Our Singapore fling.

[drron]

Spontaneity is not a word to be used when discussing drron's travel.We have our travel planned through to the end of 2013.Already starting on thoughts for 2014.However about 6 weeks ago as we were having our evening drinks on the patio mrsdrron and I came up with the idea that we would like a simple break before our next adventure in July.
So having followed the adventures of Cove,the ATO and SQ,I looked at J savers to Asia.Mrsdrron then discovered the Great Singapore Sale started on 25/5 so Singapore it was.Finding availability on SQ was easy.Transferred points from Amex-all earned courteousy of Wayne Swan and they turned up in my SQ account 4 hours later.It was a short time later that we had 2 J savers BNE-SIN-BNE.
Now it would not be a drron TR without a bit of a lead up.For the last 3 weeks I have been pretending to be a Nuclear Physician in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.Sorry but Bundy is not my favourite place and as my father told me if you cant say something good then say nothing-so nothing about Bundy.
Hervey bay I like.It is really doing it tough.In the time I have been there the 3rd backpacker's place has closed down.I have eaten at my 2 favourite restaurants there-Pavilion at the Pier and Coast.When i went to the Pavilion I was the only diner-only once there as they want 3% for amex where no surcharge at Coast.So here is Pavilion on the Pier at Urangan-

And my pork belly-

Now Broome may well be known for it's Stairway to the Moon but the Bay has something nearly as impressive,the Stairway to the Sun-

and people know the important things in life such as getting bait for tomorrow-

But enough of that.This is another first for us.No checked luggage!:shock:
And our carry on bags weigh 5.3 and 5.9KG.Wont even have problems with the BNE bag weigher!
So it is off to bed early tonight as we are being picked up at 0500 by Tony in his limousine.I will make sure I sit in the same seat as Leonardo di Caprio when he visited the Coast in March-just so i can say i have.
The next post will be of our first visit to a SQ lounge and then SQ256.

 

[jetlagger]

Thanks for the entree drron.. like many others, look forward to your TR from all angles of observation & savoured culinary delicacies in SIN

 

[drron]

Well I did type up a second post in the SQ lounge but their computer refused to post it-maybe because I was a bit hard on it but here we go again.

Our alarm failed so we awoke at 0430 and Tony arrived at 0450.So naturally we forgot a few things-a jacket for me in case of restaurant dress codes,spare batteries for the cameras-only taking the old point and shoot to save space and weight.Now dont laugh because as you get older this will probably start happening to you.We both swear we will make a list of things to do then forget to do it or forget where we have put the list.

We have a very good run to BNE so arrive at 0550 so have to wait for 20 minutes until checkin so go and have a cappucino.At the SQ checkin our carry ons are weighed.Thank goodness this doesn't happen often but today even though we have no checked bags our carry ons are 6KG and 5.4kg.Feeling really chuffed.
Get our express passes so naturally when we get to security no one else is there.I tell the guy how I am resigned to the secondary search as my record is 100% at BNE.So mrsdrron is selected!She gets the full deal with a pat down-they give her the form explaining this and she says I dont have to read that,I watch Border Security-laughs come from behind the screen.We then face 10 Immigration officers with no one else around-those Express passes are so handy!
Off to the Silverkris lounge-they have to unlock it for us.Very AFF,not missing a second of possible lounge time.It is though our first SQ lounge.Quite comfortable but a great view of-

the bus and limo parking area.
But it is a comfortable area with plenty of not very friendly computers-

Several hot food options for breakfast-much better than the QF F lounge at BNE.
Time passes quickly and soon we are off to the gate-one of the closest to the lounge.
SQ256 next.

 

[drron]

SQ256.BNE-SIN. ETD-0910.Push back-0904.Take off-0923.
ETA-1550.Landed-1522. At gate-1528.
Arriving at the Gate there was a mini circus going on with 8 occupied wheelchairs and 2 empty ones.Much gesticulating and head bobbing going on as to who should board first.As the 7th wheelchair disappeared down the air bridge 2 of their compatriots came running to the gate with duty free bags.They ducked under the tape and sat in the 2 empty wheelchairs and then unashamedly were wheeled down the air bridge.
The fun wasn't over.A real fiasco trying to board the families with kids constantly being interrupted by a young guy in a suit trying to insist he should be boarded first.Finally business class was called.Mrsdrron and I headed the line to the agent-but Mr Young suit ran to the economy line and then tried to cut in front of us.Brilliantly blocked by a fellow bringing one of the wheelchairs back.No further problems and we were safely ensconced in 12H,K-second row of J.But who should arrive and claim 11K-none other than Mr Young Suit.He immediately demanded that the CSM hang up his coat then demanded a beer to be served with a slice of lemon and salt.Told to wait by the CSM there was the most extraordinary display of head bobbing I have seen.He was obviously not endearing himself to the CSM.Later in the flight after another request the CSM headed for the galley and started taking off Mr.Young Suit.The FA pointed out that I was watching so the CSM came back later and apologised to me-I assured him I was on his side.
After take off there was considerable turbulence but we took off to the west just south of the CBD and then did a right turn so a magnificent view of the CBD,river and Storey Bridge.I then went into a sound sleep but woken 30 minutes later for brunch.Began with a fruit plate with for a change really tasty fruit-

