Unless you're taking months over the journey and seeing the world in the process, getting from New Zealand to Europe and the UK is always gruelling no matter what one does to try to alleviate it. Having MS presents its own challenges although getting a wheelchair at airports is one of those occasions where for once there are advantages to being a bit decrepit. Sailing through in the 'privileged' aisle while the fit and healthy queue at borders provides a rare opportunity for one to feel lucky. (I'm not the one with MS - that's my partner.)
A stop-over is essential under those conditions. On the way over we stopped for a night in Singapore. We've been there before so we supposedly know the ropes. It's not a bad place for a rest. The plane arrived at 7.30 am so booked a not-too-expensive hotel for two nights so that we wouldn't have to hang about.
Turned out the hotel I booked online tested my assertions that "We're not fussy" and that "the people who complain in the reviews are probably more used to your corporate-style hotel". A windowless room with inefficient/non-existent air-conditioning reached via a corridor with walls and ceiling secreting mould and a tattered and torn carpet was not quite what I'd expected for NZD 146 per night. Turns out I've got a bit fussier since I first headed off in the early 70's, when I found windowless rooms in need of decoration perfectly acceptable... but then in those days they were far far cheaper!
Click the photo to the left to see pix accompanying the following:
Who'd have believed what a difference a floor could make even if it is in an absolutely magic lift!!! We got an upgrade and lo and behold, moving one floor down from a 'standard' to 'superior' room (next floor down) vastly improved matters and we were happy once solved all our problems once 'maintenance' had stopped the water exuding from the light and dripping onto the bed. It felt positively sumptuous in comparison and the view of Hotel 1929 out the window was easy on the eye.
We went to a small coffee house across the street where a very friendly Singaporean woman saw us eyeing her plate and explained what she was eating so we could order the same - very delicious it was too though of course I can't remember what it was called! Gawd but it was hot!!
A stop-over is essential under those conditions. On the way over we stopped for a night in Singapore. We've been there before so we supposedly know the ropes. It's not a bad place for a rest. The plane arrived at 7.30 am so booked a not-too-expensive hotel for two nights so that we wouldn't have to hang about.
Turned out the hotel I booked online tested my assertions that "We're not fussy" and that "the people who complain in the reviews are probably more used to your corporate-style hotel". A windowless room with inefficient/non-existent air-conditioning reached via a corridor with walls and ceiling secreting mould and a tattered and torn carpet was not quite what I'd expected for NZD 146 per night. Turns out I've got a bit fussier since I first headed off in the early 70's, when I found windowless rooms in need of decoration perfectly acceptable... but then in those days they were far far cheaper!Click the photo to the left to see pix accompanying the following:
Who'd have believed what a difference a floor could make even if it is in an absolutely magic lift!!! We got an upgrade and lo and behold, moving one floor down from a 'standard' to 'superior' room (next floor down) vastly improved matters and we were happy once solved all our problems once 'maintenance' had stopped the water exuding from the light and dripping onto the bed. It felt positively sumptuous in comparison and the view of Hotel 1929 out the window was easy on the eye.
We went to a small coffee house across the street where a very friendly Singaporean woman saw us eyeing her plate and explained what she was eating so we could order the same - very delicious it was too though of course I can't remember what it was called! Gawd but it was hot!!
Clicking on this picture of a game of draughts should show more shots from our walk.
