All good things have to come to an end. This day marked the last day of this trip. However, as our flight was not until the evening, we still had things to look forward to. My rather cynical wish that the wet weather would put a damper on the activities at the beach clubs appeared to have come true and we had an undisturbed night. We were awake at around 08:30 and woke up to a beautiful morning. We got up and taking turns having a shower. While Graham was in the shower, I reorganised my suitcase. Then we headed down to the pool. This time I had come prepared and had brough my phone. We initially stayed down the shady end. I was hoping that the corellas would reappear. I was out of luck on this count. I swam to the opposite end of the pool and back again. I was just about to get out of the pool when there was a rather large bird incoming to the trees by gym, which was next to the pool where we were. I took a photo of the bird and realised that I was looking at something rather special. Using the identification tool that comes as part of the photo software on Apple devices, I found out that this was an oriental pied hornbill. They can be found all over Asia and in most countries, the populations are quite healthy. However, they were extinct in Singapore from the 1960s to the 1990s. The population is now thankfully growing, but back in November, it still stated that the species is critically endangered in Singapore. This has now thankfully changed. Still, whatever the conservation status, this was a cool sighting. The oriental pied hornbill was not bothered by the people at all and was around for some time. Once it had departed, we had a short time in the hot tub and then we headed back to the room.
We had another quick shower each and finished the packing. Then we headed to reception to check out. We left our luggage with them and then we did some more exploring. We knew that the resort had a rooftop garden, but what not managed to get up there prior to this point. We loved this area. The first area we got to was patio area with a roof overlooking the sea with some sun loungers. We settled down in this area for a while before moving on. The next area was the actual garden area, but we just walked past there. The final area was overlooking a woodland, and we were looking straight at the canopy. This area was a complete birdwatchers’ paradise. We gave up trying to identify what we were seeing after about 10 minutes. There were just so many different birds. It was at this point that we decided to come back this year. Yes, the noise from the beach clubs was irritating, but the resort has so many redeeming features that we are happy to just come prepared. We have decided that this time round, we will have three nights at the resort first to recharge our batteries before heading to Penang for a few days and then do the busiest part of the trip last.
Once the rumbling of our stomachs was threatening to scare the birds away, we decided to head downstairs to the café. Graham had another cucumber mint iced tea and a beefburger with waffle fries and salad. I had some watermelon mint iced tea and the pineapple fried rice with chicken satay and peanut sauce. Everything was delicious again. Once we had finished our lunch, we went back upstairs to retrieve our luggage. Then I ordered a Grab. This did not have to come very far as it was near Imbiah station, and the driver arrived about 5 minutes later.
We had a nice clear run to the airport. The driver was quite talkative and knowledgeable. I learned quite a lot of interesting things. When we arrived at the airport, I went to find the check in area. As we had got there quite early, check in was not open yet. We found some seats nearby. There was also a Starbucks in the area. I got us both a pistachio oat milk iced shaken latte. I was also hoping to pick up a Bearista Bear for my collection. They had bears with a Singapore apron at Gardens by the Bay, but I did not want to carry around a bear all day. I am glad that I had not bought it as at the airport they also had Merlion Bearista Bear. Needless to say, one of them got adopted. This also solved another issue. I kept seeing Disney Cruise Line merchandise airside. I knew that this was linked to a reward program but was not sure of the ins and outs of this. On the way to the airport, I decided to see if I could find some more information about this online. I was able to find the terms and conditions. I downloaded the app and registered. There was a minimum spend to qualify for purchasing this merchandise. The two coffees and my Merlion Bearista Bear covered this. I made sure that my receipt was stamped.
Once I had finished my coffee, I went in search of a bathroom. As amazing as Changi Airport is, it is not perfect. There is a distinct shortage of bathrooms landside. There was only one bathroom in terminal we were flying from, and this was closed for maintenance. I had to go right to where the various trains are leaving from to find another bathroom. Once I got back to Graham, I spotted that check in was open. With Etihad, we had to check in at the counter, but the line was not particularly long and was moving swiftly. About 5 minutes later, we were checked in and free to go through immigration. We breezed through the e-gates. The next order of the day was getting the Disney Cruise Lin Blanket that I had been after. We found a redemption point straightaway. The process was rather cumbersome, but I did get my blanket.
