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Lion City - Lah!
  • David Coles
  • David Coles

Lion City - Lah!

A 7-day adventure by David Read more
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  • Trip start
    August 19, 2025
    David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    1My beach this morning 28o!
    1Uber on its wayCNS Qantas loungeReasonable laksa indeed!F&C - Mascot

    Easy start - in stages

    August 19, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    After a hectic week last week, this week couldn't be more relaxed. Took Monday off and apart from some medical attention for my silly leg it was all me acting like a cat in the warm sunshine. This really has been magical weather in FNQ. The medicos were very happy with my leg btw. After a walk along the front I did a bit of governance research for our new body corporate this morning that answered a few questions I had been asked. I packed then called the Uber. The phone then pinged with the news the flight was delayed 30 mins. At the lounge I noted the delay was now out to 60mins. There is some weather somewhere it seems. No connection issues so I will enjoy the CNS lounge. It is really quite good. Spending an extra hour in the lounge meant the typical airport chill seeped into my being. I carry my lightweight puffer jacket on all trips now and it proved itself again ❤️.
    **Breaking News** Kerry tells me her unit has settled!! Gaudi's Cathedral regains it's mantle as the longest building effort ever!! Arrived in Sydney at the (new) time. The pilot shaved 1/2 hour off the revised flight time. Wet and ugly in Sydney town and elected to Uber than rail as enough is enough. Ibis Mascot I stay at a LOT - particularly when it is for only a few hours (last Thursday night for eg,) They do a yummy flathead fish and chips. Tomorrow, the (more) fun begins!    Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    I have a few happy places - this is certainly one of them!
    The arrival of the Queen1I am consistent - for good reason!I had to try the Lallier Rosé #firsttimeWorsening - soon be out of itFamiliarRoom view2The winner!

    International Day

    August 20, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Sydney did not show its best side for this visit. Last nights meal was good but my room was cold and the heater just blew cold air. Not the best sleep. Woke up early and it was drizzling so my run was laps of a nearby big building that has a covered exterior. I have used this before!! Easy trip to international and as I had already online checked in I was through security and customs in minutes. Bought a Taittinger at duty free at a price I am sure will be better than in Singapore. First was in excellent form - not full, window seating with power and excellent eggs benny. I could fly direct from Cairns to Singapore but...why? The Lallier R020 was on song but I also took the opportunity to try the Rosé for the first time. Rosé is not a first choice for me but this one is sublime - I haven't used the word beguiling before but it fits this one. QF81 to SIN is a Dreamliner (always a treat) and seat 41D is in a small compartment of 5 rows behind premium - nice. The original seat map showed full but it seems Qantas have locked out a free seat next to me - bliss! A very smooth flight, on time departure and 50 mins early into Changi! Through security and into a Grab in 8 minutes - I am still shaking my head at the efficiency. This is my third stay at the Mercure in Lavender. Everything about it suits me - location (close to 2 stations), food (my favourite little Hawker Centre is close - Berseh Food Centre), and wedged between Little India and Kampong Glam. It is reasonably priced which is a little rare here. It didn't take me long to unpack and head next door to a fave little open air food centre. I nearly freaked when I saw my bahn mi place wasn't there.....crisis over - it has moved 3 stalls! I will either have oyster omelette or banh xeo for dinner 🤔 - the Chang will help the decision!Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    A magnet
    1I am back!12This is for you S&T2My haul of 'essentials'St Andrews Cathedral1National Art GalleryNot long until the circus arrivesSir Stan with his back on Boat Quay1Cuuuute - hadnt noticed these beforeWouldn't be a visit without these guys1Or, of course - Mr Merlion!1As good as it gets (outside Saigon)

