A little while ago, I had booked to go to Indonesia for this trip. I was also going to go to Australia.
A little Filipino got in the way of that and I changed my plans for him. I asked him if he wanted to go to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and he said he did. I kept the tickets I already had for flying to Singapore and just added some tickets from Singapore to Davao.
I think I had this booked about 3 months before I was due to travel.
It came time for me to leave.
I woke up about 07:00 this morning (after sleeping for nearly 12 hours) and just took my time getting ready.
I was already packed, so I didn’t have much else to do. I went downstairs to get some drinks and some chocolate for the travels (gonna be about 15 hours sitting on a plane).
I headed to the train station and just waited for the train. It was a fairly easy trip to London.
As soon as I got there, I just headed to the underground and waited for a train. It was quite busy, so I waited for a train to T4 as I knew it would be fairly empty.
I got to the airport and got through security pretty quick and then just went and got some food and sat in the gate area so I could charge my phone and just wait.
The gate was announced and, thankfully, it was right in the departure lounge and not miles away like usual.
It didn’t look like it was gonna be a full flight. I queued up (I was the first in the economy queue) for about 5 minutes and then they started boarding.
The flight isn’t full (there is a middle seat free between me and a woman sitting with her legs wide open) and we pushed back about 10 minutes early from the gate. The cabin crew said the flight time was about an hour. It means it’ll be an easy transfer for the flight to Singapore. The layover time in Frankfurt is 95 minutes.
I am tired, so hopefully I get some sleep on both flights.
I don’t manage any sleep on the flight to Frankfurt. Not really surprising since it was only an hour.
Shortly after we landed, we were told we would be getting a bus from a remote stand. It turns out we actually got to a gate with a jet bridge.
I got off and found my way to the gate. For a flight that is taking off in 90 minutes, there don’t seem to be a lot of people here. I’m hoping it stays that way so I get some space on the row.
I got an email this morning saying the flight was full and overhead bin space was limited and that I could check my bag free of charge. I did that and that gives me an excuse to leave the airport in Singapore. It means I have to pass immigration and collect my bag.
I’m thinking of going to the area of Marina Bay and just walking around for an hour or so (weather permitting). In any case, I’ll leave the airport and head downtown.
I bought some crisps from the airport in Frankfurt and, dear readers, they were really expensive. A 150g bag costs €5.95. That’s £5.28! What that really is, is robbery! I hate that airports have a captive audience and can charge what they want. Outside of the airport, I probably would’ve paid half that!
At the gate, they announced there were 2 flights to Singapore at the same time. 1 was with Lufthansa at the gate I’m at, and the other is with Singapore Airlines half an airport away. I was hoping half this queue would go, but I don’t have any luck. More people kept coming to the gate.
At the scheduled boarding time, they said it would be another 20-30 minutes as the flight preparation had not yet been completed. I heard a lot of sighs. I don’t blame them, though. The plane has been here for hours.
We’ve been told 3 different reasons for the delay.
Gate agents: plane preparation not complete
Cabin crew: waiting for a spare part to be changed
Airline email: late-running inbound aircraft
It would be nice to get 1 honest answer.
Lufthansa boards by group and at the gate they program the gates to accept only the current boarding group. It’s pretty cool as it stops anyone jumping the queue.
On the plane, I was sitting next to a princess who complained about pretty much everything. It was tiresome.
Below is the main meal we were served. It actually tasted quite nice.
The flight was quite uneventful. Well, minus one time where the crew asked for any medical people. Not sure what that was about. I was in the toilet when the announcement was made. In all my time flying, I think this is the first time I’ve heard it.
We landed about 25 minutes late and then it was another 25 minutes before we could get off.
I was so glad to be off the plane. 12 hours is so long. As I was walking to immigration (I needed to so I could collect my case), I saw that there was a booth where they offered free tours of Singapore. I asked about them and I had missed the last one by a few minutes. Grrrr.
I decided to head for the MRT and go where there was a McDonald’s and a 7-Eleven close to each other. It turns out it was in a mall. Bonus for me as I didn’t need to go out into the rain.
