confirm" to buy my special ticket.
It all
happened so fast, no time to think, just act.
No going back now, I'm going long haul!
Friends have been brilliant with their advice on the run up
to this amazing trip.
We packed our kites, light loose clothing, sun
block, hat, sunglasses, camera, laptop, the usual.
Dropped the car with valet parking at Heathrow, London
airport.
Breezed through check in as we'd secured our seats the night
before (window seat please).
Security is always awkward with taking
laptops out of bags etc and wheelchair users and their cohorts
stuffing things up jumping the queue and my stuff could have been nicked
on the other side :(
(they need to take note from Singapore Changi
airport security)
(it was the old boy who cut in with the wheelchair
user who refused to remove his belt that had to be personally frisked and
buzzed 5 times!! that held my stuff up that had already gone through cos I
thought I was next in line, I don't have anything against wheelchair
users. I chose not to wear my belt to speed things up).
10pm we were in the air. My first experience on a jumbo 747.
Take off is not exciting, so slow LOL.
12+ hour flight. Passed the over
night flight with a couple of movies, listened to music in between light
sleep. Nibbled at some food but didn't go over the top as a jetlag 'cure'
suggested.
Fun to watch the flight map from time to time.
Groz had
prepared me for the turbulence over the Bay of Bengal.
It wasn't as
bad as I've experienced on short haul, so it was a pleasant flight.
Great seats with a wonderful travelling companion, soon passed the time :)
Touch down Changi Airport, Friday 12th June 2009, local time 5.10pm.
Hello Singapore - South East Asia :)
First impressions on arrival. Quick efficient, no queues at
immigration, baggage reclaim fast.
Clean, welcoming airport, great
facilities, with caring, professional staff.
We were all scanned on
arrival for body temperature (flu virus alert). All clear.
And then as you step outside for the first time, the heat and humidity hits you and you can't help but laugh.
Fortunately there were no queues, and the taxis are air conditioned.
Good flowing motorway and road systems.
Amusing seeing
the locals hitching rides on the back of trucks. I couldn't help grinning
at them.
Bridges and road partitions often brimming with baskets of
beautiful flowers.
The palm trees, condos and high rise blocks were all
so smart.
Within 30 minutes we were in the heart of the city, arrived at the hotel behind Orchard road.
An old
boy opened the car door and took care of our bags. :)
Welcomed by reception (chandeliers and marble).
A swift upgrade seem
appropriate seeing as their bar was having renovations.
Twighlight beckoned but I could see the palm trees outside our window, and what big windows they were to have a fantastic tropical view over the park, so lush yet in the centre of the city. Wall to wall window seat. :)
Massive comfy bed and room.
We quickly unpacked some essentials and decided to check out
the club lounge for happy hour (6-8pm).
Grozzie was treated to a
huge slanty glass of G&T and I sampled a huge glass of chilled French
wine.
Snacks tonight were prawn fried dim sum and teriyaki chicken.
Yum.
Every night they have sushi and other canapies.
Mustn't go mad,
this is just an appetiser before dinner.
And suddenly it's dark. Night.
We take a slow stroll down Orchard Road to familiar myself with some landmarks. The size of the buildings, the dazzling lights, the hubbub. I couldn't wipe the huge grin off my face. I couldn't believe I was actually here. We wander down to the nearest MRT station at Dhoby Ghaut and then back to the restaurant for dinner.
"It's traditional to go out on your first night and just absorb the barmy tropical heat and eat alfresco in "Outdoors" along Orchard Road in the Emerald hill sector" enthuses Groz.
Live music and the heady mix of the big glass of wine already mixing with my long journey made for a surreal first evening in Singapore. Followed by the ever pressing humidity and gulping my first ice cool Singapore Sling. Noshing on very authentic belchan flavoured nasi goreng and satay chicken. Scrumptious. The smile says it all :)
Irish cider was also on the house! Too much food and drink, couldn't finish it. LOL
Satisfied and sleepy we head back to the hotel...... zzzZZZZZZ..... until 6am when thunder crashes and we wake to the sound of torrential rain. You hear about the stories but nothing prepares you for the reality of being so far south :)
Saturday 13th | Sunday 14th | Monday 15th | Tuesday 16th | Wednesday 17th |
Thursday 18th | Friday 19th | Saturday 20th | Sunday 21st
