BALTIC BLOG 02
Wednesday June 13, 2012
Phew! After months of planning and organising, dreaming and anticipating, packing, repacking and repacking again, the fun finally began yesterday when we farewelled Auckland International Airport and sailed through the skies to Singapore and our big, roomy beds at the Swissotel Merchant Court.
Some of our intrepid travellers went exploring along the beautifully lit-up Singapore River (on foot or in sampans). The rest hit the sack. And most of us (we confirmed over breakfast this morning) were woken, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, by our body-clocks – at around 3am Singapore time!
This morning was free – to relax, grab a taxi, sightsee or shop in this amazing Asian metropolis. And our Kiwis headed off in countless directions to do all of the above and more. Then, this afternoon, we were treated to a ‘High Tea Cruise’ aboard an Imperial Chinese junk (no less) on one of the world’s busiest harbours.
Lovely, it was. And a nice opportunity for group members to get to know each other.
Right now, it’s 9:30pm, and we’re back at the spectacular Changi Airport – all checked-in and busy trying out the shops and restaurants before our 11:30pm departure for Heathrow.
This is a long leg (aarrgghh) and our Mad Midlifers are hoping they’ll sleep like babies for those 12-plus hours in the air. After all, London’s a very special destination. And the Queen and her corgis are sure to have heard that we’re coming. (They’ll probably be waiting for us in the arrivals area. We’ll keep you posted …)
PEOPLE NEWS:
The pressure’s on, and the first hotly-sought-after Midlife Madness Awards have been taken home already:
The Trade-Me Award went to Colin – who, upon arriving at our Singapore Hotel, took it upon himself to trade his old suitcase in on something slight bigger and newer – marching off towards the elevators with someone’s else’s luggage firmly in his grip. He finally gave it up, but not without a fight …
The Follow-Me-I’m-Lost Award was won by Joan – who, only an hour ago here at Changi Airport, led several other Mad Midlifers on a merry chase in completely the wrong direction – up-and-down escalators and around-and-under taxiing aircraft. (Okay, I’m lying about the taxiing aircraft – but the rest was true, and very funny. You had to be there.)
TOMORROW:
Glorious, old, pomp-and-ceremony London (as I’ve already intimated). But I can’t say any more until we actually get there – right?
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
i
Hi
Nolene & Wally: Welcome aboard. All Blacks 22-ireland19 (Drop kick by Dan Carter) WarriorsLOST 20-19 in the last 12 minutes let in 2 tries. Aussie just won by 2 over Wales. Now await Mystic & Magic netball tonight. Sun is out but rather chilly. Look forward to reading the blogs.
M&M
Ma & Pa Osbaldiston
Hope all is well on the boat! First win at netball today..in the rain! Played well I think and got quite few intercepts. Another trip to the vet on Tuesday…i think it will be the last as her tumour has returned quite badly this time…so sad days. Enjoying the new role so far..much easier to get out of bed and go in now!
Hi Nolene & Wally The Magic beat the Mystics. The Junior All Blacks beat Wales and now play South Africa In the final on Saturday. No sun today !
M&M
Hello to the Covacich’s,
Hope you are having an amazing time and that the ship is incredible. Love the smile and wave in the photo Dad and lovely picture of your ear Mum! No doubt it is warmer here than over here with the cold snap whistling through!! Envious of all your travels but happy that you both are off on the most amazing trip ever.
Keep smiling, snapping pictures and having fun.
Love Tracey, Steve & James Johnson xxx