Day One - London Heathrow Terminal 3 - Singapore

It has been a challenging week, in more ways than one.  It was so lovely last night hanging up my winter coat and scarf knowing that I am not going to need it for the next three weeks.  This morning has been spent packing as I had done absolutely nothing.  I am finally packed (well of sorts) and no longer look like Chewbacca!  Having to not shave your legs along with Brussel Sprouts are probably the only two things I like about Winter; oh and parsnips!  This Winter has been a long one.

So the Uber arrived at the flat, fortunately it was a big car so I could get in and out OK.  For those of you who do not know, I have had a very painful back

injury since 2 January 2020 and are still using a stick to walk.  Weekly visits (at a cost) to the Osteopath Simone have really helped and at least, with help, I will travel.  Hence the Uber to the airport.  Arrived at the Qantas desk and all checked in.  Through security.  Yet again the average traveller never ceases to amaze me.  There is a routine:  coat off, belt off, all electrical out of bag, no need to show passport or boarding card ..... just move yourself!!

All that done (swiftly by us) it was the usual trawl around the duty free perfume department.  New lipstick purchased, coupled with some perfume and numerous squirts of other perfume, it was time for something to eat and drink. The flight was up and all was on time.  I found myself doing my daydreaming thing again of looking at people wondering where there were going, what was the purpose of their trip.  Airports are a wonderful place for me, full of such hope and adventure.

The flight was amazing!  Qantas, as always did well and for once in my life I went up stairs on that Airbus 380.  I had order vegan food and it was really good. I watched Jo Jo Rabbit and would highly recommend it; such a good and thought provoking film.  I had a lovely chat with one of the stewardesses at goodness knows what time int he morning.  She was asking where we were going and when I told her she was so amazed and envious ....... more to follow on that!  They really were a good crew and totally looked after us.  She even said goodbye to me as we got off the flight and wished me very happy birthday when it comes.

First impressions of Singapore were very much what I thought they would be: clean, regulated, conservative.  The guy on immigration, like many other people, pronounced my surname wrong and when I corrected him and explained that everyone pronounces it wrong, he laughed and merrily stamped my passport.  We found our way to the metro and finally to our hotel.  All very simple and all very easy. 

The hotel is fine; basic but that is all we wanted. We are saying in the Little India area of Singapore and it is what it says on the box; very much how I imagine India to be; but cleaner.  We had a mooch around and found

somewhere to have some dinner, an Indian vegetarian restaurant.  We did not have a clue what to order so I did what I always do, looked to see what others were eating and ordered that.  Oh my goodness, what a treat.  It was plate of food with around 12 different curries, it was amazing. Along with that we were given a popadom and a bottle of water and the whole meal come to around £8 each!  The service was brilliant too.  Such a bargain.

What I love about travelling is the smell, the colour, the noise and people watching and I was doing all this. We went into the 7/11 to get some water and 

notice that the fridge containing alcohol was closed and locked with a chain and padlock as it is illegal to serve alcohol at certain times.  We also notice the price of condoms, as you do, and they were really expensive.  We went to a bar for a drink and had two lagers and that come to £5 each; compare to dinner for £8.  My conclusion is that any vice, will cost you a great deal of money in Singapore.  

We walked back to the hotel and had a shower, which was lovely and now, both of us are feeling very tired.  Not surprising really as we have been up around 30 hours. I did have a bit of a sleep on the plane but as we all know, that is not a good nights sleep.  

So that is day one in Singapore, more exploring tomorrow and it is supposed to be very warm tomorrow!

As always, with my love x