Trip Background
Basically this autumn trip to Melbourne is for a retreat of sorts. Think Eat, Pray, Love. I spent most of my days in the countryside. It is about an hour and a half train ride from Melbourne to Castlemaine where my hosts would pick me up for a 20 minute road journey to where I would rest and reflect for the next week or so.
And yes, I flew Singapore Airlines on this trip.
I was booked originally on the SQ 237 flight that leaves just before midnight to allow for better rest. But it was a reconfigured B777-300 and not as comfortable as the earlier SQ 227 flight operated by the A380. But because I wanted to attend a free cupping session at 10am, I decided to switch to the earlier A380 operated SQ 227 flight.
Friday May 17
SQ 0227
SIN-MEL (Singapore – Melbourne Tullamarine)
2100/0620+ (next day)
Airbus A380-841 (9V SKF)
Seat: 82D
This is my 13th time on an A380 and 12th time on a SQ A380. I did select my seats at the time of booking, but the selections were pretty dismal. About 96 hours before the flight, more seats would open up for selection. I selected my favourite seat on the upper deck of the A380. 82D. I like that seat because it has direct aisle access. My seat mate has a direct aisle access and won’t need to disturb me. The only negative point is that it is near the galley and the toilets. But that wasn’t a problem for me.
And knowing that the first meal service on the UD of the A380 would work from front to back, and the second from back to front, I ordered a seafood meal knowing that I would get to eat first and therefore be able to sleep quickly.
Here are the pictures from the seafood meal and from the menu.
The set consisted of a fish in cream sauce, some vegetables (can't tell which) and a pasta salad with tuna.
Apparently the chilli that accompanied the chicken option is pretty spicy and fiery.
There were three crew members – all females – working the upper deck on this flight. 2 Leading, 1 Flight. Normal crew composition would be 1 Leading and 2 Flight. But on this flight, one of the leading stewardess was an Indonesian who sounded more Singaporean than Indonesian. She was on standby duty and she was activated. She’s pretty friendly and was all smiles for the flight.
The only complaint about the flight was that the aircraft was really hot and stuffy when I first boarded. It persisted until take off when the cabin cooled down.
Nevertheless, I was still happy to be on an SQ flight after having been a ‘prodigal child’ for the last few trips. I still feel the meal quality and amount in economy on SQ is still unparalleled and unmatched except for TG.
I had a great sleep during the flight thanks to my neck pillow and plugging my earphones in to listen to some music. I did not feel too jetlagged arriving in Melbourne.
I received an express arrival card to use at immigration at Melbourne. The gate agent at Singapore was really nice. A Chinese (national) lady Perhaps it does pay to smile and be polite to others.
Waiting for baggage after an A380 flight is not a pleasant experience, something which negates the usefulness of the express pass. As I brought medicines with me, I had to declare them at customs. But customs just took a look at my card and waved me past.
For those who are interested, you could buy a prepaid mobile data plan (SIM card) from the Optus shop at the International arrivals hall at Tullamarine. It’s $30 for 1GB which you can top up. Just present your passport.
I got into Melbourne city using the Skybus – a shuttle bus service that leaves regularly for Spencer St Station at $17 one way or $28 return. It operates at a frequency of about 10 minutes and takes about 20 over minutes to get to Melbourne city barring no severe traffic conditions. Skybus also offers a transfer service from Spencer St Station to the hotel.
Basically this autumn trip to Melbourne is for a retreat of sorts. Think Eat, Pray, Love. I spent most of my days in the countryside. It is about an hour and a half train ride from Melbourne to Castlemaine where my hosts would pick me up for a 20 minute road journey to where I would rest and reflect for the next week or so.
And yes, I flew Singapore Airlines on this trip.
I was booked originally on the SQ 237 flight that leaves just before midnight to allow for better rest. But it was a reconfigured B777-300 and not as comfortable as the earlier SQ 227 flight operated by the A380. But because I wanted to attend a free cupping session at 10am, I decided to switch to the earlier A380 operated SQ 227 flight.
Friday May 17
SQ 0227
SIN-MEL (Singapore – Melbourne Tullamarine)
2100/0620+ (next day)
Airbus A380-841 (9V SKF)
Seat: 82D
This is my 13th time on an A380 and 12th time on a SQ A380. I did select my seats at the time of booking, but the selections were pretty dismal. About 96 hours before the flight, more seats would open up for selection. I selected my favourite seat on the upper deck of the A380. 82D. I like that seat because it has direct aisle access. My seat mate has a direct aisle access and won’t need to disturb me. The only negative point is that it is near the galley and the toilets. But that wasn’t a problem for me.
And knowing that the first meal service on the UD of the A380 would work from front to back, and the second from back to front, I ordered a seafood meal knowing that I would get to eat first and therefore be able to sleep quickly.
Here are the pictures from the seafood meal and from the menu.
The set consisted of a fish in cream sauce, some vegetables (can't tell which) and a pasta salad with tuna.
Apparently the chilli that accompanied the chicken option is pretty spicy and fiery.
There were three crew members – all females – working the upper deck on this flight. 2 Leading, 1 Flight. Normal crew composition would be 1 Leading and 2 Flight. But on this flight, one of the leading stewardess was an Indonesian who sounded more Singaporean than Indonesian. She was on standby duty and she was activated. She’s pretty friendly and was all smiles for the flight.
The only complaint about the flight was that the aircraft was really hot and stuffy when I first boarded. It persisted until take off when the cabin cooled down.
Nevertheless, I was still happy to be on an SQ flight after having been a ‘prodigal child’ for the last few trips. I still feel the meal quality and amount in economy on SQ is still unparalleled and unmatched except for TG.
I had a great sleep during the flight thanks to my neck pillow and plugging my earphones in to listen to some music. I did not feel too jetlagged arriving in Melbourne.
I received an express arrival card to use at immigration at Melbourne. The gate agent at Singapore was really nice. A Chinese (national) lady Perhaps it does pay to smile and be polite to others.
Waiting for baggage after an A380 flight is not a pleasant experience, something which negates the usefulness of the express pass. As I brought medicines with me, I had to declare them at customs. But customs just took a look at my card and waved me past.
For those who are interested, you could buy a prepaid mobile data plan (SIM card) from the Optus shop at the International arrivals hall at Tullamarine. It’s $30 for 1GB which you can top up. Just present your passport.
I got into Melbourne city using the Skybus – a shuttle bus service that leaves regularly for Spencer St Station at $17 one way or $28 return. It operates at a frequency of about 10 minutes and takes about 20 over minutes to get to Melbourne city barring no severe traffic conditions. Skybus also offers a transfer service from Spencer St Station to the hotel.
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