flashman181

Well it’s Easter time again which means Fergella 25 is about to kick off at Flashman Inc, Plenty Sunshine Coast. Think pushing Easter back a couple of weeks has confused Old Whiskers as looking like a ball tearer weather wise this weekend. I took the deluxe 4 night package with undercover parking , box of tissues and pool view. I came down a day early to help with all the work and preparation. Here I am testing pool temperature for the girls and of course will have to test throughout day for subtle variations. It’s the little things that count

CLP of course was whipping up a storm in the kitchen but first time to prepare the old Pass the Parcel not forgetting the old trick of wrapping the best present in alfoil so the girls pick it.

Not suggesting they will be happy when find out it is a beetroot but they will certainly be surprised 🤓This year the theme is Halloween. Apparently

Ruby’s favourite colour is orange so I suggested we cut up pieces of pumpkin and leave them out on Sunday rather than Easter Eggs. Talk about a laugh. At this stage CLP needs a bit more convincing.
And so, on Friday most of the gang arrive for the 48 hrs of festivities. Main event is lunch on Saturday where we will be joined by Claude and Michael to bring grand tally to 10 adults and two munchkins.

Fair to say not top of my game but slowly improving each day. It will be fist bumps all round am afraid ladies. Been sick since two days after Singapore so basically two weeks now. Of most concern is a lack of taste ! Friday has dawned booteeful again as predicted so out to pool soon to soak up some rays which does help. Then there is only job left – get to the good chair before that darn dog goes 😏

Gang started arriving mid morning and TB are past masters at van set up . RJER spent morning at beach but all arrived by lunchtime to start festivities with a lovely relaxing lunch and a couple of cold ones. Well can’t hurt eh

CLP wanted to get a jumping castle for the girls but I suggested a cheaper alternative that served two purposes – free rides and pick some fruit. Tomorrow we turn on the blades as well 👀

By now it was getting a bit chilly so of course Rubes wanted to go for a swim and Old Muggins lined up again 😏

First night drinkies of course are Aperol Spritzers for starters

Being Good Friday it was seafood night. I saw food so I ate it . Yummy prawns and Parrot fish. The feathers were interesting must say. Ricky Boy supplied the Tear a Missyou for dessert which was also yummo. I could see a pattern developing here . Late onset Diabetes.

And then they bought out the Rum liqueurs. Not sure how many I had but an Angel appeared by the pool 👀

Think there may have been an overflow effect as well as sure I saw an Easter Bunny in my room next morning and it’s only Saturday ! And she didn’t bring any chocolate! Just what the world needs, a health conscious Easter Bunny

Another glorious morning saw some more pool time while some guests were more adventurous and went to gym or for a run. Out last guests arrived by 11 am for midday lunch but a couple of cold ones first before usual wonderful spread

Some new entertainment this year with egg and spoon race of the seated variety. Well some of us are 94! It was the younguns that took out the prize – their very own plastic spoon.

A leisurely afternoon then before we settle in for a drink and left overs later . Hopefully an early night as big morning tomorrow.

Woke up early next morning and back in Africa it seems as there was a herd of elephants in room above. The stampeding herd ran down the steps and the hunt was on as first light was detected . My ankle held me back but did alright.

Pretty good haul for elephants in pink pyjamas. Just leaves a leisurely breakfast and then a pack up and decamp. Now some merch to shift. Sadly as they are painted by penguins on Heard Island there will be a 10% tariff this year. $33.75 signed and delivered.

Another wonderful Della event done and dusted.

Did someone say Xmas in July 👀

Actually it wasnt a wrap but a very tasty breakfast pastry at 5 am over Birdsville but I digress.

