Wandering Boots Tour: Day 55 Coming Home

By the numbers

Bag 24 kilos

1 book

18,821 steps

14 kms.

I didn’t have that great a sleep in the hotel, although I think that was due to the fact my last day in Singapore would be today. I would have to pack my clothes before leaving as I was going to leave my bags with my friend Dawn as I didn’t fly out until later that night, which is annoying in some ways. I prefer leaving in the early afternoon, but due to the time difference it is around a 7 hour flight so would reach Australia in the morning around daylight. The weather looked like it would be another hot day.

Making sure I had enough time as I wanted to be checked out before the weather became too hot and also finding it strange that it isn’t light til around 6am as I have been woken up by daylight in the UK that has come well before 5am. I found breakfast and then sorted out my room before leaving. I caught a bus that would take me to where Dawn lives where I would drop my bags off. The good thing is I could se Google maps to anticipate where the bus would stop and when I would get off, which makes life pretty easy. The fact the map can show you the entire bus service and where it stops is pretty good. I can follow instructions as I met Dawn and dropped off my bags before heading off for something to eat as it was close to midday. We had to go out anyway as I was wanting my itinerary to be printed off and being Scoot, I wanted to make sure as it was something they wanted. I don’t know if those guys become annoyed when you don’t follow their instructions or even refuse to let you board. I didn’t really have any plans and made a plan to visit the Botanic Gardens on the go.

It did get busy while I was on the train and I was only taking two different trains to the Gardens. I also didn’t want to run out of time, so wasn’t going to spend too much time at the gardens.  It was actually a short ride, what with the changing of stations and simpler than most trips. It was beginning to heat up and I found the gardens were actually a UNESCO heritage site, so it must have been good. Some of the history was interesting as parts like near the MRT station was run by the military something to do with growing food and had a specific name that I cannot remember off hand. I did see on the map that there was a shop with an Orchard section, so I made my way to that area while trying to stay out of the sun. The shop did have my attention and maybe due to it being cooler there too. Did I mention that it had gotten to be a very warm day and that I was dreading going back to the airport as I was just going to sweat like no body’s business? I was actually surprised by how busy the Botanic Gardens actually were during the day. I have no idea if it is open at night. I walked back the way I came and found that there was a heritage walk that I could do. While that little bit of information would be helpful, I don’t think I could do the walk as I would really run out of time.

I had to jump back on the trains and make my way back to Dawn’s place to pick up my bags as it was basically that time that I needed to leave. I had been told that I was out of my mind wanting to walk to the MRT station that would take me to the airport, I just needed to catch three trains. It wasn’t far of a walk to meet up with Dawn and it was actually funny as there is security at her place and I got lost trying to get into the building. I went in through the wrong door, which was actually the wrong building. Nothing like a hotel type foyer that connects you anywhere. I am just that good at getting myself lost with simple instructions. Dawn met me down stairs and we sorted out my flight itinerary and learnt that others have trouble trying to lift my bag as it is heavy. I didn’t stick around too long after a shower to refresh myself. I did end up walking the 10 or so minutes back to the Novena MRT station. I must have looked to be a weird sight walking up a overpass and onto the station. I did get lost in the shopping centre as I thought I knew a shop that was near the station, but I had to walk through the shop with my heavy bags.

Walking through the station, I knew I needed the Town Hall station to get the train that would take me all the way to the airport. I carried my bags onto the train instead of on my back as I don’t want to wipe people out. I stood on the train as people left and crowded on. Everyone seemed to be quiet and no one making a fuss. Once I made it to the train that took me to the airport, it was then everyone with bags appeared. I had to stop once I arrived at Changi to check to make sure my plane was still leaving at the right time. I had at least an hour and half at the airport before I could even check in. I made my way with a luggage carrier as they are the best things since sliced bread to use. I found where I needed to go and sat reading nearby while marvelling at the manual flight board flicking over as the times changed. By the time I was ready to leave I sorted out my check in at the terminal as I wasn’t exactly sure if I was a normal customer or since my upgrade if I was now a business class passenger. I followed the line with everyone else and the guy sorting me out never told me I shouldn’t be there. Once my bag went off into the yonder with all the other bags, I made my way to the immigration to go through into the terminal so that I could eat and get a passport stamp. They have my thumb prints so it is all good.