I had my food and then just decided to head back to the airport. The thing is, doing it this way was still cheaper than eating at the airport.
I decided once I was done eating that I would just head back to the airport and chill until the check-in desks opened at T4. I have to get a bus from T2 to get to T4. There isn’t another way, sadly.
I decided to just sit for an hour or so and that gave me enough time to charge my gadgets. The only problem is that there is a guy playing music loudly on his phone and singing along with it. His singing isn’t bad, it’s just annoying when you want to relax.
Of course, he’s drinking beer from a can too!
I went to the bus to go to T4. It’s warm and I didn’t really want to find a walking route. The bus was lovely and cold.
I got to T4 and then went to the check-in desks and got my boarding pass. They said I was allowed to check my case to Manila, but that I had to pick it up there and then take it on the plane to Davao.
That gives me a chance to see where I go through immigration to come back in.
I then headed to BK and on the way up the escalator, a person on the other side dropped her case down the steps. Scared me a little bit!
BK just ignored me, so I left and then went to immigration and security. Immigration here is pretty cool. It’s done on facial recognition. It scans your face and then your boarding pass and away you go to security. No passport needed.
Security was nice and quick, and then I went to get something to eat and drink and then waited at the gate for the flight.
While I was sitting at the gate, a group of people started dancing in front of a phone. They got some weird looks. I wonder if it’s the new social media craze.
I had to take my shoes off where I’m sitting, as my feet have been imprisoned in them for ages. It was a relief – but probably not for the people around me. Haha. They stink.
I am so ready to be on this flight and then relax in Manila before the last one of this leg of the trip. I still have 8 more flights to take over the next 8 days. Why do I do this to myself!!!
On the plus side, on the next 2 flights, I have a window seat and I’m in boarding groups 2 and 1, respectively. I call that a result. From what I can gather, the seat I’m in on the flight after this is an exit row seat. Extra legroom. Shame it’s not for the longer of the 2 flights.
The flight must have been uneventful because I don’t remember much of it. I think I slept most of it.
We were late landing in Manila and I was beginning to wonder if I would make my connection – especially with luggage to collect. Not to mention the walk that seemed to take forever once getting off the plane.
I went through immigration (fairly quick as always) and then went to get my bag (fairly slow as always).
I then went upstairs to departures and had to go through security again. They made us take our shoes off (not sure what’s changed between the 12th and now). It was annoying.
I got through and went and got a cinnamon roll – it was delicious – as I was hungry.
By the time I was done eating it, the gate was starting to board. I was in group 1 and the seat was an exit row seat. Extra legroom – result!
I think I slept for most of this flight, too. I think I woke up halfway through and then again when it was time to land. I do remember the descent being a bit bumpy and then the landing being bumpy too.
I just waited for most of the people to get off the plane. I wasn’t in so much of a hurry to get off the flight myself. When it came to getting off the plane, I was more in a hurry as I wanted to be off the flight and in the hotel so I could shower. I was desperate for a shower. It had been 36 hours since I left home. I could feel every bit of airport and aeroplane dirt on me.
We finally got to the hotel after walking for what seemed like ages. In reality, it was probably about 12 minutes but it was also super hot.
I got in and showered and felt so human again afterwards. My feet were also happy because my shoes were off long enough for them to feel the benefit.
I just relaxed and then went out for dinner with Addy to the place his cousin manages. We couldn’t stay out too long, though, as we have an early morning flight (I know, another flight and airport) to Singapore.
Singapore
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Today was a super early start. Addy was up at 02:50, I was up at 03:15. We had to leave the hotel at 04:00 to get to the airport and to the check-in desks.
We booked a Grab and got to the airport. We then showed our tickets and passports and were allowed in.
We were put into the queue at the desks to get our boarding passes. I asked Addy about the travel tax and he said he had to pay it before getting the boarding pass.
We left that queue and joined the queue for the bobo travel tax. As we were close to the front, I heard them talking about boarding passes. I said to Addy that he should ask the lady at the desk if he needed it. He asked a person in front who said we did.