Then we explored the airport a little more. There are all kinds of interesting features including aquariums and gardens. There was still something on my wish list and was some kaya to take home. I had checked in the 7-Eleven next to the hotel earlier in the day and they did not have any. However, I found a gift set in one of the shops with a jar of plain kaya and a jar of pandan kaya in a fabric bag showing various Singapore landmarks. This was packed in a tamperproof bag, which meant that it would be OK to take through security.
While we were exploring, I spotted something called Satay Club. They had happy hour involving various beers and chicken satay. Of course, I could not pass up the chance of some more satay. Graham had a craft beer, and I had a pint of Tiger beer. We ordered 3 sticks of satay each, but Graham gave me two of his as he was not really hungry but just wanted to try it. I happily had the rest. As airport food goes, this was great. Once we had finished our beers, I had a closer look at the orchid garden that I had seen when we first arrived in Singapore. Then we headed in the generally direction of our gate. There was a relaxation lounge roughly opposite, and we settled down there until boarding started.
Security was not quite so smooth this time. It just goes to show that a couple of people that think the rules do not apply to them can cause everything to ground to a hold. The mother of the people in question had not followed instructions on what to remove from the hand luggage. After some back and forth and a lot of arguing, she complied and was cleared through security. She was then asked to move away, which she was refusing to do as she did not want to leave the security area without her daughter. Now I could have understood this if the daughter was a child, but I think she was probably in her late teens or early twenties. In the end, her daughter told her to move away, and security screening resumed. After this, we were through quite quickly. Not long after we were through security, boarding started. This was a pretty smooth process and soon we were on the plane.
Normally I refuse to pay for seats, but for both flights on the way back, twin seats were available for a modest cost. I figured for night flights it was worth paying a little extra to not have a stranger sitting next to us. Graham agreed. We settled down and I decided to read for a bit. At some stage they came round with food. Graham passed, but I had the Beef Rendang with rice and green beans. This was nice. I passed on the salad, but the mango pannacotta was delicious. After the experience with the wine on the outbound flight, I passed on this pleasure and had a gin and tonic. Graham just had some water. I started watching Crazy Rich Asians one more time while I had my dinner, but soon after the tray was cleared away, I fell asleep.
By the time I woke up again, we were not far from Abu Dhabi. They were coming round with drinks and drinks shortly afterwards. I had some Oreos and some mango juice. Graham also had a mango juice. Not long after the cabin crew had collected the rubbish, we landed in Abu Dhabi. It appeared that the trial of not having to clear security in transit was not successful as this time round we had to go through security. Still, it was really quiet, and we were through in no time. Then we walked to our departure gate. This time round, there was no lift available, but it was not too far. We settled down at an open plan gate opposite to our gate. I set an alarm just in case, but I stayed awake. Once I noticed that our gate was open, I woke up Graham and we headed across. They tried to convince us to come back later, but we just wanted to rest anyway. We were told that they were not quite ready and to wait for five minutes. Then we were called for a manual bag check. This was strange after we already had been through security. I wondered if they did spot-checks but seemed to check everybody’s hand luggage. Still, it did not take particularly long. After this, they quickly checked our passports and boarding passes and then we were free to go. We found a couple of the comfortable loungers. At some stage, I used the bathroom and got changed into clothes that were appropriate for the weather in the UK.
Boarding started quite early and soon we were settled in our seats. They did not offer a meal service but offered some snacks and drinks. I had another mango juice. Then I settled down to sleep. I slept through until I noticed activity in the cabin. They were starting the breakfast service. Be both had coffee, orange juice, fruit salad, a croissant with strawberry jam, a fruit yoghurt and a hot breakfast that consisted of an omelette, tomatoes, breakfast potatoes, and chicken sausage. This was actually pretty nice. Not long after everything was cleared away, we landed in Manchester.
I was pretty curious on how this would pan out. While we had been away, Etihad had moved from terminal 1 to terminal 2. Our gate was very close to immigration, and the e-gates were pretty quiet. Our luggage came out quickly as well. As we had arrived during rush hour, we decided to pass on public transport. We booked a transfer on the spot and were quoted a 15-to-20-minute wait. We were happy with this. While we were waiting, Graham went into the Marks and Spencer Food Hall to get some milk and bread. We had a nice clear run home. Once we arrived, we put our luggage in the living room and then we went to bed to get some more sleep.
Dolphingirl’s Travels 
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