My word that's a loud noise!

Rise and shine! 4.15am starts really hurt. Poppy is experiencing the pleasure of jetlag. He has been up for two hours already. It was time to say goodbye to Dartford (I can't get "oooooonnee hhunnnndrrrrreeed annd eeeiiiiiggghhhhtttyyyyyyyyyy!!!!" out of my head, damn darts!) 

Checked out we went for the train with all of our bags. Changing at Charing Cross and Leicester Square was difficult as these stations don't have lifts. I somehow grew super strength to carry two bags down 60-70 steps. Footy pre-season has started early! 

On to Hammersmith where there was a lift, thank goodness. It's now the start of the Cosmos tour, the "Grand tour of Britain and Ireland" which will take us around for the next 15 days. 

Checked in, on the bus, off we go! The tour director, Geoff is an enthusiastic and energetic man. He gets a show of hands of nationalities.  27 Australians, 12 Americans, 2 Malaysians and 2 Singaporeans are on the trip.

I look around and I'm by far the youngest person on this trip. 99% of the other people are either pushing 50 or are over 50 years old. You can't win them all, I've got blogs to write anyway ;)

First stop, Stonehenge. One of the great mysteries of the world. Jumping off the bus it was chilly and foggy. Perfect weather for Stonehenge! At first glance everyone would think "oh that looks...small". But you stand back for a minute,  soak up the gloomy atmosphere amongst the lush rolling green hills and wonder how this engineering was possible thousands of years ago. You start hypothesising your own theories and imagination. Truly magical. It really is one of those sites that you "must see to believe".

Back on the bus, continuing down the A306, the next stop is Widecombe-on-the-Moor. Widecombe is a tiny village atop a large hill. A few of us went for a cheeky tea and scones before checking out the village and its old cemetery. 

Driving out on the bus was a challenge. Very narrow, typical British road lined with hedges and sharp drops. We came to a crawl several times as cars squeezed past us with literally millemeters to spare. 

Further down the road were a lot of dry stone walls. Those who watch Lè Tour de France would know that Paul Sherwen is an avid admirer of dry stone walls. I had his voice stuck in my head the entire time I was looking out the window. 

Another two hours down the road and we quickly checked out Plymouth. The Mayflower

as well as many other ships that sailed to Australia departed from Plymouth. After forty-five minutes of heavy traffic we made our way to the first pit-stop of the tour, Torquay. It's a pretty little seaside town with a huge bay. The hotel we stayed in was once the only 5 star hotel in the South West of England.  It's very old, has some of its charm but it has been rundown a lot. 

Dinner was included on the first night. The three course meal, with glimpses of ocean views from our table was absolutely delicious! 

We called it a night. Whilst sleeping, we nearly hit the roof as the fire alarm went off for about ten seconds. We didn't think anything of it. Then the darn thing went off 15 minutes later! Nearly fell out of the bed. Oh well, at least they work!

Londoning - one for the price of two

Overdue for this one - two entries for the price of one!

It was early morning and I frantically rummage around the AFL Live app to get the ABC Grandstand call of the Grand Final. As soothing as it was to hear Gerard Wheatley's voice, it just wasn't the same as watching it. Soooo I may or may not have signed up to the AFL World streaming for a small fee and watched the Hawks march to a thumping victory, on my Samsamg 

Galaxy.

Poppy's birthday was today! Off to Victoria Station. We were to change onto a tube, to get to Hyde Park. Poppy didn't believe the stories of how big it was and needed to see it for himself. Now he knows, it's one green monster in the middle of a packed city. Oh the serenity!

As we got towards Hyde Park Corner tube station, we came across a big monument with the Australian Coat of Arms in plain view. It was indeed an Australian War Memorial paying tribute to the partnership between the Australian and British troops throughout several wars. On the wall was an inscription of all the suburbs where Australian servicemen and women resided before going on and ultimately perishing in battle.

Toilet stop and a Starbucks later we were off again. Small hitch this time. The District and Circle lines were closed all weekend for track work. Not only did a handful of key stations shut their doors, this made the remaining lines absolutely packed with customers.

Off to the British Museum, to see what all the fuss is about. Phenomenal building! The exhibits...yeah they were alright. Egyptian Mummies were a bit creepy!