We left this queue and then went back to the queue at the check-in desks. I asked a worker there if I could use the web check-in one, as we had checked in and just needed our boarding passes. He said we could.
We got up there and we did need the travel tax, but didn’t need a boarding pass. Away from this desk we went and back to the queue for the travel tax (I’m getting annoyed just typing this).
Addy paid his ₱1620 (extortion by TIEZA) and we just went right to the check-in desk and got our boarding passes.
We headed upstairs to the international part of the terminal. This is where more greed comes into play. We each had to pay ₱900 terminal fee. It’s all about extorting money from people as often as they can. It’s so annoying.
Next came immigration. 4 people manning the desks despite the queue. It’s so frustrating. What makes it worse is that Filipinos going out of the country have to show so much paperwork. It’s so annoying.
I got up to the desk and she said I needed to look at the camera so my photo could be taken. I did that and then put my glasses back on and she said I had to take them off again so the photo could be taken. Honestly, is 2 minutes not enough time to take my picture? Just stop pissing about and take the damn thing and let me through.
Security was a joke, too. Some guy just does not care and is very lax about it. He scanned my bag and said it showed some tools. Not even sure how, since I have nothing resembling tools in there. He looked through and then wanted to scan it again. He did so and said it was fine. Moronic!
We then had to show our boarding passes for a third time to some fool gatekeeping the international gate. It’s all so frustrating and annoying. I much prefer the domestic side of things at this awful airport, as it goes much faster.
We finally got through and then sat waiting for our turn to board. They called our row and we got up. A lady pushed her way through, so I told her that she needed to join the queue. I’m British, we don’t enjoy queue jumpers.
We got on the plane and the seats are awful and uncomfortable. I had a quick look at the magazines and my god. So expensive. Want hot water? That’s S$3. On their 787s, they charge S$5 to be able to use the electric outlet to charge your device!
The name of their magazine, too. They really are playing on their name so much. It’s embarrassing!
The flight itself is awful, too. So much turbulence. I was so uncomfortable in the seats, too. Even worse than Ryanair! I dropped my AirPods and couldn’t reach them. Look where they landed. Right under the metal bar!
Once we landed, I waited for the scruff in our row to get out so I could move over and get my AirPods case. Once I had that, we got off too. Addy was so impressed with the airport, too. Changi is a nice airport. All the terminals I’ve been to there are pretty good. They cater for the passengers as well as the businesses.
We decided to have a wander around here as we still had a few hours before we could check in. As we were walking around, Addy saw some water and we realised we were at Jewel. It’s a shopping centre that has a cool water feature in the centre of a garden. It’s the main thing people talk about when they talk about going to Changi Airport.
We left here and made our way to the MRT station. We were on the wrong side of the station to buy SG Tourist Cards. We had to go back up the escalator and then walk across the top and go down. They wouldn’t let us through to walk to the other entrance.
We bought our cards and then got the MRT to the station closest to our hotel. Addy was super impressed at how clean and frequent the trains were.
We got to the hotel and they allowed us to check in early. They also said they upgraded us because we were, and I quote: “The customers of the day”. Yeah. Sure.
When I say the room was an upgrade, I don’t know what it was “upgraded” from, but it must’ve been bad.
We went to the room and just rested for about an hour before we decided to go out.
When we left, the sky was dark and it was threatening to rain. Once we were on the bus, the rain started and it got really heavy by the time we got off the bus.
We sat under the shelter at the bus stop until it started to slow a bit. The thunder was super loud, too. I was loving it. Addy didn’t mind it either because he was experiencing it in Singapore.
We decided to cross the road and head to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Addy was impressed with it. I was loving seeing how much he liked it. In Hong Kong (link to the post), he mentioned how he was liking the temples and wanted to see more of them.
I have made sure this trip that we see as many as we can fit in.
He enjoyed walking around this temple. I enjoyed it too. I remembered a little bit about it from the last time I was here with Ken.
We took some pictures and then headed out to the market across the street for food – and a hope the rain would stop so we could go out and walk some more.
