Do wheeled suitcases make a noise? Dubrovnik in Croatia, London, Heathrow, flats and condos - small and big wheels, caster noise prevention

 For me wheeled suitcases and shopping trolleys are a blessing. 

I read that Dubrovnik planned to ban suitcases on wheels because they created noise in the old town of the walled harbour city which attracts cruise ships. 

Conflicting stories say banned, not banned, considering banning, all articles on different dates, and with what authority?

Meanwhile, here are some thoughts for you as a traveller to consider.

Cobblestones

How about getting rid of uneven cobblestones which make wheels makes noises. Cobblestones also destroy wheels. Worst of all, the danger of making people fall and twist their ankles. 

I have a small cobbestoned area by the block of flats where my parents used to visit and where I visit regularly. If I park near the cobblestones, or walk across them to the front door, I am liable to fall over. The block has lots of elderly residents and young mother with big wheel prams or small wheel strollers. It is a hazard for them.

What about bicycles? Do their wheels not make a noise? If not, why? Is it the size of the wheels? Maybe the old quarter should have free trolleys, like the ones porters use in hotels. 

Travelators

Travelators in airports also make dreadful noises if you try to pull along a wheeled suitcase. The same suitcase, makes no noise when pulled along carpets and flat areas alongside the travelator and between travelators at Heathrow airport.

Suitcase Wheels

Small wheels are quickly made unsightly and pulled out of shape over uneven surfaces. I used to carry a new suitcase over lumpy ground, and muddy grass areas, then put it down on flat surfaces. Bigger softer wheels which make less noise are a good idea. 

I have two and four wheel suitcases. Four wheels are better. If one wheel goes, you can usually still wheel it on three, or resort to pulling it on two. However, check manoeverability.

Suitcase shops should have surfaces on which you can try wheeling. If the wheels are immediately damaged after one minute wheeling them up and down over gravel, that suitcase won't stay pristine for long after you buy it.

Useful Websites

https://www.antler.co.uk/blogs/the-traveller/new-arrivals-meet-our-quietest-suitcase-yet

https://casterconnection.com/blog/how-to-quiet-caster-noise

https://casterconnection.com/noise-reducing-casters

Please share links to your favourite posts.

Find First Class Friendly Service And Experience On Airlines - or copy and create it

Heathrow goodbye. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.

Your Memorable Names

When I was a frequent flyer, before Covid, I used to get welcomed aboard by staff who said my name.

A polite way to ask somebody's name is to ask, "How may I address you?" 

If the person beside you does not speak good English, you could show them your name on a conference badge, or give them a shortened nickname. If they look doubtful, puzzled, repeat your name.

Crease-free Clothes

When I reached my seat, the chief steward or other nearby member of staff asked if I wanted to take off my jacket. They offered to hang up my jacket. Sometimes you can ask staff to hang up your jacket. The put your boarding pass in the jacket pocket or on the hanger so that when they want to return it, they can find you.

Stowing Luggage

They helped stow my luggage in the overhead compartment. 

They offered me a pillow, and a blankets.

I remember a line from a film (Americans say movie) Gosfroth Park, which I watched on a flight. The chief housekeeper said, "My job is to prepare what the visitors may need or want, even before they have thought of it themselves." 

They always had a pen and paper to lend or give me when I needed one. When asked, they could point to the nearest exit to my row of seats, and the locations of toilets in front of and behind my row.

Chocolates

My husband travels with a couple of chocolates in his luggage. After a meal he finds me, if the seating has separated us, and gives me a chocolate. A wrapped chocolate? Less likely to melt over your hands and pocket. More likely to be saved and eaten discreetly so as not to excite desire or jealousy in others. But 

If you eat very quietly when others are asleep, they are less likely to notice. Rattling paper might annoy them.

If you have lots of food, in small pieces, it might be polite to share. The other person might decline. They might be vegetarian, or not hungry, or paranoid about being poisoned, or not want to eat your food and deprive you of it. I always think offering shows goodwill. You stop wondering if the other person is sitting there wanting it. If they say, "Thanks, but I don't eat ...," I feel that I have established goodwill, started a friendly conversation. I can relax. They can convince themselves that they don't need my food.

What can you do to help yourself on a flight? Or to help others.  

 If you are in an economy seat, never mind. That means you have people next to you to help you, or people you can help.

I have just ordered a tee-shirt which says, 'I am an author, ask me about my books'. I like souvenirs of what I enjoyed about the journey, and try to copy it. I used to be a higher grade of frequent flyer, before Covid. The staff on the airline would welcome me aboard, using my name. After you have smiled and said hello to the people next to you, you will feel less awkward about asking them to stand up. When they go to the toilet, I go after them. 

If you are in an economy seat, never mind. That means you have people next to you to help you, or people you can help.

I have just ordered a tee-shirt which says, 'I am an author, ask me about my books'. I like souvenirs of what I enjoyed about the journey, and try to copy it. I used to be a higher grade of frequent flyer, before Covid. The staff on the airline would welcome me aboard, using my name. After you have smiled and said hello to the people next to you, you will feel less awkward about asking them to stand up. When they go to the toilet, I go after them. 

