Photos: Singapore, for the First Time in Forever

lifeofvi — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:43:00 GMT

Charming Changi

lifeofvi — Tue, 20 May 2014 12:33:00 GMT

Welcome to Singapore! Perfect landing is a part of an exciting journey, isn’t it?

I was impressed by the modernity of this oldish Terminal 2 as my outbound arrived. Being a major air hub in Asia, Changi Airport is one of the busiest airport today. I loved the Singapore Airlines-esque colour tones lining up the whole terminal.

I followed the “Arrival” signs to the Immigration Hall at the ground floor. The space filled with the atmosphere of “Chinese New Year” celebration. This big festival was coming within days. Tangerine trees as a symbol of luck and good fortune were being displayed in the corners.

There was a long queue at the Immigration Hall, but these people seemed very efficient. An Indian lady in a blue uniform cleared people out FAST and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long enough to get annoyed.

Immigration cleared. Next: MRT station! Let the adventure begin!

Singapore, for the First Time in Forever

lifeofvi — Mon, 12 May 2014 00:47:52 GMT

It was Sunday. A great morning despite of a chill in the air. Feeling extra excited for my first journey abroad. My flight would be at 7. Friends told me that I should check in at least two hours prior to departure. I looked around. So this’ how a terminal that handles international flights looks like.I walked to the check-in counter. It didn’t take much time as I had no baggage. Next, immigration. The lines were pretty long but nothing stood in my way of saying yes to this adventure!
Blue seats dominated the boarding area. Most of them were deserted. I picked a seat facing the window. An old man sitting on my left was watching morning news from the big screen on the wall. A young couple at the corner was talking and laughing, not even cared about what’s going on around them. A group of young boys dressed in Korean style were chit-chatting in a language that I didn’t understand. I spotted this vending machine which served coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. 5,000 IDR for a cup of coffee! The coffee was decent but quality was beside the point. You could get instantly caffeinated for nearly half the price of the coffee in the airport’s expensive cafes. Affordable coffee was especially ideal when you're waiting to board and not sure if there would be enough time to finish a drink.I was just taking my first sip when they called us to board. I gulped my coffee, got out of my seat and marched to the gate.
17C! Aisle seat! I had to forget my dream to sit by the window and enjoy the stunning 30,000 foot views. That wouldn’t rob my joy anyway. I walked to my seat, humming a cheerful tone. I waited and waited but no one came to claim the seats beside me. Once all set, I decided to occupy that empty seat by the window. Yay! This left wing of the plane looked so enormous from where my seat. “Do not walk outside this area.” I couldn’t believe what I just read. I read again. Yes, it’s true. I was thinking, why would people walk on the wing anyway? Silly me.
I took out my book and pencil and started to write. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the clear blue sky, white fluffy cloud.. No man ever steps into the same cloud twice, for it’s not the same cloud, and he’s not the same man.
For all the craziness of my morning with the fight and the flight, it all fell away as soon as the captain announced that we were beginning our descent into Changi Airport. The landing was perfect!
Welcome to Singapore, for the first time in forever. Maps in hand, I’m so ready!

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Photos: Singapore, for the First Time in Forever

Charming Changi

Singapore, for the First Time in Forever