We left here and got some souvenirs and then headed into the market. I had messaged Ken earlier and sent him a picture of the temple asking if he remembered it and he said no. I then said about the market where we watched the lady make dumplings and he remembered that. I’m thinking food is the best way to jog Ken’s memory!
We went in and got some food. Addy had seafood fried rice and I had sweet and sour chicken with rice. Mine was spicy. Too spicy for me, but I ate it all as I didn’t want to waste Addy’s money.
We left here and went to the Sri Mariamman Temple. This one is a Hindu temple. Addy liked the look of this one, too. We had to take our shoes off to go inside. I was wary after what happened in Chennai with them (read about that here).
We did that and went and had a look around. I enjoyed it and I think Addy did too.
I tried to walk on the ground that was dry, as I didn’t want my socks to get wet and then have to walk around with wet socks.
We left here and decided we would go down towards the harbour. Addy was excited to see that area.
We started walking, but had to stop a couple of times because the lunch was working its magic on me.
When we stopped a second time and then went back outside, it was stormy weather again. We decided we would go across the road (via the subway, we’re not bobo) to the bus stop to head back to the hotel.
When we were waiting, the rain was calming down and I said to Addy that we could still do what we had planned and he said he wanted to do that rather than go back to the hotel.
We got the bus to the stop we needed and it was still lightly raining but we decided to walk anyway. I really enjoyed it. It was cool to see Addy be happy-go-lucky here.
We also enjoyed the scenery here and taking pictures of this area.
We went inside The Fullerton Hotel so I could show Addy the koi pond and so I could use the bathroom.
We left here and then walked along the river to the harbour. Here is where Addy could get some good views of the Marina Bay Sands. He loved it. I know the feeling of seeing it in pictures and then in real life. I’m so happy he was enjoying it.
We tried to dodge the crowds as much as possible to get our pictures. I think we managed it too.
We decided it was time to head to the bus stop and back to the hotel, as we were both super tired and our feet were hurting.
Of course, as tired as I was, I was still talking pictures. It was such a nice walk back to the bus stop.
I put Addy to work on one of the statues.
We made it to the bus stop and only had a short wait for the bus back to the hotel. We stopped at the 7-Eleven so I could get some food and drinks for the room.
Today was really good and it was so nice seeing how happy Addy was.
Total steps: 14,100
Total miles: 6.14
Total kilometers: 9.88
We got word at about 21:30 last night that our flight to Kuala Lumpur was delayed by 75 minutes.
I was so annoyed at the late notice of the change. We couldn’t even do anything about it as the customer service team were finished for the night.
We (really, I) got up around 11:00 and got ready. I asked the reception for a late checkout, and they allowed us to check out at 12:00.
We went downstairs and got some rice for Addy. After he was done eating, we headed straight to the airport so we could still use our travel cards and not have to pay a fare.
We got to the airport and made our way to Jewel and just sat there while the fountain was running. At one point, it stopped and there was an announcement apologising for the technical error. It worked out well for us, as not a lot of people stayed in the area and we had peace and unobstructed views for when it started again.
We left here about 17:30 and headed to get some food. As we were eating, I got a notification that there was an additional 35-minute delay to the flight. I was so annoyed as we weren’t going to get to our accommodation until 02:30.
I was mostly annoyed as we both needed to do laundry. I guess it’ll have to be done when we get in and then run a cycle whilst we’re asleep. I can then hang it up in the morning before we leave for Batu Caves.
Boarding for the flight finally started around 23:35 and we sat waiting for a while until they announced boarding was complete.
We got ‘upgraded’ seats because of the flight delays. We are in bulkhead row 2. Not so much a seat width upgrade but a legroom upgrade.
We were sitting at the gates for another 20 minutes before we pushed back and taxied, ready for takeoff. It’s really so annoying when we should’ve been in the accommodation already.
We taxied to the runway and then started our roll down it and it didn’t feel quite right. It felt slower than usual. I just had to keep telling myself that the pilots know what they’re doing.
The flight was a really short flight between the two airports. It seemed like we had enough time to climb. Cruise for a few minutes and then descend.
