Having battled taxis, a bus and immigration, I made it to Singapore in good time. Once thing I have noticed on this trip is the lack of information given to tourists. As we arrived into the city centre, the bus pulled in, hurled our bags out and sent us our merry way. I had no idea where I was and there wasn't even a taxi insight. Luckily for me, a local spotted that I was a little lost and guided me to the metro station. Having used these systems a number of times now, I found my way fairly easily.
I'd booked 5 nights in The River City Inn in Clarke Quay. Given its glowing reviews on tripadvisor, I was expecting a lot and it definitely met my expectations. It was 5 min walk to the metro but more importantly 10 min walk to the circuit. The negative was the 2 flight walk-up but I got over that fairly quickly. At first I thought I was the only one going to the race, but it soon became apparent that there were quite a few of us. Upon arrival, I met a German couple who were also heading out to get their tickets/lanyards. The girl had bought her bf the tickets for his birthday - cute huh? We collected them from a rather up market hotel next too the town hall and the main entrance. They provided you with some much needed ear plugs and Information pack. As we stepped through the gate, I heard the first roar from a V8 engine. I remember smiling and thinking to myself "you definitely made the right decision". That sound just gives me goosebumps all over. Before sitting down to watch practice 1 and 2 , I went to the stand to buy a cap and top, McLaren of course! Yes, I'd become a super-fan...
21 September
That morning we all sat at the breakfast table and analysed the practice sessions. It was so nice to be around like-minded enthusiasts many of whom had travelled from Europe or Oz, just for the race. Many people say that this race is special. I'm not sure whether it's the location or because it's a night race but they are spot on. It's honestly like no other.
Before heading to qualifying, I took a wander around Singapore to get my bearings and decided to buy a SIM card. In reality it was only a tenner, but it meant that I could steam the commentary. I also bought a new SD card for my camera and stumbled across M&S where I stocked up on Percy Pigs...for the kids of course!
Qualifying was close but as predicted Vettel was as on pole with Rosberg closely in 2nd. My seats were perfect as I was close to the track but I also had a glorious view over Marina Bay. However, I wish I'd been on a corner as taking photos was pretty tough at times. Luckily for me, the other lads took some great shots too. In the evening, we went to watch The Killers play their set. As usual, I pushed my way to the middle and danced like a crazy person until the early hours.
22 September
After spending the morning analysing the qualifying results, I took a wander to Marina Bay and one of the most famous hotels in Singapore- Marina Bay Sands. Unlike the quaint features of Raffles, this hotel consists of 3 towers including a casino and a shopping centre. It also has a roof top pool the length of buildings with a view to die for. It really is quite something. Is it worth the $25 fee?! Yes but there are ways and means around it. I went to the concierge desk and ask for a ticket to the roof top bar. As with most of the places in Singapore, there was a dress-code and providing you adhered to it, the entrance fee was free. The views were memorable and the pool was quite something too!
In the evening, it was time for the main event- the race! I met up the Perth lads to watch the Porshe race then I hung around to watch the drivers parade. It was so strange being up close to some of my idols but one I'll never forget. The race was unsurprisingly won by Vettel meaning it was time to drown our sorrows! We headed for the arena to watch Rhianna and managed to spot the German lads (Seb and Andre) in the crowd. After dancing the night away, we all agreed to end of weekend in style- drinking beer on the famous "drinking bridge" followed by more beer and dancing at a bar in Clarke Quay. Clay Andre and I walked to get a maccies at 5.30am not realising the breakfast menu had started thus disappointed faced all round but a good end to a great weekend.
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