If I am in first, and put some items on the middle seat, I say, "This is our seat to share. Shall I move my things back to my half so you can use your half?"

Usually, they smile and say, "No, that's fine, leave your stuff there. I don't need it.

To help getting out, you can lift up the armrest on the aisle seat. There is a button hidden under the arm rest somewhere. If you cannot feel it, squat in the aisle when nobody is using the aisle and look for the button, convex, bulging out. On my last flight the button was not underneath. Neither I nor the person across the aisle from me could find it. Then I had a look. It was right at the back, where the underneath of the arm curves upwards. Sorted!

If you chat at the start, but want to sleep, you can inform the other person and still seem friendly. For example, on my last flight, the passenger in the window seat told me, "As soon as we are allowed to, I shall put my seat back and try to sleep. This is my second flight. I started in Australia. We've already been travelling seven hours!"

If you are in the aisle seat and want to shut eyes, and sleep, you might first ask the person in the middle seat if they need to get out to the toilet. (The British say Toilet. It is also called a rest room, as some Americans might say). 

My extended family's flight packing lists include;

1 Folding walking sticks. Wheels for luggage. Straps to keep a handbag (Americans say purse) fixed on top of a wheel on bag. 

2 Emergency or fun food and drink and containers. A plastic stemmed glass (in a solid cardboard container) for drinking Champagne, Prosecco, other sparkling or chilled white wine, a Platypus for storing wine, or water. 

3 Travel Clothes. A light, large scarf. A waterproof quick zip off jacket with secure pockets inside and out. A pocket large enough for my passport, credit card and money so they stay safely with me when I go to the toilet or if I had to evacuate a plane or building. Quick release sandals for security. (I don't wear heels because they are not suitable for plane travel. If I did wear heels, I would keep flat shoes for the plane, and a bag for my shoes, with a ribbon to attach the shoes to other luggage so the shoes never get left behind.)

4 A colour stick on all six sides of a suitcase, especially if it is black, to identify it quickly from a distance. A photo on my mobile phone of my wheel on bag. (So I can spot it quickly on a carousel 

Please share links to your favourite posts.

Angela Lansbury, travel writer, public speaker, blogger, author.

A Day of Delays starts at Heathrow, London, but Ends With Amusing Apologies at Changi Airport, Singapore

 My family, leaving Heathrow Airport, London, England, went to the fast track lane to security. But even the fast track was slow.

My family member asked staff at Security - "What's the reason for the delay? If you've got crowds of people, you must know the number of planes and seat tickets sold. Why can't you just get more staff?"

The busy and beleaguered staff member explained, "We had staff laid off and no idea when we would need them again. Some of them retired or found other jobs. Now that we need them, we can't get them in a hurry. It takes 6 months to get them vetted and approved and trained. You have valuables going through and being checked separately. Laptops. Phones. Cameras. Suitcases. Jewellery. Money. Expensive items. You have to have references and criminal checks as well as training to be sure the checkers will be completely honest, and efficient, and not lose things or pilfer them."ow 

Oh, so now we know.

Changi Airport, Singapore's Weather Delays

On arrival at Changi Airport, there was rainy weather. Rainy season. 

The airport controllers wanted extra time between the take offs and landings, a greater margin for safety. So the Singapore Airlines plane circled in the air for a while.

Landed At Last

Then, lightning started striking. The baggage handlers had to be protected. The luggage was delayed.

Fortunately, despite this delay, the waiting crowd of unhappily hands free passengers, waiting with empty trolleys, stayed good humoured. At least, my family was happy. Why? Maybe because of the amusing apology signs with cartoon characters at knee level on the carousel.

Delayed baggage announcement. Photo by Trevor Sharot.

Taxi Delays

The third delay was waiting for taxis in the rain. A shorter queue is for the more expensive, larger limos. However, even taking a limo was a wait. I got calls, 'I'm fourth in line. I'm third in line. I'm in the taxi, but the traffic is slow.'

At last, triumph. Family reunited. As the proverb says, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Good News. New Singapore Airlines Lounges at Changi Airport, Singapore. Airmiles offers.

 Singapore Airlines' new lounges are now open in Changi Airport, Singapore. Each class of traveller will have a different lounge. No more crowding. Much roomier and better.

On board, an Airliner from Changi to London, Heathrow was still serving the second meal earlier in the flight. But before you get cross, there is more good news.

Also see a special offer on extra airmiles for flights in the near future if you are a Krisflyer member.

The Elizabeth Line and the Jubilee Celebrations

 

The Elizabeth line will revolutionize the experience of travel on the London underground. It will connect Heathrow airport with Paddington station, and on to the exhibition centre in East London, where the World Travel market is held annually. The central sections will have trains running every 5 minutes, just as they do in central and suburban Singapore. 

The Queen was wearing a brooch she was given in Singapore. It does not show the orchid like most souvenirs, but is circular and represents a tree. The material is18 carat gold with diamonds, previously costing about 6,000 sing dollars if you fancy buying one the same or similar. (Depending on the exchange rate as well as increases in prices.)

