The journey to Europe

(4-5th April)
Here I sit (7pm Singapore time) in Changi Airport's swimming pool area enjoying a large orange juice after a lovely relaxing swim - such a treat after 10+ hours flying. It's warm here but oh so quiet despite planes taking off every few minutes. Will check out the butterfly garden on my way to Terminal 2 where my flight to Frankfurt leaves at 11pm.

Thoroughly enjoyed the flight over as the view from my window was clear and interesting. Flying across Australia is a real treat - the desert landscape is ever changing & the surprise of seeing houses, and even settlements, in this vastness kept me alert. From the air one can see the images Aboriginal painters capture - it is as if they have flown over their 'Dreaming' before painting it with all the earthy colours, shapes and forms.

Left the Australia continent via the Broome & Derby area; the bottom photo is of that coastline. Got an urge to visit there now particularly after watching the movie 'Tracks' about a woman who trekked across the desert with 4 camels & a dog.

In between looking out the window I managed to watch two movies: 'Moana' and "Moonlight' both very good. Food came regularly but would have liked more cups of green tea!

I was sat in seat 59K all by myself so had plenty of leg room for snooze time - fingers crossed I get the same to Frankfurt!
Loving the cloud formations I've seen on the way particularly as we came into Singapore. All in all an interesting daytime flight for an avid geographer!

The stopover in Singapore was a pleasant 6 hours but would have been more so had I been able to share it with Caroline rather than her awaiting my arrival in Frankfurt. As mentioned at this start of this entry, I spent time at the airport swimming pool then went on to check out the butterfly & orchid gardens. The latter was delightful whilst as it was dark the former was a disappointing as the butterflies were asleep! There were heaps of shopping that could be done during a stopover but how many Dolce Gabbana bags does one need in life?!

Next flight was with Lufthansa to Frankfurt ..... middle seat between two lovely Germany folk returning from work assignments in different parts of the globe but didn't find that out until morning as we just hunkered down for sleeping almost immediately. NOT comfortable as Lufthansa certainly squeeze you in, have a seat pocket that can hold no more than hanky and a difficult to use entertainment centre (ended up watching Beauty & the Beast & a doco on wildlife of Japan). Dinner & breakfast are best forgotten - why are vegetarian meals so difficult to create? Surely caterers out of Singapore could create something tasty!

As we were coming into Frankfurt the sun was just coming up with the promise of a good day. Once landed it was quickly through passport control with my Irish passport into bag pick up to find both my bike & panniers had made it through in one piece.
Through 'Nothing to Declare' and there was Caroline's beaming face peering through the screen. Yay!! About an hour later we had the bike back together & panniers loaded on ready for storage whilst we took a couple of hours to stroll around the city & enjoy some real food before catching the train through to Berlin at 1250.

 

So, Caroline & I are re-united and the European adventure has begun.