Great seat, great crew. The lady sitting next to me is the wife of one of the pilots. Great to talk to. BTW, the purser came over to acknowledge her and welcome her on board. Hey, what about me! NO chance. Sean, you're lucky if we still got the meal you want, he he.

...to be continued

But seriously, Not once was I asked for my second choice. Every single flight they had the meal I wanted even though I'm still a 1P.

Once aboard, the UA staff is amazing. This flight is no exception. In Business Class, your water glass is never empty, you're requests are always taken sincerely. We depart close to on time and leave America behind. As time passes, I forget some of the flights, but this one was neither memorable, nor dissapointing. Of note, the Noise cancelling headsets are back. What a difference.

Menu (Note: I'm having trouble remembering which menus are for which meals... so will edit to include meals when the dust clears... I mean if the dust clears)

Relaxing in NRT

Arriving at Narita, we were in a holding pattern for a good 30-40 minutes. The winds were so strong that ATC was allowing more separation between planes than usuall. NRT's runway runs in one direction only and the cross-wind was very noticable. A truely demanding landing. High winds; Boy they weren't kidding!

No jetway available, so we park and wait for the busses. We can feel the 747 rocking back and forth because of the wind gusts. Narita is one of my favorite Airports, but to be at capacity and be bussed in is not showing great planning. No biggie.

Once through the transit security check, I'm off to the RCC to hit the showers. One stop first, to the 'day room' hotel to reserve a slot for the internet. I get my card showing my reserved time and hit the Red Carpet Club.

I head down the escalator once through the doors and to the right, where the shower attendant greets me. She takes my boarding pass, signs me in, and shows me to my shower room.

Wow, I have to tell you, I sure find that the perks for frequent travellers continue to amaze me. I won't go on about the shower or amenities, but found it similar to a 5 star hotel layout; roomy, clean, luxurious, and private. I take my time to freshen up, shower, shave, re-organize my stuff and I'm ready to enjoy my layover.

I head over to the snack area, check out the famous beer machines (boy, they're all over the RCC's here), and stumble throught the computer area where I find the 2 computers that have free internet access (now, I know).

Still searching for FTers all this time. I know you're out there. I have a couple drinks (coffee & stuff), a snack or two (not much to choose from), and head off back to the internet at the 'day room'spot.

If you find yourself in NRT without access to the lounge, as I have, this place is alright. They have showers (very cramped space to change though), single rooms and double rooms all for rent by the hour (Dbl $8US/Hr.) The rooms are simple. 2 single beds, a shower too, but not much else. Everything you need! They are first come, first served, and no reservations taken. The double rooms are often full. You must wait in the lobby area (we found it worth the wait on previous trips). They also have internet by reservation only ($3= 30 mins.) So I do my 1/2 hour on the web and decide to check out the other RCC.

Now, although smaller, it is just as nice as any. With the other multi-level one so close, I can only wonder how long it'll stay open. I did the scan for FT tags and did the quick exit.

Now for the gem of NRT, the Silver Kris lounge. It seemed far away, but it was not. I wasn't sure if I'd find it. It was fairly easy. One fellow told me the RCC used to be over there. I don't know. There are elevators by Gate 15; you go up from 3 to 4 and there you are (just past the AA lounge). I'd heard it may be tough to get in. Not my experience (booked in C). She signed me in, without question.

First thing I noticed was the silence. maybe 8 or so people at the most. It's not a large lounge. They have a Firts Class area roped off, but a nice view in the general area (above gate 14 I think). Plenty of outlets and a few are on their computers pluging away. I picked a nice seat and went over to check for a bite to eat. Sushi, dumplings, veggies, bagels with and without meat, sandwiches, sweets, Perrier, beer, etc. I could certainly get used to spending more time around here! A quick check of my watch, and I'm off to the gate for my next flight.

It's at that point that I see the gate number on my boarding pass hand written. I think, wow, the attendant at the RCC showers took the time to write my gate number on it while I was freshening up. It's this attention to detail that makes outstanding service.

April 17 UA 897
NRT-SIN Seat 15B
My first time on the Upper Deck


So, after my 'final boarding call in SFO, I know better than to panic and rush to board. I make my way over and settle in to the famous Upper Exit row. As it turns out, the fellow beside me barely makes the connection. The winds are still creating chaos out there. I'd all but forgotten.