When last we left our hero he had the Wobbly Boot adjacent and nearly as full as a State School hat rack. Then some sanity kicked in. Well I felt a shoe on my ass from somewhere 🤷🏻‍♂️

Was a bit concerned about the security screening at gate and possible boarding group 6 as in last with no group listed on our pass . Fell for that trick before and didnt mean they bought you out a wheelchair for early entry 😏 Instead we arrived at 7:45 pm boarding time, screened in 10 mins, boarded by row so actually seated at 8 pm. Flight backed out around 840 pm and then longest taxi to our runway I have ever experienced had us being whacked in the back about 9:03 pm. The service and food on flight over was excellent but this was a different story and mostly due to time of flight I suspect. You get a bottle of water after 15 mins and then they start dinner 15 mins later with no round of drinks first which of course makes sense. We were in economy exit row so leg room was great but tray table unstable. I called it my Trump Tray and wish he could be folded away so easily. On trip over beef was tender and moist, this time we got the shoe leather . The dessert was rubbish and altogether a tasteless dinner was a difficult eating proposition. And no ice cream 20 mins later . Next thing was the breakfast pastry about 6 hrs later. Of course all this makes sense in a way but does remind me dont fly economy at night over >3 hrs and maybe just dont fly at night if possible. Not possible of course with long flights eg USA and Orange Dipstick just added a 20% tariff on our flights so will take 2 hrs longer now anyway 🤔. Of course no trip to USA planned anytime soon. So in summary todays decree is never going to NYC again and never flying in USA in Economy ever. So next trip will probably be to NYC in Economy in 2026 🤓

Rough flight where you doze off for 10 mins fully seated and wake up with a start. Leads to a very sore neck for this LBD. Arrived on time in Brisvegas under leaden skies and immigration easy. Do like the digital declaration Qantas and Brisvegas are trialling. Car was still there so home to Flashman Inc for a break and unpack and make sure CLP knows which clothes need starch etc. Am thoughtful like that. Plan was to have a rest or even a daytime sleep as quite fuzzy headed by now with headaches but that never works so back on road about 930 am for drive home to Maryhole in persistent light rain. Of course when i say road…..

Rest of day spent mostly in lounge chair where probably caught 75% of shows in between drifting in and out of sleep. Finally in bed by 6:15 pm and slept pretty well until 430 am so got up and went to gym and then a good coffee at last. I have my routine that I like . Will be another 24 hrs before my full routine will be back if ya get my drift and then I wont feel so full hopefully. Still raining on and off here for another day I imagine.

So, wont bother with Flashies on such a short trip but just general comments and heaps of photos 🙂

Singapore is an impressive city – very clean and safe. Weather is a shocker but you know that going in

Hotel was great location and impressive structure . Rooms quite basic for the price but functional. Pool was great and breakfast buffet superb as was service there and maid service. All other service poor

Singapore Flyer worth the money for the views alone. The area by the Esplanade is a beautiful place to spend some time and do a few laps in the bay

The walk around Marina gave some magnificent vistas that will never tire off and a few quirks which will never forget

Of course the trip was planned around surprise birthday for brother Freddo turning 70. It was a massive achievement by his better half Lorraine to organise all this and look of surprise on his face was priceless. He couldnt believe I was only 3 years younger! Then we made him wear the shirt . We had 90 mins at Portmans bar which allowed for one drink but nothing else and then walked around for some dinner before returning to their room for some Scotch as you do

As is always the case by the time you leave the place you have all the transport, eating and shopping down pat and have to say the below grounds malls and walkways were great especially in this weather. Luckily always plan the drinking before arriving. An unexpected highlight unfolded on Saturday as we looked to have a drink anywhere but on site. I proposed Excise Man Whiskey and Wine Bar across the road near the esplanade and the rest is history. Legend Status granted. Simply wonderful couple of hours in relaxed comfort and luxurious surroundings. Service was superb

We had a couple of trips to Bay of Gardens during stay and certainly an impressive place up close. The double ticket for Flower Dome and Cloud Forest was especially good value. Easy access by MRT although did walk first day mostly under a trance as approached the amazing Marina Bay Sands.