Out of the Museum we were going to go back to around the Tower Bridge as we had seen some swanky looking pubs to have a birthday ale, but we settled around Bank as the track closures meant it was way too far to walk, traffic was at a standstill. We found a place. A bit more of a hipster place but Poppy fit right in. Fish and Chips for Poppy and I had a suave looking burger with a pint of Peroni, at London prices, of course.

We spoke about souvenirs to buy for friends and family. I thought of Harrods. Not to buy anything but just to have a squizz around. Knightsbridge Station was the stop. 

Now, the plan was to walk in, have a glance and walk out. But we spent nearly two hours looking around at detailed sculptures, legendary suits, fine foods and the latest technologies at jaw dropping prices. It makes Myer look like your local Aldi. There's everything you can imagine in here. Clothing, makeup, restaurants, bars, butchers, delis, white goods, homewares, travel agencies, sporting goods, gadgets, jewelers, Christmas stuff and if that's not enough Harrods even has it's own dedicated gift shop! It's the one stop shop for those who either own Oil Rigs, those who are English Premier League superstars, Pop Divas, Hollywood A-Listers and so on and so forth

Walking outside seeing a line up of Bentleys, Ferrari, McLarens etc, the weather turned very gloomy, putting the London Eye out of the question for the afternoon. Our legs were broken, time for a beer and to get back to Dartford.

Onto Sunday;

"Slept in" to 7.45. Our legs were still sore from yesterday after all the walking and waiting, especially for the trains. Off we go again. A very foggy start greeted us but it very quickly turned into a beautiful day with the mercury climbing to the low 20s

This time we get a train to London Charing Cross, a lot more connections there to transport that isn't closed for track work. 

We did a "practice run" to the meeting point for the Cosmos Tour that starts tomorrow. Got to Hammersmith with no issue, except it took a very long time (damn closures!) and we found out exactly where to go, we can sleep easy tonight.

We loved the Singapore bumboat tour so much that we wanted to do something on the River Thames. From Tower Bridge we embarked on a 40 minute circular cruise that took us all the way down to Westminster (Big Ben, Parliament, London Eye etc) and back whilst learning a little bit more about the Thames and its surrounds.

After a Malaysian invasion the other day I wanted to show Poppy how Trafalgar Square looked in its prime state. I mislead us on the tube and ended up in Oxford Circus. Got out for a look at the shopping strip and it's going bananas for the NFL game that's in town between the Miami Dolphins and the Oakland Raiders. Street banners everywhere and a lot of people wearing Miami clothing. I looked up ticket prices but it's too expensive considering my lack of understanding of the sport.

Anyway a couple of stops down we arrived to Trafalgar Square. I love this place. It's history, the monuments, the National Gallery and the view down Parliament Street is fantastic! You can literally sit on a step and people watch all day or take in a street performance. 

Onwards towards Downing Street for a quick look at perhaps the most protected cul-de-sac in the world. Time to soak in the glory of Westminster Abbey. A Japanese couple had their wedding right outside it whilst we were there.

Another pint down we walked alongside The London Eye. One look at the line was enough to discourage us from doing it this time around. We soaked up the twilight atmosphere along the river with market stalls and street performances, whilst slowly making our way back to Charing Cross station to go back to Dartford.

What I've learnt about myself in the last three days is this: I just wanna get filthy rich, buy a Ferrari, perhaps a flat on Mayfair, buy my meats from Harrods Butchery and live a Londoner life.

There's no one reason for it. But there's just something that draws me to this city. Its history. Its modern culture. Its future. Every street corner tells a completely different yet fascinating story that spans back hundreds of years. Like I said I don't know what it is - but yet again London has won me over.

That's a rare sight, sunshine in London!

Slept like a baby. We had to change rooms at our hotel this morning as no electrical points nor TV worked in our original room.

After brekky we headed to the train station to get into the thick of London - my version of a fantasy land on steroids. The decision was made, let's have the most stereotypical touristy London day. All the big sights and sounds!

As it was his first time it was up to Poppy to decide what we did in the first part of the day. Buckingham Palace it was.

A gloomy day greeted us as we walked out of Victoria Station towards the Palace.

We were there at the time of the changing of the guard. We couldn't get anywhere near the front gates to get any view of the action but the other precessions of horses and marching bands going down The Mall was good fun to look at.

Next stop Trafalgar Square. It's been invaded by Malaysia! The entire place has been occupied by some sort of Malaysian festival. Lots of over priced food stalls which smell amazing. We used bottom of Trafalgar Square as a good opportunity to snap a quick selfie.

