Well, I left Los last Thursday for a few days in Singapore and I must say, that after not leaving the country for 3 and a half years, the culture shock was enormous.
First off, I decided to fly Tiger airways as a friend often flies them between Sing and Bangers and never complains.
Well, as we were barreling down the runway on takeoff, there was an almighty screech and shudder as the plane came to a complete dead stop from full speed and skidded down the middle of the runway to come to rest for several minutes.
Now this was no mild throttle back and come to a smooth stop and proceed to idle off the runway onto a taxi way, this was a panic type full braking maneuver, the type you do when someone pulls out in front of you or you are about to rear end the car in front.
During those few seconds I had envisioned a plane, maybe some indo plick on a one two go plane pulling out of the taxiway without looking left then right then left again before crossing the street and we were about to plow up the arse end of a jet that just entered onto the runway for takeoff. It was that kind of emergency full stop.
After about a minute stationary or so the captain came on and told us we had a bird strike and had to return to the parking area for an inspection.
Having 2 kids with me and my darling little girl next to me who I grabbed hold of and pushed back into her seat, I had serious thoughts to get off the plane and cancel the trip. I was shaking and I am not one to be scared of flying being a pilot myself of several questionable incidents, but the father of 2 children and I was terrified for them at that moment.
I thought seriously to ask to get off the plane when it stopped in the parking area for the inspection, they had a ladder and I only had carry on luggage, so no real drama for them. I talked myself into waiting and bargained that if the plane had to be swapped for repair, I would get off and go home, if all was ok then I would continue.
It was ok and we departed an hour later.
Problem now was that I had these thoughts the whole time, a very bad feeling about this flight and I have often had these premonitions before and some come true within the next day or so. So now was I just having these thoughts because of this incident or was it for real. If something happened and I did not get off, I would be responsible for any outcome that was bad and I could have changed by simply getting off when I was so wary of the flight.
Add to this that then I was thinking that ok if this flight carries on ok, my feelings of doom may be intended for some other leg of the trip, maybe while in Singapore or maybe the flight home. Happy to say that it all went well and returned home safely.
So, having not been away from Los for a reasonable period, I was amazed at the prices of everything and the simple politeness of people in other countries and helpfulness. It took me the first day to get over saying ‘khup’ after everything and realizing I could actually ask the taxi driver a question and get a clear answer and even advice and good help in return.
The budget terminal at Singapore certainly is that…budget…Spartan is another word…
By the way, how do real fat bastards go to the toilet on a plane, I was in there with my 3yo and it was a squeeze, we had 2 jumbo double seaters on the plane, the type that would not be content with a whole turkey and a loaf of bread for lunch. Surely they just cannot get in there ?
Cost of everything was overwhelming, hotels I had to pay amounts I had never ever paid before for a room. I like nice hotels, I dislike 5 star hotels, so 4 star and even some 3 star which are deserving of 4 star status are what I like unless I decide to really rough it in bungalows or cabins somewhere. So $4.50 for an ice cream, $9 for a sandwich, $50/60 for a steak, $35 for some satays and octopus and fried rice, $35 for pizza and cheese bread etc etc. and these are not hotel prices. $3 for a fcuking kit kat for fcuks sake.
Also as a hint for anyone traveling to Singapore, forget the online booking deals for hotels, I have used the airport info hotel booking desk 3 times now upon arrival and each time it has been a lot cheaper than anything available over the net or directly with the hotel. I stayed at the Orchard Parade hotel and on the net the cheapest available was $270, I booked through the airport for $140 for first night and $170 for subsequent nights. This has been my experience with this desk each time and even though you run the risk of perhaps not getting your favourite hotel, if you are flexible you will get good rates. Orchard Parade is my favourite and I have managed to get it each time.
Had a great time at the Jurong bird park
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and at Sentosa,
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that has changed so much since I went there 15 years ago. My son managed to come a gutser off the luge ride, did not stop at the corner and ended up upside down in the bushes. All highly recommended, although the underwater aquarium and the dolphin show were kind of ordinary. The cable car and the chairlift were good though.
Immigration was kind of fun on departure also considering myself and my 2 kids only have Australian passports, yet my daughter was born here and not traveled yet and my son had a new passport with no stamps in it and Mum was not present. Also I managed to right a little indiscretion where I had not done any 90 day reports for the last 2 years. This despite 2 visa renewals, 2 transfer of stamps into new passports, 4 ‘come back in 30 days’ stamps and 1 re entry visa and 1 2 and a half hour interrogation and computer info database upgrade. My 90 day reporting is now all back to normal and I saved myself 5000b….mind you I spent 70,000b in 4 days to save 5k….but the bastards will not be able to fine me 5k now, nor put their little black mark against my name, nor trying to trick me I think by making me go through 3 x 30 day ‘still under consideration’ stamps just to see if I lodge a 90 day report me’s thinks. I showed em.
