Why a media blackout the fans scream? Well, we arrived in Singapore on Thursday as part of a covert operation undertaken by 3 couples ( but only 5 folk in “the know”) to celebrate 70th birthday of brother John aka Freddo. Let me tell you da ladies love men in uniform.
Luckily in Singapore they like boys in sailor outfits. Go figure
Anyway Operation Seventy the New Sixty was organised by Lorraine and had the three couples arriving at different times in Singapore hereafter called Sweatalot. It’s March, it’s Storm season yada yada yada. We took the 5 night package arriving on Thursday, the day before guest of honour. We “surprised” him at the bar on Friday night as all staying at same hotel The Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay . I did warn Lorraine that big surprises at 70 could be dangerous but she just had a wistful look on her face.
So we began in Brisvegas on Wednesday. Qantas only have one flight from Brisvegas to Singapore a day and leaves mid morning so safest bet was to be down there night before and stayed at our usual goto airport hotel – the Novotel Airport Hotel:) Its nothing special but makes for a stress free start next day hopefully although plenty of plane issues around the world of late. There is a large DFO next door which I naturally assumed was a David Ferguson Outlet but sadly mistaken. Rainy day as predicted so was glad to arrive early afternoon and then found out we had a room upgrade , 2 free drinks a breakfast thrown in. Ok, cool. “ Well you are a Platinum member Sir” . Really? Can I see your card again please. Sure. Ok let me get back to you . Anyway we kept the nice room and we have our drink vouchers and no interest in breakfast anyway.
Wandered down at 5 pm for a brew at the hotel bar. Always a solid performer
Then back into the DFO complex for dinner at the Transit Tavern. Very passable indeed
Next morning it was an early trip out to airport as have long term parking booked and can have breakfast at Qantas Club. Luckily its the International terminal as Domestic a bit of a mess at present
Quite crowded but all moved along and still in Qantas Club with plenty of time to spare and plenty to eat and drink. At present all still seems on time, a relative term with airlines of course
Excellent service all round by Qantas with great food and drink on plane although of course it is still 8 hrs in Economy. Arrived 20 mins early and immigration was ok and then found out my honeybuns had paid for limo service 😘 It’s a very impressive hotel and rooms are fine with good views but for the price a bit simple like no drawers for clothes or hooks in bathrooms etc. It is basically a nice hotel room in a beautiful hotel
Time then to head out for a walk but man the heat and humidity is a killer even at 630 pm. Walked around to the Singapore Flyer and decided to wait a little until it got darker and the light show started at the Hanging Gardens or whatever they are called. It’s a stunning vista by day or night
Not a bad nights sleep in the sauna. Why do hotels in the jungle only have a doona and no sheets. FMS. Sweatalot is 2 hrs behind so my body clock said 4am was the new 6 am so we got up and went to gym. I was sweating on the elevator
When we get to 9 am it will be 35 degrees with feel like 40 ! There is an exercise outdoors warning in place ! Nice time of day and great gym
Back to room for 7 showers before heading down to breakfast and a catch up with Couple 1 to plan arrival surprise for Couple 3 this afternoon. Couple 1 were a non starter but will meet later so decided to head out for a walk around marina on cloudy but dry day . Turned into a wonderful morning with plenty of great sites , a couple of subway rides on an excellent system and even a cable car home from Sentosa Island
We were keen to try original Singapore Slings at Raffles in the Long Bar . The line up was ridiculous but luckily found another bar on site that also served them. The price was ridiculous but we knew that going in $41 ea. The $16 tax on top was the shocker .
We achieved heaps in the last 24 hrs so now time to relax in the pool and wait for the birthday boy to arrive
Then the fun starts. Here is one I prepared earlier
Now back to more normal ,less crowded posts as media blackout lifted. There was dancing in the streets folks. Well at least crowds gathered
flashman181 