I'm With That Guy

Snub of the week:

Me: “…yeah I’ve not been up to much today. I’m just updating my blog and then I’m gonna have a chill out night tonight. How’s your day been?

Discussion about KL etc etc

Lady in KL: “Sorry did you say that you have a blog?”

Me: “Yes, I do.” (Mood uplifts as always when someone enquires about my blog).

Lady: “Do you use WordPress? I write my blog on there and I’m having difficulties with changing the design."

It was my third day in Singapore and I really needed to start finalising my plans for Australia. As much as I wanted to take advantage of my last full day, I knew that it’s not something I could simply blag on arrival.

The common room/kitchen was very small which meant that it was almost always crowded during breakfast. I couldn’t access wifi anywhere else in the building so had to wait it out. I had my usual toast and egg then went back to my room to freshen up and collect my laptop. Well I would of, except I couldn’t get into my room. The hostel is only a couple of months old so everything is all new and flashy, including the electronic doors. I hovered my room card key over the access point and the door sang some weird song but didn’t let me in. I went to reception and later found out that my door had run out of batteries!

How many batteries?!

It was so strange. I wasn’t in any particular rush so hung about as the sweet receptionist fumbled with an instruction manual and spare batteries. By the time I got downstairs, the kitchen area was deserted. Hooray.

Moments after I started tapping away on my laptop, a male backpacker came in and dumped his stuff in the storage room. He left and then came back again and sat down. He looked just like I did when I first arrived. I struck up a conversation with him but he was too tired to string too many sentences together. His room was ready and he left.

That started the beginning of an annoying afternoon. Family after family each dragged their suitcases into the common area/kitchen and piled them around me. They all sat down and started talking in a language I didn’t understand. I’m pretty sure the families which dominated the train ride to Singapore had all piled into my hostel. This became blatantly clear when my arch-nemesis arrived. He was approximately 4 years old and was brought to this earth to annoy as many people as possible. I saw…actually I heard him before I saw him as he wears shoes which squeak with every step. It’s not even cute for a few seconds, it’s just annoying. He was on the train from KL to Singapore, he was at customs and he was even pacing outside my room in the wee hours one night. He doesn’t even sleep!

It was ok this time as I had my headphones plugged in and drowned him out with a bit of Kanye West. However, for some reason, everyone piled into this tiny room and waited, and waited…and waited. They’d obviously checked out and were waiting for a mini-bus taxi. There were a few moments where I felt like saying something. Perhaps when an elderly woman edged in further and further on to my thigh before moving away slightly or when a mother shot me daggers when I tried to playfully pinch her child after he kept poking my knee (not the demon child). I couldn’t tell if they were consistently encroaching into my space to get rid of me or if they were just generally plain rude. I was only taking up one seat. Upon hindsight I should have played them at their own game. I should have stretched my legs out onto the laps of the ladies on the sofa or sing. Yes, I could definitely clear a room with my singing voice. Typically, when I left the kitchen their bus had arrived…

I couldn’t believe how long I’d spent on my laptop. Time does escape me when I’m online. I always end up chatting to someone or sending a lengthy email. I think I even updated my blog. I must have subconsciously wanted to stay seated as long as possible just to annoy everyone around me. Don’t I sound delightful, haha!

With my battle of wills over with, I retreated back to my room only to find the tired male backpacker napping in my dorm. I had a feeling he would be staying in my room after Will and Sadie left that morning. The only other occupant was Kat. Although I got a couple of travelling tips from her, I knew within minutes of meeting her that we’d never be in contact again. I don’t mean that in a negative way against her. We had lengthy chats about a wide range of topics. Sometimes it is nice to vent and say whatever you want, knowing full well that you’ll never see or hear from this person again. It’s actually quite therapeutic.

The sleeping backpacker stirred and, after only a couple of hours sleep, wanted to go and explore. I wish I was as full of beans on my first day! The friendly backpacker’s name is Danny. Another Danny. I guess it’s a funnier meet when drunk – “What’s your name?” “My name’s Dani.” “My name’s Danny too.” Followed by a collective “Wheeeey!” It’s more awkward when sober and I tend to stick to my full name to avoid any weirdness.

uber-posh. A queue of guests had formed awaiting taxis. Danny whipped out his Lonely Planet guide for map instructions. Wait a minute…haven’t I been here before?

I already knew we were doomed. Danny asked one of the queueing guests for directions and we pretended to understand them. The rain grew heavier by the second and neither of us was in any hurry to start walking. Danny joked that we should sit in the hotel reception area. I scoffed as surely we’d get told to leave. We were both soaked and scruffy-looking. I felt like Curly Sue pressing her nose up against the window of a posh restaurant wishing it was her who was in the warmth being wined and dined instead of being outside on the cold harsh streets. Instead of pushing Danny in front of a moving taxi and emotionally blackmailing a gullible rich person, I made a bet with Danny and knew instantly that I’d lose. Danny in his 3-day-worn clothes and me in my shorts, waterproof jacket and Havaianas, sat inside the luxurious hotel for half an hour. We got a few stares from staff but remained undisturbed. I handed over my $5 to Danny and we powered on.

Singapore looks smart and sophisticated by day but by night, Singapore becomes sexy. Danny and I strolled by the riverfront taking in the incredible views.

Part of the Marina Bay Sands casino resort

Boat-shaped Sky Park atop the three towers which makes up the world's most expensive hotel. If I was rich, I would go for a swim in the infinity pool. What a view that would be. Instead, I had to settle for a photo.

Colourful water fountain by Marina Bay

Merlion

View at night along the Esplanade

Looking out to Marina Bay

Our stomachs growled in protest which forced us to move away from the array of photo opportunities. The restaurants by the riverfront looked expensive…and they were expensive. I know I always say that my main extravagance and continued weakness is awesome food, but I didn’t look the part. I wouldn’t enjoy it as much in my sodden rags. We headed back to our hostel and ate at the 24 hour mall just outside the tube station. I was on a high as somebody asked me for advice on the metro routes and I helped somebody else use the ticket machine. I actually looked like I knew what I was doing in a country! Talking of highs, I needed sugar and we found just the place…