Wednesday, 28 January 2015

Singapore Slobs...


The Itala Team spent the day relaxing by the pool. Now paying the price!! Ouch 😱



The Rally Competitors are now slowly trickling in and no doubt by tomorrow we will have taken over the whole hotel.
Apparently only 100 suites here so Raffles will well and truly be full to capacity and buzzing with grease monkeys in blue polo shirts all ready for battle, singapore sling in one hand and garmin in the other.. 
Well just on 'Scrutineering Day' !

Talking of 'Singapore Slings' on returning from our trip last night to the Marina, we called into 'Long Bar' at Raffles and were warmly welcomed by this bustling lively bar full of atmosphere on the 2nd floor. Alive with music and culture AND 'peanut shells' all over the floor... 
I thought what a messy lot BUT this is customary i learn, to eat the peanuts and throw the shells all over the floor!!
Even better when you crunch them.. 
A rebellious tradition that has been kept up for many years. Its the only place in Singapore that you are allowed to throw anything on the floor tho!! So dont try it anywhere else..


 

What a lovely way to end the evening!! Even better that a cup of cocoa..

Prior to our enlightenment at Long Bar we taxied down to the Marina near China 
Town and took a River Cruise (Bum Boat) IN the Rain. Quite refreshing and so beautiful at night.. 


















Sunday, 25 January 2015

Itala Team Leave 'Blighty' For Singapore

AND are pleased to report that they have Arrived safely at Raffles Hotel..



Now wide awake and jet lagged awaiting for sunrise and a dip in the pool before breakfast.


'Team Itala' will hopefully spend a few days relaxing at this beautiful colonial-style hotel. 'Wiki says it was established by two Armenian brothers from Persia in 1887 and infamous for the 'Singapore Sling' amongst other things..


The Great Depression saw the hotel fall into receivership in the 1930's and it was 'occupied' in WW11 by the Japanese. 
At the end of the war this beautuful hotel was used as a Transit Camp! In the 1980's Singapore declared it a 'National Monument' and closed in the late '89's for extensive Renovation and in 1991 Reopened for 'Joe Bloggs' to love and enjoy..


We were seranaded at supper last night by a 'Gok Wan' lookalike playing a little 'Adele' number. Simply Superb and what better way to start a new adventure..


Looking forward to meeting up with 'Team Lagonda's' & 'Team Bentleys' and  fellow friends and competitors on Friday for Car collections and scrutineering.. 😄


Friday, 16 January 2015

1907 ITALA arrives in Singapore

The 1907 Itala has just arrived in Singapore to embark on yet another Adventure.
Philips Young's 'The Road to Mandalay' awaits us....

http://www.endurorally.com/pages/road-to-mandalay