So, we've done it! My Three Aspies have successfully holidayed in Singapore and Malaysia and returned unscathed! What an adventure we have had. Too many stories for one post so that I'm breaking the story down into three chapters...
Chapter 1 - Sentosa Island Singapore
Once upon a time there were Three Aspies. Casey, our oldest adventurer and by far our most speculative, Bailey, the boy who inspired the creation of the Energiser Bunny, and Archie, born under spotlights and perpetually trying to stay in them.
Guiding our three adventurers were the captains of the journey. Andrew, otherwise known as stargazer and rarely seen as his face is constantly obscured by a camera, and Robyn, forever searching for the elusive cup of hot tea that she rarely finds as she's so distracted organising life to perfection.
As we ventured off into the wilderness, the adventurers were, well, just a tad excited...
(Not just because there was free Wi-Fi in the terminal, although I'm sure that helped.)
Guiding our three adventurers were the captains of the journey. Andrew, otherwise known as stargazer and rarely seen as his face is constantly obscured by a camera, and Robyn, forever searching for the elusive cup of hot tea that she rarely finds as she's so distracted organising life to perfection.
As we ventured off into the wilderness, the adventurers were, well, just a tad excited...
(Not just because there was free Wi-Fi in the terminal, although I'm sure that helped.)
An eight hour daytime plane flight had been carefully planned and all three aspies had researched the movie options and decided which comfort movie should be played for the one hundred and first, second and third time. Repetition is calming for the aspies, except Archie, who tried to get away with watching as many M rated action films as he could and no, Chappie is not for six year olds!
Thankfully, adventure was not to be found on the aeroplane. We had a perfect flight and landing and even made it through customs with the only casualty being losing one hat. The first impressions of our new destination were positive. Orderly people and efficient service, Singapore was the land of predictability and logic. Aspie Heaven.
Thankfully, adventure was not to be found on the aeroplane. We had a perfect flight and landing and even made it through customs with the only casualty being losing one hat. The first impressions of our new destination were positive. Orderly people and efficient service, Singapore was the land of predictability and logic. Aspie Heaven.
Shock temporarily set in as our adventurers discovered humidity, something foreign to our refrigerated Melbourne eco system dwellers. As beads of sweat started rolling down their faces Casey became utterly perplexed as to how he walked through a water fountain without noticing. Where was this water coming from? A new adventure indeed.
Our air-conditioned transfer took us through the manicured streets of Singapore, across a bridge and into a magical kingdom called Sentosa Island. The entrance to Sentosa Island was adorned with a Castle from Far, Far Away and guarded by a mythical creature known as the Merlion. With architecture romancing the 1940's British expansion being complimented by modern amenities, Singapore seemed to have it all. (Even a coffee machine, keeping one Mr Stargazer very happy.)
Our air-conditioned transfer took us through the manicured streets of Singapore, across a bridge and into a magical kingdom called Sentosa Island. The entrance to Sentosa Island was adorned with a Castle from Far, Far Away and guarded by a mythical creature known as the Merlion. With architecture romancing the 1940's British expansion being complimented by modern amenities, Singapore seemed to have it all. (Even a coffee machine, keeping one Mr Stargazer very happy.)
As our weary travellers settled into their new home, and connected to the free hotel Wi-Fi, I set to task seeking to find the best adventure package I could to ensure maximum use of our limited time on Sentosa Island.
The Sentosa Fun Pass was the clear winner. Up to 20 attractions in one day which when bundled together would save more than a few pieces of gold, I'll have 5 thanks!
Bring on Day 1 of adventure. First on the list was the Cable Car....
The Sentosa Fun Pass was the clear winner. Up to 20 attractions in one day which when bundled together would save more than a few pieces of gold, I'll have 5 thanks!
Bring on Day 1 of adventure. First on the list was the Cable Car....
...with Mr Stargazer cleverly maintaining his obscurity.
Followed by the Merlion....