I found the food and then took to taking a wander looking for my gate. I knew some gates were basically in the back of beyond away from everything. Looking at several shops along the way, I vowed to return for a look until I ended up at the gate that was well away from everything else. I had another hour before the gate would open as they have the security checks before you get on at every gate. Nearby was one of those snooze lounges and an entertainment area with movies showing. No sound though. I wandered back to where the book shop was to have a browse and found nothing that would be good to read at the moment. I didn’t want to add to the weight of the bag unless they weighed it when I passed through security. Wandering back, I ended up sitting in on a movie while changing my sim card so I could remember the number since I couldn’t with my travel sim. I was wanting to use the wifi and the airport wanted the phone number. Very annoying when that happens. The gate did open and the security were working through a line of people and the time to board seemed to get later. I don’t even think there was a loo on this end of the security.

Once we were able to board the plane people stood up even though they were told the first three rows. I was actually in row 2 on the plane, so front seat rebel. My seat was very comfy leather type seat and I was in an aisle, which I somehow think I will do next time I fly. That means no waking others or telling them I will be a pain in the ass. I could even see the door of the plane where I would exit. The next best seat would be in the cockpit with the better views and the pilot sounded like an Aussie. We did get a water before we took off and once in the air, we were given a complimentary drink that we had told them what we wanted. I could have gotten alcohol, but chose not to. There were no TV for me on this flight as I had to use an App on my device being a phone. It would be around 7 hours to fly and I had a book. Turns out the book lasted around 4 hours into the flight while annoying the person next to me with my light. We did get fed in between and fill out immigration cards for Australia. I didn’t actually sleep on the plane other than quick snoozes. By the time we landed, I found just how cold it was back home and I thought it was refreshing considering I had been in the heat of Singapore. There was a flight from Japan that had been before us, but they had collected their bags. We had a little bit of a wait before the bags were unloaded and the sniffer dog were checking the bags, but mine came later. I think it was lucky that I had clips that clipped the main bag to the smaller bag as that zipper had somehow parted, so the two bags were half hanging off. That told me I will need to replace my bags before another long trip overseas. How the closed zipper parted would have been due to someone trying to pick the bag up and the weight wouldn’t have helped either. Nigel was even waiting for me when I exited the baggage area and into the main part of the airport. I was tired, but would crash later on in the day as the jetlag caught up with me.

This trip has been a huge learning experience and have pushed me to the brink and back especially with having my wallet taken. The wallet incident did knock me around a little bit, but in some strange way it kept my bags light as I went around the country. I will use that experience as part of my travel to say I have had it done. That was not easy, but I persevered and went on with my journey regardless. I was only really lucky that I had accommodation paid for already, so didn’t need to pay until I reached certain locations. Some accommodation, I might not stay in again. Not really due to the distance from transport as there were some really nice places that were homey. Several were a little too far from places to buy food like where I stayed in Brussels as an example or even locations I stayed at around 10 years before were looking a little tired now. I kept an eye on everything including if doors closed properly or even if I accidentally broke the security by entering. Uber Eats might be a handy resource especially in countries you do not speak the language. They do seem to get preference over other people who are in the shop. I was usually the only person up around 7am in the morning, which meant the loos were mine to use without major problems and I could eat and run.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 54 Wandering Singapore

By the numbers

20306 steps

14.9 kms

I spent the night tossing and turning as it was likely due to the very long sleep I had the day before, which was something like 14 hours to try and get over the jet lag. I felt better than I had the day before and I was wearing some borrowed clothes that I was provided with since my bag hadn’t turned up. I thought it would appear around 10pm at night, but I went to bed without it and a touch annoyed. I went to leave the hotel and the bag was waiting for me in the foyer. There was a time stamp to say when it had been delivered and that time was 0440 am. I grabbed my bag and took it back upstairs as I was happy to see it and put on some clean clothes before going back out.

