Rambling around England.

[drron]

The next day all the photographic evidence has gone. We decided to go to Stonehenge. It was a Sunday and even though overcast and very cold there were crowds there. Even the queue for English Heritage members and those who had bought tickets on line were long. For us ordinary folk not only long but very slow. And of course it was a peak season day so priced accordingly. nearly 50GBP to enter. Decided it was not worth it.

Driving to Stonehenge we noticed a line of campervans on the hill looking slightly down on Stonehenge. So going back we drove into this quite rough gravel road and indeed you could get views of Stonehenge. sadly the evidence has gone. Being in a campervan they would get better views when the Park closed. With the traffic there it is only possible to turn left into the lane when heading west on A303 towards London. But it is free!

Also gone the evidence of the second wedding for the weekend with 2 brides. It was a hoot.

At the first wedding 3 likely lads were giving the bar a fearsome work out. We got talking and when i said before retirement I mainly saw people with heart failure sat down and told me his story. He had a congenital aortic valve problem which was known but it took the hospital 6 months to diagnose bacterial endocarditis. As soon as that was under control he had his aortic valve replaced. I think he got a lot out of our discussion as his doctors really didn't talk to him on his level.

So the next post is our drive back to LHR stopping at the Wisley Gardens.

 

[drron]

Fortunately all the photos from the last day of travel apart from a couple of planes at Heathrow have survived. So on our way to LHR we stopped at the Wisley Gardens.







Standard Hibiscus.

 

[drron]

We soon realised we weren't going to see even those parts of the garden we wanted to see. so hatching a plan whilst we are in London in May catching the train to Woking and Wisley has a shuttle bus from there to the Gardens.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

The last of my pictures of the gardens.

 

[drron]

I did have some more photos of Wisley but they were downloaded to my travel computer and have disappeared. But Mrsdrron loves gardens so here are a few of hers. And she takes much better photos of flowers than I.

 

[drron]

A gingko and then hydrangeas that she really likes.

 

[drron]

 

[drron]

The last of Mrsdrron's photos.

 

[drron]

We had a drink and a snack then perused the offerings in their shop.

 

[drron]

We then drove to the HGI Terminal 2/3,checked in and then delivered the car back to Alamo. again great service from Alamo and coming back their shuttle driver dropped me at the front door of the HGI. As I was checking in there was an arrogant guy checking out. first he wanted to leave his bags there until late at night and upset he couldn't. then tried to pay his account with paper 50s and got even more vocal when told they were not legal tender. Obviously hadn't done much research for this trip.

Really good car park views.




And of Terminal 2.


We ate at the rooftop bar for dinner. great views over LHR from there.

 

[drron]

The HGI Terminal2/3 is an excellent place to spend a night before a flight from LHR. They have an aptly named Runway bar on the roof and the views are excellent. Not to mention the fabulous car park views from your room.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I agree, it was a very pleasant way to spend an evening ! Watching the planes come and go, plenty of good wine and food. And a nice sleep in the next day with a late check out. I did do a re-pack for our overnight in Singapore. I would happily stay here again.

 

[drron]

So it seems an appropriate time to see the menu for the rooftop restaurant plus drinks.






We had the Teriyaki salmon skewers, spicy cauliflower and broccoli and the confit duck buns. All excellent.




And someone posting to AFF at the time.

 

[drron]

So now all that remains is to get home. We checked out at 1400. Fantastic. From the HGI you have to walk through the car park to get to the terminal.



Fortunately the business class checkin opened about 40 minutes after we arrived at the terminal. We thought we would have to wait a little longer so I had a chicken wrap that came with Vegan cheese. WTF. i did note they had as well a plant based chicken wrap with vegan cheeses. Guess they had stocked up on too much vegan cheeses.
A fair way to the lounge that I really didn't think was exciting and nothing that took my fancy so I was pleased to get to my office in the sky.




Unfortunately I originally booked the A380 and they had swapped it for the 777. I really don't like the 777 J seats on SQ. unfortunately we are on the same flight at the end of May and it also now is the 777.
However for the first time this year I was offered a champagne as a PD Beverage. Until now you had to ask for champagne. It was never denied.

 

[drron]

So to the menu and drinks.








Mrsdrron wasn't happy as they had loaded the Reisling and Chardonnay and not the chablis. She is not fond of either but the reisling was the lesser of 2 evils.
I had the Burgundy. They had loaded the 2015 vintage which was nice. Fortunately the next day into BNE they had the 2016 vintage which I felt wasn't as nice.

 

[drron]

So to the food. Personally I don't think SQ is back to normal with their meals. I still love the satays but the rest was mediocre.
So for the first meal I had the satays and the starter and moved on to the curried lamb for main. At least it had a bit of spice.




With accompaniments.


For the scond meal the starter and the scallop (and it was just one) with the beef rib on potato.



And yes the potato was there.

very bland.
Finished with the chocolate mousse cake.


Tried to sleep but it was fruitless. just did some reading. Tried to watch a movie but lost interest.
Service was very patchy.

 

[drron]

As we were in Row 15 we were close to the second door. I chose to wait at that door. The cabin manager said the Front door would be first open to let the F passengers off. Not everyone knew the scipt so the second door opened first and we were first off.
As well we were told we could use the smart gates when we came back so we did without a problem. So first to the baggage carousel. i walked up to where the bags come out. It was hidden by a temporary building and this is what was inside.



Anyone notice their bag or golf clubs?
Unfortunately it was some time before our bag came out and then straight through customs and to the CP. As usual now we had been upgraded from the standard room to a premium king. Just a better view.

 

[drron]

These days we go over to Jewel to have a meal. rents must be high as the restaurants aren't cheap. We went to this place. Remember the name and go somewhere else. It sounded good.






.

And the food.




The noodles and mushrooms were both very bland. no trouble for me with the noodles as i used the whole dish of chilli.
With 1 beer and 1 soft drink the bill was over $S80.

After the meal we looked at the shops.Mrsdrron wanted to buy another pair of Sketchers as she tried a pair for this trip and they were super comfortable but also very light. Surprisingly they were also cheaper in Singapore. When she went to buy them the fellow said if you spend $10 more you get 25% off. So I also now have a pair. This was the only purchase we made on this trip.
Back to the CP. We had to be up early so just a fitful sleep.

 

[drron]

So an 0600 start from the CP. Straight through check in and Immigration. The SKL was busy but no where as busy as it was back in May. We both had a little breakfast but knew it probably wouldn't be long after take off before we were fed.
The gate as usual was a zoo. Going through security as usual I tell them about my knee and occasionally they let me keep my belt on knowing I will be wanded anyway. Not this time shoes,belt and then he said watch also. Now I have lost a significant amount of weight so needed to have one hand on my trousers so they don't hit the floor. The fellow insisted both hands in the air but dignity was kept as a second agent had heard the conversation and had come over and held the trousers up.

Once again on boarding being announced a bun rush. And again only 2 of 20+ in front of me were in J when we boarded.
Good to have menus back. Have included the return BNE - SIN flight.