    Ticking off all the boxes

    August 21, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    It is great to be back in the Lion City - I am immediately at ease and super relaxed here. I certainly was not cold overnight and this climate works for me. A nice balmy run this morning along the Rochor River/Canal then off to a totally Singapore brekkie - a kaya toast set at my long standing haunt at the Bersah food centre. A bit of 'essential' shopping then I caught the MRT to Raffles Place. This was next door to St Andrews Cathedral which I hadn't been in before - quite lovely. An easy stroll past the National Art Gallery (been there) and the Singapore Cricket Club (love to visit). The Grand Prix set up is in full swing but wasn't annoying anyone. Cut through to the river to pay my respects to Sir Stanley Raffle and then on to the Fullerton. Found a little street lart work I hadn't seen before. I paid my respects to Mr Merlion and then walked back along the front to Town Hall Station. Back home via a curry puff vendor for a snack in the room. There was a drizzle developing but not enough to worry anyone. The puff was amazing with a Tiger! I read the paper on my balcony as the pool isn't sheltered. Wandered next door for a Bahn Mi in blazing hot sunshine! The Bahn Mi exceeded expectations (as did those new chillies). If it had stayed overcast a walk to Kampong Glam was the plan this arvo but with the sun out the pool beckons but no swimming unfortunately as my leg is still under doctors orders! Pool time was excellent - made sure my tan wasn't fading. K was available for a call or was wonderful to see how happy and relaxed she is. Her itinerary is working out very well. I repaired to the hotel bar the for my welcome drink (G&T). The bar is leased to the restaurant so in the past I have had to sneak a reasonable glass out. Well - stocks were low of most options so I bought a bottle of a French cremant. It was ok and they let me take it back to the room with my glass. A relaxing catch up with news/emails. My Friday Fizz became a Thursday treat as I will be moving to the city Pullman on Saturday morning. Taittinger delivers! I can throw the Pol Remy but not the Taittinger! A lovely balmy stroll to the Bersah FC again for some serious oyster omelette. I will sleep well tonight !Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    Next doorThe best1160 years this month since becoming a nation in its own rightMy streetAttached to Ralph LaurenOk - for where it is1Cé La ViUp on highThey will be bakingFizz FridayPit LaneClassic curry puff - great vintage btwMy spot this arvoDinner

    Never enough of Singapore

    August 22, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    A sticky but lovely run this morning. To Bersah for brekkie. I wasn't planning to shop around this trip for kaya toas opt but my old friends were having an RDO! This gave me a chance to revisit what was clearly the best last time (my English heritage/guilt sometimes gets in the way of right choices!) It was head and shoulders again. Crisp grilled toast, big slabs of butter, excellent kopi o (in a legit mug) and a condiments basket! The owner's mood hasn't improved but I forgive this! I had some admin myself this morning - I needed to submit a form to my Super Fund and the front desk was super helpful with printing and scanning. Then I took the MRT to Bayfront to take on the sky deck. I was a little early so I had a reasonable coffee (price =venue) and then found the entrance to Cé La Vi. A very pleasant experience and I would thoroughly recommend a visit. Outstanding high city views without being locked into the sky wheel. Then back home by MRT (escaping from the midday sun underground) for a curry puff snack. A bit of a break then next door for a Bahn Mi again. This will be the last opportunity this time as I shift hotels tomorrow for a 1 night treat at the Pullman. I MAY have a Sling at the Long Bar but I WILL go to Maxwell Hawker Centre. A real relax at the pool then some reading on my balcony. Back to Bersah for some noodles. A real Singapore Kway Teow - not one that would impress KL or anyone in KL for that matter (hello Ginny)! In its favor it didn't pretend to be Char Kway TeowRead more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    Wet track
    Dark cloudsToast with a distinctly incense character!Anglican with definite Chinese influenceI will miss the noise from here tonight!!2Suite upgrade2My room amenities -the little bottles are artisan honeysNot today sunshine!Classic (not at Raffles)Pullman Hill Street111Oyster cakeRoti PrataJaw dropping as usualDetailThe old Fire Station