We at least got water, cookies, peanuts for the flight. We didn’t eat or drink ours as we were both super tired. It’s been a really long day – even though we didn’t do much. The stress of the delay has taken it out of us.
Total steps: 8,161Total miles: 3.60
Total kilometers: 5.79
Kuala Lumpur
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We landed in Kuala Lumpur at around 01:30. Thankfully, the flight time was only about 35 minutes. The upgraded seats definitely didn’t feel like an upgrade, given the seat width. We were both so glad to be off the plane, though. It was a really long day.
We were bused to the terminal and we went to immigration. I stayed with Addy in the normal queue and it wasn’t moving fast at all. I think we were in it for about 30 minutes. Immigration was taking no prisoners either. They were really brutal with everyone. I heard one of them say to someone, “Did I call you up here?”
I went up with Addy and she said one at a time (even though she was letting others go up in groups) to me. I left him and went to the eGates instead. It was super quick to get through, but it meant no passport stamp. Addy got one, so that’s all good.
We left immigration and went to get our bags. We then had to go through customs and get our bags scanned. Thankfully, it was moving pretty quick.
We thought we were almost free of the airport. We went to the gate where Grab picks up, but it took us about 30 minutes to get a car. A couple of drivers accepted rides and then cancelled on us. We were getting so frustrated.
It was another 50 minutes until we got to the accommodation. We were able to get into the apartment from her directions (with just a minor wrong turn). As soon as we got in, I put the laundry on and waited for it to finish so I could put it out to dry and give it a chance to fully dry. Hint: they didn’t.
Have some views of the Airbnb.
Given how late we both went to bed, we were up at 09:15 to get ready and head out to Batu Caves.
I decided yesterday that we should just get a Grab there to take out the hassle of getting public transport to the train station and then to the caves.
It felt so different being there this time (read about the last visit here). There was so much construction and it just wasn’t like last time. Everything seemed so off.
Nevertheless, we still made the most of our time. We had to sit down for a while so Addy could catch up with his slow momentum from his travel sickness meds.
We walked around more and then went to the stairs and made our way up. We decided we would walk up each set and then rest. I don’t even know how long it took, but the rest in between was welcome.
There are 17 or 18 sets of 17 steps. If you do the maths, that’s 289 or 306 (depending on whether or not you lost count).
Once up there, we found a seat and sat there for almost 90 minutes. It was so nice. The breeze was lovely and the air was so much cooler.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching people getting out of breath and I also thoroughly enjoyed watching the monkeys here. It was quite entertaining.
We finished walking around and then decided to head back to the city. We had just missed the train and booked a Grab instead. The train was MYR2.60 each, instead of MYR26.80 for the Grab.
We ended up just getting the train and went to Central Market to look for some souvenirs and gifts for Addy to take home. We couldn’t decide whether to go to the night market or to Merdeka Square. We opted for the accommodation instead and decided that if we felt ok later, we would go to the market.
Our other option was that we would do Merdaka Square tomorrow morning, then the Petronas Towers and then to the market after that.
I had to do some drying of the laundry once we got back, as it wasn’t fully dry.
I’ll be glad when I get home and I can hang the laundry to dry and just leave it and know it will dry properly.
Once Addy had had his much-needed sleep, we headed out to get some food. Time will tell if my BK choice was a bad one. I’ll report tomorrow. He had some rice and loved it. He really needs to have rice at least once a day.
We had a look across the skyline from floor 35 and the views are pretty cool. The views from the room are pretty cool, too.
Room views
18th Floor Views
35th Floor Views
Now it’s time for some much-needed proper sleep after the late night/early morning we had today!
Total steps: 10,628
Total miles: 4.62
Total kilometers: 7.44
Whilst today was an early start, it has been pretty much all about airports and aeroplanes.
We were up and out by 07:15 to get to the airport for 08:15 and to get our documents checked for the flight to Singapore.
We were at the front of that queue, so it was pretty quick. Addy just had to show his boarding pass and I had to show our onward tickets from Singapore to Davao.