Great flight. Very quiet up here. No traffic and the service seems as it should be - good or better. Had a great talk with the fellow in 15A. A 1k, but not one of us, yet. We shared a few hours of flight talking. He was interested in how I nested the tickets, and the price I paid. He pulled out his itinerary and had the same fare from his agent (QLXSGDCM) (Interesting as these were supposed to be internet only fares). He had his '03 SWUs and so I showed him the difference in restrictions from last years. I mentioned FlyerTalk, but he didn't seem interested.

After a movie and dinner it was nap time!

Refreshed and ready for Changi

OK, we deplane and I'm off like a rocket to the Transit Hotel. They'd emailed me that they were full. But I knew that 350 UA customers wouldn't beat me to a cancellation. Following direction signs, I soak up the Changi airport layout, I'd heard so much about. I get to the counter and am sad to hear that they are still full. I ask if I should check the other terminal. She replies that they are full too, but she'd put me on the waitlist if I could check back at 1:30am. Not expecting much, I said OK and ventured down to the main floor. On my way down, I passed 3 others from the upper deck on their way to check in.

So, I've got a bit more than an hour to go. I do some window shopping, watches, electronics, stuff. End up back at the internet area and glad to see that when they close for the night, they leave the computers on for free use. There's probably another dozen others surfing too.

At 1:30, I almost decide not to check, but just in case, and faced with the prospect of sleeping in a airport chair again, I wonder back to the Transit Hotel. They are welcoming with the good news that they have a room for me. I'm very thankfull and check in without hesitation. $33US gets me a buck and some change in Singapore money, a reciept and a key for 6 hours.

To those who haven't been here before, I found the room quite large, North American sized. Huge washroom with shower only, 2 beds, TV w/remote, kettle/coffee maker, and a view of the apron from the window. I called for a wake up and drifted off in a flash.

Welcome to Singapore

Sleeping as long as I could, but still out by my 8am checkout time, I then checked the Airport Pool. They have a sign on the door $10S(ingapore) payable at the hotel desk. Does anyone know if it is available with the hotel stay? I didn't bother to ask. I took my time in the airport before deciding to venture forth to the hotel. I tossed my gum in the garbage on my way to Customs/Immigration (later to learn gum may be OK) and am stamped through.

I head along to the Taxi/Shuttle area, grab some cash at the ATM, and ask a few people about the Subway. Everyone I ask, avoids my questions about the subway I should have continued on, but decided to take the Shuttle bus for about $7-8S. Then had to wait for about 5 minutes as they waited for other travellers. My driver flags me down and we toss my bag in the back.

This is my first glimpse of Singapore. I notice it is hot (Trip reports warned me though), and they drive on the left. I'm reminded of my first trip to Jamaica when the driver says "The right side , suicide!". This driver mumbles something about how slow it is and heads for the other Terminal. Thankfully, there were customers waiting or who knows how long I'd have waited. We load up and are off to town.

I've heard so much about how clean it is here, but it is how detailed and manicured the lawns and bushes are. Even down the highway and on/off ramps, they'll have a little triangle amid the concrete, nicely groomed and green.

We make it to town. I'm the 2nd stop.

Welcome to the Conrad

I hop out at of the van and am instantly impressed with this hotel (Now, I've worked in a 4 star hotel for over 15 years and try to always seek out excellent service). I'm just a regular guy, but was about to be nicely pampered. I give the driver a tip and cut him loose.

The door staff at the hotel have my bag and greet me. Welcome Mr. xxxxx. I wonder how they know me, how they know my name. I realize they have taken my name from my luggage tag. Simple but very impressive.

I proceed to the HHonors check in with my gold card and am greeted by the nicest agent. She finds my name and welcomes me to the hotel. After a short check with her co-worker, she informs me that, regretfully, my room is not ready yet. Fine with me. I'm so early, I'd expected as much. I was unable to get a rate below $220S so opted to reserve using 25,000 HHonors points.

She goes on to say that I can have complimentary breakfast in the Executive lounge while I wait. If that's acceptable, she'll show me up. Hell yeah, it's acceptable. We proceed to the top floor to a great lounge overlooking the city. She introduces me to the agent at the desk who already knows my name and is waiting for me. They ask me to pick a table, suggesting the window, but I choose the couch next to it.

