A flight to Singapore from Brisbane is pretty painless. We left at 10.30 had a nice lunch on board watched a movie had a nap & arrived in at around 4.30.

We decided to stay at Changi a village near the airport.

Not far from the airport, it is good for a walk by the water and an easy dinner at the Hawker Markets. I love these markets. Open air. Only locals. Pretty lights and so cheap and tasty. 10 satay sticks, a plate of tom yum fried rice and beef rice, some lime sugar sodas and it was about $20. Not bad for Singapore prices.

Heading into downtown today we thought we’d explore all types of public transport. We caught a local bus to the station and the train into Marina Sands.

I love the public transport here. It’s efficient, clean, on time and has the best signs to amuse you.

My favourite was watching the little movie showing what to do in case of a terrorist attack , a bag caught in the door, leaning on the door. All these little scenarios. So much fun.

Arriving at Marina Sands is a complete contrast to the Hawkers markets. It’s a hotel, shopping centre, sightseeing centre and a haven for the rich, and the poorer travellers trying to think rich.

Starting with coffee near the indoor river where we thought about a ride on a gondola. Deciding that was a was a bit much, we took a ride to level 57. I’d booked ahead for Lavo the lovely restaurant with a view.

Sitting at a shaded table looking out at the view we felt a million miles away. We ordered a refreshing Spritz. An Aprerol for me a Negroni for Steve. We shared an octopus salad – delicious ….then I had a veal cutlet and Steve the carbonara. Opted out of Asian food today.

Following a leisurely lunch we took bus 106 to Orchard road. Avoiding too much walking to protect my knee we did a little browsing before moving along to Raffles.

I love Raffles. It’s super expensive but it’s unique.

An iconic hotel opened in 1887, its so very beautiful, famous and oldy worldy. I could see Somerset Maugham there in a crushed linen suit slinging back a few Singapore Slings before tossing his peanut shells all over the floor in the the Long Bar. . Unfortunately, we tried to book the Bar & Billards room for lunch but it’s closed on Tuesday so thought a drink in the Long Bar after lunch would be a treat. The queue to get in was LONG so we thought NO. After checking out the lobby bar which only does fancy afternoon teas ( we’d just had lunch!) we opted for a Gin Sling for Steve and a frozen lime daiquiri for me, sitting under the striped umbrellas in the courtyard.

A hop skip and a limp later we were seated on the top story of a super clean No 2 bus to Changi Village. A long ( 1 hr) but air conditioned sightseeing trip back to our hotel. All for a flat rate lower than the hop in hop off bus.

And more fun signs.

Organising a late check out we’ll have time to freshen up, shower, change, stretch out for awhile and head to the airport for a long late flight to Frankfurt.

Flying Singapore Airlines tonight & we’ll be comparing it to Qantas business yesterday.

I thinking I’ll try for life as a reviewer after this trip.

For Ollie , Leo & Alby. I think you’d like riding around on the buses in Singapore. We wanted to have a boat ride on the river in a bum boat! That’s what they call the little river taxis here. That’s a bit rude!