I then had the Matt Moran signature dish-lamb loin.Beautifully cooked,good flavour and moist.

I coupled this with a nice French Burgundy.Mrsdrron had the EE Fu noodles with prawns,mushrooms and greens.Not nearly as good and the prawns overcooked and tough.

Finished with a very rich chocolate cake-

The menu-

After this I watched the Iron Lady,read the paper,took the obligatory foot shot-

then went to sleep.
Awoke for the snack-choice of foccacia with tuna and cheese.Tuna like shoe leather-

or beef noodles-

And as you can see from the menu no mention of the very obvious chilli-

so mrsdrron couldn't eat it.The mushrooms though were also the texture of leather.
Finished the flight listening to the music of the 60's.Singapore entry documents only handed out well into the descent into SIN.Again a lot of turbulence.
Next arrival into Singapore.

 

[Shelf]

Enjoying the TR so far, looking forward to the next post.

A TR wouldn't be the same without a pic of the shoes!

 

[drron]

Before I regale you with our arrival in SIN a few thoughts about our first SQ J experience.Probably not that fair as BNE is obviously not a major route but to my mind having experienced regional QF on their A330s and regional CX in Asia I would put SQ at number 3.The CX service beats SQ hands down.Sure the SQ FAs are young and attractive but I never felt a single degree of warmth.Have always been able to engage a CX FA in a conversation.Same with QF and I just remembered JAL.
The service was efficient but seemed to be performed to a timetable.We had 2 meals and only on 1 occasion asked if I wanted another glass.On another occasion I asked for the second glass.But on both occasions after the second glass my glass was removed without asking.
Then the handing out of the Singapore entry documents-it really was late.The entertainment system was also turned off early in the descent-just as I was listening to Gerry and the Pacemakers-a soft spot as I saw them at the Sydney Stadium and took along the daughter of Mrs.Brown.The older members will get the significance of that.
Well after deplaning we found ourselves once again about as far from the Immigration Hall as you could be.We made good time though and as we came down the escalator there were at least 5 booths with no one there.Very quickly through and now the beauty of not having checked luggage-just walked straight past the baggage carousels to the Customs green lane.As we had only small bags e were not asked to put them through the Xray as everyone else was.So 12 minutes after the plane came to a stop at the gate we were in a taxi on the way to the Hilton.The taxi took a slightly scenic route but fare was still only $S22.
Next-the Hilton-up to their old tricks.

 

[drron]

When we arrived at the Hilton there was a situation that annoys me-but this was mrsdrron's booking so I stepped back.The Hhonors line was not manned.2 agents-1 with 1 guest,1 with 2 guests.A third agent comes out to the Hhonors line and calls over a guest who has just arrived.Now this has happened to me at SPG hotels but it is annoying when businesses forget their side of a loyalty scheme.
Anyway mrsdrron had moved smartly over to the new line.Handed a letter of welcome,told she had been upgraded to her next preferred category of room but we have given you Executive Lounge access.Upgrade was from Deluxe to Deluxe Plus-same room on higher floor.When we got to the room mrsdrron said to me-I should have told her my preferred category of room is a suite.
The room however is quite comfortable.Here with all our luggage-

And other views-

Didn't take long to unpack.Went up to the lounge at 1800.Happy hour goes to 2030.A reasonable selection of snacks but not great so off to the Ion food court and shared a combination plate of Hong Kong BBQ-5 sorts of pork and duck-$S28.Was very nice.Now felt really tired so back to the Hilton and crashed at 2030.
Next-mrsdrron hits the shops.

 

[moa999]

Great start. Do they do book the cook out of bne, or did you just decide to go with menu selections?

 

[zig]

Enjoying your report as always.
Quick question though. Is there anything in those bags or did you carry them empty? Can't for the life of me think how they would be 6kg and under each I'm suitably impressed.

