Day 1 - Destination Asia

When departing Australia, it is usual for Darrell and I to take the dreaded night flight. Despite Perth being a so-called international airport, we always seem to be relegated to the worst flights of the day. This time however, we managed to get what is probably the second-worst flight. Leaving at 6.30 am, we made our way to terminal one and our first flight to Chiangi Airport in Singapore. 

This was a short stopover of four hours on our way to Bangkok, just so we could get a flavour of the place, before we meet Justin there next week, on the second leg of our journey. For now, however, that was the beginning of our two-week holiday to Asia, celebrating our 30 years together as a couple (10 years married).  Despite the ups and downs of health, I was finally given the all clear to travel by my eye Doctor just one day before we were due to fly. Talk about cutting it fine! Nevertheless, as I approach my 55th Birthday, I am mindful that I am no longer young and can not do the things I used to do. For that reason, I will be taking it a little easier this time and trying to have a more relaxing holiday!

With terminal 1 at Perth International Airport resembling a building site, there was even less to do than last year. In our usual customary way, we were there three hours before, and there were very few shops open; even I avoided having the obligatory beer before I left, preferring a more sophisticated smashed avocado on toast and a cup of green tea. I had only had a couple of hours sleep before we left, and I was feeling decidedly cranky, not the most auspicious start to our holiday.

The flight to Singapore was a delight. There was absolutely no turbulence, the food was delicious and service impeccable. I will of course never pay for business class, believing it's completely overrated. When I walked off the flight on arrival at Changi Airport, passing through the business class suites, they look just as bad, if not worse, as the economy class cabin we had just left. When you think how much people pay for these tickets, the expense is just unjustifiable. I would be kicking myself if I had just wasted all that cash, only to feel just as bad as I do normally — plus I'm a tight-fisted old b'stard in any case!
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Changi Airport is out of this world, unlike anything I have ever seen before. I suppose Kuala Lumpur Airport was up there with the best of them, but nothing like this. From projections of swimming aquatic life on the ceilings of the terminal buildings, huge waterfalls, surprisingly good value food and of course overpriced beer, this is truly a destination in itself!

I did read an article before I left about this vast international hub, and it really does put the rest of the World to shame. Singaporeans often visit it on a weekend, to just enjoy the facilities, and with us transiting through on a Sunday, the place was packed.  I was struck by the polite nature of the inhabitants of Singapore and their willingness to go out of their way to help you. They are indeed one of the most polite nationalities I have ever come across and most definitely put us Aussies to shame.

Despite the positive nature of Singapore, I was understandably rather worried about the costs. I was aware of how expensive it is from other people who have been there in the past, so when you are presented with a $21 bill for a 500ml glass of beer, you just know it's going to burn a hole in your budget.

We did eat a delicious meal at the street food hawker centre in terminal three, however, which was fantastic value for money. This goes to show that you can find some good bargains if you look around, even at the World's most expensive airport.
 

Amazingly, we came across the Butterfly Garden, in terminal 3 of the airport. It was stunning! Walking through, feeling the hot tropical air, surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies, is an experience like no other. I can't quite believe this place even exists at Changi, but it is perfect for people like us, to briefly explore whilst waiting for our connecting flight. Usually I would spend hours sat on a seat scrolling through my phone, as the hours ticked by, here I was able to keep myself occupied, right up to the moment of departure.

We then took the sky train from terminal 3, back to terminal 2. where our flight was departing. As we were whisked through this vast complex I was reminded of the film 'Logan's Run' set in a futuristic dystopian earth. Changi looked like a vision from a SCIFI movie, and I was in awe of the place. 

We passed by an area known as 'The Jewel', despite being inside the airport complex, this green, lush, tropical landscape, highlighted by a large waterfall in the centre, was the showpiece of Changi. I was gobsmacked by the sheer size of it. It really was a wonderful sight as we passed by in the train, and I was struck by the numbers of people just enjoying this attraction on a Sunday afternoon.
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Once again, it was another perfect flight from Singapore to Bangkok. Singapore Airlines is fast becoming one of my favourite airlines of choice. However, I was absolutely shattered when I arrived in Thailand. Surprisingly, despite arriving at peak hour, we were off the plane and through customs very quickly.

Having been to this airport three times before, it is usually packed with travellers trying to get through Boarder Control. This time, after the introduction of the new TDAC, (electronic arrivals card) system, the process was relatively fast. I had to apply for this official document online three days before, which in itself was very straight forward, and the claim that this would speed up the processing of visitors arriving was actually accurate. Now I have heard this all before, from other countries, but this was one time when we were actually told the truth. Take it from me, it was speedy — just make sure you get your TDAC card before you leave.

I had organised an air-conditioned minivan to take us from the airport to the Nouvo Hotel in Phra Nakhon. This is always a chaotic process as you wait for your pickup through a mixture of broken English WhatsApp messages and drivers holding boards with names on. If you think Singapore is busy, then Bangkok will blow your mind. There were thousands of tired tourists looking for their ride, and it took a good half an hour before we were on our way to the Nouvo Hotel.

We always stay at The Nouvo Hotel when we are here. It is right opposite our favourite restaurant, So Samsen, and ideal to stagger back to after a few pints of Chang. It is comfortable, clean and the breakfast is to die for. Furthermore, it is a Muslim hotel, which doesn't serve alcohol, which is fine for us, since we always have a drink over the road. The staff here are exceptional, and I highly recommend it, should you visit this part of Bangkok.

After a shower and deep clean (Yes I still worry about catching staph while travelling) we headed over the road to So Samsen, to enjoy an amazing Thai Curry and chat with the girls, who are always a joy! Tomorrow, on our 30th Anniversary, we will be back for more!

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