Tuesday February 14, 2023,
The morning started with breakfast at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago on the swimming pool floor, followed by a few odds and ends before checking out at 11AM and took a taxi over to Raffles Hotel. The last two times we had been to Singapore it was under renovation and all boarded up. In fact last time we were here on January 25th, 2019, with cousin Judy we did make it to the Long Bar, on the second floor, the place where the Singapore Sling drink was originated. Peanut bags are served in the bar and you are encouraged to peel the peanuts and throw the outside husk on the floor. It is the sight of many a famous person emailing and telling tall stories. This time we didn’t make to the Long Bar as we had to be on the ship by the time it opened. We did, however, as we had luggage for our overnight stay, enter through the main entrance to be greeted by the iconic liveried Sikh doormen, that have greeted guests since it was constructed by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, and the white marble and white hotel that covers the entire block.
We were able to wander along the passageways and dressed in a blue blazer we seemed to feel we belonged, so despite meeting a lot of staff as we roamed the corridors, all just said good morning and we wandered all around. Eventually finding the fancy shops including the Raffles shop where a little “damage” was done! It was now time for our Valentine’s Day Champagne “High Tea” at 1PM! It was the only time available, so we took the time slot and considered it lunch. A tremendous spread starting each with two scones, clotted cream and jam, followed by a selection of sandwiches and cakes all immaculately served on a triple layer silver structure permitting a plate to rest carefully on each layer with the food. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal, seated in a corner of the Grand Lobby, watching the world go by.
Just as we were leaving and the bellman was arranging for baggage to be placed in the taxi, who should walk in but good friends – the Eder’s – Eileen and Andrew. She and I both serve on the Board of Governor’s of the University of New Haven and Anne & Andrew do the “spouse” activities together. They are heading off to a National Geographic tour of Cambodia and Vietnam. We chatted for a bit and went our separate ways. A small world it is!
We were soon back at the quay, through the immigration, security and other such formalities and back on the ship. The evening entertainment was an excellent singer – Jennifer Tierney – who just finished the run of “Come from Away” on the West End in London. It’s an excellent show about he people in Gander, Canada that saw the presence of various large aircraft when they were being re-routed on 9/11. The town tripled in size and the local people did everything in their power to help those stranded for several days in this small town.
Roger & Anne Travels 