Queen Elizabeth herself  was resplendent in the sunshine yellow colors of the circle line when she unveiled the plaque at Paddington. Her son Edward, who would have done the honours if she had felt unable to walk, was with her. He was delighted to ride in the cab (front carriage) of the driver's seat. I thought the trains were driverless, like the ones on the monorail in the East End. Oh, well. Not on this occasion. 

The public will start to be admitted in June. The three sections of the line will be running independently. They will finally connect up so you can go all the way to Reading in the West.

The line will be open on May 24th 2022 which is a Tuesday.

Another date for your diary is the Platinum Jubilee, celebrated with a long weekend,starting Friday June 3rd 2022.

Useful Websites

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_line

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2022/may/17/queen-opens-new-elizabeth-line-in-surprise-appearance-video

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61465207

Admire Those Amazing Little Mazes On Local and Distant Stations in London: Where, Why, What Do They Mean?

 

I was puzzled by the little Labyrinth on the wall at ground level near the entrance to Northwick Park station in North London. I asked the man serving at the kiosk, "Do you know what this little design means?" He simply shrugged and raised his hands in the air. "It's an artwork."

 Now I can explain it, to local people, or foreign visitors. I feel really pleased with myself. I am a guide, a teacher. I can write about it in my blog. I can put it on Pinterest. I can add it on Google maps.  

I only recently,  yesterday, discovered that the same artist has designed different labyrinths for stations. All over London. 

The artist is Mark Wallinger.  Mark my words, his name is easy to remember. Mark the wall. Wall injured. Or, if you prefer a positive memory aid, wall enjoy. Or wall ingenius. Mark Willinger. 

Why bother to remember his name? Because you will see his little mazes on the walls of railway stations all over London, the station you depart from and the station you arrive at. 

For years I had walked past the little maze on the wall at Northwick Park station and wondered, what is that doing here? What has a maze got to do with this area? The answer is, nothing. The mazes are all over London. Each station has its own maze and each one is unique and charming.

Mark's Labyrinth at Heathrow. Picture from Wikimedia.

Where might you visit? Hyde Park Corner.

Hyde Park Corner. Simple, neat design.

What does it all mean? Is the underground a maze to you? Once you have found the entrance and the destination, all becomes clear. It is really neat, and compact. 

One maze on its own, like one station on its own, might not be particularly useful, not connected with anything else. But once you have the whole picture of linked mazes and stations, you have a satisfying system.

Yes, those little mazes remind you that the underground network is a maze at first sight. However, it is logical. Once you have found the entrance and the destination, you feel in control and satisfied. Problem solved.

First I looked at them all in grid fashion on the Wikimedia page. I tried to pick out famous stations, central stations I might visit. Heathrow, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner.  

Then I looked at the patterns and tried to pick out contrasting styles. Simple maze. Contrast with complicated maze. Central symbolic shape like a hard diamond. Central symbolic shape like a curved flower. Rigid shape of the whole. Swirly shape of the whole, curved like a map of your brain. 

Finally, I found that the best way to compare them is to go to wikimedia, click on one of the pictures, select more details, then click on the left or right arrows to go through each one individually, reading the captions.

I found that the whole set were designed to celebrate 150 years of the London underground. The designs are grouped under names such as (alphabetically): 

American Indian. 

Chamfered (Chalfont & Latimer, West Acton). 

East (Highgate, Manor House, St John's Wood, Totteridge and Whetstone). 

Emboss (Angel, Arnos Grove, Euston Square). 

Medieval (Archway, Barbican, Bounds Green, High Barnet). 

Native American (Farringdon, Southgate).  

Opposed (Moorgate, Swiss Cottage, West Finchley). 

Organic (Ealing Common, Great Portland Street, Wood Green). 

The Square family (Ealing Broadway, Finchley Central, Finchley Road, Old Street, Turnpike East, Woodside Park). 

Turf (Cockfosters, East Finchley, Kentish Town, Tufnell Park). 

The West. Woodcut (Mill Hill East, Oakwood station).

My favourite designs one by one, including popular places you and I might visit on our next trip to central London:

Leicester Square

High Street Kensington. Dead white circle centre.

Green Park

Bayswater

Now my favourites from stations which you and I are unlikely to visit unless we live or work there:

Hatton Cross. I like the six petal flower centre.

Most are displayed against red brick (a London feature, from London's red clay) or white tiles. I like the green background of the artwork on Wimbledon Park station.

Useful Websites

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Labyrinth_(Art_on_the_Underground)#/media/File:Mark_Wallinger_Labyrinth_269_-_Heathrow_Terminals_1,_2,_3.

https://travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com/2020/10/delightful-decorations-on-london.html

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Labyrinth_(Art_on_the_Underground)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10622805/Secrets-Victoria-Line-station-tiled-mura

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_on_the_Underground

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_London_Underground_stations

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The Great Storm Eunice in London, England

O2 Arena tent damage. Picture from Wikipedia.

 London had a great storm. Luckily flights were able to arrive from Europe to Heathrow when a member of my family flew from Paris to London. His main concern was whether trees would be blocking roads when the hire can took him from Heathrow to his home.

Fortunately, no major trees had blown down. However, when he got home, he discovered that a tree had blown down in the back garden. (Americans say back yard.) 

Fallen tree in London, England. Sharot family photo.