I did apply to see if I could get an upgraded through bidding for a business class seat to see what that would be like on my trip home, but if not I will put in for a heavier bag allowance as I know my bag weighs more than the 20kilo that is required. I had breakfast and went out to Novena Station where I met up with a friend, Dawn who I hadn’t seen since she was in Sydney. All I really knew was that it was very muggy. We ended up on Orchard Road where there was a shopping centre that had a nice themed library. Seems that Singapore in certain places have themed libraries like this one in the middle of a shopping centre was to do with design. The shelves were all wavey, which was different to what I have seen before. I didn’t know each library was different and I would see another one later down near the marina that was to do with music. We did have a look around through some MRT stations and even at the Marina Jetty, where there seemed to be many military people around. There were a few container ships around and the weather was getting more humid by the minute. That would be something that would be happening throughout the day with streets. We tried to visit the art gallery and the building was closing at 2pm and we couldn’t get in even though I could not understand what the security bloke was on about.

Both Dawn and I visited the library on Marine, where I was finding connecting to the wifi in Singapore annoying as it wanted my phone number and that was something I did not really remember. We parted ways and I stayed in the library within the nice feeling of the aircon before moving on. I walked down to the marina down to where the merlion statues were and there was a huge crowd braving the heat until I crossed the bridge to find the military were everywhere and I waited until the escorted groups were gone before crossing anywhere unless they became annoyed with me. I was hunting down the location of Raffles landing place from the early 1800s, although there was another one of a king who landed earlier than Raffles who discovered the island. The next place after that was Canning Fort and that took me past the Parliament building. The fire station was an interesting art deco type of building. I walked up the stairs to Fort Canning to find the security guys were around where the old cemetery is as there was some event going on.

Off down the hill I went looking for the train station so I could head back to the hotel as the weather was very humid and hot. I was actually dripping wet from the heat and needed to stop. I still had to walk back to the hotel, but it was refreshing when I actually got that far. One of the buildings I walked past was the hospital, so at least I know where that was. I grabbed dinner on the way back and had to hit the shower or else I would stink the bed as I was literally wet. One good thing came out of putting in for an upgrade in bidding for a better seat and that was willing a bid for a better seat. I am now in business class for the last 7 hours of my plane journey home. So we shall see what that is like and see how the other half live. I have one last day of my trip basically, where I fly out at night, which is a good thing and hopefully get some sleep.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 53: Not much of a day

Day 53 never happened. It did, although I ended up having a very long sleep that had me getting up at midday and the luggage was meant to appear at the airport by around 530pm, but I wasn’t sure if it was meant to appear that night or the next day. I decided not to really go anywhere as I ended up with a headache.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 52 London to Singapore

By the numbers

16,779 steps

12.42 kms

Main bag 22 kgs

I checked out of the hostel just before 8am and was hoping that i would be able to put my bag into BagBNB without a problem. I had the time set to being 9am and I ended up there at around ten mins to 9am and they still allowed the bag in. I was hoping there would be no problems by the end of the day and I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do.. I chose the one place that I knew I could spend most of my time and that was The London Tower, although I could have done that at any museum. After dropping my bags off I went next door to a cafe that had a full English breakfast that included coffee. A big mug and breakfast that included baked beans, bacon, snags and tomoto. That would fill me up for the rest of the day. It was better than the 3 pound breakfast that only really included toast at the hostel. I never went for the free dinners as I never knew what time I would return and had something when I was hungry.

I had no problems getting the train to Tower bridge or whatever the station was called that is closest to the London Tower. I could have stuck around and visited the British museum, but I wanted the Tower as that has been on my wish list for a long time and so has the British museum to be honest. I grabbed the train to the Tower and I wasnt really sure when it opened. The phone said 9am and the ticketbooth said 10am, but I was able to get my ticket just before 10 am anyway and I wandered into the Tower. It was defensive structure that was also part of old Roman London too. Also a prison and the hero of Waterloo, Wellington was also in charge of  the London Tower at one stage well after the battle. The place was also the Zoo before the animals were moved to Regents Park that became the London Zoo.

The Beefeaters take you on tours and they are actual military veterans with 22 years service and good behaviour too plus you have to be of certain rank to get to become one. I was happy to be taken on a tour of the grounds. They tell you the story of the grounds and including that they were going to house Hitler in the London Tower once they caught him, but they never had the pleasure. The waterline had been moved bacdk to what the Thames is presently today and you can visualise it when looking at Traitors Gate, which is the waterline as they bought the guilty party inside through the gate and stores as well. Very few people were executed inside the tower. They were usually marched outside to Tower Hill where they are beheaded. Two Queen’s were executed inside the tower by King Henry VIII as you do. Catherin Howard I think was covered in quicklime and her body was no longer there in the church, but Anne’s was. One of the towers holds the crown jewels and it was amazing to get into a short line to view them. It did include a spoon too. During the Civil War the crown Jewels were destroyed and afterwards new ones made. I would have to say these are more impressive than what Sweden has and there are more, although its more of a touristy thing in the UK and without having to walk downstairs into a dungeon type area. The vault doors are really thick.

