4 June 2022 , The first Post Pandemic travel

 4th June 2022, SQ 308 Changi Airport T3  

The great escape:

Hertz car via Economy Car Rental, to be paid at Hertz Desk at the airport (£960, sans insurance).

We had a rather bumpy start in the trip but weather gradually cleared. I have chosen the second last seat, a 'loveseat' arrangement' at the 2nd last row of the plane. It was nice, with 3 toilets behind us but not immediately behind the 'partition'.

Heathrow has allowed biometric entry for Singapore passport holders. For once, we cleared immigration rather quickly. Some not used to this technology were not steady in holding their passports and had to be referred to an officer.  The bags came much later as the plane was berthed some distance away.

We hopped on a free Hertz shuttle (bus bay 7,8 in T2) in a very warmly heated van. We were the only 2 customers at Hertz and were attended to immediately. 

Pat upgraded the ride to a hybrid. The girl has convinced us of the petrol savings esp when we are going to North Wales. £300 poorer, we have a Toyota hybrid, automatic and brand new. I had mistaken that Economy sold us insurance. Anyway the sale contract said we had full insurance even though the girl said we had to purchase. 

I had brain fog from jet lag but Pat navigated well to the hotel, a 30 minutes ride north east. There was nothing  interesting to eat 2km both sides , up and down the hotel. Now almost 8pm, I settled for a bryani and kebab  grub so that dinner can be done with. Remind me never, never to upsize anything in UK. I had carb overload from nasi and Pat had an overdose of meat and salt.

The Dr was elsewhere in the north saving the world in some event. Even if not, we would not be in a state to chat. Tiredness overwhelmed us by 9pm.

Premier Inn is pretty ok. Free parking, free wifi, spacious room (so much so that I placed my bags on an extra single bed). It even has a little cafe for proper sit down meals if the walking or driving becomes too much. For 2 days and some time out in the vicinity, Watford is doable. Any longer I would lose my hair from boredom.

A newfound respect for Dr H who has hung around this sleepy town for more than 1 year in the name of duty.