He was on the phone to me discussing it. He said, "There's no chance of getting a tree surgeon to cut it up. They are all out already fully booked. Other, bigger trees are the priority. Especially the ones on major roads.

"I supposed I could hire a tree-cutting saw from a hire shop."

I was not keen on that idea. A DIY accident waiting to happen. Leave roof work and sawing to the experts. They have experience. And assistants. And insurance. And probably first aid kits in their van."

I didn't want to get into an argument about something which would probably not happen - the hiring, rather than the accident. I said, "The tree-cutting machines will also already be out."

The tree had already been dead some time. It was a pushover. Literally.  

We were lucky the house was not damaged by Storm Eunice. Another family in Brentwood had an old oak tree destroy their house and car. 

Public buildings damaged included the O2.

The weather in London is cold.

By contrast, the weather in Singapore is hot and humid.  A huge thunderstorm all day, like London. This prevented us from swimming in the outdoor swimming pool under the palm trees, whose topknots were blowing in the wind.

Useful Websites

UK News

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/home-destroyed-brentwood-essex-oak-tree-b983457.html

Reports of trains stopped in Wales, cancelled flights and more>

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/man-killed-county-wexford-storm-eunice-b983348

UK Weather

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

UK and Europe Damage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_Eunice

Heathrow - oh no! New Drop off charges from November 2021

 

Heathrow announcement sign. Photo by Angela Lansbury

Why? Because the airport has made huge losses during the pandemic.

What if you refuse to pay? Huge 80 pound fine, (numberplate recognition) reduced to 40 pounds if you pay up quickly.

When can you pay? In advance, at the time or within a short time afterwards, next day by midnight.

Can anybody avoid paying? Or get reductions?

Yes. Emergency services, Military, certain disabled blue badge holders (discount - must register - you need the car registration number).

Please check before travelling because I may have misunderstood, not given the full facts, or the rules may change.

Any way to avoid paying?

You don't pay for pick-up, only for drop-off, so you will pay only once on a round trip.

You can go to a long stay car park, pay for that, and take a shuttle bus. This requires you to limit your number of pieces of luggage to something easy to manage and move.

There is no pay machine to slow you down on arrival. You can pay in advance online, or through your phone. 

Hm - I have had a few setback trying to pay using a phone. I would rather pay in advance on line.

Useful Websites

https://www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/terminal-drop-off-charge

https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/heathrow-new-5-drop-charge-21903650

About the Author

BIOGRAPHY

Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5 
The Author of several books including  Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.

Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President

Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time on bha.learncool.sg  

Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;

Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;

Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.

More details from Toastmasters International find a club.

Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.

Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.

Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.

Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.

Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.

Language and speech workshops in Singapore.

Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.

Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.

Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.

Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.

 Please share links to your favourite posts.

What is the latest on Singapore Airlines? Are they still the best?

Heathrow airport, London, luggage trolley. Photo by Angela Lansbury.

 I flew from Heathrow airport in London, England, to Changi airport in Singapore. As usual I was taking care of luaggage. I always photograph it. Then if it goes missing I can describe it. Living in the Covid era, travellers now have to check on extra paperwork and allow extra time. 

The check-in staff at Heathrow were very good, but do allow extra time for the check-in part. They checked our vaccination certificates before we  joined the short queue to the check-in area.

The security staff were also extra helpful. They told us we could empty our water bottles and refill them later from water dispensers. Yes, indeed. But then we waited behind a family of two adults and three children who were re-filling all their water bottles.

The Singapore Airlines Lounge Breakfast

By the time we reached the lounge, we had barely enough time to order food. You can help yourself to croissants and smoothies. But there is no help yourself hot food any more. You have to order it. When our flight was called, I ran to ask if they could chase up the kitchen.

The food then appeared. My husband has the shellfish concoction. I am allergic to shellfish and had the English breakfast. 

Singapore Airlines Flight

As we boarded the flight we were offered a bottle of water. Very good. No plastic cup. 

I was seated in Economy. I had an aisle seat with an empty seat between me and another passenger. 

A good thing I had saved a little food from the breakfast. On the flight, the dinner was two courses, no starter.

I was hungry. I went to ask for snacks. The protein sandwiches or rolls with a processed meat or cheese filling were not supplied. Just Kit-kats, or crisps (which Americans call potato chips), or a packet of dried fruit, cranberries. 

No service of orange juice. I wish I had asked for extra with my meal. I should also have kept hold of my plastic beaker for the water.

Breakfast was served in the middle of the night. Apparently the cabin manager, or chief steward, decides on the timing. 

The aircraft still had a pack of playing cards on request for your entertainment. And white pads. And a pen. The pen I was give was completely dry, out of ink, had to be thrown away.

Everybody was asked to wear a mask except when eating. I had an aisle seat. The person in the window seat started coughing after eating and before putting on a mask. That worried me. However, by the time a member of staff walked past, the mask was on.

Entertainment

The best part of the flight? The films and the music. The choice is reduced. I could not find learning languages which used to be an option. I found two compilations of country music. 

I watched two good films. One was a murder mystery, with a double plot, and a twist end. On a lighter note, I watched The Chef. Humorous story of a chef in a restaurant and his battle with a critic who puts him our of business. Reconciliation and happy end.