Of course the main event was Sunday Brunch at The Fullerton , about a 15 min walk from our hotel on a warm day. Its a great spread and always enjoyable spending time with family and friends around a lunch table with endless alcohol . The dessert bar in particular impressed

We did a van tour on the last full day there and saw some interesting cultural areas of town you probably would normally miss as well as the always excellent Botannical Gardens. Informative driver in a comfortable van made for a pleasant and relaxing day . Visited some great and varied temples – Indian, Arab and Chinatown. The trifecta of fascinating cultures from countries have no interest in visiting. Spooky

The final highlight was somewhat unexpected as we headed off in general direction of Esplanade for dinner on Monday and someone suggested Gluttons Bay on Pissed Promenade so thought why not. Basically upmarket Street Food stalls in clean and comfortable surroundings . The Tower (s)of Beer was a particular highlight and a perfect ending to our time together as a group

In classic holiday style you feel ready to come home after a busy 5 days and as soon as you arrive home you miss the place and the company. Would I go back ? No. Am I glad I went? OATH .

I’ll drink to that

Oops wrong photo

Oops wrong photo

Ahh…..

CLP is taking me to NYC for my 70th (in business class) but I don’t really expect anyone more distant than 3rd cousin to attend 🕺🏻

And so we come to the long last day that always happens on holidays . A night time flight home may be not best idea but only option with Qantas. Looks like a usual day weather wise so will spend morning casually around neighbourhood as check out is 2 pm and leave hotel at 4 pm for airport and 830 pm flight. Changi airport itself is well worth an hour checking it out

First up though one last superb breakfast . Bid farewell to most of gang but will see JL this afternoon before going to airport. When they are 70 you never know if you will see them again 🤓

Headed out for a walk around neighbourhood with a slight plan of checking out possible short river cruises . That plan fell over quickly when dockside and nothing open but certainly a lot of folk around. Very pleasant walk around but already sweating so back to the pool by 0930 . There was a GQ photo shoot on the bridge apparently.

As we wind down our short trip a few observations. The city is very clean and very safe . Fantastic public transport . Service levels are poor in most cases although certainly maid service is excellent. Expensive although bargains can be had. Some sneaky taxes appear out of nowhere at times. The biggest takeaway though is going to sound racist but really the “Asians” ( Chinese, Malay ,Indian etc) are a rather arrogant and ignorant bunch in my limited experience. Have had a few experiences of them expecting special treatment in “their country” like pushing in front of you at a food line. Of course the constant posed photo taking is very annoying when in crowds and don’t get me started on the fucken umbrella brigade almost poking eyes out at will 😡 Of interest it is hard to get a glass of cold water as default is always served room temperature which seems odd in Sweatalot. Beer ain’t real cold either. The hotel itself has been great and in perfect location with easy access to underground malls and walkways. 5 days seems about ideal time although could have seen more like a river cruise I guess. At this stage ready to head home and also keen to check on both houses as been some bad weather for several days now. Plane on time at present so head out at 4 pm fingers crossed.

First up a last hour with JL and a sneaky G&T in the room as you do . Of course when you leave plenty of time everything happens quickly. Taxi waiting , no traffic, easy check in yada yada yada. And taxi was only $17 all up . Oddly we went through two passport stations but no security check? We went to Jewel first which is stunning to say the least

Before you could say “ I’ll have a Stone and Wood “ thanks son we were in business lounge at 435 pm for an 830 pm flight. Luckily I am a sensible drinker. As in get a beer and wine while CLP is out shopping so don’t leave seat . I should write a travel book eh

At this stage flight is on time and will have at least 8 hrs to sober up before a two stage road trip with me driving – weather permitting – from Brisvegas to Flashman Inc , NoSunshine Coast and then later onto Maryhole if roads are open . If not will stay with CLP a couple more nights

Wow first time she has cried this week….. later dudes, it’s been a blast and a very special occasion ❤️

Edit: Couple of interesting observations at Changi. They do the security screening at the boarding gate “ to allow more time to enjoy the shops “ and they are ok with female cleaners in male toilets . They do post signs at least 😂