Warming Up

Hot and humid. That's the overwhelming  summary of Singapore right now. Fortunately we've missed the thunderstorms that were forecast and have been blessed with some great weather. We've just had a swim in the pool and are sitting on the bus, heading back to Changi Airport. The fun is about to begin. But first, here's what we got up to yesterday:

Monday 4 December

10.30am - Everyone arrived at Auckland Airport on time, and it was straight to the check-in counter. Double points to the Illings who were there half an hour early - we love the enthusiasm! Triple points to the staff (because I can) who were all there early - a marked contrast to the efforts of previous tour leaders who shall remain nameless.

11.15am - Check-in completed after a minor hiccup with a few bags initially being sent straight through to Kolkata. (Who knows where they would've ended up after that?!) Fortunately those bags were recalled and, thanks to the great work of the Singapore Airlines staff, we all have our luggage in tow.

11.30am - Handshakes, hugs, kisses, and tears were shared as we say our goodbyes. A momentary wave of silence fell over the boys as the realisation hit that they have just left their loving families for the next month. Ryan Donovan broke the silence with "Yeah, nah, I think I'm going to miss Mum, ay."

11.45am - Through security despite airport staff most definitely thinking Miller Hawkesby's camera was something more sinister, we found a quiet spot to sit and have a chat about the adventure that awaits us and, in particular, the need to look after each other. Leo Smith had bestowed upon him the great responsibility of being the tour Fine Master, a role he has taken on with immediate passion, promptly and appropriately booking Mr Crook for wearing green travel pants instead of the prescribed tour uniform shorts - who does this guy think he is?!

1.45pm - After some time to wander through a revamped Auckland Airport and a slight delay in boarding we boarded SQ286, ready for take-off. On board we enjoyed great food, movies, and even the company of half the England Women's Hockey team, who have recently finished playing the World League Final in Auckland. 

6.55pm - Despite departing late we touched down in a foggy-looking Singapore before our ETD of 7.05pm. Somehow, for whatever reason, the 2 people who began the flight sitting next to Shane Jordan had shifted seats by the end of the flight.

8.15pm - Through customs and stepping out of the incredible Changi Airport, we were immediately smacked by a humid 32oC before boarding our coach to the hotel.

8.35pm - Arrival at Hotel Grand Pacific. We quickly dumped our bags before heading out to Bugis St Markets with the challenge to get lost in its assortment of alleyways and cheap, knock-off goods. Notable purchases include Ben Lerner's glittery silver cap with ears and pink Club Penguin watches for Rowan Burns and Josh Roberts.

9.45pm - Dinner at either Bugis Food Market or Taste Bud Food Court. We all enjoyed an arrangement of fried rices, curries, and stir fries, all for a max of 7 SGD!!! One George Skinner even pigged out on an intestine stir fry - good man!

10.30pm - Mr Crook leads the group on a tour of Singapore around Marina Bay, taking in Suntec City, the Eye of Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, and the beautiful architecture and Christmas lights that surround the marina. With his travel pants now zipped off at the knee, becoming shorts, it's as if the group is led by the light that radiates off Mr Crook's distinctly British white legs and some of the boys draw parallels to Rudolph the red nose reindeer. "I'm moon-tanning!" he exclaimed.

12.20am - Now after 5am NZ time, it is definitely time for bed. The team has put in a big shift and there are some weary bodies about - great effort boys!

Thought - We all crave a certain amount of structure in our lives. Predictability, routine, and certainty are comfortable and easy and, of course, necessary. Walking around Singapore tonight with its clean streets, carefully planned buildings and underpasses, and traffic that obeyed a system, you couldn't help but appreciate the order of the place. We are about to head into a country that throws all of that out the window and replaces it with chaos. No doubt it will be uncomfortable at times but we hope it will stretch us and challenge us.

MVP - Mark Crook. Leadership by example is something that is, I'm sure, talked about regularly at Grammar. So when Mr Crook rocked up to the airport sporting trousers instead of the prescribed tour shorts I was surprised, to say the least. Is he not a fan of navy? Are the pockets too deep for him? I'm not sure we will ever know. But the man has redeemed himself extraordinarily with an outstanding tour of Singapore tonight in a true showing of "I get knocked down, but I get up again" and for that he is worthy of today's MVP award.

Tom