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Trip Start Dec 17, 2007 Trip End Jan 26, 2008 Next
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  Singapore, Singapore
Tuesday, December 18, 2007

I'm back on the road!

I arrived into Singapore at 2.50am after a 5 hour flight from Perth on Tiger Airways.  I paid $485 for a 'no frills' flight and that's exactly what I got.  No service of any kind - no food, drink, entertainment etc.  You had an option to pay the $15 to get a TV etc. but I left Perth with no Aussie or Singaporean dollars. 

I was impressed with the efficiency of the hostesses and my seat - 1A.  I paid $25 to pre-book a seat and I wasn't disappointed, especially given that 1B was empty!  Score.

These late night flights are hard work... especially when you arrive at Singapore's Budget Terminal.  After I collected the bags, I made my way to Terminal 1 and then 2 to spend a few hours having breakfast.  The 3 hours whisked by before I got on the City Train to Tanjong Pagar MT statioin.

I'm staying at the M-Hotel.  Bad location, but terrific 5 star hotel in the middle of the city district, near the port.  Stan, I can see why you stay at the Excelsior - such a fantastic location, right next to the central river district.

I got to the hotel at 6.30 and was told that I could check in at 9 - score!  I was feeling absolutely wretched because I got hardly any sleep on the plane.  The seats were ok but no pillows, blankets or anything to make it more comfortable - I should of used my jumper as a pillow! 

I can recommend Tiger Airways but only if you want to do it rough.  I'd probably do it again but try for a better time.

It's great being back in SE Asia.  I spent the morning walking around the Merlion, Singapore River Area.  It was absolutely exquisite at 7am - the best time to do any sightseeing given that there was noone around except me and a few locals doing exercises.  I love the area around the Parliament - lots to see.

After that, I went back to the hotel where I had a much needed bath and rest - for about 5 hours before heading out to Chinatown - another favourite area of mine. 

I loved sitting back, having noodles and prawns and Tiger Beer.  It definitely feels like De Ja Vu given that I was in this part of the world 2 years ago.  I have such a burning passion for SE Asia and it was most enjoyable just sitting back and enjoying the sights of Chinatown on this first trip.  It's amazing how much your love of a place comes back so quickly... the sounds, the noise, the efficiency of the city and the beautiful, tropical hot and humid climate.

Tomorrow I leave Singapore at 11.25 to travel to Los Angeles.  Already I can't wait to return to SE Asia this time next year...

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