Day 2 Singapore

Never made that 7 am breakfast. Karla rang the hotel at 8 am. Managed to make the last 3 minutes of the game. The cafe where were mean't to watch is a NZ owned cafe and bar down at Robertson Quay or some quay (on the Singapore river).

But back to this hotel. Not only was the room so small (that is I would doubt if whether you could swing a cat) it has no hair drier, no not for me), no flannels and no soap and I'm paying close to $200 a night. Never again. Plus I have just had to pay $10 for Internet access in the lobby. I would not recommend the V Lavender Hotel.
Anyway, walked along the quay, had a quick breakfast (having missed the one with the game), then went out to the Bay mariner to the new tourist attraction- Bayside gardens or something along those lines. The two areas we visited were excellent. Highly recommend them.
Caught the MRT up to Orchard, changed money for Malaysia (where we head tomorrow), checked out iPhones etc. People were selling their new iPhone 5's. Here, they get an upgrade with the mobile contract. So, they sell them (around about $1000). just for the record a new 4s is $722 and 5 around the $1100 mark. Samsung iii are around $820.

Had an expensive lunch on Orchard Road (they charge 17% tax on food). Caught the MRT back to the hotel area and a rest. You wouldn't believe the heat and humidity.
I am still fuming over being charged $10 to use the Internet. Oh how addicted to our technology we have become.
In the evening we ventured out to China Town, being led by Karla and Jono. It was the last day of a Chinese festival, so lots of dancing dragons and lots of coloured lights. All very enjoyable. Ended up have a meal at the Chinese street market. Every night they close the road, put tables and chairs, then you have a market. Great fun.

The MRT system is great. We catch the subway all the time. Highly recommend Gardens by the bay, a most enjoyable few hours was spent there and it allows you to escape the heat and humidity.

Day 1 Sydney airport..and beyond

well, after an early start we are now in Sydney airport awaiting the flight to Singapore (via Adelaide).
The trip over the Tasman was pretty bumpy. Movie selection was good, managed to watch a whole season of "The Big Bang Theory".
The flight to Adelaide was quick (about 1 hour 40 minutes). Stayed at Adelaide for about 40 minutes, then began a 7 and half hour flight to Singapore. For most of this flight we traversed the Australian continent. Red landscape and large salt plans. Quiet a spectacular sight.
The gods must have been on our side as we arrived at Changi airport 50 minutes ahead of schedule.

The airport is just like a large shopping centre.
Customs and immigration were very quick and efficient.
Karla and Jono were there to meet us. Then it was a quick MRT ride to Lavender and the hotel. The hotel room is very small (unbelievably small in fact). Found out we expected to be our for breakfast and to watch the All Blacks at 7 am.....yea right.

2012 and it's off to Singapore

This years trip will see us visiting our daughter in Singapore as well as spending a week on Penang Island. Should be fun. Really looking forward to traveling and seeing Karla again.