From Sydney to Singapore overnight. Did manage to sleep a bit, despite the best efforts of a toddler who would not be comforted and the fact that I was not in Premium Economy. After that, lounged around Singapore airport for 4 hours, mainlining coffee in order not to miss the next flight. Finally arrived here in the late morning – 3 hours behind Sydney – and was driven to the hotel. These are some pictures of my room.
Is this not the best bath device you have ever seen?
On the way, we went past a vast range of temples, stupas and shrines, even in the mucky industrial bits just outside the airport. Apparently, according to the driver, each village has 3 communal temples – to Shiva, Rama and Vishnu. People also have temples in their houses and there are other ones to different deities. Although Hindus are in a majority, there is a lot of Buddhism joined in. I saw a number of statues of Ganesh alongside ones of Buddha – and that wasn’t just in the shops.
There was a phenomenal number of craft shops, workshops, factories etc. Some areas specialise in different things such as woodwork or jewellery. I would imagine it is like Morocco where craft exports contribute a lot to the budget. Doubtless I will be given many opportunities to study things in close up for myself. As it was tea time in Oz, I have had an afternoon tea.
I was going to take some pictures of the hotel which is a delightful selection of small buildings in the side of an almost vertical cliff but it started pissing down during tea and hasn’t let up since. Maybe tomorrow.
The Retirement Travels 
Wow! Well at least that degree of pamper should make up for the rotten journey and that is the prettiest afternoon tea, although it looks more savoury than sweet.
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Three small savoury things two bits of cake and ‘pudding’ – using the French definition.
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Enjoy all that calm after your recent hiccup. Top marks for the Swan decoration on the bed. Something similar was attempted at one of the hotels we stayed at in Burma/Myanmar but the result was less ‘Swan,’ and much more ‘meat and two veg,” in a phallic symbolism kind of way.
Perhaps that was the effect they were going for?
When the rain stops and you are sufficiently rested to venture outside, take plenty of pictures and post them. I love a good stupa!
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I unrolled one of the swans before noticing the message – written on a stone! – saying not to use them as actual towels.
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At least you got there in the end. I can’t imagine not getting premium economy when that’s what you’ve paid for – although I once had a child behind me “stretching” their legs into my seat so Premium doesn’t solve everything! Coupled with the problems with your ticket when you left the UK I think you should have a rather big complaint looming! So did they refund the tickets they cancelled or did they just cancel?
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It’s all one ticket and flexible so no refund.
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You’ll have to have one of those wine glass devices in your bathroom.
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