Singapore

Flew to Singapore for the first time in about 6 years. Other than a number of work trips to India, I have not been back in Asia in a while. And to top it off, I was continuing to Manila on Monday for work meetings. Manila - haven’t been back there for over 10 years…

Flying with SQ is always a blast from the past… I used to do that a lot, into all directions, but of course mainly between SIN and MEL on I think SQ227. Now on route to new, updated adventures.

The business class seat… I remember when it came out while I was stationed in Singapore. The size alone, epic. It’s current incarnation feels a bit more cramped than my memory leads me to believe. But the bed is outright uncomfortable. Hard like lying on the floor, the temperature in the cabin too hot. Not the best sleep I had in a plane (that honor goes to Swiss First as well as LH Business, most recently on the A350 from Mumbai to Munich).

The weekend in Singapore was fantastic. Quality time with friends whom I do not see often enough. Starting with Kopi-o and Kaya Toast in a Hawker Center. Then lunch at a Yum-Cha place close to Orchard Rd, followed by a nap (jetlag…), time in the pool, and an epic dinner. Our dinners always tend to be epic, especially with those friends. This time was no exception. Sunday was brunch at the Coastal Settlement in Changi, more quality time together and a delicious home-cooked meal with some good wine. And then on Monday morning before the flight to Manila, more Kaya toast. Special.

Being back in Singapore really felt like coming full circle. When I left the country in 2011, I was fed up with being there after 3 years. That was mainly due to me having moved to Australia 5 years before, but not spending any time at all in what I assumed would be my new home… finishing a project in Manila (another full circle), then going to Singapore for 3 years for another project.

But now, 14 years after leaving Singapore I have fonder memories. Looking forward to going back again soon.