Mum's Wisdom: December 2024

The Fountain Of Wealth, And Other Stories

Walk out of the Pan Pacific Hotel on to the walkway outside, and the heat is immediately upon you; but a short stroll round the curve, passing some shop windows, cross the road via the overhead walkway, and then you reach Suntec City, a haven of cool, air-conditioned malls, filled with shops and restaurants - and access to The Fountain of Wealth.

On previous visits to Singapore, Wendy and I have followed the tradition of walking three times round the fountain, and making a wish; it's a popular attraction! and the cool splash of the water landing in the pool is a soothing respite from the outdoor heat.

We also love Giant, the huge supermarket which stocks as much bottled water as we need, along with multipacks of Lux soaps in different fragrances, that are no longer available in England. We always have spare weight capacity in our luggage, so Wendy can stock up with a good supply to take back home with us.

Back at the Pan Pacific, we also realised that whilst enjoying the Happy Hour on Floor 38, we could also watch the beautiful light show in Super Tree Grove; Floor 38's panoramic windows offered a fine view!

There are two performances of the light show, so we tended to watch the first from Floor 38, and then the second show from our bedroom windows a few floors down.

First, though, we partook of a cream tea...

Followed shortly afterwards by the Happy Hour ...

One glass of champagne and one Singapore Sling!

And some swirly lights - where did they come from?

Are they reflections in the panoramic windows on Floor 38?

Light-changing Super Tree Grove in the background

On Our Way Home - Via Singapore

After our happy rest time in the lounge at Perth, we boarded the flight for Singapore, and our second stop-over in the city state. This time, Wendy and I knew we would have a little more time for some gentle sightseeing; the Fountain of Wealth, the Duck Tour, the Singapore Flyer were all on our wish list.

We arrived in Singapore in the morning; Wendy had booked a taxi to take us to the Pan Pacific Hotel, specifically requesting a "careful, lady driver." In the event, we had been allocated the complete opposite to what we had asked for: the driver took us out to the car park, and we waited whilst he collected his car to pick us up by the door.

We watched in horror as he drove too fast round the lane to where we were standing; he then had to reverse his car to get into the correct position and promptly backed it straight into one of the pillars. There was a horrible crunch, and the driver got out to inspect the damage; he then smiled and said everything was o.k, proceeded to open the boot for our cases. It's true the car was still drivable, but his attitude did not inspire confidence, and Wendy was all for cancelling the booking and getting on the underground. I felt the same, but I was also very tired; the cases were cumbersome, and because our flight had got us into Singapore early, and although we were going to ask if we could please have an early check in at the Hotel, we could not be sure this would be available.

On balance, we decided to risk it, but during the whole journey, we were on tenterhooks, and Wendy had no hesitation in constantly reminding him she was a highly qualified and experienced driver with an Institute of Advanced Motorists' qualification, and expected the same standards from him. I don't think that really made any difference to our driver, who just reassured us everything was fine (although we had just seen the latest dent he had inflicted on his vehicle) and Wendy remained wide-eyed and vigilant until the moment when we pulled up (thankfully with no further mishaps) at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

From then on, everything improved! Every member of staff we met was kind, thoughtful and helpful, going well beyond the call of duty; from Paul, the Porter, to Amanda on Reception, we were treated right royally.

The Pacific Emporium

On previous visits, Wendy and I have enjoyed delicately delicious, dainty scones in the Emporium, with the pleasure of reading complimentary copies of the English language newspaper, The Straits Times

So many floors! and a "spider" lift.

Wendy asked if it would be possible to pay for an early check in; Amanda on Reception already had our names up on the computer, and said not only could we have our room straight away, we were also being given a complimentary upgrade! She made us laugh with one remark - Taylor Swift had been in Singapore a few nights earlier, and if our visit had coincided with her Eras tour, there wouldn't have been a spare room anywhere! so our timing for this request was perfect.

Lamps and a cooling stream in the Reception area

More Lamps!

So good to these futuristic lights again

Our room was delightful, up on a higher floor than we have ever enjoyed before, with fine views - a real treat, and it was even more pleasing to discover that this upgrade included breakfasts, and access to "Floor 38," with even greater panoramic views over to The Bay and Super Tree Grove. Also on Floor 38, between 3.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m., cream teas and light dishes (cauliflower soup - oh, yes!) were available, followed immediately by a Happy Hour, where guests could enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks; a real treat. Wendy does like a Singapore Sling!