Music

I looked through all the music offerings. I found some Amy Winehouse. But no Pavarotti or light opera, operetta, comic opera.

I finished with a few Country music songs, which inspired me to write one of my own. I saved the best songs by clicking on a star and hoped that meant those songs were saved to my playlist for the next flight.

Is Singapore Airlines still the best? Not as good as they once were. But good enough.

Useful Websites

About the Author 

About the Author

BIOGRAPHY

Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5 
The Author of several books including  Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.

Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President

Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time on bha.learncool.sg  

Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;

Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;

Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.

More details from Toastmasters International find a club.

Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.

Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.

Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.

Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.

Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.

Language and speech workshops in Singapore.

Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.

Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.

Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.

Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.

 

TESTING, TESTING - Double Vaccinated, tested three times, And Back Through Changi Airport, Singapore 2021, contrasted with UK 2020

 How has travel changed in a year? My last big round trip was travelling from the UK to Singapore (travel to UK for our son's wedding - after months of rearranging venues and numbers of guests and renewing paperwork)

FIRST Round Trip UK UGUST 2020 

Last year, in August, at the Writer's Summer School in Swanwick, Derbyshire, one of the teachers was wearing a lanyard saying that she was exempt. Fine for her. But I just had to hope that everybody else was safe.

On the first night I sat at a circular table of six. The next night my position was usurped by a late arriving pair of guests. I felt a second class friend. 

However, later, when I learned that one of the group had contracted the virus, I felt that the situation had worked in my favour. I did understand the point of all the testing and precautions.

Singapore Quarantine

Back in Singapore, on arrival, in 2020, I had to quarantine in a four star hotel for two weeks. At great expense. 

Meals arrived on the room doorstep like airline meals. Included in the cost. 

Plus the cost of the tests to be released from the hotel.  In addition to the cost, the test needed to be released was nasty. The masked lady jabbed up my nostril four times and I jumped and screamed. Eventually my husband came over. I asked them to try the other nostril and another assistant. My husband held my hand and kept saying. "It's ok. Just keep still."

I dreaded the repeat.

2021 London, UK - LESS QUARANTINE BUT MORE TESTS

However, my next round trip in 2021 was easier. My experiences before departure from Singapore consisted of a test. The only hiccup was going home to get our passport for the paperwork. 

Then after we paid IN ADVANCE yet again, we found the test had been posted to us, so we did the test in a kit on arrival in London. It went into a special postbox for fast collection, round the clock.

Postal Test In UK

In London after arriving we self quarantined at home. We had received postal tests. These tests which require you to dab your throat and then your nose. 

The third test, to depart from the UK to Singapore, was another cost, but no physical stress. We had a test nearby, in a room behind the local chemist - what Americans call pharmacy).

Fourthly, the test on my return to Singapore was much easier.

Priority Designated Post Boxes

Post in a designated postbox. Presumably with frequent collection times. We managed that. The box outside the post office was a designated box.

Food Shopping

For a couple of days we lived on food we had brought with us in a Cool Box from Singapore. Then we got negative test results so we could go out shopping. And take trains.

Train Travel

In London Underground signs said everybody had to wear masks on London transport. About half to two thirds of passengers did so. 

Private Wine Lunch - Sanitizer

When my husband arranged a wine tasting lunch, we asked for a sanitizer at the door to the private room. We had arrived early to allow for any extra arrangements - or travel delays.

No Double Dipping

 We did not allow people to dip their hands in the bowls of almonds and cashew nuts. We asked for bowls for the nuts, then for spoons. 

I went around, masked, doling out 4 to six nuts slightly above into cupped hands without letting the spoon touch anybody's hands. 

London and Heathrow 2021 October

The third test, to depart from the UK to Singapore, was another cost, but no physical stress. We had a test nearby, in a room behind the local chemist - what Americans call pharmacy).

Singapore

Fourthly, the test on my return to Singapore was much easier.

We booked tests at the pharmacy near our home which was a blessing. Because we arrived to find we needed our passports. We had to send one person home to fetch them. (The same thing had happened in Singapore, you may recall I mentioned earlier. We should have remembered.)

We had to show our paperwork for the previous test, the booked flight, the passports.

Singapore 2021 - Changi Airport

Back in Changi, our flight passengers on arrival were kept separately through passport checks, collected luggage from our flight's carousel, then on a marked route to a linked area.

It was like a hospital, but also the entrance to a Disney area, with up and down barriers. The passengers were almost outnumbered by the numbers of masked marshalls in blue protective overalls.

1 We had to show forms that we had registered for our tests. 

2 Then to pay for the tests. 

3 Then to have the test. PCR test.

PCR Test

PCR is polymerase chain reaction.

I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't like the tongue presser used to keep my tongue out of the way before the throat swab. I immediately gagged and said, 'Oh, dear, now you have to do it again.' 

'I've already done it.'

The nose swab was equally quick.

All over in a few seconds. Nothing like as bad as previously.

The longest delay was waiting for an oversize cab to transport my husband's bicycle.

Good thing I had not worried, unnecessarily about the jab. I had decided not to worry. I had recalled reading that worrying does not help.

To our surprise and delight, only four hours later the results came through. Negative. We could send one person out shopping for food.

