Another taste of Xiamen summer

[AIRwin]

The airport shuttle still had to drop passengers off at the Xiagu Ferry Terminal 4 km away (the one I managed to dodge under Plan D above) so I had a free tour of a little more of Xiamen and recognised the lake near where @NSun stayed as posted in his previous trip report.

I was dropped off at T3 outside the Arrivals exit 9 where it all began 3 days earlier - with a sunburn this time from all the walking under the Xiamen summer sun!

 

[AIRwin]

I had already read @NSun's previous trip report that in China you have to screen your bags before you get to the checkin.

But what surprised me was that the SQ check-in was already open even though the SQ app advised that it wouldn't be until 2 hours before departure.

I was tracking the operating aircraft and it turned out to be the same one I flew on from SIN to REP almost a year ago. So I asked check-in if the same seat was available for old time's sake. Unfortunately it was already occupied but I was offered a window seat in the emergency exit row instead.

While I was in the Economy queue, I noticed a lady who asked the staff if KrisFlyer Silver can use priority check-in and she was promptly ushered over.

 

[AIRwin]

Again I had already read @NSun's previous trip report about getting a full body pat down - mine also by a female officer.

After clearing immigration and security, I walked around the international terminal and decided against wasting one of my Priority Pass entitlements at the lounge. I had some spare RMB cash left and used it all up at one of the eateries by ordering a local ginger duck dish.

I also walked past this free WiFi station which I didn't know about previously and may have missed at arrivals (which is why I couldn't connect when I arrived 3 days earlier):

 

[AIRwin]

At the boarding gate, I noticed an unattended trolley with a speaker which I initially thought belonged to a passenger:

 

[AIRwin]

It turns out that SQ has wheeled out the speaker for pre-recorded boarding annoucements:


Boarding was by groups:

 

[AIRwin]

Boarding started early so I wouldn't have had much time in the lounge if I had used one of my Priority Pass entitlements.

I had an empty middle seat next to me in the emergency exit row. Remember the KrisFlyer Silver lady who moved to the priority check-in queue? She was sitting 2 rows ahead of me - but without a shadow!

 

[AIRwin]

We were parked next to "Xiaminion" (as I call it) - the same Xiamenair B738 in the special Universal Beijing Resort livery which was taxiing ahead of me when I arrived XMN on CX:

 

[AIRwin]

Xiamenair B737-800, B737-8 Max and B787:

 

[AIRwin]

MU preparing for takeoff:

 

[AIRwin]

XMN T4:

 

[AIRwin]

Final view of Xiamen and Gulangyu island:

 

[AIRwin]

Curiously there were 2 flight attendants who took a seat in the emergency exit row during takeoff (and subsequent landing in SIN) but she had her eyes closed and didn't seem to have noticed that the passenger next to her had pulled up the window shade:

 

[AIRwin]

I opted for the fish pasta since the appetiser already has chicken:

 

[AIRwin]

Singapore National Day Parade (NDP) songs in the music selection:


Happy 59th National Day Singapore this week! Big one next year?

 

[AIRwin]

Hope you've enjoyed my trip report as much as I've enjoyed myself on this side trip to Xiamen in summer!

 

[RB]

Thanks, I enjoyed the read and excellent photos

 

[AIRwin]

Thanks, I enjoyed the read and excellent photos

Mostly without any people in it... Glad you liked it!

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for the TR. I was surprised at the 'lack' of people. While I was reading it I kept wondering why Amoy sounded so familiar. So I had a look and the answer was of course the various Amoy sauces and pastes we have used over the years - doh.

Amoy - Made in HK

Amoy Sauces are made in HK, no preservatives, MSG, flavor enhancers, or artificial colors, seasoning mix in your cooking with our recipes tips help you serve up to a sumptuous meal.

www.amoy.com

 

[AIRwin]

I was surprised at the 'lack' of people.

The photographer has patience!

 

[VPS]

Thanks for the TR