February 6 - 7
London to Singapore
For the first time in three years, I am travelling again. Unusually for me, I had an evening flight so had a day in which to wander around the house and look for things to do and then worry about what I had forgotten. I did ring the hospital to ask about my pacemaker and airport security but the lady said I needn't worry as there wasn't a problem.
In mid afternoon I set off into glorious weather and walked sedately to the station. The sun was blazing along the platform so I couldn't have taken a photo of the oncoming train if I had wanted to. I did take one down the platform in the opposite direction.
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The train arrived on time and took me to Maidenhead. I got on the first train to arrive there but got off again at Slough as I wasn't sure if it stopped at Hayes. The fancy indicator boards in the carriages give only the final destination and the next atop, no good for my requirements. I caught the next train to Hayes, crossed the track via the bridge - the smart new lift was broken - and caught the Heathrow train, which was all of a minute late.
The airport was busy but I checked in quickly, cleared security in ten minutes and was soon airside. The lady at security ushered me past the metal detector and straight into the phone box scanner. I was soon in possession of my bag again, had fixed my shoes and belt and was ready to go.
The Qantas lounge wasn't large but had a posh bar on the upper floor. The food was mediocre but the unoaked Chardonnay was good.
I ate, drank and started writing my diary. After a couple of hours in the lounge, I made my way to Gate 1, joined the massed crowds and boarded about five minutes later, bang on schedule.
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The flight crew were friendly and introduced me to new things like sash belts, which were over the shoulder, in addition to the normal seat belt. The menu looked average and I had to hang my jacket on the back of the seat in front. No one offered to stow it for me. I must keep reminding myself that I'm flying Qantas because I can't afford anything better. It has to be said that the plane seemed to be brand new and very smart.
We pushed back about five minutes late and were airborne with the minimum of fuss about five minutes later.
We made steady progress and, after a couple of hours, dinner appeared. It was OK but not exciting. I entertained myself by playing a full series of the Flight of the Conchords. I have them all on DVD at home but I haven't watched them in years.
Pudding was a disaster. I chose the rice pudding and then discovered that they had a liqueur muscat. A wonderful surprise and a complete disaster for my blood sugar.
The bed on the A380 was probably the best that I have encountered. I actually slept for a while. When I woke, I discovered that my phone, which had been on charge, had blown up. I'll have to try to fix it at the hotel. Unfortunately, while trying to fix it, my Costa card fell out of the case, never to be seen again. It could have been my credit card, I suppose, which would have been much worse. Breakfast was very forgettable. The plane is very good. The food isn't!
Most days recently, I have noticed that the flight has left London on time and arrived late in Singapore. Today was no exception and we arrived 30 minutes late.
As ever in Singapore, everything from here moved very quickly. In spite of me making an error when completing my electronic arrival document, and having to go through a manual desk, I was at the taxi rank 30 minutes after touching down. In another 30 minutes I was in the hotel reception area. In another ten minutes, I was in my room unpacking.
I had one success - I managed to kick my phone back into life - but a failure in that Mr Microsoft wanted to verify my identity by phoning my number at Bourne End. Looks as if I won't be able to use MS Office until I get home.
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