Onwards towards the tube and we found M&M World. Four floors of everything imaginable with M&Ms on it. It's the most beautifully smelling shop I've ever been it. Chocolatey heaven.

Off the tube we looked up in awe at The Shard, before walking over London Bridge and along the Thames. We stopped for a coffee along side the Tower Bridge whilst Poppy wrote his first postcard to send back home. I had to stop him from writing to everyone all at once 😉

We did the tour of the Tower Bridge and it was marvelous. Poppy, a huge admirer of anything to do with engineering, couldn't get over what it took and how they built the structure. Then whilst at the top of the bridge we were evacuated. Don't know what happened but they got everyone out.

Then a phenomenon that very few tourists experience in London occurred: sunshine and blue sky!

The last 'big' thing to see today was 'Big' Ben (see what I did there!?) and the Houses of Parliament. When you look closely at the fine intricate working of the structure you really do start to appreciate the accomplishment these buildings were to construct back in their day.

Again our legs and feet were nearly falling off. Back on the train to Dartford for a well earned beer and a hot shower.

Poppy's birthday tomorrow. He gets his big surprise from me on October 16 (you'll see why), but a fun and slightly drunk day is ensured.

When turbulence hits, hold your Vodka!

3.13am, my eyes jolt open. 3.15am, the alarm goes off. Poppy was already awake too, we are so excited for today. It reminded me of that Seinfeld episode where Kramer explains how he doesn't need an alarm clock because he sets it in his head and goes 'kapow!'

The taxi rocks up bang on 4.15am, just as we requested. It was raining heavily and the taxi driver explained in his very heavy Malay accent "oh just small rain, only 2 or 3 hours". Puts Darwin's rainfall to shame! He asked us what airline we are flying and as soon as I said Air India, he knew which terminal and exactly where in the terminal the Air India check in is. Legend.

Checked in we went to the lounge. It was the start of many firsts. First time in a lounge, first time in Business Class and the first time I had vodka at 6.30am.

Air India AI381 - Singapore to Delhi

As I mentioned just above, this is our first trip ever in Business Class. How's the leg room! Being a tall bean pole this is freaking amazeballs!! The brekky served on a plastic plate, so long al-foil tins of goop. Flying the brand new 787 Dreamliner was great. Huge windows, the cabin didn't dry out like normal and my word how good are business class seats?!

Landed in Delhi just ahead of schedule under hazy skies. Going through the security checkpoint I was 'lucky' enough to get a sly feel in the nether regions. It's security, I know they need to do it but it was a bit of a 'oh wow did that just happen' moment.

Air India AI111 - Delhi to London

Boeing 777-300 this time. No where near as full in the business cabin. The standard in service has kicked up 21642%. Personally escorted to our seats, three juices before take off, never ending lunch service (had my standard Vodka/Lemonade and lunch was served with Chardonnay). Hors d'oeuvre of a weird yet tasty chicken, apple and slaw combination followed by a very spicy chicken in coriander and mint curry served with Indian sides on a proper china plate, with a real smile from the crew. The Captain even came out for a minute and spoke to a guy, I think one of his friends is a passenger. 

The lunch was served high over Afghanistan. We all know this place all too well for it's conflicts and extremist groups. However the scenery is...I don't know. It literally took my breath away. Photos just don't do it justice. The options for Western entertainment are very limited. Bollywood all the way with Air India, and rightly so. In fact as I look over Poppy is watching a Bollywood blockbuster!

The flight path eventually took us high over Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan and Russia before heading into Western Europe. The Russians nearly ruined my vodka as a couple of sharp turbulent jolts nearly made my drink spill all over me. Crises averted, vodka went down very, very well.

We landed and sat on a taxi way for 20 minutes whilst Heathrow battled through some peak time issues.

We are now in Dartford! A bit out of the way from London but it's a very nice hotel, especially for the dirt cheap price we paid. A beer in the bar and a shower went down a treat. However there's no power getting to my phone when I plug it in to charge, this could be a problem! Oh well.

London tomorrow. Feel like a rich kid waiting for the toy store to open for Christmas...

Why aren't those shops open?

Singapore started off with an early morning rain storm, giving us a steamy welcome as we left the hotel for the MRT. We walked through the heart of Geylang towards Aljinied Station. The combination of fresh fruit, hot food and spices along the sidewalks made it a very interesting journey for the nostrils. 

