Of course, I mean the journey in its literal sense, not some marketing nonsense. Started off when my alarm went off at 5:15, on a cold and wet September morning, I immediately put it on snooze, like any normal person would, then remembered I was setting off! I’d not got into the holiday mood at all, didn’t seem real. Drove to the airport, got stuck in a massive traffic jam, which ate into the 45 minutes ‘just-in-case’ time I’d added. Parked the car then waited for the shuttle bus. Waited and waited, now an hour of my extra time had gone. 15 minutes later, it rolls up, panic over, or so I though, until the bus broke down. A dash across the airport and I was checked in and through security with only 30 minutes to spare, they closed the gate shortly after I’d boarded so didn’t really have chance to to prepare. I was off though, 7 short hours later, I was in Dubai. Except it doesn’t work like that. The plane sat on the tarmac for nearly an hour, meaning my connection time of 1:15 was also declining! Fortunately, a representative met me at Dubai and fast tracked me through, another 7 hours and I was in Singapore!
The first flight had WiFi so managed to get everything sorted in the air, directions to the hotel, reference numbers etc. 2nd Flight didn’t but no chance of any sleep with the 4 mid life crisis gents in the row next to me. Got an education in the seedier side of Singapore to say the least. That and just how many gin and tonics 4 men can consume when they’re free!
Finally arrived and stepped off the plane, which is like opening an oven, it is so hot and humid, it’s almost unbearable. City its self at first glance isn’t that spectacular, but mainly because you can’t see it due to the haze. Stepped out of the airport into a really modern train system which whizzed me across to my stop in minutes for about £1. Unfortunately, the hotel address was incorrect (there’s about 5 hotels all called Fragrance then with different precious stones. I’m in Emerald, and I had the address to Ruby. By this time, I was soaked. I was dressed for a September British morning, and carrying 2 bags, so entered the delightfully air conditioned lobby to be told I had to go a mile back the way I’d come. This worked out better as it’s much nearer the tube station incidentally. I got to the correct hotel and they let me check in early (I think being a very sweaty and tired foreigner helped!). A Quick shower later and change into more appropriate clothes and I was ready to hit the town! It was 11:30am by this point, and I thought I’d treat myself to a brief nap, which lasted about 2 hours! So, 2:30pm, I was ready to hit the town!
Got back on the tube, and headed to City Hall, as I wanted to try one of the famous Raffles’ hotel Singapore Slings. Not being the biggest fan of gin, or indeed alcohol in general these days, I thought why not.
Tradition states that the British plantation owners used to sweep their peanut shells onto the floor and with Singapore’s very strict rules, it’s on of the few places you’re actively encouraged to litter. At around £16 for the drink (classic tourist trap) I thought why not, and added to the pile of shells already on the floor.
After that, I had a wander around. There’s lots of old bridges, and a mix of colonial and modern styles. Then this bizarre Mer-lion, and 3 buildings with what looks like a ship on the roof
They’re also planning the Singapore Grand Prix currently. I had a walk around some of the track, it was over a bridge and then some sweeping corners. Had Rolex sponsors all over it?
And finally, just as I was heading back to the train, the fountains allowed me to unleash my 80s rock star…
More exploring to be done tomorrow!