I got to see the various armours that were for the kings that are on display in the white tower. I think they used this as the dungeon / prison too. There was a well in there too that still had water. I really don’t know what it is with people throwing money into the well and other bits of water within the area, but they do. I got to see the different pieces of armour worn by kings and also the many collections of old weaponry and some from Waterloo. People did seem to want to walk up and down the stairs slowly. I was listening to the radio and some school kids were in trouble for mucking up and they security were on top of that. I don’t know if they were Beefeaters too, but they would not be happy with the kids and I had already heard a teacher telling two off for doing something and they were described to the point of their uniforms too. Some areas you are not allowed to walk into even if the toilet is nearby. I watched a lady get turned around and there were no exceptions as it was a military area. I do find it funny how there are gift shops in nearly every part of the area as the basement of the white tower had a gift shop, giving you the opportunity to buy anything.

I seen that time was slowly slipping away from me as the day grew later and I was wanting to get the tube to Heathrow and be at the airport with heaps of time. I had to stop for a drink and food at the cafe in the Tower. I knew I needed food even when I don’t feel like it. I had a little wander afterwards before returning to the tube station following the underpass instead of the main road. I found bits of old Roman wall even though they had traced the line inside the Tower. I think there was more around the corner to look at, but I really had to go as I needed to pick up my bag. Then came a problem with the tube. I ended up getting to a station that was heading away from where I was meant to. Luckily the station I jumped off at, had trains that were heading to King’s Cross. That is why I keep an eye on the tube maps to make sure I am going the right way. I made it to King’s Cross and needed a loo. I found out there was a huge problem with the train network, a power line had fallen onto the tracks. Meanwhile I collected my bag and spent 40 mins on the tube getting to Heathrow where I found it got crowded at certain points and then cleared the further away from the popular stations..

Once we arrived, I was happy as I soon found it was a short distance from the train terminal to Terminal 3. The first thing I did was get changed and to weigh my main bag, which was 22 kilos. I managed to check myself in on time and sorting my bag at the bag drop. It was pretty easy or so I hoped as I walked in through security and the system didn’t like me. Turns out I forgot my passport folder in my pocket and the body scanner was picking that up. I forgot it was there and they were happy once they found the culprit. I collected my bag and other stuff including my jumper I did have a pie for dinner in one of the restaurants after they asked if I wanted to eat or drink. I had my own drink and they didn’t care that I had a pepsi with me. There was a little bit of waiting around before finding the gate number and the plane. Once I boarded the plane, I found there was a problem and that did not include the movies list. Half the bags had not been put on the plane as the baggage conveyors in Heathrow had broken down and that included the crew bags too. I had everything I needed to charge my devices luckily and that included my keyboard and mouse. The movie selection included Game of Thrones and I was being served by Chris Hemmsworth, literally the guy looked like him and he asked if I would like the lady in front to move her seat forward. I said nope as its now at a perfect angle. I didn’t get that much sleep on the 12 hour flight as I was watching movies.

The landing was pretty good at Singapore and I had to sort out the baggage stuff and was given $100, which I thought I had to pay. I changed my money too that I had stored away in my hidden area where my other cards are kept. I think I have enough coin to last me while I am in SG and all will be good. I got to the train to get me into the part of Singapore I am staying at and I was rude to some strange lady who told me that I needed the correct change until I realised that she was one of the officials at the station. I did say sorry though and she was alright with me. Ther jumping on and off trains was fun even as it was getting dark. My phone at my final train sent me the long way round to the hotel and I had a friend, Dawn waiting for me when I turned up. Once I checked in, I went out for some food. I also went looking for more clothes as I needed a shirt as I had walked up a sweat getting to the hotel. So muggy and humid in Singapore. When I was fed, I was left to my own devices where I had a shower and ended up in bed early.

