Passing Through Singapore's Changi Airport

On my way to Bangkok, I have a four-hour layover in Singapore, which has worked hard to create an airport that can be a hub for South Asia.  Major carriers fly in from all over the world and regional carriers fly to all parts of Asia out of Singapore.  And, in addition to being very busy at its job of moving people in and out of Singapore, the airport is fun!

As I walk off the plane, I first see the great floral displays in the middle of the long concourse, some permanent, some just set up to celebrate the Chinese New Year, with places to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

 Floral displays

 Roosters for the Chinese New Year

Random little friends

Inside the departure and arrival halls, there are tall trees and other plants stretching between the floors.

 Trees and plantings rising from the arrival hall to the check-in terminals

Decorative displays by the check-in counters

I see the full terminal because I have to pass through immigration and enter Singapore in order to check in for my Tiger Airlines flight.  There is no line at immigration, entry only takes a few minutes, and the immigration agent gives me a pass to use the automatic gate for my return to the departure area after I check in with Tiger.

Once back inside the departure area, I see more great floral displays.

Another garden

Orchid garden

Wandering further, I find the sunflower garden, on a roof outside the terminal.

 Sunflower garden (on a not-sunny winter day)

I also find a list of gardens and wander over to the information desk to ask where the butterfly garden is located.  Unfortunately, it's in another terminal and I'll have to visit if on a future trip through Singapore.

Airport gardens

It's time to head to my gate (remember, we're in an airport to catch a plane) and I find a peaceful area across from the gate to relax and wait for boarding.

 Quiet area across from my gate

And, while I wait, I stick my feet into one of the free foot massage machines scattered around the gates and get an invigorating massage.

Foot massage machine

But, alas, soon it is time to depart this great airport and move on to my next stop.

On Board the Star Legend: Lounging and Barbeque

The Star Legend (and all the Windstar ships) are very comfortable to lounge around and, with a little over 200 passengers, there are always spaces to sit and relax.

 Lounging over lunch

One night, we have a real treat, an on-deck barbeque, with great food, band in the middle, and line dancing for both passengers and crew at the end.

 Barbeque and band as the sun sets

 With paella and lobster cooked on the deck

Line dancing with the crew

A few days later, the barbeque moves to the beach.

 Beach barbeque

 And, in addition to working really hard to keep our cabin spotless, our cabin attendant occastionally leaves a little towel-animal treat.

Towel animals waiting our return

And, off the back of the ship, there is a water sports platform for swimming and more lounging, with lines extending into the current and a large trampoline a short swim from the ship.  However, the current is so strong that, this trip, I dive off the trampoline and can't get back to it.  I am swimming as hard as I can and the current keeps carrying me farther away.  Laura gets the attention of the attendant, who hops into his Zodiac and comes and gets me.  Otherwise, I would have been ashore in a short while, walking back around the island to take the tender back.  We didn't take a picture of the water sports setup this cruise (too busy enjoying it), but we'll share a from a previous cruise.

Water sports activities behind off the back of the ship

We know several of the crew from previous years and its always great to see who's on the ship this year and hear what ships the other crew we know are on.

Another great, relaxing holiday cruise!

Prickly Pear Beach, BVI

Prickly Pear is a small island just off the coast of Antigua and just east of Virgin Gorda.  The island is uninhabited and a British National Park, and, most importantly to us, contains Vixen Point, another wonderful white sand beach with clear turquoise water (we're starting to get the theme)?

 Approaching Prickly Pear

The beach is set up for a barbeque, with chairs and beach toys for all of us.

Beach adventures

 Steel band

 Barbeque

Other boats pull in, one collection of rental catamarans all tie themselves together, and come ashore for lunch or a drink.

Catamaran convention

 What a great way to end our trip, followed by an early departure as we head back toward San Juan.  As we cruise out, the captain tells us that the yacht we are passing rents for $450,000 per week, not including fuel and port charges.  Must be nice!

 Sun sets as we head back to San Juan

We arrive in San Juan, head to the airport, and return home to start thinking about the next adventure.