DAY 33 - PHUKET TO SINGAPORE

A 6.00 am start heralded the day we had all been waiting for since the 1st of Jan; the flight back to Singapore and to many of the comforts we had been ill-afforded over the past two weeks. Upon leaving Phuket Town for the airport it was sad to say goodbye to Dave Hickey, our mate who had been with us for the last week and contributed to many great times and memories for the trip.

Warning on the Singapore Immigration cards

On arrival at the airport it was a no-nonsense check in and we set off for Singapore with no dramas at all. The scariest warning signs in Changi Airport stated 'Warning: Death for Drug Traffickers under Singapore Law'. Of course none of us had any drugs but it was enough to send shivers up our spines after hearing horror stories of drugs being planted on people.

We were welcomed by our old mate Ish upon landing, on holidays home from Uni on the Gold Coast where we saw him last, and as a Singapore local he kindly took us back to his house for lunch. We then we set off for the luxurious Orchard Park Suites Penthouse thanks to the Garling family who have given us the privilege of their apartment once again. Staying here for the next few days will truly be a welcome change to our last two weeks in Thailand with clean beds, bathrooms and safe water from the taps. The prospect of some rest and recuperation in this environment has been something we have all been looking forward to.

Clinic Bar, Clarke Quay

Later that day we were met by Paul, a mate of Dave and Ish from Scotland who plans to do a leg of the journey with us. We set off to Clarke Quay for a Mongolian BBQ dinner. Clarke Quay is the heart of Singapore nightlife with many bars and clubs including; Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, Fashion TV Bar and Clinic Bar. Clinic Bar gave us all a great laugh as it is set up entirely like a hospital with wheelchairs for seats and cocktails served from a drip! (see photo above) After dinner we went home to get some well anticipated rest.