Wandering Boots Tour: Day 51 London cemeteries and Museums

By the numbers

21,638 steps

15.86 kms

The day was overcast when I got up and I wanted to visit a cemetery, one of the big ones that were created. It was called Brompton and I wanted to visit as it was open around 7am. I was up early enough and could walk to one of the closer overground stations, where I would jump on a train that takes me to my destination. I ordered a coffee before getting to the station, but not food as all the shop had was vegan stuff. It was funny walking up the stairs to the platform and people running past where I was hoping I would not end up wearing my coffee as some person barges into me. That never happened, but the runners were on the train and I just casually step onto the train before it leaves. I wasn’t even worried about catching that one as I could have gotten the next one.

I didn’t actually know where the cemetery entrance was and I was hungry and found a shop across the road from the train station. I ended up with a choc chip cookie for breakfast as you do and I did throw my coffee cup in the bin after I got off the train. Seems Londoners don’t know how to do that. The cemetery as I found was actually next door to the Underground / Overground tube stations, which I thought to be really helpful in getting around. I took a wander through the cemetery and had to look up who was there as I realised I was thinking of the wrong place. I knew I would be visiting number 3 of the 7 cemeteries in London and I am happy to have done at least that bit. I did see crows, pigeons and squirrels in the cemetery and I was meant to see bats and even woodpeckers around too. I wandered around having a look and there were overgrown parts, but that was part of the cemetery scene. I have no idea if there are guides for finding the whose who of the cemetery, but I did find the Chelsea pensioners monument with all the pretty flowers around the area. Without plans on where to visit next, I stopped for a coffee in the cafe to work out my plans.

The plan ended up being the natural history museum in Kensington where I would see the dinosaurs without being too rushed or frustrated. I found once I got off the station that there was a tunnel that went from the tube station right to the outside of the museum, it did extend to a few other museums locally, but you still had to walk through the museum entrance. What I was expecting was to see the museum so crowded and I was having to push my way through people to get anywhere. That did include the dinosaur section as I don’t remember it being that busy last time I didn’t want to stay too long as I wanted to be at the hostel early enough to pack and sort out my stuff. I made it through the dinosaurs and I think there were more there than there was last time, I was in the country, but at least I ended up in the section for the marine animals that were found by fossil hunters like Mary Anning in the 1800s. That part I never seen and I never made it to the second level either that had treasures like lions that used to live in England or even a sliver of moon rock from the landing being the only British piece. There was another museum I wanted to visit before going home and that I worked out.

I wanted the London Museum next as it was about the history of London that went pretty far back until now. Had to get two trains there and then walk to the museum, which was less than 10 mins away. I found there was less pressure to donate to thios museum than there was to at the Natural History museum. They had sections for different donations through your card on tap and go. I didn’t donate as I need the money for myself. The museum had items that were from times before the Romans were in the area and many things had been dug up in certain locations including near Heathrow, which included Roman finds. There was a Roman Ampatheatre found too and that is a place people can visit, which would be pretty cool. There were still remains of Roman wall near to the museum, which you can view from the window inside the museum. There are other parts that include both the plague and the fire in 1666 that raged through the city in 6 or so days. The rest of the museum took the time line until now and I was even surprised there were riots in 1981. All the stuff in the museum related to what was happening within the London region and not outside like say York. Factories in London closed in the 1970s and society and culture changed as the years rolled on. I wanted to get some books that were for sale, but I held my horses as I knew I might not have room for them and that was very true.

Once I left the museum, I headed to Bond Street station to the expensive areas for a look at Selfridge shops. I walked in and got stuck looking at clothes that I couldn’t afford. If I wanted to spend large sums for a white shirt, I could have and be none the wiser. People did buy that stuff and the shops were crowded with people looking and even though I looked shaggy, I probably was better dressed, maybe. I did look at belts and even a pair of sandals that were Gucci. I escaped the store and headed off to other things. I decided since it was 5pm, I really should head to the hostel and check to see if the signal problems were working or still causing trouble. I think they were, but I wasn’t too worried and I was hoping they would be resolved by tomorrow or I would be walking from maybe Euston station instead of King’s Cross. Packing showed me that it was a good idea to leave things behind like clothes. Smelly clothes that I think would be a touch on the nose in my bag. I will know how heavy my bags are by the time I get to the airport. That shall be amusing and fun, even though my weight is 30kg, but I still have a flight to the Gold Coast.