The waiter approaches, offers coffee, tea. I'm so glad to order coffee. In my trips to Korea and Thailand I remember such a hard time to get a good coffee. I think I'll like it here. I start with the Miso soup and the local paper. Fresh juices (I had the mango) and full american items, extensive fruit, etc. on the buffet. Great start to the day!

I didn't want to rush, but wanted to see if my room was ready. They might have forgotten about me, I'm not sure. Regardless, the same agent that checked me in and took me up was now here to show me to my room. Another nice touch.

After showing me the room, she asked if it was suitable. Youbetcha! It'll have to do . She hads me the key and the little card and points out the password for my high-speed internet access. I regret not having a laptop. I'm in heaven. Within a few minutes, my bags arrive. After a tip, he offers his help through my stay.

I settle in and read a bit about the hotel, amenities and such. Here are the Executive floor priveledges:

• Lounge from 6:00am to 11:00 pm
• Complimentary daily American/Continental Buffet Breakfast
• Complimentary daily Afternoon Tea
• Complimentary daily hors d'oeuvres and cocktails every evening
• Complimentary all day coffee, tea, soft drinks, and juices
• Escort to room for in-room registration upon arrival
• Complimentary light pressing for 5 items per stay
• Express laundry service upon request (no surcharge)
• Butler service including packing and unpacking
• Complimentary shoe shine
• Complimentary fruit plate replentished daily
• High speed broadband internet access
• Private in-room fax with designated line upon request
• Two hours complimentary use of conference and boardrooms; subject to availability
• Personalized stationary upon request
• Late check-out at 6:00pm, subject to availability

Enough about the Conrad, I was off to check out the city. Time's a ticking away. I ask directions and the porter at the door points me to the fountian and the mall across the way.

Hot Stuff

Well, I find out how close to the Equator we really are. It's 35C (in farenhiet that means HOT) and even the walk across the way warms me up. I walk around here and there, realizing that I don't really want to be in a mall. So I head out. Thinking I'll stumble in the right direction, I venture forth to where, I don't know. 20 minutes or so of walking I still find myself no closer to knowing where I am. So I pop into another shoppong mall. I see a free shuttle and hop on it to the City Hall stop. The problem, I still haven't got a clue where I am. So I walk around and find myself in a decent tourist area. Hotels, shops, and Hmmm.... the Gold stores. I head into one of the shops, browse a bit. I find a nice ring, 8.4g, and ask the price. It's then that I realize I've got no idea what a good price is (and I'm in no hurry to do the calculations at the time). Not wanting to be a sucker, I continue on, happy that I'm still on my budget.

OK, so the blind walk with no plans didn't go to well. I hop into a cab and head back to the Conrad. I decide to try the pool out, followed by High Tea upstairs. Then back to the room for afternoon relaxation watching TV.

Waste not, want not. If I go to sleep, It's all over. So I head out with a plan. I've brought my worst shoes along with me to leave behind. Looking for a pair of Doc Martin's and hoping they're here at at good price. I throw a shirt and pair of slacks on the bed and head downstairs to the front desk.

I ask if they can press the items on the bed. Tomorrow, no I leave in the morning. Well sir, I can have it back by 9pm. Great! But, you can have 5 items. I smile. I only need these 2 items, but thanks. By the way, where can I get a pair of shoes? He pulls out a map and circles a block, underlines a hotel and sends me on my way.

I jump in a cab, the doorman announces my destination and I'm off. I strike up a conversation with the driver. I tell him I'm here only for tonite and ask what should I do. He lists off a number of things including the night safari/zoo among others. Also that "You haven't been to Singapore, if you haven't been to Sentosa Island!" A minute later, I tell him to take me there. He asks me a few mare questions and we decide on the cable car to get over. He discribes the different nieghbourhoods, the changes he's seen over the years, and mentions that alot of the neighbourhoods are named for the hills that used to be in the different areas. The hills are gone, but the names remain. This guy was one of the nicest cabbies I've run accross since last October in Miami, but that's another story. He drops me off at the top of the hill at the cable car. I give him a good tip (BTW the taxi fares in SIN are great value. Not expensive at all) and I ask him if I can request his cab next time or get his mobile number, but it's not to be.