We made our way to immigration. I used the egates; Addy used the manual check. They sent him to use the egates. I was confused, as there was no stamp to say he had left Malaysia. I asked one of the workers and they said it was fine and the information is now stored electronically.
I had some McDonald’s for breakfast before we headed to the gate.
I went and got some Sprite as my stomach wasn’t feeling too good. I tried to get water from the duty-free shop, but they said that they couldn’t sell it to me without my passport.
We boarded and the flight wasn’t full. It was a nice 41-minute flight back to Singapore. Scoot is the budget arm of Singapore Airlines. Everything was chargeable. They even said you couldn’t have outside food or beverages.
We landed in Singapore and I found an airport worker at the information desk, as I needed to know if Addy had to leave the transit area as well as me. I needed a document check, so I would’ve had to leave the transit area to come back in.
The worker said I should go to the transfer desk and they would print my boarding pass. We did just that and they said the info desk always gives out wrong information.
The reason they said Addy had his boarding pass is that the ticket was on the same booking. I told them it wasn’t and proved it. She couldn’t explain it, but printed my boarding pass anyway (after checking my documents).
We just went and sat in the area of the gate until the security opened. It finally opened and it was super posh.
We were waiting to board and that said the flight was full and we could check our bags if we wanted. We did that as it was less to carry around.
The flight was on a small Embraer E120. It was good because the formation was 2-2 and it meant we didn’t have to sit next to anyone other than ourselves.
The flight was pretty turbulent for a lot of it. We were both so happy to be off the plane.
Immigration here asked me the purpose of my visit and I said I was with Addy. He asked who he was and I said he was my partner. He said to have a good time here.
We had to put our bags through an X-ray before going to customs. They were asking for the eGov travel declaration. First time I’ve been asked to show it.
We went to get some food for Addy. We got a Grab to the hotel and checked in.
The driver of the grab was a bit of a bastard and only cared about speaking to his taxi driver friends and was pissed off when we asked him to move the passenger seat forward so I had some legroom.
At the hotel reception, I asked them to give us a room where the AC worked and it didn’t smell like stale piss. She didn’t seem happy at that. She’s allowed us to check a room and I couldn’t be bothered with the arguing over it. I just need to eat and sleep as I have an early flight tomorrow.
We went to get food and they didn’t take cards. I just walked out. I was so annoyed at this time.
I’ll eat when I get to Singapore.
Total steps: 6,404Total miles: 2.86
Total kilometers: 4.60
Today had to be an early start as my flight from Davao was at 08:05. I didn’t want to be too early since the first flight was a domestic one to Manila.
I went to the check-in desks as I needed a document check from Manila to Singapore, so I figured it would be easier just to do it here.
I asked the agent if the flight was full and they said it was. They said they wanted volunteers for bags to be checked they would do it at the gate. That was fine with me.
Security was pretty quick today, thankfully. I went and got a drink and just sat at the gate until it was time to board. Sure enough, they wanted volunteers to check their bags at the gate. I was straight up with mine. Less to carry.
The flight from Davao to Manila was turbulent. I was feeling sick from not eating a lot of food. I was glad this flight was just a short one.
We landed in Manila and had to wait for a bus to the terminal as we were parked at an international stand. The bus finally turned up and we got bused to the terminal. Since the flight was domestic, it was straight out to the baggage carousels.
I hate Manila airport with a passion when it comes to bags. They take ages to get onto the belt and out to the passengers. Today was no different. It took almost 45 minutes for the bags to come out.
I just went back upstairs to departures and went through to immigration. I was annoyed with the officer there. That stamped my passport over other stamps. There’s a reason pages are empty. Put the stamps there!
Security was pretty quick – it was shoes off again. So annoying. The need to get up to date with the latest security protocols and procedures used throughout the rest of the world.
I was banking on being able to get to the 7-Eleven before the flight. No such luck. That was in the domestic departure area. I was in the international area. Not to worry, though. I found a ShakeShack and had a burger and fries from there. It was delicious and needed as I hadn’t eaten properly since we left Singapore.
