Singapore - first impressions

The airplane was cool, at times chilly, which meant the steamy air at Changi airport was a bit of a shock to the system. Queues through Customs were slow-moving, with the boys having to go through on their own, but quarantine was just a wave-through. No lengthy declarations to be signed with dire warnings of penalties for failing to properly declare any food, plant or animal items. We tried to declare our wine and tea, but we were almost laughed at for our efforts.

Next stop was the tourist bureau to determine the exchange rate (roughly AUD1 = SGD1.3) to work out how much to withdraw from the ATM for around AU $150 walking around money, and to work out the best way to get to the hotel. I was keen to try the trains, but he said taxi was the best - the trains would be too crowded. Even though it's a public holiday, I asked? No, you're right, it should be fine. And so we took the train. It was pretty jammed for a few stops, but was overall very good (and air-con'd). The ticketing system has what the Melbourne train system should aspire to: single use tickets available , but re-useable (as well as more durable plastic myki-like cards); simple touch-on, touch-off which works; cheerful people at each station who are keen to help. And regular trains that meet up with connecting trains. And cheap - our 25min trip, including minute-long changeovers cost $2.20 each.

It was a bit of effort gettting to the hotel from the train station, mainly because I couldn't retrieve the response to my email request for instructions, but also that no-one knew how best to reach it, although all were very keen to help (including staff from other hotels whom I asked). But we got here, and the room is large and comfortable, and pleasantly cool. We went back out and found some fabulous cheap food to top us up (Ky at least was getting the hangries), buy some milk for our tea (imported from Thailand) and then back to the hotel for a cuppa and crash. It's after midnight, and the boys had been up for eighteen hours (they're now both dead to the world), and JD and I will be hitting the sack pretty soon too.

Tomorrow, we're planning on spending the day at the Science Centre.