After not just months, but also years of waiting, the day to leave for travelling had finally arrived. After spending the week saying my goodbyes for the next few months, Catherine dropped us off at Heathrow airport, Terminal 3.
We had heard many complaints against Terminal 3: unbearably long check in times, no seats, dirty toilets; so we ensured that we were there early. After an unbearably long check in, a lot of standing up and an avoidance of the toilets, Matt and I boarded our Emirates flight; first stop, Dubai.
I found the initial first flight an absolute breeze. It was six hours, fifty minutes long, but did not feel it. The toilets were clean, the inflight entertainment good, and even the food was enjoyable. Upon arrival at Dubai airport, Matt and I were in good spirits as we went to investigate.
Dubai International airport is amazing. People flying from Dubai to Heathrow Terminal 3 must be absolutely appalled as they are welcomed into our country! Dubai International was spotless, there were seats everywhere (including part horizontal ones for sleeping), the toilets were clean, there was a vast selection of food outlets at a reasonable price, and everyone was incredibly friendly.
After some food and a coffee, the time to board the next flight approached quickly. By this point it was 4 in the morning UK time, and Matt and I were still in surprisingly good spirits. Little did we know how punishing the second flight would be.
The second flight was a mammoth nine hours, with a one hour stopover in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where we stayed on the plane. The plane was unbearably hot, the food pretty grim, and the entertainment dull – I should not have used up all the good films and programmes on the first flight! I was too tired to read, yet the heat kept me awake. Matt had better luck sleeping, and he managed to drift off for a few hours.
After what felt like forever, we finally arrived in Singapore. After going through security (a breeze with a British passport, I was a bit scared after witnessing the grilling a Sri Lankan man received), we went to baggage collection. It was here that I was horrified to find my first squat toilet.
To be honest, I have absolutely no idea how you use a squat toilet. That might sound stupid, as common sense would dictate you just squat. But there were no bars to hold onto, and, to be honest, I was a tad scared I would end up with trousers covered in wee. In the end, I decided to get rid of the trousers, and hope I wouldn't be faced with one until Thailand – perhaps I could ask Wilma for advice before we arrive there!
After collecting our bags, Matt and I tried to fathom out the Singapore version of the underground system, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport). After considerable use of the MRT, I can confirm that it is a slick, ultra modern method of travel that puts our tube system to shame. However, after 36 hours of no sleep, I had some serious issues working out how we needed to get where.
The MRT and airport were air conditioned to the point of almost needing a jumper, so when we exited the MRT station, the heat was a shock. So hot, so humid. We made our way to the hostel, and arrived in sweat soaked t-shirts.
The hostel owners (the delightful Daniel and Jenny Wu) checked us in, and we were shown to our room. As with all hostels, the room was simple: a bed, a locker, and a desk. Most importantly though, a lovely air conditioning unit.
After a much needed shower, and cooling the room to a temperature more familiar to us, we finally managed to get some sleep, very much ready for our first day in Singapore.
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