At Changi, Mr. Ho said goodbye and suggested that we check out the butterfly garden in the airport. Several people did that, others pooled their remaining Singapore coins to buy chocolate bars and some of us just settled in to read until time to board. It’s a lovely airport, bright and clean, quiet and efficient. Everyone is very polite and it was very smooth. Going through screening the attendant asked me to open my bag and told me what he was looking for. So easy – I could just show him. At most airports it’s forbidden to help find whatever the problem object is and the security attendants waste time looking through everything. Singapore is certainly an orderly place! Mr. Ho told us about innovations to prevent peeing in elevators and to protect the privacy of flat residents near the LRT lines. He explained the use of microchips to track library books and hospital equipment.
On take-off we could see many ships in the harbour, this being one of the largest ports in the world.
In Singapore English and Mandarin were chosen as the main languages for schools, since that gives a clear edge for international relations and trade.
The flight was uneventful and although the airport in Bali was chaotic, we eventually made our way out. An agent had met us with our entry visas, saving us the trouble of lining up for them. Our guide led us to the bus, and a young woman presented each of us with a lei of frangipani.
On the way to the hotel we saw a interesting, old, crowded town. We were told that most of the population here is Hindu and that is reflected in beautiful temples and statues along the way. The resort hotel is quite amazing! It is sprawled across a huge property with pool, ponds, a long white beach, lawns pavilions, and beautifully-decorated, comfortable rooms. From our balcony we could see what appeared to be preparations for a wedding on the lawn.
Our dinner was served on the lawn near the beach and was delicious and impeccably served.
Afterward most of us strolled along the beach walk and talked about what we plan to do for our four days here.
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