Jet Lag and Chey Chey

After 30 hours of travel, we landed in Singapore! I had done TONS of research on what we should see and do while in this pristine country, so I was prepared to hit the ground running. We were fortunate enough to fly on Singapore Airlines to get there on one of their all-business class Airbus 340's. That airplane only holds 100 passengers, yet has 14 flight attendants and 4 pilots - well 5, if you include the one sleeping in 18F (yours truly). Our excitement rose every time we mentioned that we were flying on Singapore Airlines. People would say things like "ooh!", "lucky", "amazing service!". The airline did not disappoint. We boarded the airplane, were promptly given champagne then told about the length of the flight. 18.5 hours. Without stopping. Oy. Fortunately, there were power outlets, movies, video games, seats that laid flat and incredible food. I had also discovered that the integrated phone allowed me to dial my husband so we could talk on the phone (though sitting right next to each other) to simulate me being on the road. We were also able to prank call the guy in 11A who always won the on-board trivia.

I convinced Tad this was a real Flight Attendant.

It may have been since they are all about this big. Or rather small.

Our route of flight 18.5 hours after departing Newark, New Jersey we would find ourselves in Changi, Singapore

I had grand plans for us, but in dealing with the 13 hour time change, first things first, we needed a nap.

View of the harbor from our room

We did force ourselves to get out and walk for the afternoon though so jet-lagged we were nauseous. We had lots to check off our list. First, a ride on the Singapore Flyer. It is the worlds largest observation wheel. The views of the city are incredible.

We decided that we would do a tour of the city, which was an amazing experience. Singapore is a county of immigrants, with the population's majority being primarily Chinese, Indian and Malay. Our tour happened to be the day in which the Hindu's celebrate Thanksgiving. The men fast, meditate and prepare to give themselves to the God's in Thanksgiving. They pierce themselves through both cheeks and their tongues (they look as though they are carrying a bone in their mouths) and then HOOK large structures through their skin and carry them for 2.5 kilometers to the temple. They have a grand parade and we got to see it up close and personal! Wow. Ouch.

Hindu man carrying his structure in Thanksgiving

We were very fortunate with our accommodations (though there aren't any by the hour or roach coach-ish hotels in Singapore) and we got to stay at The Ritz Carlton Millenia. It was an amazing hotel with exceptional service and bellmen who liked to pull my leg. And tease Tad.

Asking directions to the Singapore Flyer turns into a laugh fest.

Singapore Flyer. For my husband, who is afraid of heights.

We shopped in China town, as they were getting ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year -

"change" it's everywhere.

dragon puppet. Scary.

Roasted pork that was heaven in the mouth. A delicacy for The New Year.

Dinner. Well, for one of us.

Finally, the whole reason we made the journey. Tad won a prestigious award from AirTransport World from AirTransport World for Market Leadership. I was so proud to be there as he accepted his award. CONGRATULATIONS, TAD! xoxoxoxo