Aussie Wendy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2008
Decided I'd start a new thread for my TR. Apologies but if I have to resize all the pics in Photobucket this TR will never happen so its oversize pics for now. I also got tired of the slow upload given the huge file sizes of each so cheated and uploaded via FB which means quality of images are very naff compared to originals.
For any newbies the crew:
Captain, Navigator, Communicator, Medical Officer: Me, age 52. Genetic in-built navigation system subject to intermittent failure during this mission resulting in the First Officer bestowing on me the dubious title of Wrongway Wendy (aka Wrongway Feldman in Gilligans Isd Google it) and threatening to take over the captaincy. Medical officers opinion this is the result of exposure to the menopause virus addling my mind and upsetting the circuitry.
First officer, Chief Engineer & Photographer: DH, age 53. Prone to grumpiness (possibly a result of living in confined quarters for too long.)
Chief Scientific Officer, Assistant Comms Officer, Helmsman and Yeoman (when able to excuse herself from research studies) - DD, age 21. While now travelling on independent explorations, signs up if the mission looks interesting. Joined this mission late due to unavoidable commitments.
The mission: To explore strange new places...to seek out new friends and reunite with old & to boldly go where we have never gone before.
[Goddarn it-forgot to start first TR post in new window for linking so it'll have to stay here.]
Mission Europe
Day 1: Destination Singapore: below
Day 2: Destination Singapore: Day 2 Race around Singapore Part 1
Race around Singapore Part 2
Race around Singapore Part 3
Day 3: Off to strange new lands: Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 1
Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 2
Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 3
Day 4: Tuesday: Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 1
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 2
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 3
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 4
Day 5: Wednesday Paris the city Part 1
Paris the city Part 2
Paris the city Part 3 (returning to Disney Magic on Parade)
Paris the city part 4 (Magic on Parade)
Day 6: Au revoir to DLP Part 1
Au revoir to DLP Part 2
Au revoir to DLP Part 3 including Dreams
Au revoir to DLP Part 4
Days 7 - 9: Destination England: On the Fens
Days 10 - 13 Destination England: Post 2 Ware are we?
Post 3 Chelsea Flower Show Part 1
Chelsea Flower Show Part 2
Chelsea Flower Show Part 3
Post 4: Drenched
Day 14 Harry Potter Studios Tour Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Day 16 Off to Scotland Part 1
Part 2
Day 17 Lots of History Lessons Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 18 We're Knights of the Roundtable.. Part 1
part 2
Day 19 Haggis, hills and hights part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 20 Misty Moors
Day 21 Otters and monsters Post 1
Post 2
Day 22 Local and not so local wildlife Post 1
Post 2
Day 23 Raising a wee dram in farewell
Day 24 Hola Seville
Day 25 Our poor tired feet Part 1
Part 2
Day 26 Cold in Cordoba Part 1
Part 2
Day 27 Sumptuous Seville
Part 2
Part 3
Day 28 To Granada. Part 1
Part 2
Day 29 Writing our own tales of the Alhambra Part 1
Tales of the Alhambra Part 2
Tales of the Alhambra Part 3
Tales of the Alhambra part 4
Day 30 Mon 10th June Barcelona es mucho más
Part 2
Day 31 Gaudi Day
Part 2
Part 3
Day 32 There is a Sangria somewhere with my name on it Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 33 Montserrat Part 1
Part 2
Day 34 Farewell Espanya
Destination 1: Singapore
Stardate: Saturday May 11.
Captains Log:
We have a stowaway on board.
After examination confirmed non-threatening toy-form and allowed to accompany mission.
Arrived Singapore T2 after a pleasant uneventful flight with good food and service from the crew. Found the Singapore Airlines stopover desk just past McDonalds and were promptly whisked away to our hotel, the Peninsular Excelsior (replete with vouchers to sample, for free, a range of local attractions and food). This was the second lowest tier of hotel category available ($78/night) but the hotel was clean, with a safe, fridge, tea/coffee facilities and pool but not free wifi. Excellent location: walking distance to Raffles and the colonial area, Marina Bay, Chinatown and Boat Quay and 2 MRT stations close by (Raffles and City Hall).
