The return trip home was a little more laborious since I decided to explore Bali for few days and had to wake up in the middle of the night to drive the hour plus to catch a 6:20 flight to Singapore. Ugh. With a five hour layover. Double ugh.
However, I have to say, overall despite, the short night, long day and longer travel experience awaiting me, Changi impressed me to no end. Is there shopping? Yes. Is there ample food choices? yes? Is it clean and are the bathrooms well maintained? YES! Was it simple checking in? Yes. Was passport control a breeze? yes.
The surprises came in when I discovered a fitness center, a koi pond, an orchid park, free internet access and computer terminals easily available, a sunflower garden rooftop, several spa options, a free movie theater, individual pod like chairs to watch ESPN and other TV options, a kiosk to take a picture and send a digital postcard to friends and family, an interactive art display to learn about Asian art forms, a children (I couldn't help myself) to try your hand at block prints using crayons and apparently the worlds largest indoor slide and also a lottery for those that spend $30 in one transaction. What's 5 hours when you are entertained and the keep finding new ways to amuse yourself?
I boarded Korean Airlines to Seoul and was looking forward to the 3 hour layover - had read up on food and drink to try and was hoping to do a little Christmas shopping. Arriving at after 10 pm, the airport was a ghost town with stores and restaurants already closed. I looked at the banana milk I wanted to try, separated by glass, took a deep sigh and opened up my laptop. I do have to say - cleanliness and easy internet access made the 3 hour layover ok.