Sentosa Island

At the counter, it's $8.50S for the round trip cable car fare. I get my change and count it She ripped me off I'm 3 bucks short with my change. I turn back and she coughs up the missing dough. Ah ha, never let your guard down for a second... he he

Great ride over to the Island. There's a recording to listen to on the way over (a mute button and different laguages too). I took a few photos and had a great view of the commercial harbour with the city skyline in the background. It's so green here for such a hot climate. Speaking of hot. The cable car is like an oven heading over to the Island, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Once over, it's $6S to get through the gate. The list of what's included is long while you're on the island. The list of extras is almost as long. You can easily spend more. I was just as happy to stick to the basics. Walked around the courtyard area, hopped the bus down one stop to Underwater World but balked at the entrance fee. Decided on the monorail that tours the island and the many stops along the way. Met a gal from T.O. (Toronto) in line. We sat together and had a nice chat. The monorail is nice as it cuts over to the couple beaches which looked really nice (boy, I'll bet that water is warm) and around the more tropical, foresty areas, an old fort/military house and the other attractions.

Originally, I was going to stay for the Musical Fountain show in the evening, but decided to cut it short and head back over on the cable car. The cable car stops each way in the middle tower. The attendant at the middle stop looked at my ticket and warned me that there may not be any taxi's at the final stop. I took his advice and jumped the elevator down to the bottom. I get out the door and the vulture cabbies ask agressively where I'm going. I tell them the area recommended by the hotel staff for shopping, he quotes $25S. I laugh and say thanks. It's a 5 minute walk to the taxi stand at the cruise ship stop. I think the fare was $6S or 7S.

Back to town

I get off at the hotel (Pininsula & Excelsior) they recommended and immediately recognise it as the area I gave up on earlier when I was lost. I find a shoe store or 2 and quickly bargain to figure I'll get virtually the same price at home. I decide to wait (I'll be glad I didn't spend the money in a few days).

Now after working in the Bengal Lounge at home for the last many years (I've since switched departments) and always hearing how much it reminded them of the Raffles bar, there was no way I'd leave without checking it out. I make my way over and enjoy the layout of the hotel, wonder around, buy a thing or two in the gift shop, and scoot up to the Long Bar. Not being much of a drinker at all, I decide not to stay. But nice to finally make it here. Life really is good when you can continually scratch items off your to do list

It's dark now and I'm starting to get hungry. I've been told to check out Equinox, restaurant on the 70th floor of the Swissotel. The head waiter at home saw a show on it and told me about it. Apparently it's run by the same fellow that ran the Window on the World restaurant in the World Trade Center in New York (I don't know if it's true, that's just what I've been told).

Finding the hotel was easy, by looking up. It was the tallest building around. Finding the entrance was not so easy. After going around in cicrles and the Raffles Mall (I think that's it), I find the entrance to the bar/restaurant. They have a lounge on the lobby level. It wasn't being used. However; the hostess greeted me immediately.

After calling up to check if they had room, she guided me toward the elevator and the 70th floor. WOW! What a view. I took a quick walk around, a photo of the magnificent view, and checked out the bar (up stairs one more flight).

Greeted, and I quickly asked the hostess what I should have. I find the host/ess are more genuine when asked for sugestions. Once at the table, I asked the waiter, who recommended the most expensive entree. I took the hostesses sugestion of the seafood. Yuzu marinated cod, braised enoki and faboi, edamames puree, mirin soy garlic glaze. Don't know what I ordered, but it really was top notch. After dinner, the manager came by, introduced himself and checked on everything. Service, food quality and presentation, and atmosphere, all first class. It's a good place for a romantic dinner, candlelight, holding hands...

Back down to the elevator. I realize I'm out of Singapore money. No matter how hard I try, they wont exchange any dough for me at the desk. The hostess tried to help me as I had just dined. She was as surprized as me that I couldn't get anyone to help me. I asked for the managers card and decided to walk back to the hotel.

After getting directions and starting on my way. I was surprised that the hotel was really quite close. I was back at the Conrad in 5 minutes. Ready to change and freshen up and head out again...


[This message has been edited by seanthepilot (edited 05-03-2002).]