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

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

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 

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

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

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 

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

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 

I survived the cramped elevators and made it to floor 148. What a sight!  Just amazing. 

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. 

Boarded the 777-200 extended range for a 16 hour and 15 minute flight. Seat 11K. Elegant cabin with warm color palet. (See pics at the end).  Food and beverage service are on demand during the entire flight. No carts in the aisles like on American. Everything is a step above the industry standard.l and the… Continue reading On my way…1st leg from San Francisco to Abu Dhabi