Wednesday 8 April Melbourne Singapore Osaka

Managed to get sleep overnight which was just as well with a 2:45am alarm. Quick shower and cuppa to be checked out for our shuttle to the airport. We were early but the lovely fellow on duty at reception took us straight away. Simple process through check in and time to head to the Silverkris lounge. A much needed coffee, vegemite on toast and a yoghurt have sufficed as breakfast. 2 hours til our 5.55am flight so nice to be comfortable while we wait. Time to board and find my pod for the next 7 1/2 hours.

Service great as usual, as is the food. Should have done a bit better homework though as I pre ordered prawns in ginger sauce for my main meal and it was also the entree, with prawns as a starter as well. Just as well I love prawns. Forgot to photograph the chicken satay inital dish! The chocolate coffee mousse cake was delish.

We had been flying more than 2 hours when the flight attendant asked me if I would like a drink as I had already had a coffee while most other passengers were sleeping. I asked her if it was too early for a wine and she said that it was never too early for wine. I think I've found a new friend! Now far be it for me to dob in a mate, but J1 did manage to knock over her glass of water whilst trying to remove the tail from one of the prawns on her entree plate.... At least it didnt require tongs or an engineer to clean up. LOL! Smooth landing in Singapore and time to find our way from terminal 1 to 2. The airport really is amazing. there are so many shops, but it is the theme gardens and sculptures and waterfall and sensory areas that make it so enjoyable to wander around. Just love the overhead lake.

Up to the lounge to then await our next flight which will get us to Japan. Soon enough we head to the gate for our 5h 45m flight.

Excellent service once again and food aplenty. The lobster thermidor was exceptional.

We were 20 minutes late departing and once we arrived at Osaka it was a good 15 minutes before we were cleared to approachthe gate but we finally made our and then worked out way through immigration which was no mean feat for poor J1 who had to deal with a pedantic officer who workaholic accept the description of tour on the firm whereas as the venue I had didn't bat am due at the same description for address while in Japan. Next stop was the luggage carousel. Then through quarantine and out to the arrivals hall where we eventually located our driver who was holding a sign 'Wenzel with Ponant'.Somehow he worked out who we were for Travelmarvel! A 45 minute drive later and we were deposited at our hotel, Doubletree by Hilton. Took a bit of working out that the arrival lobby was just that and we had to go to the 6th floor for reception! Duh. An easy check in and off to our hotel room which was really nice. It is now almost midnight. There have been 2 time changes and I'm seeing double vision so it is well and truly time for bed. Welcome to Japan.