Followed by the Merlion....
With of course, the obligatory selfie...
The adventurers needed refuelling and delighted in their discovery...
(Yes, that's a KFC in the background and no, it's not Gluten Free, but yes, it is a holiday!)
As our, and our iPad/iPhone batteries, started to tire we retreated to an air conditioned eco system that bought great comfort and relief to the boys aching feet and sticky clothes.
The SEA Aquarium was just like everything else we had experienced in Singapore. Orderly and somehow just that little bit bigger and grander than other tourism lands.
As our, and our iPad/iPhone batteries, started to tire we retreated to an air conditioned eco system that bought great comfort and relief to the boys aching feet and sticky clothes.
The SEA Aquarium was just like everything else we had experienced in Singapore. Orderly and somehow just that little bit bigger and grander than other tourism lands.
After a fast monorail ride back to our castle, and more refuelling and recharging the boys finished their day at a spectacular laser and water show.
Mr Stargazer was brave enough to conduct this adventure on his own. And where was his fair maiden I hear you ask? I was resting after my own two hour adventure to find dinner. Two hours of foraging and scavaging a foreign land brought back the rewards of yet more familiar food. I felt like a knight in shinning armor as I delivered my bounty.
(Alright if you must know it was Pizza Hut. And they didn't eat it. Because it was different. And Glutenous. And my feet really hurt. And InVivo city is huge. And it wasn't actually in that mall, but the next mega mall. And my fingers almost fell off. And Mr Stargazer didn't like his soggy Korean Pork either. Ho Hum...)
(Alright if you must know it was Pizza Hut. And they didn't eat it. Because it was different. And Glutenous. And my feet really hurt. And InVivo city is huge. And it wasn't actually in that mall, but the next mega mall. And my fingers almost fell off. And Mr Stargazer didn't like his soggy Korean Pork either. Ho Hum...)
As the sun dawned on a new day three rested aspies were ready to take on more new adventures. With the monorail at our Movenpick Hotel door, off we maglev-ed.
Going forth to concur the final frountiers of a new and exciting sub planet on the the Island of Sentosa. Yes, we did it, we braved the whole new world of.....
Going forth to concur the final frountiers of a new and exciting sub planet on the the Island of Sentosa. Yes, we did it, we braved the whole new world of.....
Universal Studios!
We paid a large bounty and secured express passes and off we went. To the front of every cue we tackled every ride and gift shop we could find. Determined to get the most value from our adventure we even did some rides twice.
(Except the Battlestar Galactica ride, for Mr Stargazer and our bravest knight Bailey, once was enough. Although the silence from their speechlessness was appreciated at the time, they have more then made up for it since letting me know that it may just, in fact, the the best ride in the history of rides. EVER.)
The highlight for Mr Spotlight Archie was Jurassic Park...
(Except the Battlestar Galactica ride, for Mr Stargazer and our bravest knight Bailey, once was enough. Although the silence from their speechlessness was appreciated at the time, they have more then made up for it since letting me know that it may just, in fact, the the best ride in the history of rides. EVER.)
The highlight for Mr Spotlight Archie was Jurassic Park...
And we quickly learnt not to leave the aspies on their own as the natives tended to swoon to photograph themselves with the fair haired princes...
But as the poses became strained, the picture perfect moments like this...
Were in reality followed my moments like this...
As for our budding Court Jester who loves to entertain....
Alas, even the day drew too long for him...
So we retreated to our castle, having conquered a new land and raided all their treasures. Bailey with his pen collection and I, with my mighty gallon size Minion tea cup, we rejoiced in our bounty and well, went to bed.
And so we said "Good Night" to our adventures on Sentosa Island and vowed to return again. As the boys slept I gathered my scrolls and memorised their transcripts to prepare myself for the next adventure.... Malaysia and the great empire of...
Aspies in Legoland!
Stay tuned for Chapter 2 ... coming soon....