As promised, her is my report of the amazing site visit to the Sands Hotel & Casino. Sharp at 430pm local time we arrived at the property to be greeted by Hannah, one of the sales managers. Our tour of this 2552 room hotel began in tower #3. We saw the standard "deluxe room" which… Continue reading Marina Bay Sands – in detail
Author: schneebergerr
Singapore in-debt
In true world traveler fashion, we landed at 605am local time (I am now 15 hours ahead of pacific standard time) and hit the ground running. We hit up he historic Fullerton Hotel for a shower at their Spa, followed by a breakfast out of this world. The buffet spanned all five continents and provided… Continue reading Singapore in-debt
Singapore here we come
Landed relaxed at Changi International Airport terminal 3. Immigration and customs were super fast and off we went into the heat and humidity of this tropical city state of 5.3 million. More about this amazing place later but I could not help myself to post a first pic of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. Pardon… Continue reading Singapore here we come
Airbus 350-900 on Singapore Airlines
Eager with anticipation for this new aircraft (see previous blog) I boarded flight 479 on time at Johannesburg airport. Once on board, I was immediately taken by the spacious layout of the cabin. Remember this is a wide-body aircraft and most carriers put at least 5 seats across if not more. On Singapore Airlines its… Continue reading Airbus 350-900 on Singapore Airlines
Cape Town to Johannesburg and on to Singapore
Some house keeping: pardon the blog issues yesterday and today. Due to wifi challenges the first dinner blog had no pictures. I have re-posted it just a short while ago with the beautifully presented late images attached. Thanks Julie for the pointer. Please be advised that due to travel times, there will be a bit… Continue reading Cape Town to Johannesburg and on to Singapore
Dinner at Queen Victoria Hotel
Well, the evening progressed nicely and we got to explore 4 hotels. First the historic Victoria & Albert waterfront hotel. It is housed in an 18th. Century cooling warehouse. 3 categories of rooms. 1) mansarde rooms in the attic. 2) superior harbor view rooms and finally 3) table mountain view rooms. Each category has its… Continue reading Dinner at Queen Victoria Hotel
Cape Town & Table Mountain – part 2
We had the opportunity to do a quick spin on a helicopter over Cape Town this afternoon. What a thrill that was! All that excitement had been preceded by a wine tasting at one of South Africa's oldest wineries called Steenberg (translated as Stone Mountain in Africaans). We tasted the VIP set of their selection… Continue reading Cape Town & Table Mountain – part 2
Game reserve to Cape Town
Pardon the delay in posts. We had a travel day flying from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Kulula Airlines (you have never seen a more green plane). Unfortunately no wifi to blog with. After landing, we had a fabulous brass band welcome parade at Cape Town airport. What a treat! Transfers to our accommodations took… Continue reading Game reserve to Cape Town
Cape Town & Table Mountain – part 1
Our day started with a ride up Table Mountain. What an experience! While I have claustrophobia and a fear of heights (as I get older it gets more pronounced), I was assured in two ways. Firstly, the gondola was built by a reputable Swiss company CWS in Olten and secondly, only 25 of 65 possible… Continue reading Cape Town & Table Mountain – part 1
Sunrise over Africa
After a restful night of sleep, we got back on the Toyota Hi Lux and drove to the highest point in the park, all bundled up as it was very frigid. The stary skies escorted us, southern cross, Milky Way and all. My reflection of this peaceful moment -one with nature- was how much i… Continue reading Sunrise over Africa
Big Five Game Drive Report
After a 3 hour transfer from Johannesburg airport, we arrived at our lodge and embarked on 3 hour dusk time game drive. To protect the well being of the animals spotted, I will not disclose the location of the park we explored. Check out http://www.safetherhino.org for info on how poachers use Facebook posts And geo-tracking… Continue reading Big Five Game Drive Report
2nd portion of the trip – on to Africa
This morning started early with a 130am transfer by limo courtesy of Emirates Airlines. All first and business class guest get the driver program at both ends of a flight. That alone makes it worth treating yourself to it. Check in was smooth and very efficien and then it was off to the lounge. Another… Continue reading 2nd portion of the trip – on to Africa
The view from the top
I survived the cramped elevators and made it to floor 148. What a sight! Just amazing.
Tallest building in the world – Burj al Khalifa
The adventure begins. We are in the VIP lounge at the base of the tower about to board the fastest elevator to go up to floor 148.
Rode the world’s fastest roller coaster – twice
Arrived in Abu Dhabi and got picked up by our guide and driver. After a stop and site inspection at the famous Viceroy Yas Marina hotel ( the only property that spans across an F1 track), I got to ride Formula Rossa - the worlds fastest roller coaster. Mind you, I didn't just do it… Continue reading Rode the world’s fastest roller coaster – twice