Village Hotel Albert Court, Singapore
Friday 12/7/13
Two very tired travelers we were to finally arrive at our Singapore hotel almost 22 hours after we left San Francisco. It was 2:30 a.m. Singapore time when we checked in.
The first leg of our flight, 12 1/2 hours to Seoul, wasn't too bad. We didn't get much of a break during the stopover, though. We had to collect all our carry-on stuff and were herded off the plane straight through a security checkpoint and then straight back to the plane. No idea why we had to do the security thing all over again when we were not even changing planes, but at least we got a bit of exercise and stretched our legs.
The flight from Seoul to Singapore was about the longest 6 1/2 hours Andy and I have endured, even with five-star amenities like warm hand towels. great food served with real silverware, and fluffy pillows and blankets. There were quite a few families with small children on the plane, too, and I can only imagine how grueling the long flight was for them.
Changi Airport was quiet but still active in the oh-dark-thirty hour we were there collecting our bags, going through customs, and getting some currency exchanged. We were surprised so many of the airport shops and cafes were open and doing business after 1 a.m.
The airport folks told Andy to expect to pay about $30 for a cab to our hotel, but when we got to the hotel, the driver charged us $66. Andy will now remember to confirm the fare with the driver BEFORE we get in the cab, as in: "Will you take us to the Village Hotel Albert Court for thirty bucks?"
So far the hotel experience is good. The room is small but nicely-appointed and very clean, and, oh joy, they have a bathtub. Nothing better to wash off 22 hours of travel weariness than a nice soak.
The hotel buffet breakfast is excellent. Andy went for a traditional made-to-order omelet, but I went for the Indian chickpea and potato curry, egg rolls that were like the Filippino lumpia, some fresh oranges and papaya, and wonderful cafe au lait. My tummy is happy and Andy and I are off to explore.
Friday 12/7/13
Two very tired travelers we were to finally arrive at our Singapore hotel almost 22 hours after we left San Francisco. It was 2:30 a.m. Singapore time when we checked in.
The first leg of our flight, 12 1/2 hours to Seoul, wasn't too bad. We didn't get much of a break during the stopover, though. We had to collect all our carry-on stuff and were herded off the plane straight through a security checkpoint and then straight back to the plane. No idea why we had to do the security thing all over again when we were not even changing planes, but at least we got a bit of exercise and stretched our legs.
The flight from Seoul to Singapore was about the longest 6 1/2 hours Andy and I have endured, even with five-star amenities like warm hand towels. great food served with real silverware, and fluffy pillows and blankets. There were quite a few families with small children on the plane, too, and I can only imagine how grueling the long flight was for them.
Changi Airport was quiet but still active in the oh-dark-thirty hour we were there collecting our bags, going through customs, and getting some currency exchanged. We were surprised so many of the airport shops and cafes were open and doing business after 1 a.m.
The airport folks told Andy to expect to pay about $30 for a cab to our hotel, but when we got to the hotel, the driver charged us $66. Andy will now remember to confirm the fare with the driver BEFORE we get in the cab, as in: "Will you take us to the Village Hotel Albert Court for thirty bucks?"
So far the hotel experience is good. The room is small but nicely-appointed and very clean, and, oh joy, they have a bathtub. Nothing better to wash off 22 hours of travel weariness than a nice soak.
The hotel buffet breakfast is excellent. Andy went for a traditional made-to-order omelet, but I went for the Indian chickpea and potato curry, egg rolls that were like the Filippino lumpia, some fresh oranges and papaya, and wonderful cafe au lait. My tummy is happy and Andy and I are off to explore.