Foyer and view of pool to left (the photographer neglected to take pics of hotel room-view was of a blank wall but at this price who cares).
After a bit of a stretch and refresh we headed out as we had a lot to accomplish on our mission in Singapore. First stop was the Singapore flyer. En route we passed the Padang, the original colonial cricket ground and still being used for cricket today-also hosting a big junior soccer championship.
The skyline is now dominated by the new Marina Bay Sands Hotel capped by the magnificent Sands Skypark with its infinity pool which is the boat shape you see on top but restricted to hotel guests (google it for some great images). Also capturing the skyline is the ArtScience Museum (shaped like a lotus flower or welcoming hand).
The Merlion relocated
Here are various shots from the Flyer which is one of the largest wheels in the world at 165m. You can see the trees and domes in Gardens by the Bay and the 100s of container ships waiting to dock. This was our first freebie (excluding the transfers from the airport)-value S$33 each. There is a walk-through area first called Journey of Dreams that has displays and A/V on the building of the flyer and symbolic stuff (images of dreams apparently) that were totally confusing-but I have since read about on the website. Too alien concepts for us I am afraid. The flyer itself was great though and as it was quiet perhaps (or their policy?), the capsules were not crowded.
One of the Journey shots
Duffy gets into the action
Looking north-east
Gardens by the Bay
The Bay in its entirety
DH was fascinated by the mechanics of how the cabins are moved.
Back at ground level and time for dinner at Food Trail@The Flyer. With our vouchers we got a plate of Hainanese chicken rice each but could have chosen from a wide range of goodies at similar prices, value S$5 each.
Half eaten
A view of the area (recreation of the old Hawker style areas of Singapore)
Sated and now with the sun set, we crossed the Helix Bridge with the goal to catch the 7.45pm performance of Rhapsody at Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay.
First we had to negotiate the labyrinthine Marina Bay shopping mall-memo the first two floors are actually B1 and B2 and do not have exits anywhere as they are in the basement-makes sense when you know their numbers! We headed up-here is a view:
And another looking down on the roller skating rink surrounded by one huge food court and crowds.
We followed walkway bridges across roads, through the inside of Marina Bay Sands Hotel and made it near but not quite into the Grove in time so stopped where we still had a view. This was totally beautiful. The trees lit up in sequence and the orchestral music carried you away. Afterwards we wandered down into the Grove itself to discover the musicians packing up-it had sounded live music but I wasnt sure but yes it was a full orchestra performing. When the trees are fully covered in plants they will be even more awesome.
The Flyer at night
Supertree Grove
From here we meandered along subtly lit paths. Found Dragonfly pond with some amazing reflections.
Also discovered some wonderful views in the Chinese Gardens but it was too dark for pics really.
The Skypark lasers for the earlier Wonder Full show
Finally made it, very hot (32o C and very humid of course) back to Marina Bay and with much confusion (and walking in circles up and down galleries) found the exit to the deck overlooking the Bay. Parched I parked DH, and ran off in search of sustenance-water and icecreams. Now wouldnt you think theyd be handy somewhere by the boardwalk? Nup. Finally, miles away it seemed, I discovered Information and a 7-11 simultaneously-purchases made, it was a long haul trying not to get lost to regroup.
Wonder Full, a fountain and light projections show was on at 9.30 and I arrived back just in time. Quote: Southeast Asias largest light and water show. To be honest, spoilt by Disney perhaps? I was disappointed. From this viewing spot you couldnt see the lasers but it was the best spot to view the projections on the water which seemed to show a theme of life from birth to death (lots of babies and couples hand in hand). The music was a recorded orchestra but did not appeal to me as much as the music of Rhapsody had. It seemed very short.
Waiting
The only pic it seems. DH recorded a segment of the show. They did play my favourite what a wonderful world.
Time to retrace our steps to the hotel and fall instantly asleep.
Captains Log summation: If in vicinity and it is being held, highly recommend attending Rhapsody. Carry copious provisions of water. Ensure directional devices are working. Be prepared for alien approaches to entertainment.
