Waiting in Dubai

Four hours layover in Dubai. Whisked through security when we got off the plane by some quite charming staff - pleasant surprise!  Didn't even have to take out laptop or ipad - yay!

Strolled down through the miles of shiny duty free and lift up to the Emirates First Lounge - one of the perks of Platinum status!  Down to the end of the lounge to the dining room, where we seem to be the only customers. Had a lovely breakfast (must remember to get Jess to cut the crusts off my toast from  now on!) and then basically we've just crashed here in the lounge.

Emirates have been delightfully helpful in trying to organise the limo transfer in Paris that Qantas seemed unable to do. Cross fingers and hope that the car will be there when we get into Charles De Gaulle.

Looking forward to being back in Paris - last time it was so cold, weather looks perfect for Sunday and our trip out to Giverny to Moet's Garden... cannot wait! Tossed up whether to go to Versailles in the morning but I think we might just wander from our hotel through to the Eiffel Tower.

en route to Paris

sitting here in the Emirates lounge in Singapore, waiting for the flight to Dubai which leaves at 0140. Have a nice glass of Moet to dull the pain (LOL) but bloody tired and just want to go.

It's been so hot here in Singapore, alternating with the frigid airconditioning of the lecture rooms at the University. Outside, drenched with sweat, then inside to have it evaporate and leave you freezing. Rinse and repeat 6 times a day until you collapse in the hotel room.  The haze from the fires in Indonesia has largely abated this week, and it's just been the usual haze from other things, probably mainly humidity.  We went to the new Gardens by the bay, which were spectacular. Loved the design, the supertrees, just the fact that everything is environmentally sustainable. Beautiful architecture.

The conference has been good, catching up with old buddies that I see at various events and meetings during the year, others whose paths I only cross every few years.

Now back at Changi, waiting for the A330 to dubai then the A380 to Paris. We (Lisa and I) have a couple of days there this time before catching the train to Liege, in Belgium.