Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of the mrlukeniktravels blog. As you might have guessed from the title, I have crossed the equator again. After an eight month foray down south it was time to head north again. Australia is now in the past and I shall be visiting a greater number of countries in the next few months. There is also a considerable temperature and climate change from June in Queensland and June in Singapore. Just about adapting to it now! As I write the sun is setting rapidly outside and I am enjoying the air-conditioning after a hot, humid day.
Last week I said goodbye to Australia and boarded a flight from Cairns to Singapore. The route had only begun operating the previous day, so there were balloons, nibbles and cakes. Must be like that all the time in first class! Due to the shuttle bus time table, I ended up arriving at the terminal by 0640 when the first flight was 0955, and mine 1045. Having plenty of time to pass, I was thankful for a book and Spotify Premium. Arriving on board the plane I discovered, for the first time ever, I had a row to myself. Jackpot! I waited patiently until the doors were closed for that last minute passenger that’s always seems to be on your row. Being able to stretch out I was able to make up for some of the lost sleep from an early morning start. So far, so good…
Upon arrival at Changi International airport, the ease of transit began to wane. Due to several other planes being late the queues at immigration to cross the border were very, very long. Once through that, with a 90 day visa stamp, I headed to customs. Innocently placing my bags on the scanner conveyor belt, I waited at the other end for my bags (and passport). Singapore is notorious for having strict anti-drug laws. Unbeknown to me, the scanner picked up a prohibited substance in my luggage. This lead to the undignified process of emptying my entire luggage and it being swabbed. Yes, dear reader, I was the poor soul you pass in customs having their luggage inspected. After around 20 minutes of examination I was allowed to go. I have no idea what was picked up, how it got there or why I suddenly had my passport returned and I was able to continue on my way. Whatever it was, it is entirely possible that the substance is legal in Australia and New Zealand. Something to bear in mind when passing between multiple countries. That episode over my experience of Singapore could begin.
I am based in a hostel in the centre of Singapore’s Chinatown district, in the heart of the city. Quite a change from rural Queensland, Australia. Getting around the city is easy with the a large MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) system. This connects all the top tourist spots, including Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay and the Downtown Core. I have been making full use of this! The city is a mixture of heritage, colonial architecture and sleek, modern buildings.There is also such a mixture of cultures too. The melting pot of people which is very different from my home back in the UK. I also enjoy the mixing of so many different cuisines. A month here would not be enough to savour half of the dishes and flavourings on offer. I ‘m looking forward to continuing this trend as I travel north. So far I have managed to avoid the snake’s head soup, I hear Vietnam is full of such delicacies. The street food stalls and markets are, I think, one of my favourite things in Singapore. The food is bite-sized, cheap and delicious. There’s plenty of spice available too, even better!
That is about all for this week. Next week I shall be heading north into Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. I’ll be travelling up by bus to another capital city before heading out into Malaysia proper. Should be some adventures to be had there. From now until then, as always, there is my Twitter account which can be found at @mrlukeniktravel. For photos there is my Instagram account @mrlukeniktravels. Furthermore, you can subscribe for email alerts when my next stream of consciousness is uploaded. That, from a bustling Singapore in the dark and pouring rain, is it for this week. Until next time, stay safe and travel on!
