Leaving everything behind at Melbourne Airport on Saturday morning was both incredibly exciting and overwhelmingly scary. I went from deep sadness leaving my family at the airport; failing to keep it together as I left them and walking through the gates into customs, to joy as I boarded my plane to Singapore. What is it about getting on a plane to somewhere that just gets the adrenaline pumping.
This was going to be a 9 hour flight to Singapore Airport where I was to wait out 7 hours of transit time before continuing to Paris. Given the whole ash cloud problem that had threatened to cancel my flight and delay me days or even weeks the plane was packed.
Pleased I at least had a window seat to grab a photo or two of my travel I settled in and wasted away the time between watching movies on my tiny screen and being fed copious amounts of food. I’ll say this for Singapore Airlines, they sure do produce some awesome plane food.
Landing in Singapore I had two goals. Buy an adapter for my headphones as I forgot mine and I was going to die if I had to use those plane provided headphones again. The second goal was to seek out a power point to charge my electrical gadgets.
You would think finding a power point in an airport would be easy right… WRONG. The only points I could find were either way up the corridor to Gate A or halfway down to Gate B. Look for the feet massage chairs and you won’t be far from an outlet. There I sat for the majority of my delay, sitting on the floor of Terminal 3 wasting away my time on the free wifi that exists.
When boarding time came I was eager to get aboard the big Singapore Airlines A380 and hopefully catch some sleep. Sleep soon become less important once I sat in my seat and stared at the huge screen in front me. Twice the size of the measly one I had been watching on the last flight, I was going to be in movie heaven.
Some 12 hours later, a couple of movies, about 3 hours of drool inducing plane sleep and again more food I landed in Paris. Those gut wrenching feelings returned and I had a minor freak out walking towards the customs officials. What if they were to give me grief like Melbourne did when I didn’t have a valid ticket out of Paris? Well there was no problem as I hardly stopped walking as I handed over my passport and got it back in my hand almost instantly.
Breezing through the rest of the airport and finally working my way out to the trains and getting a ticket I was relaxing and beginning to enjoy where I was. I had found my feet, but only just. The entire first day was going to be an adventure and it started with a view like this…
I’m very excited for you and looking forward to reading about your journey. Enjoy yourself!
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Be the Excitement =-.
Thanks Keith. It’s been an experience that’s really teaching me things already.
I know well that feeling of excitement when you get on the plane to go somewhere. It’s my favorite moment–anticipation, excitement, joy, all bundled up into one. That was a long flight to Paris for you, though. Glad you had movies to watch.
.-= Gray´s last blog ..Sit or Squat in Vermont =-.
Hey Gray. It was most defiantly a long flight. I was surprised how well the time passed really. Sitting around Singapore Airport got a little long but the 12 hours to Paris at the end seemed to go ok. Lucky I think.
Good Stuff!!! 🙂 That is a nice looking back of chair TV screen!!! Did the flight attendant help you wipe up the drool! 😛 I swear drooling in your sleep is the most embarrassing thing about trying to sleep on a plane especially when you can see mothers wiping the drool off their babies faces!!! lol
.-= Sasha´s last blog ..When Rules Aren’t Enough =-.
Hey Sasha. The tv was freaking huge. Oh and no I woke up and sorted out my own drool 🙂
Congrats on landing in Paris nice and easy!
You were hassled about not having an exit ticket from Paris? My ticket was one-way, but considering the volcanic ash, I think they were more keen on getting me on my flight.
Beautiful city, huh? 🙂
Gerard mate the girl at the checkin desk in Melb was really painful. Asked me for my proof of onward travel and then was like this isn’t filled in. I was like duh its my eurail pass you fill it in as you go.
Got through it out though and loved Paris. I walked and walked and walked. Beautiful weather and beautiful people. Could easily go back there again.
Chris, You actually left on Saturday not Sunday. It must be one hell of a trip so far.
Yes mum thank you for the correction 🙂
With a view you like that you just KNOWN that you’re going to have one hell of an adventure!!! I remember chatting right before you boarded your flight, so cool.
Haha, I said power point the other day and my friend thought I had lost my mind. You Aussies and your slang. 😉
.-= Andi´s last blog ..imgp2629 =-.
Hey Andi. lol what else do you call them if not power points?
Yay can’t wait to hear about Paris!
.-= ayngelina´s last blog ..Must try street food in the Yucatan Peninsula =-.
It’s coming Ayngelina. I just need to try and fit it into blog post lengths.
European airports suck when it comes to wi-fi and power outlets. Now SEA airports on the other hand…
.-= Anil´s last blog ..Interview With Dave Fox About Globejotter Tours, Combining Writing And Travel – [Part 1 of 2] =-.
Hey Anil. I swear I walked the length of singapore airport and only spotted a handful of outlets. Obviously most were taken by other travellers looking to do the same as me.
Hey mate, just discovered your blog. Nice to see another Aussie coming to Europe to travel!
I remember what you went through alllll too well when I left Melbourne in September, it’s pretty daunting but bloody exciting at the same time.
I’m based in London, I’m sure I’ll see you round these parts one day and we can go out for a pint.
Hey Justin. You’ll be seeing me as I’m due to appear in London around the middle of June at this stage.
It’s very daunting arriving abroad but its one hell of a journey you’d never miss out on.