For any newbies the crew:
Captain, Navigator, Communicator, Medical Officer: Me, age 52. Genetic in-built navigation system subject to intermittent failure during this mission resulting in the First Officer bestowing on me the dubious title of Wrongway Wendy (aka Wrongway Feldman in Gilligans Isd Google it) and threatening to take over the captaincy. Medical officers opinion this is the result of exposure to the menopause virus addling my mind and upsetting the circuitry.
First officer, Chief Engineer & Photographer: DH, age 53. Prone to grumpiness (possibly a result of living in confined quarters for too long.)
Chief Scientific Officer, Assistant Comms Officer, Helmsman and Yeoman (when able to excuse herself from research studies) - DD, age 21. While now travelling on independent explorations, signs up if the mission looks interesting. Joined this mission late due to unavoidable commitments.
The mission: To explore strange new places...to seek out new friends and reunite with old & to boldly go where we have never gone before.
[Goddarn it-forgot to start first TR post in new window for linking so it'll have to stay here.]
Mission Europe
Day 1: Destination Singapore: below
Day 2: Destination Singapore: Day 2 Race around Singapore Part 1
Race around Singapore Part 2
Race around Singapore Part 3
Day 3: Off to strange new lands: Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 1
Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 2
Arrival Disneyland Paris Part 3
Day 4: Tuesday: Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 1
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 2
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 3
Exploration of Disneyland Paris Part 4
Day 5: Wednesday Paris the city Part 1
Paris the city Part 2
Paris the city Part 3 (returning to Disney Magic on Parade)
Paris the city part 4 (Magic on Parade)
Day 6: Au revoir to DLP Part 1
Au revoir to DLP Part 2
Au revoir to DLP Part 3 including Dreams
Au revoir to DLP Part 4
Days 7 - 9: Destination England: On the Fens
Days 10 - 13 Destination England: Post 2 Ware are we?
Post 3 Chelsea Flower Show Part 1
Chelsea Flower Show Part 2
Chelsea Flower Show Part 3
Post 4: Drenched
Day 14 Harry Potter Studios Tour Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Day 16 Off to Scotland Part 1
Part 2
Day 17 Lots of History Lessons Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 18 We're Knights of the Roundtable.. Part 1
part 2
Day 19 Haggis, hills and hights part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 20 Misty Moors
Day 21 Otters and monsters Post 1
Post 2
Day 22 Local and not so local wildlife Post 1
Post 2
Day 23 Raising a wee dram in farewell
Day 24 Hola Seville
Day 25 Our poor tired feet Part 1
Part 2
Day 26 Cold in Cordoba Part 1
Part 2
Day 27 Sumptuous Seville
Part 2
Part 3
Day 28 To Granada. Part 1
Part 2
Day 29 Writing our own tales of the Alhambra Part 1
Tales of the Alhambra Part 2
Tales of the Alhambra Part 3
Tales of the Alhambra part 4
Day 30 Mon 10th June Barcelona es mucho más
Part 2
Day 31 Gaudi Day
Part 2
Part 3
Day 32 There is a Sangria somewhere with my name on it Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Day 33 Montserrat Part 1
Part 2
Day 34 Farewell Espanya
Destination 1: Singapore
Stardate: Saturday May 11.
Captains Log:
We have a stowaway on board.
After examination confirmed non-threatening toy-form and allowed to accompany mission.
Arrived Singapore T2 after a pleasant uneventful flight with good food and service from the crew. Found the Singapore Airlines stopover desk just past McDonalds and were promptly whisked away to our hotel, the Peninsular Excelsior (replete with vouchers to sample, for free, a range of local attractions and food). This was the second lowest tier of hotel category available ($78/night) but the hotel was clean, with a safe, fridge, tea/coffee facilities and pool but not free wifi. Excellent location: walking distance to Raffles and the colonial area, Marina Bay, Chinatown and Boat Quay and 2 MRT stations close by (Raffles and City Hall).
