Jul 2006

Hey everyone,

Just thought I'd fire off a quick entry from the plane. This won't be posted until I get internet access in Singapore, but I thought it nifty nonetheless. Sydney Airport was as bland as it always is - Angela, Flis, Mum & Dad came to see me off, and Michie came to visit (thanks again for the pressie too!). After many tears I left for customs etc. to be greeted by several of the most uninteresting people I've ever met at an airport. No problems, and for the first time ever I didn't beep when going through the security checkpoint! Tristan 1, Airport 0.

Singapore Airlines are great - the staff are really attentive, although there is a baby crying two seats to my left, and the person in front of me insists on having their seat all the way back, so I am writing this at quite an awkward angle. The dinner was quite OK - although I think it was exactly the same meal as I had last time I flew SQ! Strange, but as far as I can remember, true. I had beef with rice. Oh, and I got to watch I Not Stupid 2 - the best Singaporean film ever! (Not that I've seen many). I am going to buy it on DVD when I get into S'Pore as it's great example of their culture, language and education system. It's about two families whose parents are so focused on money, their jobs and success that they neglect their children - to everyone's peril. Fairly standard story, but done in a Singaporean way. It will teach you a thing or two about cultural differences too!

As per normal (for me at least), I've changed my itinerary slightly, and I've booked most of the inter-country flights/trains, including two 1st-class train tickets! Can't wait for those (woosh!!) I'm now not visiting Denmark at all (Sorry Johanne!), and I'm spending some extra time in the Czech Republic and then heading back to Scotland to visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Aberdeen and Newcastle at the end of August. That's the plan, anyway! When I've got internet access I'll confirm it all again.

PS: Did anyone learn this in primary school: FAMILY - Father And Mother I Love You? They mentioned it in I Not Stupid 2, and I'd never heard of it before. Nifty nonetheless.

See you in Singapore!

Tris.