It's that Time of the Year Again

This is the time. The time that everyone takes a final look into the last 364 days. When it passes 23:59:59 tonight, we drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let the dead past bury its own dead. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.

This is a celebration of the end of one chapter of our lives and the beginning of a new chapter. New Year promises fresh start and fill every heart with hopes and aspirations. New Year is the time to unfold new horizons and realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength and faith within you, to rejoice in simple pleasures and gear up for the new challenges.

Raise a toast to good times and welcome year 2011 with a huge blast. Here am i, wishing you and i eternal bliss and superb time ahead.

This post officially concludes the year 2010. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

A Short Break in Singapore 11/11/10 - 15/11/10 (Part III)

My flight back to Kota Kinabalu was scheduled to depart at 8.50am. I left the hotel around 6am and arrived at the airport about 25 minutes later. Plenty of time for me to check out the Terminal 3.

A Singapore Airlines code-share flight, operated by Silk Air to Kota Kinabalu

The old style flight information display board

It was only 6.30am ...

There is even a gym in Terminal 2 ... How thoughtful of SATS

This is the MRT station inside Terminal 2. A one-way ride train ticket from here to Orchard Road only cost S$2 (only S$1.64 if you use EZ-Link or Nets Flashpay). If you take a regular city cab, it will cost you no less than S$22.

There are plenty of ATMs around ...

The first glimpse into the area after passing through immigration check. I didn't waste much time at the airport's departure hall. Instead, i cleared immigration early so i can explore the magnificent Terminal 3

There are a few skytrains linking Terminal 1, 2 & 3 in Changi

Look at the one of a kind ceiling design ... It allows plenty of natural lights into the terminal during daytime.

Interior of Terminal 3 after clearing immigration

The butterfly garden inside Terminal 3

There is a mini movie theatre inside Terminal 3. You do not not have to pay for it. It was showing Sherlock Holmes that morning.

There are plenty of such areas in Changi ...

It was time to board the aircraft ...

Boarding ...

Safety demonstration played via the drop-down LCD screens

Taxiing ... A full flight to Kota Kinabalu today ...

Meal service

My breakfast

A Short Break in Singapore 11/11/10 - 15/11/10 (Part II)

I moved to the fancier and bigger Mandarin Orchard Hotel (previously known as Meritus Mandarin) which is much nearer to the MRT station on the second day. They were having a special weekend promotion and the room rate quoted to me was about the same as Concorde Hotel. Concorde Hotel is a 4-star hotel located near the end of Orchard Road and 5 minutes walk away from the nearest MRT whilst Mandarin Orchard Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the middle of the bustling Orchard Road and only 2 minutes walk to Somerset MRT station. It's a no-brainer had i choose not move right ?

Hotel lobby located on the 5th floor. All check-ins and check-outs are to be done here.

This is the reception and bell boy counter located on Ground floor, the main entrance of the hotel in the Main Tower

The hotel main entrance in the Main Tower block

Spotted this two fancy cars outside the hotel main entrance

This hotel has two tower blocks (Main Tower & Orchard Wing), making a total 1051 tenantable rooms.

This hotel first opened its doors in 1971 and the design of its rooms have largely remained the same ever since. I stayed here for 4 nights back in early 2008 and the only difference i noticed in this room is the Philip LCD TV. They were still using a 21" box-type TV in 2008.

A separate bathtub and shower stall. Generally, everything is very well-maintained too.

You can see my hotel from here. It is still bearing the name "Meritus Mandarin".

Orchard Road at night

High tea

Last minute shopping on my last day in Singapore

To be continued !