At the mall you needed your phone to show your negative test. First at the mall entrance. Then at every shop you entered. You need your mask, and your local money. Don't dash out without your phone.

Useful Websites

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction

About the Author

BIOGRAPHY

Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5 
The Author of several books including  Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.

Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

translateforfun.blogspot.com

Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President

Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time on bha.learncool.sg  

Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;

Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;

Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.

More details from Toastmasters International find a club.

Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.

Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.

Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.

Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.

Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.

Language and speech workshops in Singapore.

Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.

Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.

Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.

Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.

 

Please share links to your favourite posts. 

Covid-19 In the UK, and Quarantine in a hotel in Singapore - my family's experience

 

This year I have had family in Singapore, family in Malaysia, family in London, a family wedding in London, family all over the world, day surgery in the UK at a hospital, and family in hotel quarantine in Singapore. Here are some of the Covid-19 quarantine experiences. I shall start with the UK experiences, and then Singapore.

The Covid-19 Test In The UK

Before going into hospital for day surgery, my family member had to take a Covid-19 test. This was from a tent in the hoptal car park. You drove your own car up to the tent. You filled in a form. A long pole reaches out and takes the swab. 

Heathrow

A delay on check in because in addition to the ticket, the passengers had to show various documents, such as their status as a Singaporean or permanent resident. You needed wifi and a working mobile phone or a Singapore identity card, not your British passport which is usually enough for travel

 When the airline staff tried to phone offices in Singapore, with a time difference it was the middle of the night in Singapore and nobody was answering.

Going through security, everybody was separated by social distancing. Much more civilised. No jostling.

At Heathrow the Singapore Airlines lounge was closed, like all the other lounges except one. The buffet area had marks on the floor. The O'Brien (Yes, Irish) chocolate pot was great. I kept the small see-through plastic box. This proved handy later for food in a hotel room.

Masks in Singapore

Singapore had only 28 fatalities by November 2020. Everybody wears masks except children The government issues 4 mask per household every couple of months. 

Quarantine Costs In Singapore

The cost of quarantine on returning was reputed to be about 2,000 Singapore dollars per person, covering two weeks in a hotel bedroom, with airline style meals delivered three times a day, but it might be slightly less money for a couple sharing. This sounded less than the quarantine costs in Australasia.

A small coach took just three families to our hotel. 

We had a tour of the city, not knowing where we were going.

We arrived at the Orchard Hotel.

Orchard Hotel, Singapore

We passed the main checkin and went to another check set up outside a back entrance which I presume was a ballroom. During checkin we were asked if we wanted a double bed or two singles. Up in the lift to our hotel bedroom.

Orchard Hotel Bedroom, Singapore

Seventh floor. Window overlooking the street and Christmas lights. (Secural lights.) I was delighted.

I thought the hotel was in Orchard Road. Photos from the window showed the Xmas sstreet lights. the hotel is actually a block back, facing the Rendez-vous hotel which is on the corner.

On check-in my family was told the evening meal was being prepared. With one person having a shellfish allergy, and a meal with main course in oyster sauce being delivered, the meal had to be sent back. They should have checked allergies on check-in.

The quarantined residents get no door key. No need. You are not allowed to leave until check-out two weks later. What would happen in a fire or fire alarm?

Checking Phone Call

One government phone caller checking we were quarantined asked us our identity and asked us to turn on the video to show we were in the room.

Personal Identity Check

Every couple of days, two reps, one male and one female, from the local commnity assocation, knock on the door to check you are there and confirm your name and identity card number.  

It is actually good to see a human face at the door.  They wear masks. You wear masks. 

Food Delivery

You don't see the person who drops off your food. They knock and run away, both in a hurry and to avoid catching Covid-19.

The hotel gave residents (inmates!), a menu for week one and two. The menus did not match what we received. In week two we realised the reason. Week one was not the first week you arrived, but the first week of their two week cycle. We arrived in what they called week two. The second week we were on menu one.

The airline style meals seemed geared for the local Chinese diet. We had noodles once a day and rice twice or three times a day. Ni sign of other types of pasta or any potato, except a couple of rounds of has borwnies with one of the breakfasts.

When I asked for no shellfish, no crustaceans, no olluscs, I got a slightly different meal.

We changed to Indian breakfasts which were much better for us. We received different Indian breads every day.

Ordering In

Then we started odering fresh vegetables, fruit and yogurt from outside. We used Food Panda. You have many other options for delivery. 

You can have anything delivered. It arrives somewhere downstairs and the hotel staff bring it up. Usual system. Knock at the door and they scarper. What you cannot do is send anything out, except the daily rubbish, once a day collection, sealed in a large plastic bag.

You can order electronics for your computer, wine, food, anything you like.

What did I love about the hotel?

1 The big fluffy bath towels. 

2 The light weight duvets.

3 The street view.

Useful Websites

Singapore Covid-19 news and updates

https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19

About the Author

Angela Lansbury is a travel writer and photographer, author and speaker, fashionista. Please share links to your favourite posts or one or more of the blogs

travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com

dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com

Planning A Trip To Singapore For Christmas and New Year? Some Tips From Residents

Going to Singapore? You are in for a treat. the airport wins many awards.