On the train we got to Chinatown. A coffee down, we were now hungry (well I was anyway) and stumbled across Maxwell Street Hawker Centre. For $3, a big bowl of fish ball soup hit the spot!

As much as we wanted to get stuck into Chinatown, deep down we just wanted to head downtown to get amongst the main action of Singapore. After accidentally getting the train to Marina Bay Sands (where we were last night), we took the opportunity to appreciate the full glory of the building in the full light of day.

Short hop over to Raffles Place. Walked out of the station into a jungle of skyscrapers, business people and what just seemed like the future. It's pretty much everything you ask for in a CBD; tall buildings, lots of shopping, green spaces to chill, clean, ultra safe with friendly people. People have always told me home squeeky clean this place is and I always thought there'd be some litter flying around. I was wrong.

We noticed boats on the river. Let's get on a boat! 45 minute cruise took us right up and down the river as well as the bay. The camera went into overtime.

Poppy then says "I'd like a beer". From the cruise we picked Clark Quay as a swanky spot to sink a couple. We had been warned on booze prices here but we found a "2 for 1" happy hour with my favourite Stella Artios costing SGD$16!! So that, with pizza, on the river; happiness.

For those playing along at home, you could buy a stubby of XXXX Gold for S$12! I wouldn't pay that much for two in Australia...

We were exhausted. Lots of trains and walking. Poppy is amazed on the efficiency and cleanliness of the MRT and the city as a whole. Back to Aljinied Station.

On the walk back we were hungry and decided to see what the Geylang food scene was about. Prawn stir fry for $5, I'm in heaven!

Oh now I promised you all a story about the Red Light District. It's nothing spectacular. We found about 13-15...'workers' dressed nicely like a cute girl in a club. A lot of them made eye contact with me possibly hoping for some...'work', but here you just smile and keep walking.

Well this update has come live and exclusive from Terminal 2 of Changi Airport. We are off to London via New Delhi on Air India, in business class! Our first and probably only time we will live the rich life.

The dragon that is Heathrow awaits in 17 hours. Until the next Wifi connection, catch you later!

Are we still in Queensland?

At long last the time finally arrived. We were off! After a few cheeky airport beers we boarded an Etihad Airways flight bound for Singapore.

Flying over the Gulf of Caprenteria, East Timor and Indonesia, I must say the level of service and attention Etihad gave all of their passengers on the flight were outstanding. I never had an empty drink in front of me.

Walked out of the fragrant Changi Airport and headed straight into a taxi for our hotel in Geylang, Singapore's 'Red Light District'. More on that in the next blog.

We ventured into the metropolis and finally hailed down a cab to check out Marina Bay Sands. After being denied access to the top of Marina Bay Sky Park (I wasn't wearing long pants), we wandered down to The Singapore Flyer for 165 metre high spectacular views of absolutely everything.

We were exhausted. Stuffed. We stumbled back across the bridge and went home to the hotel. The room is tiny. My feet and ankles hang off the rock hard bed but my gees I slept like a baby.

That ends day one. Tomorrow we tackle Singapore head on! Can't wait!

The Start

I'm Higgo. Also known as Tyson, T-Dizzle, Uncle Beanstalk, Missy, Theo or by my real name, Tyler. 

This is my blog. I've never even thought of doing one before but here we are. Why am I doing this? Well in the slim chance I get really drunk one night and want to let loose on the world, here is your goldmine!

But in all seriousness I'm about to embark on an epic overseas adventure with my Grandfather, better known as 'Poppy'. This blog is to simply keep my interested family and friends updated with our trip.

Where are we going you may ask? Well! We leave tomorrow, for Singapore which to me is one of the most fascinating places in the world. After two nights there we go to London. After we celebrate Poppy's 82nd birthday there we are going on a tour around England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland for 15 days before arriving back into London. Then off to Delhi for 46 hours of madness before heading back to Singapore for a couple of days. After 30 extraordinary days we land back safe and sound at home with this blog as a treasure piece to look back on.

Oh and a fun fact (I like fun facts), Poppy has never been overseas before! Yep, tomorrow is the start of his dream trip. He's been waiting nearly 45 years to take the long journey to the United Kingdom and I'm the lucky guy who gets to share the experiences of his dream holiday.

What writing experience do I have? None. This is pretty much going to be a straight, honest and open blog.

Come along for the ride, whoever you are! This is going to be an awesome 30 days. After that, who knows, I might even keep this thing going.

See you bright and early tomorrow morning.

Higgo.