Singapore – 16-18 October 2014

Yes I appreciate it seems odd writing a blog about Singapore given it’s been a month since I left but it's good for me to look back in years to come on where I went when.

It felt like a short week for me even though I will be working in the Singapore office on Friday. After another busy day (Thursday, 16 October) I left the office and headed to the airport, by train. Yah no more issues trying to get a get a taxi!!! I had checked in before work (how I've missed that!!) so it was straight through security then to the lounge.

On arrival into Singapore for the first time ever we packed at the gate closest to immigration - a major plus given its midnight! Had a second win when I got to the taxi line, only 3 people ahead of me. Thankfully it was a fairly quick trip to Lois and Nic's place.

It was a major struggle to get out of bed a few hours later when my alarm went off (on Friday, 17 October). Coffee and lots of it will be needed today!!

After a pleasant day in the office (so nice to see everyone again) I met Lois and Keryn for dinner - felt like I'd never left :)

Saturday morning I woke up feeling absolutely awful (this time I can’t blame it on alcohol) - clearly the busy days and stress/worry of looking for an apartment has taken its toll. As I'm here for Lois' hen party its up and adam! Lois and I head out to Sentosa for an afternoon of relaxing at a hotel spa - it's been something I've wanted to do while living in Singapore so it's great to finally do it!

Its takes all my might to leave - what a wonderful day to spend the afternoon. If I still lived here I would be here once every two months.

We kick off Lois's hen party at Ku De Ta, unfortunately it's raining so the views aren't up to their normal standard but still impressive. Dinner is at Chopsuey.





Sunday after a relaxed morning I have lunch with Anna before heading to the airport.

It's been a super quick trip but so nice to be back again to see everyone!

One night in Bangkok – 28-31 August 2014

Well actually its 3 nights but who's counting!

It's been awhile since I was last away.... (5 weeks but who’s counting), and with my move to Hong Kong approaching very quickly I decide to have a 3 day break away from the organized craziness before I leave Singapore for good.

I finally leave work at 7.30pm on Thursday, August 28, 2014; my flight isn't due to depart until 10.50pm but I can't face the crowds on the MRT so opt for a taxi. Another error free trip through the airport and straight to the lounge :)

The flight is a quick 2 hours, landing 20 minutes earlier than scheduled which is a nice change. It's a cool 27 degrees and raining we are told, um not the weather I was after thanks very much! The taxi line is its normal craziness; I managed to pick a line that seemed to move smoothly for once.

Bangkok is one hour behind Singapore, so I'm dying to get into bed.....hopefully the rain doesn't hold us up too much and I can be in bed by 1.30am new time. Aah the joys of not having to be up by a set time tomorrow :)

After a small mishap with the driver on arrival to the hotel, I'm finally all checked in and heading to my room. It's a huge suite - lucky me! (All I keep thinking is I'm sure my HK apartment will be smaller than this.....) Shortly after entering there is a knock at the door, ummm no sorry wrong room time to go elsewhere thanks very much!

Finally into bed at 3am Singapore time, sounds like it's been a great night out.....but alas no!

Friday morning after a wee sleep in and breakfast downstairs it's time for coffee!! Clare and I met up around 1pm and walk down the road to their local - gastropub owned by a kiwi. The menu is amazing, I'll have one of everything thanks! We decide on wine, of course, and a platter to start with. Lovely sitting catching up - this should be an every Friday afternoon occasion :)

Early evening we head back to hotel to Clare's apartment (her husband is the general manager) and keep drinking. I need to keep remembering to drink water and that I don't bounce back from big nights / ok days like I use too!!

Saturday morning (August 30, 2014) I'm a little slow - no chance of getting to breakfast so room service is eventually ordered. It's coffee I'm really after, I manage to get myself sorted and head out across the road.....that will be all for now! The afternoon will be spent by the pool relaxing.

We somehow manage to “recover” from yesterday and the wine begins to flow again. Once Michael finishes work we head for dinner – delicious French – before coming back to the hotel via tuk tuk. Awesome fun!!!



Sunday morning I wake feeling so much better than yesterday morning :) after a relaxing start, packed up my room then met up with Clare and family. We headed off to a newish kiwi owned restaurant for brunch.

Back to the hotel just before 1pm, after collecting my bag and checking out the fun started trying to get a taxi that would take me to the airport by meter. Finally I'm in one.....but it's driving ridiculously slowly - ooh dear.

We are going 20 kms an hour, increasing to 40 for a short time which felt like we were racing!! I try to ask the driver to go fast by asking how far to the airport, he answers me with laughter saying 5 hours. Ooh dear. After about 20 minutes of driving we pull off the motorway and stop to get gas; I'm now very scared. My friver thinks it's hilarious and won't stop laughing - I quite frankly don't see what's funny....

After getting gas we do speed up a bit but still not at the normal speed of everyone else, honestly this is driving me crazy!  I'm over the moon when we finally arrive at the airport and I can part with this mad man of a driver! Unfortunately not a pleasant end to my lovely weekend in Bangkok but hey ho it’s been lovely to be here again.