Changi airport. Trolleys and trees. Photo by Angela Lansbury. Copyright.

Booking Flight Dates And Prices

let us suppose you wish to arrive in Singapore around Christmas and leave after New Year. The air fare 9On Singapore Airlines) rapidly increases day by day for returning early January so it saves several hundred UK pounds to leave late on New Year's Day rather than the 2^nd or 3rd. You will still have eight days and nights here.

Kris Flyer Miles

If your relatives in Singapore book tickets for you and they are Krisflyer members, they cannot receive Krisflyer mileage credit as they are not a passenger (though they could receive some for using a Krisflyer Amex card). So if two of you are flying to Singapore you should both apply for a Krisflyer number – there is a link below. Mileage never expires (at least for me).

However, if you are a member of one of the Star Aliiance programme members, Such as Virgin, you may be able to claim points from them. Check conditions. 

Choosing Meals and Seats 

You should be able to log on to SIA at any time to choose a kosher/halal/vegetarian or other meal and/or select seats (Manage Booking link below). If it doesn’t work for you then your relative can do that.

You will receive a request to log in online exactly 48 hours before departure (both flights). I think doing so means you can bypass the auto kiosks (always a queue) and proceed straight to luggage drop. It’s also an opportunity to review your seating.

VISAS

If you are British you don’t need a visa for Singapore, just complete a landing form which you will receive either at luggage drop or shortly before touchdown. However, double check, just in case the rules change.

London, Heathrow

At LHR it’s terminal 3. When you enter T3 from the taxi drop, turn left and keep going to get to the correct inner entrance to the departure hall. Once inside, turn left again and the SIA kiosks and desks are at the end.

It’s a long walk to the SIA departure gates, under the apron and up the other side. Takes 15-20 minutes after security/duty-free.

Another member of my family says, "You don’t need to print anything, it’ll all be on their computer.' 

However, I like to have airline tickets and hotel reservations printed out. It reminds me of check in times. It works when your phone has no reception or no battery or you change phones in another country. It is a fall-back if the system does not recognize you because the airline or hotel has listed your surname first, Asian style, or the check-in staff are checking your first name as a surname.

When dropping bags, you may need to show your passport and booking reference number. If you can use a yellow highlighter you can find this instantly without holding up everybody in the line behind you.

Always keep your passport attached to your person or in front of you. Never put it down in a trolley behind you. My friends lost their passports in the line at Singapore's Changi, with a group of lads jostling behind them. They lost their holiday. 

Protexcting Passports
I had my passport stolen when my bag was taken from my shoulder, slashed outside a hwaker centre (food court) in Singapore. 

Replacing a passport costs a lot of money and time and you get a temporary passport which you pay for and then have to apply for a permanent passprot when you get back to London.

If you have a small bag, don't let your bag hang loose from your shoulder. Keep it under your arm and if possible keep a poncho or jacket over the bag. What happened tnse.o me was a classic. somebody bumped me from my right, but another pair took my bag from the left.

If your phone is stolen, it is also handy to have your ticket printed out and kept in another place. Make sue both of you have copies of both tickets, so that if one person has their property stolen or lost, the other person has the details.

Driving License And Identity Cards Keep copies of your driving license and international driving license whether or not you intend to drive. The driving license acts as a second form of identification if you need it, or want to leave your passport behind in a hotel, then need identiy to change money at a bank, or get into a public buidling such as an office.  For example, a colleague or new friend invites you to their Christmas party at IBM or Apple in Singapore. Their office is in the Central Business District. maybe their office is on the 18th floor. However, security in the building on the ground floor will not let you through the barrier into the lift area until you have shown evidence of your identity and they have noted your passport number. 

Since September the rules have changed. Security staff are now no longer allowed to take your passport in exchange for the pass into the building.  

Restaurants will be doubling prices at Christmas. You might fare better in Muslim Malaysia. Or try Hawker centres (food courts) at off-peak hours.


Emergency
Incidentally, 999 is the emergency number for police. For ambulance you call 995.

If you want to learn a little Chinese, use Duolingo or Chineasy. See my previous posts on the Chinese symbols.

Chineasy.

Useful Websites
wiki Chineasy
chineasy.com
singaporeair.com
duolingo.com

Author

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.

What Is Star Alliance? What Can It Do For Me When I Book and Fly? How can I join it?

Star Alliance is a network of airlines giving you airmiles and use of lounges.

My family have been frequent flyers on Singapore Airlines for years and its links with other airlines have grown exponentially with Star Alliance.

What does this mean? It means that even if you cannot travel to your holiday or business destination on Singapore Airlines (or another airline in the group which you use) you can pick another airline in the Star Alliance group and pick up airmiles and use airport lounges of star alliance members.

Advantages of Lounges
I would much rather be in an airport lounge where everybody is checked in, than in the public areas where I feel I am more exposed to passing pickpockets and people who will trip over my carry on luggage containing a laptop or bottle or other fragile items, and the distraction of screaming children racing around.

The seats in lounges are often a choice of high, low and armchairs. I get a table next to most chairs. I can go back to the desk to make an enquiry. Toilets are in the lounge or nearby and I can ask the front desk where the toilets are located.

