Because we are chasing an eternal summer rather than taking any sensible geographical route, we found ourself having to fly halfway across the world after the holidays in Yorkshire. The journey started inauspiciously, as the night before we left Yorkshire it started to snow. As we’ve experienced first-hand how weather can shut down England’s transport systems, I had a sleepless night checking the snow accumulation out the bedroom window. It kept falling and falling and falling. Thus, when my alarm buzzed in the cold darkness of 5:45am, I was already wide awake worrying about whether we’d make it to Heathrow for our mid-afternoon flight and how to dress in a way suitable both for snow, Singapore and airplane comfort.
We hurriedly got dressed, said our sad farewells to Jonathan’s mum and, burdened with our RTW luggage which was now heavier with hiking boots and pullovers, began a dark, nearly mile-long walk through 6 inches of snow to the train station. Fortunately, the British rail system proved to be more dependable than we’d given it credit for, and our Burley-in-Whafedale train arrived on time for a short journey to Leeds, where we changed trains to Kings Cross. Snow blanketed the country-side until we were within 45 minutes or so of London, so we were surprised to see the sun shining as we exited Kings Cross for a taxi across to Paddington Station, so that we could hop on the Heathrow Express. Heathrow check-in was surprisingly hassle-free, although I found it “curious” how the “online check-in/bag drop off line moved at half the speed as the regular check-in queue.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Heathrow
We were booked on Singapore Airlines to Singapore – 13.5 hours of economy class comfort. The flight was relatively uneventful until, just as I was falling asleep, we hit steady turbulence over Pakistan and India. I am not what you would call a relaxed flyer (unless my relaxation is chemically-induced). Thus, it was another sleepless night. At least Zara slept. Traveling with children puts all discomforts in perspective.
Singapore Airport, however, was brilliant. which was a relief because we had a 9-hour layover. This gave us enough time to journey into the city and spend a couple of hours at the Botanical Garden for some fresh air. To be honest, though, the airport offered so many delights that we waffled on whether to leave. Once I’d located the free foot and leg massages, which were perfectly located across from the climbing gym that Z adored, I didn’t want to budge from my seat. Also on offer was a butterfly garden, a cinema, and plenty of shopping. But, the airport had me at the foot massage.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Botanical Gardens
The second flight was 10 hours long. Z slept half of it after commenting how comfy her “bed” was. I did not.
Total sleep over 3 days: approx. 2 hours. Fortunately, Auckland presented us with a warm welcome of blue skies and bright sun. And so, the next stage of our adventure begins. Stay tuned for the Campervan Capers.
Sojourneyers - One family's adventure 