 

[drron]

First I have no idea if they have book the cook out of BNE-I assumed they didn't.So these were items off the menu.
Those bags carried our clothes for a week.In fact we realised we could have cut out a couple of items!:shock:
We are actually planning to do a hand carry only to BKK next year with our new found confidence.Just have to pay a couple more tax bills.
So back to the action.Sunday started off in the downstairs restaurant for breakfast.A reasonable selection though the fruit unfortunately was tasteless as is often the case in hotels.No matter I had 3 Indian vegetarian curries to savour-were different every day and served with several different sorts of Indian breads.
After that we headed to Takashimaya.In sale times they always have a basement sale which often has some very good buys.Today in what was an omen it was luggage.We were able to pick up the 3 Antler Liquis set in the colour mrsdrron had wanted and for $A50 cheaper than the discount price in Australia before we left.The service was amazing.Our young server got us the free amenities pack we got for spending more than $S200,then suggested it could be delivered free to the hotel,then wrapped them for delivery-they fit inside one another.
Now having the luggage mrsdrron was free to shop.The Amex grew red hot through Takashimaya,the MR points rapidly accumulated-though in some shops instead of the surcharge for using Amex they gave you 10% off for using it.
Included in the purchases was a new WMF cookware set which totally fills the largest of our new cases-but it was 80% off.
We ended the day purchasing a little blue box-though it is for a friend's 50th when we get home.Unfortunately what mrsdrron wanted was way above my Amex limit.Finished off with lunch at Sabai.Our food experiences here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-restaurants/singapore-restaurants-39941.html

More to come

 

[drron]

Apart from the eating and shopping this was a time to chill out.One of the things I enjoy with hotel loyalty programs is the lounge access.You meet a wide cross section of people.On this occasion there was a large group of Americans every night we were there.It turned out they all do or have worked for Boeing The supposed reason for their trip was inspecting the boeing simulator set up in SIN.They were however having a pretty good time.
On our second night we were sitting next to a Scot.One of the Americans recognises him and comes over for a talk-this american was working for SQ.The scot turns out to be with BA and was here for 2 weeks checking out the Preparations for BAs A380 service to SIN and the lounge changes.This night was standing room only-just as well we always get to the lounge early.
On the Wednesday night mrsdrron got an invite to the GMs coughtail party and I was allowed to tag along.I dont know how one gets an invite to this which is held on the last Wednesday each month.Most of the lounge guests were not present and several who were did not have status or exec lounge access.We met a woman from north carolina who was an engineer with honeywell aerospace who was here to sort out some problems in the Singapore site which is making engine casings for the GE engines-amazing virtually everyone we meet has some connection to the airline business.She is just starting out on the loyalty ladder so we invite her to the lounge the next night and give her some handy hints-the GM gave mrsdrron permission for extra complimentary guests-possibly after being told not only is mrsdrron Hhonors diamond but I was also Hhonors gold and SPG plat.
On our last night in the lounge we met a couple from Cinncinatti who are also points junkies and love the SGS in BKK.We got along well.This night had the best snacks including satays.The white wine was a Marlborough SB which pleased mrsdrron.
So loyalty programs do have their pay off and make our travels much more interesting.
Next probably some more of the shopping,after which mrsdrron will point out where I am,as always,wrong.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Cinncinatti

Next probably some more of the shopping,after which mrsdrron will point out where I am,as always,wrong.

No ... everything is OK so far - except it is Cincinnati

 

[drron]

Shopping.now Singapore is no longer a cheap shopping destination.but some really do know how to put on a sale.It was the Great Singapore Sale.We have been here before during this sale and picked up some good buys.This trip was no exception.The best shopping area is along Orchard Road.Basically you will find everything at some place along Orchard road.But the first place you shoud visit is the Takashimaya Basement sale area.As posted before not only did we get what we wanted at a good price the service was impeccable-some Aussie retailers should come over and see what customer service really is.
We did go down to the Marina Sands Shopping centre and it certainly has all the top brands-but very little that you would call a bargain.It is also rather spread out-our pedometer suggested it was 3KM around each floor-but we needed to do that!
Also at Marina Bay you can go to the top for a view but personally I think $S20 is not great value.The haze really spoils the views-

We certainly checked a few other stores out.I looked in on the Sony store a couple of times and models were certainly $100-$200 cheaper than australia but I feel I will do a lot better in the USA at the end of the year.
Although Singapore is very modern and westernised there is still the occasionally store name that really hasn't been understood-

The other good thing in Singapore are the food courts in every major shopping centre.Most of the best stalls from the old Hawker Centres have transferred to food courts and by careful inspection you can get some pretty good food at reasonable prices.We did eat at these on a couple of occasions.

