March 28th (Singapore) The start of the last leg

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Well we have finally arrived in Singapore for the last leg of our trip. Joy says that I should consider writing a book about our travels when we finish. Well if I do I could easily dedicate a chapter on just getting to Heathrow. I won't bore you with all the details but suffice to say it was a good job we left early. We flew with BA mainly because they accept bicycles as sports equipment and therefore don't charge for them as long they are under 23 kilos. Their only other stipulation is that the bikes must be in a bag of a certain size which meant the bikes had to be stripped down and carefully packed. Anyway the bikes arrived in one piece and thankfully undamaged.

The aircraft was a 747 and in bicycle terms I would class it as a 'bone shaker'. This was confirmed during the flight when we experienced, one of those ironies of flying, that is, you always seem to encounter turbulence when they are serving you with a meal. Anyway with tomato sauce all over my new sandals we eventually landed in Singapore some 12 hours later.

I had managed to find and book a hotel on line before we left the UK to save the hassle of trying to find something on arrival. The hotel is basic and cheap (in Singapore terms) but is in the middle of a 'red light district'. On the plus side there are scores of eating places within walking distance of the hotel and if you like Chinese food you are in paradise. On checking in to our hotel the ladies of the night were not a problem but I thought that the giant cockroach seen scurrying away under the wardrobe when I put down our baggage might be. Joy saw me jump and I asked me why. When I told her I was expecting a bout of hysterics but she just calmly replied 'you have to expect this type of thing in the tropics' and then went on to warned me to look out for lizards as well. I can only conclude that India has hardened her more than I thought.

We have decided to spend only 2 nights in Singapore now but will hopefully have more time here before we fly back to the UK at the end of July. Today has been spent re-assembling the bikes, sleeping off the jet lag and working out how to get out of the city tomorrow. Looking at the map it's going to be a nightmare.

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Comments

[Pete Curtis]

Glad You're There Safe
Hi Steve - Hi Joy - so glad you're there safe and finally starting your last part of the journey. The trip to Heathrow sounds like a good dit for another day, perhaps over a nice cold drink when you get back in the summer. Given the horrendous time you've had over the past few months, I hope the next 4+ months are enjoyable and very special for you. Keep safe, keep well and keep in touch. Regards Pete, Rach and Mosella