Thursday, September 14, 2023
Following yesterday’s fun and games, I had a bland dinner of carbs, took a shower and got into bed at 8:30pm. I was asleep within the hour and slept right through to this morning’s alarm at 6am. As predicted, I’m feeling slightly better today, but far from 100%. I have a face-to-face workshop to run this morning - for a team of twenty psychologists, no less! - which will keep me on my toes.Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Back home, lying down, and feeling very sorry for myself. Crohn’s disease is no fun whatsoever. The thing that gets me the most? The soul-sucking fatigue. I’m just shattered. Exhausted. I’m sure I’ll feel a little better tomorrow, then better again the day after. But for today, I’m just going to stay horizontal and rest. I’m just glad I could pack up at work and take the time to rest.Tuesday, September 12, 2023
So just a couple of hours to go until Apple’s next event, where we are supposed to be seeing the launch of the iPhone 15 range. I’m sitting at my desk looking at my iPhone 13 pro with slightly sad eyes. I think having resisted the lure of the iPhone 14 pro, this may be the year that I upgrade. I’m not sure. USB-C sounds like a great idea. But is it enough to upgrade from a perfectly good handset?Having taken six flights since Sunday, I think it’s pretty inevitable to arrive home with some kind of airborne illness.
And so I greet the weekend - the hottest of the year so far in London - with the mother of all head colds. I don’t want to get on another plane for quite some time. But the damage is done for now.
Not helping this is being woken up by the smell of burning rubber at 6am this morning - I’ve no idea where it was coming from. Definitely outside on the street. My apartment wasn’t on fire, thankfully. But now I’m wide awake, sipping a coffee and planning to head to my office for a couple of hours of filming while it’s nice and quiet.
The YouTube engine stops for no man.
Let’s hope the rest of the weekend improves from here…
Coffee and journal time, while I wait for my flight to Dublin ✈️
Morning one after returning from Singapore and I’m off again!
This time, it’s to Dublin - for work. Thankfully, I packed my bag as soon as I unpacked last night, so I’m basically ready to go. I just need to inject some caffeine into my nervous system and pop my laptop in my backpack. ✈️
I couldn’t keep my eyes open past nine pm last night, and slept the whole night through. Feeling very rested as a result. Jet lag is always less of an issue for me returning from Asia.
I have the whole of this afternoon to get back into work mode, do some writing and prepare for tomorrow’s workshop. So, flight aside, it’s a gentle return to the world of work.
Here’s hoping London City Airport isn’t a mass of delays this morning…
Enjoying this evening’s sunset…
Back to a very sunny and warm London ☀️
While it’s nice to be back, I’ve been compiling a long mental list of things I’d like to import from Singapore.
My Bellroy Via Backpack, combined with my Rimowa spinner, has been all I’ve needed for this week in Singapore.
Travelling carry-on only is extremely liberating and removes so much of the stress of long distance travel.
Though it really requires focus and care when packing.
I’m frankly astounded I managed to get everything into my suitcase!
Despite having carry-on luggage only, I ended up buying some new t-shirts while here. It was…a squeeze to get it all in.
Next stop: Changi Airport ✈️
Last few hours in Singapore. Beginning the long journey home later today. But first, there’s a breakfast buffet to be attacked.
And some packing to finish 😬
Just had a really enjoyable and enlightening visit to the National Museum of Singapore.
Some very powerful exhibits about occupation during World War II and their independence movement. And now, I just really want to learn more!
Friday, September 1, 2023
We popped into the Apple Store on Orchard Road to pick up some AirTags yesterday evening. They’re a lot cheaper here in Singapore than in London - plus, tax back! Anyway, I ended up fondling (there is no other word) the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I think my next iPhone is going to be a 15 Pro Max. 🤓 That’s quite a change from the iPhone 13 Pro I’m using now.All of today and tomorrow remaining in my trip to Singapore. Plus a little of Sunday as we don’t fly until 6pm.
I definitely want to make a return visit to the Japanese onsen, sample some more local food and explore some other neighbourhoods.
Just enjoyed an amazing couple of hours in a Japanese-style onsen in the heart of Singapore.
Will definitely be making a return visit before flying home. It was the most perfect way to unwind after a day of walking the city.
On my way to meet a local Singaporean friend to go for a soak in the onsen ♨️ Cannot wait for a couple of very relaxing hours in the water.
Bought a little accessory for my Traveler’s Notebook to remind me of my trip to Singapore. Travelling hand baggage only means the mementos have to be tiny!
Starting the day with my travel journal from Travelers Company, capturing memories for future me. ☕️
I love my gadgets, but there’s still something amazing about committing your thoughts to paper.
Made it to Singapore!
Spent the entire flight nodding off and waking up with a violent jerk. I’m sure I looked bizarre.
Happy to be on the ground again, in a taxi, and heading to our hotel.
No more flights for a week ✈️
Landed in Phuket after a lovely flight with Qatar Airlines. Delicious onboard food and even managed a nap.
90mins until our flight to Singapore, so now it’s time for some caffeine.
The business lounge in Sofia Airport has a smoking zone. Which means the entire lounge reeks of foul cigarette smoke.
Revolting.
Bye bye, Sofia!
Well, breakfast was awful.
Every single cooked offering on the buffet was stone cold. Which I discovered, obviously, after making my selection. Cold bacon doesn’t do it for me.
Ended up with a healthier bowl of fruit, so it wasn’t all bad. Now, time to check out and head to the airport ✈️
Time for breakfast here in Sofia, after which we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Doha.
Looking forward to getting onboard and relaxing. Once I’ve navigated all the hassles of the airport ✈️
We get a couple of hours in Doha before our flight onwards to Asia. When I’ll hopefully sleep most of the way.
My luggage for the next ten days. Carry-on only is the way to go ✈️
My trusty Rimowa paired with my new backpack from Bellroy. 🧳
When you’re too early for the Elizabeth Line…
My last full work day before travel.
Off to Singapore tomorrow for a break and some work. Looking forward to running a wellbeing workshop for new clients while I’m there.
And as soon as I’m back, it’s time to head to Dublin for more work.
A busy couple of weeks ahead. ✈️
Frank is cooking us some delicious Nasi Goreng.
And the smells coming from the kitchen are out of this world. I could eat my own leg I’m so hungry. It has felt like a very, very long day. But one filled with positive points.
I’m in love 😍
My new Brompton has been unpacked and assembled. And I’m so pleased I went with the blue and not the ‘matcha green’.
The eagle has landed!
Proof of life has been shared by my other half. My new Brompton has been delivered. Unboxing and general fanboy behaviour will have to wait until I get home from work. 🚲
