Sunday, 29 May 2016

Iceland '16

After visiting Scotland, I took the Icelandair flight from Glasgow to Reyjkavik. My dream is to see the northern lights, but unfortunately the sky is cloudy on the days we were there, so no lights.

Anyway, this is my first time on Icelandair. 

Mood lighting throughout this flight reflects the dancing northern lights. Very refreshing! 

This is as close I can get to see the northern lights.


Food is purchased onboard.

To the top of the world !

Wingtip of the B757 plane

At Reykjavik airport

Seriously will anyone buy? It's not cheap by the way.

Other than seeing the northern lights, another must see is the Golden Circle tour. It is made up of three attractions: The waterfall, the geyser and the national park.

I booked the tour from Reykjavik excursions tour company. I was picked up in a van above and transported to their headquarters to board the big and crowded coach.


Iceland is not yet commercialized as a tourist destination. Much of it is empty, barren land.

First stop on my tour is a tomatoes farm visit.

geysers Geysir and Strokkur

The geyser erupts once every six minutes.

Gullfoss waterfall


Þingvellir national park



At night, we went to the horse theatre to view the performance. Believe it or not, we are the only audience, sitting at the empty grand stand watching the performance. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful performance. The trainers and the horses were natural in their performance. 

After the show ended, we were invited to take pictures with the performers and the horses.


Horse stable backstage

Complimentary meal. Not sure whether is it horse meat?

Going back to London on Icelandair's hekla aurora plane. 
Beautiful design !

Business class meal. 

Icelandair's business class lounge at Reykjavik airport has shower facilities which I used before getting on the plane for the long way home.

Despite having a three hour layover at London's Heathrow airport, we barely managed to check in for our Qatar Airways flight. Next time should schedule a longer time when in transit in London.

We took the Qatar Airways A380 flight for the Doha-London and return sectors. The plane has economy section on the rear upper deck in a 2-4-2 layout. The small cabin size made for a more intimate feel and less crowded compared to the main deck below.

This time, I didn't manage to catch the elusive lights. I shall try again next time. Maybe in Greenland. 

Look out for my next trip to Alaska, the last frontier..




Saturday, 9 April 2016

Scotland '16

I'm writing this post in the comfort of my staycation at Crown Plaza Changi Airport. Viewing aircrafts taking off and landing has once again gave me the desire to head for my next holiday. But before that, I thought I want to pen down my long overdue notes of my fantastic Scotland trip in March this year.

I have combined my trip to Scotland with a little side trip to Iceland, which is on my dream list. I will leave my Iceland trip to my next post.

Yup. So here it is...

This trip marks a lot of firsts...

- First time on a A350 aircraft
- First time taking Qatar airways
- First time taking Icelandair 
First time on a B757 aircraft


A350 wingtip


Approaching Doha


Is it the Palm Islands in Dubai?



The iconic bear at Doha airport


For this trip, I have purposely chosen to take Qatar airways because of the free city tour that they offer. So I have selected a longer transit time while in Doha. Unfortunately, the day tour was full when I reached there, so I have to settle for the night tour, which gives an impressive night view of the marina.


Doha market





Glasgow Central Hotel. Beautiful chandelier


The almost empty one hour ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh


In Edinburgh city, I was immediately awestruck by the medieval buildings all around.



In front of Edinburgh castle

Posing with a medieval soldier





Saturday, 26 March 2016

Greece & Turkey '16

Chinese New Year this year is on Monday and Tuesday. This gives me a long weekend to go on a short holiday to Greece and Turkey. Now, how can I visit these two countries within a few days?

Well, I have shortlisted the cities I want to visit: Athens, Santorini and Istanbul. I have read somewhere that Turkish airlines offer free city tour if I took their airlines and transit in Istanbul.

So, I booked tickets from Singapore to Athens with a deliberately long stopover in Istanbul on the way back.

I also booked the domestic flight for the Athens to Santorini day trip on Aegean airlines.


As a star alliance gold member, I am allowed to use turkish lounge in Istanbul airport even if travelling in economy class. I am also allowed to bring in one guest. The lounge is located at one end of the airport. It is a very impressive lounge. There are plenty of seating within two floors, many food stations, with shower facilities.

After enjoying a few hours in the lounge, it is a short one hour flight to Athens.


Stayed at the airport hotel in Athens


Acropolis Museum


Acropolis


View from the top of the Acropolis





The Olympics Stadium


A short flight to Santorini



The blue domes are a common sight in Santorini


The famous blue dome




The whitewashed buildings


Small chapel


A door with open windows



Beautiful sunset in Santorini


For a star alliance gold member, I am allowed to access the lounge at Athens airport.


Breakfast provided by the free Istanbul city tour


Sultanahmet area




Lunch provided by the free Istanbul city tour



The interior of the Hagia Sophia



Bosphorus strait


At the Istanbul airport lounge


A few game stations such as racing car, golf and arcade game. Had a nice hot shower before boarding the flight home