What makes this holiday even more special is coz Daryl is coming with us for the very 1st time. Finally, there's a chop on his new passport. :p
Our flight - SQ 221 will be departing from Terminal 3. Thus, we check in early so that we can explore the new terminal. Another reason is coz we had requested for a wheelchair for Kel's mum who had difficulty walking. Thus, we need to be there early as we would be the 1st to board the aircraft.
The new terminal is huge... We had a great time exploring it, especially the duty free shops. :p Kel bought liquor, cigarettes, cigars & a new cologne while I bought a new perfume.
I took the above 2 pics of Daryl in front of a water feature while Kel is still shopping in the duty free shops. Now I know how much attraction the duty free shops have on Kel. *faint*
Soon, it was time to board the aircraft. When we reached the boarding gate, to our horror, we saw that a lot of passengers had already boarded the aircraft. This means that we would have to wait till all the passangers had boarded before we could do so as Kel's mum had to be wheeled to her seat. Boy, we were very fed up with the error that SIA had made. Luckily, the air stewardress told us that we could board 1st while she take care of Kel's mum. When all the other passengers had boarded, she would then wheeled Kel's mum in.
When we were all settled in, we took some pics for remembrance as we are taking the A380 aircraft for the very 1st time! Our seats nos. are 38D, E, F & G.
Me & Daryl
The 10.6 inch personal widescreen LCD - the largest in economy class with 1,000 entertainment options. We had a lot of fun exploring the various options. It features 100 movies, including the latest blockbusters, more than 180 TV shows, 700 over CDs, over 20 radio channnels & action packed 3D games.
At 8.35pm, the aircraft took to the skies & departed Singapore. Daryl fell asleep soon after the aircraft ascended as he didn't take his afternoon nap. However, he didn't sleep well as I think that he's not used to the humming sound of the aircraft engine. Thus, he kept waking up.
Me & a grouchy & sleepy Daryl
Kel & his mum
Daryl & Kel enjoying their inflight entertainment
Daryl's snack. It was his 2nd meal of the flight. He had a great time eating this as he didn't get to get his 1st meal which was supposed 2 be his dinner. He had fallen asleep when they served his meal. Thus, Kel & I polished it off. :p
A full & satisfied Daryl with Kel watching their shows again
The flight was supposed to land at Sydney at 5.55am. However, the flight was delayed till 6.45am as the aircraft had to circle around Sydney's airport for a while as there were too many planes landing at Sydney's airport. We were incredulous as this is the 1st time that we had heard of this. That was not the end of our woes...
2nd, as Daryl didn't sleep well on the flight, he wanted to be carried instead of walking by himself when we disembarked from the aircraft. When we suggested to him that he sits in Kel's mum's lap, he refused. In addition, as Sydney is 2 hours ahead of Singapore, it means that it's only about 5am in Singapore time. At this time, he's usually snuggled in his bed. Therefore, he's super duper grouchy.
3rd, I kena the flu when I was in the aircraft. It could be that the aircraft was too cold for me or I had somehow kena the virus on board. As I didn't sleep during the flight, I guessed that my resistance is lowered. The result... I kept sneezing when we landed. Judging by my past history, it's going to be a while for me to recover. What a way to start our vacation...
4th, the airport is way too small for the no. of passengers who are using it. Thus, there was a very long queue of passengers who are queuing up to clear customs. A long queue which moves very slowly + a super grouchy & restless toddler who didn't have enough sleep = an explosive situation. Kel lost his patience with Daryl & gave him a smack. I had to soothe & comfort the notti boy.
5th, we helped Pat to bring over 2 pieces of her luggage as her luggage was way overweight when she went back. For some unknown reason, 1 of her luggage which she had packed into a box, had to be retrieved from another baggage claim area which is at the other end of the airport from where we were waiting for our luggage. Thus, Kel had to make his way among the huge no. of travellers to retrieve the box. Boy, was he pissed...
6th, Pat told us to wait for her at a cafe which is on the right side from where we had exit the customs. After 20 minutes of waiting, I sensed that something is amiss as the waiting time was way too long. When I called her after we had cleared the customs, she told me that she's already outside the airport. Thus, I called her again & found out that she was not able to locate us. Apparently, we had waited at the wrong cafe as there were 2 cafes in the airport. The cafe which she mentioned was at the other end of the airport! She told us to wait while she & Sam walked over to find us. After 5 minutes, I spied Sam & called him. What a relief...
Our relief was short lived. It was a very long walk from the cafe to the carpark where Pat & Sam had parked their cars. As we had 2 trolleys, Kel & I had to push 1 each while Sam helped Kel's mum along. Luckily, I managed to persuade Daryl to be a good boy. Thus, I can hold his right hand while I used my right hand to manoveur the trolley. It was not easy but I managed to do it while sneezing all the time due to the cold. What a sight we must have been. At the carpark, I was very relieved to see Pat. She helped me to push my trolley while I held Daryl's hand.
We reached their cars & loaded our luggage in. Sam went to work while Pat drove us back to their house. It was a very long drive of about 1.5 hours as we encountered the morning traffic. Daryl & I were so tired that we fell asleep during the ride.
After this experience, now I understand why Changi Airport is always voted as the best airport by the travellers. After a long & tiring flight, all we wanted to do was to clear the customs & go to Pat & Sam's house to rest. However, it was not to be as we had to deal with long queues, waiting times, frustrations, etc. Now we appreciate Singapore's efficiency.
I was woken up by Kel who told us that we had reached Cherrybrook Village Shopping Centre. This's the nearest shopping centre from Pat & Sam's house. Pat wanted to stop here for a while so that we can have our breakfast & she can buy some groceries just in case we are cooking dinner.
We stopped at this cafe - Zest Patisserie for breakfast. While Kel & Pat was ordering our breakfast, I took pics.
Daryl giving me the 'look'
Giving me a very big smile when I told him to say 'cheese'. What a cheeky boy...
After breakfast, we went inside the shopping centre. While Kel, Pat & their mum are shopping for groceries, Daryl & I took the chance to explore the centre. Daryl was very happy when he spied a car kiddy ride & wanted to sit in it.
See how happy he was
When they were done, we left the shopping centre & went to Pat & Sam's house. It was such a relief... We went to our room. I unpack our some stuff while Kel bathe Daryl. Then it was my turn. After our shower, we were knocked out. Poor Kel didn't get a chance to nap after his shower as he had to accompany Pat to rent a wheelchair for their mum. Nevermind, he will get his chance later in the night. :p
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