Well, I’ve finally arrived in Singapore with body and soul intact, and for once I have actually managed to reach my destination in something vaguely resembling style. Long story short, I basically pooled every last Avios point I’d accumulated over the years, in the process somehow contriving to fly out business class for less than the cost of economy.

I must say, it was all rather civilised – or, that is, about as civilised as it gets when you’re 30,000 feet up, trapped in a giant metallic tube, breathing heavily recycled air, alongside several hundred other random fellow travellers.

Still, champagne on arrival; a seat that turned into an actual bed (still didn’t sleep a wink though…); one’s choice of wine poured from an actual bottle; plus food that was, well, at least recognisably food (if not about to win a Michelin star any time soon) – can’t complain!

Good while it lasted, although I’d best not get too used to such extravagance in future – or at least not until I’ve managed to rebuild the Avios stockpile over the next couple of years at any rate. Till then, obligatory travel-brag pics:

The return journey in economy will, I realise, be a rude bump back down to earth again, but ho hum – first world problems and all that… I do get that I’m supremely privileged to be doing trips like this at all (thanks, as ever, to the trusty lodger fund) – cattle class or not!

Having checked in at the ibis Budget Clarke Quay, despite rapidly flagging energies, I took a snap decision to head straight back out again to catch the nightly light show at the Gardens by the Bay, which if I hurried I’d still just about make. My night mode photos / vids didn’t really do the place justice, but think this kind of thing – not a bad way to pass 15 minutes (and thanks for the recommendation Anita!).

After that, I went on to explore the rest of the Clarke’s Quay by night, but I’ll talk about that more another time. At this point I have officially gone about 40 hours with no sleep, and need to say goodbye for now, before I start fallliinnnggg asleeeeep at the keeeyboard as I typppppppeeee…