At the gate, they asked for volunteers to check their bags. I had no issue with this since I had a long layover in Singapore and I wasn’t in any hurry.
The flight to Singapore was really awful. The turbulence was really bad. I managed to get on a row with a middle seat free, too. I liked that. It’s nice to have the extra space. It’s also weird to be travelling alone since the last few flights have been with Addy.
I did get an email this morning from Lufthansa saying the flight from Singapore to Munich was full and that I could check my bag free of charge. I’ll definitely be doing that and hoping they check it all the way to London so I can relax and possibly go out in Singapore like I did last time.
I ended up not going into the city and I just stayed at the airport. I decided I would go to Jewel again and this time I would get a video of the terminal transfer train that goes through Jewel.
It seemed like I walked ages to find it, though. I landed in T4 and walked from there to Jewel thinking that’s where I’d find the train. I was wrong. I didn’t mind the walk, though. I got to Jewel and was impressed by the water structure there. It truly is amazing.
The airport has everything you need if you don’t feel like going out into the city on a layover.
I walked to where the train was in T3 and I wanted to be at the front so I could get a video. I walked to where I thought it was, but I couldn’t go any further so I had to backtrack. It gave me a chance to stop at Famous Amos and get some delicious cookies, though.
I went to where Addy and I got the train last time and I stood at the back and just got a video that way.
Once I was at T2, I went and got some food and chatted with Addy and then headed through immigration and to the gate.
The gate didn’t open until about 50 minutes before the flight, so it was a wait for a couple of hours. I didn’t care, though, as my feet were aching and needed the rest.
At the airport here, security is right at the gate. I think that’s a good way to do things, but also not so good. Not so good if you want drinks other than water, as you’d have to dispose of them.
It’s good because it gets you into the transit area quicker and there are no general queues like at other airports. Immigration here is also super fast. Each time I’ve gone through (whether leaving or going back to the transit area), it’s taken just a couple of minutes to do this. They really are advanced here at this airport.
They opened the gate and we went through the security and then showed our boarding pass and just sat playing the waiting game for the boarding to start. I knew I’d have to wait a while, as I was in group 6 for boarding.
The flight itself was ok. The captain did say we would experience turbulence for the first couple of hours – and he was right. It was moderate turbulence and not at all fun!
Dinner was a choice of either Tofu or beef and mushrooms. I passed and just had the bread roll and the coconut dessert instead.
I managed to get a few hours of sleep on the flight, which is not usual for me. I think having a middle seat free helped me be able to sleep.
I was glad when we landed in Munich, though. I just wanted off the plane. 12.25 hours is long enough for me.
The cool thing about this plane was that they had 3 cameras you could watch. 1 facing the front landing gear. 1 pointing down. 1 on the tail. It was cool to watch the takeoff and landing.
I just went to the gate for the final flight to London. I was only there for about an hour until they started boarding.
I don’t remember much of this flight as I slept most of it.
I was so happy with the cold temperatures when I got off. Everyone else was dressed like they were in the Arctic and I was dressed like it was summer.
I got through immigration quick (there were no queues). My bag was also the fifth one off the belt, which is unusual. I left there and got my trusty meal deal from WHS and then headed for the tube.
I only had to wait 2 minutes. This was a result, as it meant I could get the train 90 minutes earlier than planned.
I got to St Pancras and it wouldn’t let me through. I was arguing with the person at the gate about the ticket’s validity, but they wouldn’t let me through. I bought a single ticket so I could get through.
I got on the train and was so glad to be on my way home. The train was empty too, which was even better.
A ticket inspector got on at Huntingdon and checked my ticket and told me I was on the wrong train. I said I couldn’t be, as it was an anytime single. He said it was an advanced single. He didn’t charge me but said to make sure I was on the right train next time. I guess I was the dummy in London.
As I was walking home, I tripped on a step and fell over. A taxi driver just watched and did nothing!
I was so glad to be home and in my own room and my own shower.
As much as I love travelling, my own bed and shower are always missed and welcomed when I get home.
Total steps: 83,312Total miles: 36.52
Total kilometers: 58.77
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