Foyer and view of pool to left (the photographer neglected to take pics of hotel room-view was of a blank wall but at this price who cares).
After a bit of a stretch and refresh we headed out as we had a lot to accomplish on our mission in Singapore. First stop was the Singapore flyer. En route we passed the Padang, the original colonial cricket ground and still being used for cricket today-also hosting a big junior soccer championship.
The skyline is now dominated by the new Marina Bay Sands Hotel capped by the magnificent Sands Skypark with its infinity pool which is the boat shape you see on top but restricted to hotel guests (google it for some great images). Also capturing the skyline is the ArtScience Museum (shaped like a lotus flower or welcoming hand).
The Merlion relocated
Here are various shots from the Flyer which is one of the largest wheels in the world at 165m. You can see the trees and domes in Gardens by the Bay and the 100s of container ships waiting to dock. This was our first freebie (excluding the transfers from the airport)-value S$33 each. There is a walk-through area first called Journey of Dreams that has displays and A/V on the building of the flyer and symbolic stuff (images of dreams apparently) that were totally confusing-but I have since read about on the website. Too alien concepts for us I am afraid. The flyer itself was great though and as it was quiet perhaps (or their policy?), the capsules were not crowded.
One of the Journey shots
Duffy gets into the action
Looking north-east
Gardens by the Bay
The Bay in its entirety
DH was fascinated by the mechanics of how the cabins are moved.
Back at ground level and time for dinner at Food Trail@The Flyer. With our vouchers we got a plate of Hainanese chicken rice each but could have chosen from a wide range of goodies at similar prices, value S$5 each.
Half eaten
A view of the area (recreation of the old Hawker style areas of Singapore)
Sated and now with the sun set, we crossed the Helix Bridge with the goal to catch the 7.45pm performance of Rhapsody at Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay.
First we had to negotiate the labyrinthine Marina Bay shopping mall-memo the first two floors are actually B1 and B2 and do not have exits anywhere as they are in the basement-makes sense when you know their numbers! We headed up-here is a view:
And another looking down on the roller skating rink surrounded by one huge food court and crowds.
We followed walkway bridges across roads, through the inside of Marina Bay Sands Hotel and made it near but not quite into the Grove in time so stopped where we still had a view. This was totally beautiful. The trees lit up in sequence and the orchestral music carried you away. Afterwards we wandered down into the Grove itself to discover the musicians packing up-it had sounded live music but I wasnt sure but yes it was a full orchestra performing. When the trees are fully covered in plants they will be even more awesome.
The Flyer at night
Supertree Grove
From here we meandered along subtly lit paths. Found Dragonfly pond with some amazing reflections.
Also discovered some wonderful views in the Chinese Gardens but it was too dark for pics really.
The Skypark lasers for the earlier Wonder Full show
Finally made it, very hot (32o C and very humid of course) back to Marina Bay and with much confusion (and walking in circles up and down galleries) found the exit to the deck overlooking the Bay. Parched I parked DH, and ran off in search of sustenance-water and icecreams. Now wouldnt you think theyd be handy somewhere by the boardwalk? Nup. Finally, miles away it seemed, I discovered Information and a 7-11 simultaneously-purchases made, it was a long haul trying not to get lost to regroup.
Wonder Full, a fountain and light projections show was on at 9.30 and I arrived back just in time. Quote: Southeast Asias largest light and water show. To be honest, spoilt by Disney perhaps? I was disappointed. From this viewing spot you couldnt see the lasers but it was the best spot to view the projections on the water which seemed to show a theme of life from birth to death (lots of babies and couples hand in hand). The music was a recorded orchestra but did not appeal to me as much as the music of Rhapsody had. It seemed very short.
Waiting
The only pic it seems. DH recorded a segment of the show. They did play my favourite what a wonderful world.
Time to retrace our steps to the hotel and fall instantly asleep.
Captains Log summation: If in vicinity and it is being held, highly recommend attending Rhapsody. Carry copious provisions of water. Ensure directional devices are working. Be prepared for alien approaches to entertainment.
)
The photos of the sculptures and Cloud forests are amazing!