The next thing is the tax refund scheme.It really is very easy and each store will fill the forms out for you.The tax rate is 7% but with fees the actual return is ~5%.The process at the airport is very easily-scan the stores forms,it will then tell you if you have to have your goods inspected or not-we didn't.it then prints out a docket for you to reclaim the cash or credit to your CC once you go through Immigration.
Next the last of Singapore.

 

[cove]

I could hear Wayne Swan sobbing with tears of gratitude with your tax paying.He really needs you!
Book the cook isn't really too necessary as I like the meals anyway. I think the fact that you can post photos means you are ready to get shots of the caviar and champagne for our AFF members so lets get you some more points and push you into some First Saver runs. You guys deserve it!

 

[drron]

Well mrsdrron thinks she deserves First.None on our next trip but in november hope to be using my last EVIPs.
Just a few reflections on our view of Singapore.It certainly has changed a lot since our first trip in the mid 70s.Then a perfect introduction to Asia-a delightful blend of old and new.Then it was also cheap with the little Aussie battler getting~$S6 for it.Food therefore was incredibly cheap and we fell in love with the Hawker centres-most of the ones we frequented unfortunately gone now.However as we found on this occasion food is still a great reason to come to Singapore.We love Iggy's-it just suits our tastes and is at number 27 in the World's best 50-right after Quay,Australia's top performer.

Life has also changed-on this trip we even saw litter on the MRT-quelle horreur.For those that complain of the younger generation the so called problems are world wide.Manners etc are part of history.Both here and Bangkok anyone takes the seats reserved for the elderly,disabled and pregnant.Now I always used to feel ashamed in earlier days when as a young fit (relatively) guy people would always get up and give me their seat.I am glad those days are over but maybe as usual the pendulum has swung a little too far.
Personally now we would rather visit Thailand and Japan but still really enjoyed this visit-our 25th.
So on to the rest.The taxi to the airport only cost $S18.On the way we passed the motorcade for Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his way to the Shangri la Asian defence conference.No other excitement and check in was a breeze.But not only did we have 2 carry ons approx the same weight as on the way over but 2 checked bags weighing 16.4 and 11.6Kg.
Having a J award we were allowed into the Silverkris Business lounge.A large lounge which got quite full.A great selection of food but often the staff were slow with refills and the sushi and desserts ran out completely by 1900.Still felt that this was better than a J pax with no status would get on QF anywhere.Showers were good and only a 2-3 minute wait.The only problems were that their computers didn't like AFF and an Aussie family who let their 2 young sons run amok.

As is usual for us the BNE flight had a gate change to about the gate the longest distance from the lounge.So we left the lounge early.Quite a line at the gate security screen point and very slow with a lot of pax with little experience of screening.Then presented our BPs to get into the gate lounge and were given the Aussie Immigration card and fast pass-a really good idea.In just a couple of minutes we started boarding.
SQ255 SIN-BNE.ETD-0010.Pushback-0014.Take off-0035.
ETA-0950.landed-0935.At gate-0942.
As for meals you had a choice of supper or breakfast.I probably could have done both but opted for breakfast.Had a couple of glasses of their French red.Nothing of interest on the IFE so settled into a good sleep.Awoke 2 hours out of BNE.Breakfast was reasonable and better than i would get on QF out of SIN.It at least had a hot course with an omelette,ham,tomato and potatoes.Again I really didn't think the service was as outstanding as it is often portrayed and to me QF doesn't lose much in comparison.QF wins on the amenities pack-on both legs all we got was a pair of socks and an eyeshade.As well I dont enjoy the fact that the flight path is turned off a considerable time before landing.
There were 3 other planes that arrived just before us so long lines at Smart Gate.The Fast pass was put to good use and again at Customs.Bags were out quickly and by 1001 we were on our way to the Sunshine Coast.

Our next trip is in 3 weeks time-BNE-SYD-BKK-AMM-all in one go which will sorely test us on our early morning arrival into AMM.Then-IST-cruise the Black Sea-IST-AMM-BKK-HKG-HND-CTS-NRT-SYD-BNE.
I am on an Aaward,mrsdrron on a Circle Asia with a BKK-AMM-IST-AMM-BKK add on with RJ that really was quite reasonable~$2000 for J.