We left Melbourne for Singapore and had one of those flights where everything seemed to go like clockwork. You know that interminable wait once you have boarded the plane and wait for the take-off? This time the plane taxied out and took off only minutes after it was fully boarded. Although there was a little turbulence, it was a quick smooth flight with all of the usual amenities. We watched a couple of films, ate a couple of meals and before we knew it, we were in Singapore.
Last year, when we went overseas, we flew on the first day of the new regulations. You know, the ones where you have to put all of your travel essentials into a plastic zip-lock bag and make it available for inspection. The regulation is still in force, but seems to be less enforced. In fact, flying out Sydney we didn't even have to take them out of our hand luggage.
As usual we had booked into the Ambassador Hotel in the Transit area. While in the past we had always found the hotel to be marvelously convenient, we have to admit that it was pretty dreary. Flying Singapore Air meant that we were in the new Terminal 3. Here the hotel is much newer and brighter.
And speaking of Terminal 3, even if you are flying with an airline that doesn't use it, it is well worth a visit. Not only is it brand spanking new, it is architecturally interesting. This airport offers free internet access and free trolleys for getting your bags from point A to point B. Perhaps that is a lesson for some of our Australian airports. Of course, the name of the game in Singapore is service and the shops and restaurants in the airport are open 24 hours every day. Here's an example. We noticed a small food bar with four staff all of whom were working to serve customers and when there weren't customers, they were cleaning the stand and getting organised. This was just one of dozens of food places; all highly organised.
Since there is a three hour difference between Melbourne and Singapore, our bodies were telling us that it was three hours later than the clocks were saying. As a result, we are struggling to stay awake until 10.00pm local time even though our bodies will be insisting that it is 1.00am. It's been a long day, starting at 6.00am and going (hopefully) to 1.00 the following morning. Tomorrow should be better in that we can get up, go to the departure gate, and just get on board the plane. No checking in and waiting for several hours. But we will then have the long leg of the trip; thirteen hours to London.
So far we have no reason not to continue to say that Singapore Airlines is wonderful, but tomorrow will tell!
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