    Ch ch ch changes

    August 23, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Very fortunate with my run as it was dry and balmy. When I looked out on the balcony after my shower there was quite a storm blowing in. The rain had pretty much cleared away for my walk to brekkie. Because it was still undecided (rain/dry) and I was checking out late morning I had a relaxing balcony morning reading and reflecting on a great visit still happening. I walked to the train for the 2 station trip to City Hall. The Pullman is just around the corner from the station. Very impressive check in and then my suite - very very nice and an excellent way to see the trip out. I dashed out to the Long Bar (a block and a half away) to find a queue reaching from the bar door almost to the staircase. I am not about to queue up for an (albeit very good) overpriced cocktail that I have had before so I went back to the room and had a refreshing Tiger I had brought with me. I changed then caught a Grab to Maxwell Food Centre. It was Saturday lunch busy but a table became available (shared) after some laps. The congee lady was having a day off .so it was signature Maxwell oyster cake then an absolutely delicious Roti Prata. With time on my hands I walked back to the hotel via the old Police Station on Hill St. This inspiring building draws me back every time. Love being in a lux hotel and also enjoy being in a different part of this great city. The club lounge opens in a minute so l will head there and I am also hopeful the breakfast is as good as the place promises. I have a late checkout so I may give the Long Bar another crack tomorrow morning.Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    2Nice setting - lots of staff
    Good selectionCold options mainly (very good) Japanese.This was excellentChili/nachos/tacos for hotLovely in the sun but I won't finish this1A good Montepulciano d'Abruzzo in the fading sunlight1Cheeky little Mendoza Malbec to finishGood night Singapore

    The Club Lounge

    August 23, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The club lounge was very well appointed and pleasing. It was full but not stupid busy. Interestingly there is an inside that was quiet but air conditioned (read Singapore cold) and an outside that was open air (read Singapore balmy). Any club member with kids under 12 were required to be outside so, if there had been a table, it would have been noisy. A bit like smokers get the best seats in Europe! Anyway, I found a sunny window that defied the air con so all good! Excellent quality food and a good selection of interesting wines. Happy with this place. Rather than return straight to the room there is a little street bar in the hotel that was a nice place to finish up with a nice red.Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    Outside AND undercover - good because it is bucketing
    Congee and omelette1Peranakan Museum1Love a TiffinNo queue today #civilisedAll things come to those who wait23 sisters - cocktail with Asian spicesRaffles balconyChijmes (not on my list)1I want a lay on settee with a small drink table and a Singapore view!First doesn't open for another 30mins - hhmmm what to do??Looking forward to it as always

    Making this last day .... last

    August 24, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Dodged a bullet again this morning. Lots of big thunder while on my run around Boat Quay but it didn't come down until I was back home. Nothing worse than wet kit in your luggage! Brekkie was good and not at all crowded so I snagged an outside table in Singapore atmosphere. Congee and omelette - all good. Something new for me? Instead of a little marmalade on my vegemite toast I had some kaya jam - umami bomb that worked! Read a bit in my room while the rain tumbled and I then I decided to see the (highly recommended) Peranakan Museum that was just was just across the road. Booked online and was not afraid to say I was old #seniorsdiscount. I enjoyed the museum very much and also that it was in a historic old inclusive school. While I had an umbrella and was out and about I headed to Raffles - no queue and the bar was lovely. You pay for what you get and they don't stint - loved it! Back to my 'room' for a real relax /feetup then caught the train (direct) to Changi. Seamless through security etc but had to 'endure' 30 mins until First opened! Lallier on pour - lunch/dinner was my fave prawn wontons and a (huge) Char Kway Teow. This would have got praise from the KL crew but still had that Singapore kecap manis flavour - pan seared, flavoursome but huge. I had a south of France rose with the wontons and a lovely ministry of clouds tempranillo with the noodles. Boarding in a couple of hours to Melbourne then direct to Cairns. I have enjoyed this visit so much and I am thinking another visit to KL/Penang has to happen!! Malay culture appeals!Read more

  • David ColesLion City - Lah!Traveler
    1
    1Wontons11Char Kway TeowYAY!Early2HB on song!

    Flying and home

    August 25, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    The gate wasnt too far away and boarded on time. My app said I had a free seat next to me but - of course, the last passenger to board sat next to me! She seemed to me nice enough but the cabin manager quickly moved her on and apologised saying the seat was always going to be free - I will take this! No more food for me so settled for a cleansing Cooper's Pale, some good music, a good book and hopefully some sleep. Flight was fine and quick - arrived in Melbourne 35 mins early. 3 hours layover - again very pleased I have my puffer jacket. The CNS flight was on time and had a crew that was really enjoying themselves. The flight was also 30 mins early arriving and the cabin manager told me she had never done MEL-CNS in under 3 hours and this one was 2.45! I think Gout Gout was the pilot! Holloways Beach greeted me with sparkling blue sky and 29o! I do love travelling and Singapore is a place I will continue to return to - AND (not but) it is always a treat to come home to HB!Read more

    Trip end
    August 25, 2025
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