Food and Drink
Usually in the airline lounge I can get something to eat or drink, if only a glass of water.

Comforts
I have a table for my laptop. And a table for my phone. That might save me from getting radiation yet again on my fingers you never know - you know what I mean, at very least saving me from eye strain and reducing risk of injury to my fingers or wrists.

Reading In Airport Lounges
Airport Lounges often have newspapers from around the world.

That said, I had no entry to Singapore Airlines lounge at Heathrow, only at Changi, as I usually go in with a member of my family as I am a guest and / or travelling with somebody in a better class. Whether you are a silver or gold member makes a difference.

Travel Trips and Tricks
Allow half an hour or even an hour longer than you think you need. Some frequent flyers like to cut it fine. I don't. I don't want the stress of sitting in a traffic jam, even waiting at traffic lights, watching my watch.

If I arrive early, I can check in early, sometimes more choice of seats.

I can wander around the shops.

I can finish off the food and drink not allowed onto the plane and get rid of food and drink weighting my luggage.

I can play hunt the keys and lock the case. I can decide to re-pack and hide my hat in the check in luggage now I am indoors out of the outdoors wind and snow and rain or sun.

Star Alliance
Countries and Routes Covered 98% of the world. 193 countries.
1,317 destinations. Many in the USA. In the UK, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and more.
Many tiny countries and small islands, you can fly into the capital.
Airlines
28 airlines. Here are just a few: Type in Air, then Canada, China, India, New Zealand.
Type in Singapore Airlines, S African Airways, TAP Air Portugal, United.

Useful Websites
https://flights.staralliance.com/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Alliance
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Alliance
You can even see your choice of outgoing flights to your chosen destination - and the weather at the destination! So you know how to dress and what kind of clothing to pack.
https://flights.staralliance.com/en/flights-to-sofia
https://www.united.com/en/us

Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. I have many more posts on Singapore, Changi Airport, Heathrow Airport, the UK, world destinations, airlines. Please share links to your favourite posts.

What is good and bad on Singapore Airlines in Economy - Silver Status Doesn't Help At Heathrow

Singapore flag.

What's good and bad in economy class on Singapore Airlines?

Let us start with what is good.
If you are a member of Silverkris or Gold you can use their lounges at Changi airport in Singapore.

Food
I had a wonderful chocolate orange ice cream after dinner going from London to Singapore.
The orange flavour is entrancing and refreshing. The chocolate is in teeny slivers which add a crunch. I tried to isolate them in my mouth and found they were more waxy, like Hersheys chocolate, less creamy, unlike Cadbury's Dairy Milk avaialble on the same flight. However, the crunchiness of the more brittle, rigid waxy chocolate seemed to me to add to the overall sensory effect when mixed in as a contrast to the creamy ice cream.

My understanding of Hersheys chocolate is that it was a dark and brittle chocolate designed for the army in wartime and had to stay with a higher melting point so it did not go soft and mishapen in your pocket when carried.  The softer, creamier chocolate used in the UK and Europe by Cadbury's and Lindt with a milk base once melted and made an awful mess over the back parcel shelf in a car.
I then understood what I had previously read about chocolate.

Between meals on Singapore Airlines you are offered a bar of Cadbury's chocolate, an apple, a wrap (savoury pancake roll), or water. You will see these mentioned on the menu. The crew come around with glasses of water and trays of snacks at intervals. If your waking times do not coincide, you can go to the cabin and ask or catch somebody as they pass down the aisle.

Call Button Or Not?
I have heard it said that if you want attention you ring the call button. That is what it is there for. However, I have also heard, as you might imagine, they don't like people to ring the call button except in an emergency or they would be running backwards and forwards the whole time and unable to proceed in an orderly fashion doing their clockwise rounds giving everybody equal attention.

Drink
The coffee is served with a thimble size ersatz milk but you can ask for real milk.

Singapore Sling is served, not a great one, just pink alcohol and pineapple. It reminds me to go to Raffles Hotel, where it was said to be invented, for the real thing.

If you are a member of Krisflyer, Silver status does not get you into a lounge nor priority boarding at Heathrow.

If you have a compliment or complaint, or suggestion, they will give you a feedback form and post it on for you.

Some hotel feedback forms ask you to mention by name any member of staff who was particularly helpful (especially when the staff have name badges and notice boards on the walls  for employee  of the month). If you ask for a feedback form, the aircraft crew or staff may wonder or worry that you have made a complaint. I made a point of telling the crew that I wanted to praise the ice cream and the service, so put their minds at rest.

When I wrote my form, I started and ended with praise, as we have learned to do when evaluating speeches at Toastmasters International..

Suggestion For Vouchers
I also included a suggestion that Silverkris passengers who are not allowed into the lounge at Heathrow, should be given a voucher for food or drink or both, such as a voucher for a free coffee at Starbucks or Costa or similar or any of two or three outlets.

Useful Websites
visitbritain.com
visitbritainshop.com
Singaporeair.com
visitlondon.com
Other websites are for Changi, Heathrow and Salcombe Diary shop visits.
Ice cream sales at Salcombe Dairy who I have mentioned and praised previously:
salcombedairy.co.uk

Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.