Whirlwind stop over...

It's been a long time coming...and lets see if I can remember...

On my way to, and from, Japan, I had a 5+ hour transit at Singapore's MASSIVE Changhi airport. Now, it used to be that I would happily spend that time in the airport, making use of:

• the sleeping area: with our luggage held tight, in a bear-like grip.
• the free net: on annoying 15minute intervals, but they didn't have this five years ago.
• the endless shopping: had I had more cash, probably would have come away with more than what I did (Chivas, cologne, cookies)
• the food: it's not a matter of trying something 'different' because they also have the stock standard.
• the TV/lounge area: usually often packed. And TV playing irrelevant sports...argh...

But this time it was different. I decided to spend almost two days, on the way, and the transit hours, on the way back, there. All thanks to a great friend being able to show me around.

I arrived in Sing-sing at about 8pm? I think. Went my separate ways with my mum and sister, who were spending the transition hours at the airport, before heading straight to Japan. I went through customs and had a random convo with the officer about my cap (Nike tracker LBJ cap) and how he couldn't find one like it in Singapore. I was like WTF? but okay...

Aaron WAS meant to meet me at the arrival lounge but, surprise, surprise, he was no where to be found. I took a wonder around, exchanged a few Aussie dollars for Sing dollars (go the exchange rate!) and waited. Eventually he showed up with his cheeky smile... AND I brought him some goodies as well (2kg worth of NUTS and Johnny Black).

Let's see, what did I do...

• Had Asahi black! It's just stout beer I think. But it was pretty good.
• Had a Singapore Sling! I really can't remember how it tasted...
• Had SOOOOOOOOO much to eat, it wasn't funny...it seemed like every place we went, I was eating something. But it was sooooo cheap and it was all good.
• Met a few AIESECers. Didn't really talk to them though...
• Bought a phone! Which I will no longer use, because I don't need it. lol. EBay anyone?
• Got caught in the infamous Singapore tropical down pours! It came from no where and we were eating kakigouri (Japanese-style, ice shavings with syrup, mmmm) at the time. Lucky I didn't catch a cold.
• Had really good Arabian food (I think that's what it was). Unique but it was fantastic. Found the place randomly as well.
• Went to a really cool bar in the style of a villa. The atmosphere was awesome, but I remember it closing early...
• Met up briefly with Heidi for lunch.
• Wondered randomly in the streets, through markets or something...
• Had tea and sheesha on Baghdad street (see picture above).

That was about it. Quite a random collection of memories, scatter-brain that it is...

Oh, oh. One thing I can't forget is the Singapore taxis. Each time I saw one, I thought that was a real person and freaked me out (see below). lol. Never got used to that and still amuses me to this day. =P

Much love, I.