From Suitcases to Skylines Part 2: Sleepy Skies and Touchdown in Amsterdam

Part two of our journey started with a quick stop at Singapore’s famous Changi Airport. With just enough time to stretch our legs and explore, we made a beeline for the KrisFlyer Lounge. A drink and a bite to eat sounded perfect—until we discovered it was packed. After a brief game of “musical tables,” we finally found a spot to perch, but sadly, no time (or space) for a refreshing shower this time around.

Before long, it was time to head to the gate for boarding. By now, the body clock was firmly stuck somewhere between "midnight snack" and "why am I awake?" Needless to say, there weren’t many photos taken during this leg—primarily because I passed out before even making it to the first meal! Pro travel tip: when you’re exhausted, plane food can wait.

I did manage to rally for a midnight snack before slipping back into a semi-conscious state for another stretch of shut-eye. Breakfast arrived a couple of hours before we touched down in Amsterdam, and I have to say, there’s something oddly satisfying about having a meal at 35,000 feet.

Once we landed, customs was a breeze—we were through in about 15 minutes! However, the same couldn’t be said for the luggage situation. After racing to the conveyor belt, we waited (and waited... and waited) for a solid 40 minutes before our bags made their grand entrance. Not all was lost, though; the downtime gave Mike and me the chance to set up an eSim on my phone, so we had internet ready to go.

With that, we were officially in Amsterdam and ready to kick off our adventure—now with both our luggage and a functioning internet connection. A promising start, don’t you think?

From Suitcases to Skylines Part 1: Off to Singapore!

After months of planning, packing, and last-minute panicking, the day has finally come—we’re officially on holiday! Naturally, the first order of business was a quick farewell photoshoot with Libby, our beloved chihuahua, on the doorstep. Let’s just say Libby’s reaction to the suitcases was less “bon voyage” and more “how dare you?” 

With the house prepped and Libby comfortably settled in her throne (the family room), we said our goodbyes and headed out. Pro tip: if your pet looks at you like you’ve personally offended them, don’t make eye contact—it’ll only deepen the guilt.

Lia, graciously drove us to the airport. Her trip is a whole other saga—she’s off to Perth and then the USA for six months. Casual. Here’s a gem of a photo we snapped at the airport: the three of us surrounded by a mountain of luggage, trying to look nonchalant about our impending travels. Spoiler: we did not succeed.

With our Wellington flight not until 1:30 PM, Mike and I had the luxury of kicking back in the Koru Lounge. The perfect place to decompress and practice pretending we’ve got this whole “relaxation” thing down.

 

From Wellington, we hopped up to Auckland for our 5 PM flight, kicking off the real adventure: Amsterdam! But not before a quick pit stop in Singapore. We’re flying Singapore Airlines, and I must say, I’m cautiously optimistic about this “new experience.” Fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing—or flying, as the case may be.

Here's some photos taken during out flight from Auckland to Singapore

Here’s to adventure, miles in the air, and hopefully not losing Mike to the duty-free section in Singapore. Amsterdam, we’re coming for you!