I am now on my way back to Penang. First let me say this. I was driven to the airport in a taxi arranged by the Hilton Honors staff. It was incredible and you will why learn later. It was a smooth and easy ride, even more as you shall see.
Arrived at the Singapore Airport early. It is, by far, the best airport in the whole world and I have been all around the world. There are real live people there, information desks, greenery, brand new everything. Did have some difficulty but in the end it all ended up all right, perfectly. I was the very first to board the plane. Got to meet the crew. Asked the pilot and was reassured that he knew the way to Penang.
Me: Well, if you loose your way, there is always Google maps.
I board the plane and was escorted to my seat. The middle seat. Oh my Allah!! Minutes later I was asked to move to the window seat, because a married couple did not want me sitting sitting between them. A wonderful woman, Myra, sat in the middle seat. She graduated from the USC as did her husband who is a chemical engineer. Myra had four children. Her daughter gave her a book Meditations for Women Who Do Too Much. We were talking about the decision not to have children; the page she turned to randomly spoke of the freedom to choose and the freedom to live with our choices. I spoke to her of the Prince that turned into a Beast – I randomly opened a page to Toxic Relationships. How after a while, women do not notice the toxicity, that one of the consequences of dysfunction.
Nothing much is happening on this flight, because of the turbulence. I was planning to watch Beauty and the Beast but the system is not working. Oh well. I think less than half an hour and we will be there. Here comes the food. Pizza. This time Italian four cheese. Guess I will indulge and quit writing with my messy hands.
Later. Managed to keep my hands clear and there is not much to do at the moment as no Wifi and no movies. Therefore, I shall begin my Ode to the Orchard Hilton, as promised. My short friend Daisy, who recognized me immediately upon my return, turned into a Manager. When her authority was pointed out to me I spoke of the care shown to their Diamond Hilton Honors members. She suggested I write a review. I said I would praise it on my blog and here goes.
If asked what my very favorite feature of the Hilton Orchard I would have to say the Toto Toilet. A photo will follow. The Toto toilet is Japanese. I first encountered Toto toilets when touring Japan. Toto toilets squirt water on your privates after your privates have done their job. Cadillac Totos squat warm water and have warm seats. The Volkswagen Totos spirt cold water and have regular seats. Hilton has a Volkswagen version, but that was still enough to win a rave review.
The second favorite feature of the Hilton Orchard Diamond program HAS to be the wonders of the Executive Lounge. It is the home away from home (and so much more). One checks in and checks out within its confines, no line at least one staff all to yourself. There is a “free flow of coffee, tea and soft drinks AND breakfast from 6;30 to 10:30; Afternoon Tea 3 pm to 4:30 and evening drinks 5:30 to 7:30. There is a free flow of everything during those hours. Gracious, charming and efficient staff, culinary delights of every country. (They serve maple syrup from Canada and Rice Krispies from the US – all other countries have gourmet delights).
One of the ‘hidden’ benefits of the Executive Lounge is the people one meets, other intelligent people who know how to live. (There are a few duds, but duds are easy to ignore.) Dud has the deadliest synonyms: flop, letdown, damp squib; washout, lo-hoper, nonstarter, dead duck, lead balloon, clinker. Its antonym is success – need I say more?
One woman approached.
She: Remember me? You were sitting at that table and my father and I were sitting here.
Me: It is good to see you again
She: This is my husband. My father is in the hospital but fortunately he is being released tomorrow.
She, an Indonesian, had met me three months before, during my last visa run. Told her of the dramatic changes in my life. I had gotten rid of unpleasantness, my scabies, a man who proved himself to be a letdown, a non starter and no hoper. These days I am in good health surrounded by a wonderful functioning family. She wanted a selfie, you shall see it at the end of the blog.
It was uncanny. All of the staff remembered me from my prior visit. The Concierges even remembered my name. Concierges are a sheer necessity to independent, adventure seeking travelers not being herded about in group package plans. They are practically unknown in Saudi Arabia and in Malaysia. Hilton Orchard Concierges offer assistance to all guests, not just Diamond members.
My view room on the 32nd floor was not just equipped with a Toto toilet but had a bathtub, a shower, a king size bed, tasteful decor, plenty of closet and drawer space, a refrigerator and an amply stocked minibar. The maid service was excellent, I always returned from breakfast to well ordered and made up room. This not true of most other hotels ones reporting to be five star hotels in both Saudi Arabia in Malaysia.
Many fine restaurants are to be found in the Orchard Hilton. I ate at the Ginger Lily and, on my prior visit, the famed Chatterbox. The best sashimi ever at Ginger Lily, but no longer on the menu. Instead I was served salmon sushi prepared in a unique fashion that was most delicious.
Now you shall hear about my trip to the Singapore airport. Faithful readers will know that it was a bit of a hassle making my way to the Penang Airport. GRAB at first the only way but a way was found. Where there is a will there is a way, it is said. A major problem I had is that I do not have the App and the drivers do not often speak English. A asked one of my Singapore taxi drivers how many languages he spoke. “Six, said he.
In Singapore the Executive Lounge arranged for a taxi the night before, providing the company with my flight number and time of departure. When I checked out at the Executive Lounge they gave me a slip of paper with the number of the taxi – went down to the Concierge Desk, who gave the information to the guys outside. The taxi came, they waved to me AND what did I see? A chariot. Took a photo of my driver and his car and the name of the car. It was a Lexus.
Taken to the proper gate in a timely fashion. The Singapore Airport the best in the world. Arrived in Penang a little over an hour to sheer bedlam. A China Air flight has arrived at the same time – tens, if not hundreds, of confused anxious individuals speaking in loud voices. I was blessed. On arrival I was met with a wheelchair attended by a young industrious Malaysian man who knew his way around. He achieved an entry pass. Customs officer looked at the information, stayed it, took my photo and pictures of my index fingers, stamped my passport and off I went. It was confusing but my driver Din was there, waiting. Collected his car and off we travelled the crowded streets of Penang. It took longer to get to my apartment than it did to get from Singapore to Penang.
I returned to serenity, to peace. For a little while. WhatsApped all my connections. Suddenly a a gale force wind began to blow.
Me: Difficult adjustment. Wake up in luxury, went to the airport in a Lexus. Not as luxurious here. Then all of a sudden a tsunami seemed to strike. But then it went away and there was a rainbow.
I sent the picture of the rainbow to all.
He: Wow
He: Wow. Lucky you
She: Oh WOW
He: Beautiful Alaa. Sorry I did not respond last night but I went to sleep after I dropped you off.
He: Good night night (with selfie)
It is so wonderful to have people in your life that care and respond, rather than be surrounded by duds.
I shall now summarize the Diamond Hilton Honors experience.. I often say to people who offer or receive my free advice.
Me: You get what you pay for.
Staying at the Orchard Hilton was not particularly inexpensive but I did definitely get what I paid for – the feeling of being totally pampered and cared for. It is an indulgence that is worth every cent. I plan to return after Ramadan for much needed pampering.
Photos of the Lexus, the couple from Indonesia and foodie breakfast photos.
