Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

The third time I’ve flown this commuter route recently and it’s an unchanging experience. Flight: SQ 5426/MI 326, Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Flight time: under an hour Plane: Boeing 737-800 Class: Business Seating: three rows 2 x 2, 12 seats in all, fabric covered – the only empty seat was beside me J The meal: …

Anyone for squid?

It was a bit of a rush after the very late arrival of TG 111, but I made it to my connecting flight – just! Flight: SQ 979, Bangkok to Singapore Flight time: about 2 ½ hours Plane: Airbus 330-300 Class: Business … and full Seating: 2-2-2, leather seats in plastic shell The meal: a …

Always late?

That was what I overheard in the lounge at Chiang Mai airport, waiting for TG 111 to depart. This flight is always late, a man said. This is the fifth time I’ve taken it, and it’s always late. On today’s experience, and thinking of the late arrival of my earlier flight to CNX, he might …

To the Rose of the North

Never particularly enjoy being bussed to & from a flight but that’s how this one begins at Suvarnabhumi. And after the ride passengers have to climb up two flights of metal stairs in the heat to reach the plane. Couldn’t see any easy access, so this would be quite a challenge for the elderly, anyone …

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi is a BIG airport. Not particularly attractive, but it works. I figure, though, that for first time visitors it can be a bit overwhelming. Lots of signs in English – indeed, a former Thai PM once remarked that with so much English signage around it didn’t feel like Thailand – but not so much …

Taking off

OK. I fly a lot. Sometimes I feel like George Clooney in Up in the Air. Except of course that I’m not in the business of flying places in order to fire people. But I do fly a lot. 2016 I travelled 154,727 kilometres, and spent 216 hours in the air. Add in travelling to …

What’s not to love?

Everyone loves tiramisu. And here's a stunning variation, limoncello and white chocolate. Of course the secret, as with any tiramisu, is to make it the day before. Juice & zest of 3 lemons 3/4 cup limoncello 3/4 cup water 1 cup caster sugar Mix these together in a shallow dish, dissolving sugar. You can vary the …

Mississippi mud cake (for Max)

I hesitate to say any recipe's fool-proof, but this is the nearest I've come to one. And, what's more, it's delicious.1 tbsp instant coffee100 gms dark (or cooking) chocolate1/2 cup water1 cup sugar100 gms butterPut in pot, & heat until chocolate's melted and sugar's dissolved. Allow to cool and add 2 tbsp whisky or sherry.Meanwhile …

The things your friends make you eat

  Seared tuna cheek in a restaurant in Tokyo. Eat the eye, the waiter said, collagen. Hmm, thanks, but I think I’ll find other ways to plump my lips. And as an appetiser to this meal, we had deep fried fish spines … crunchy! But, let’s be honest, the tuna cheek was delicious, and the …

Why Wellington is cool

Walking to the Sunday market, a circle of Falun Gong followers were seated on the grass in Aro Park doing their meditative exercises as plangent music played from a portable sound system. Beside them, in the Aro Valley community hall, the wonderful uplifting singing of an African evangelical church group rose to the heavens. A …