The hotel allowed quite a late check out which gave me plenty of time to fluff about and not rush. Then the shuttle brought me back to the airport. Getting through security was very quick too.

So that just leaves another extended stay to wander round a big airport. Hong Kong feels like it has so many more shops and food options than Singapore, yet I found the day less fun than the one I spent in Singapore on the way home from London.  Not sure why.

But being here does evoke very strong and fond memories of when Emily and I spent time here on our way to Europe in 2010. That was the very start of a massive adventure for both of us and Hong Kong airport was really one of our first big "pinch me" moments.  

I remember eating ramen with Emily and sitting in nearly this exact same place.  Of course I had to do it again. Very tasty too!

I wandered around the airport, taking in various angles and views. The hills on the island make a spectacular backdrop to the airport.

Quite by accident, I stumbled across a seat where the windows framed the planes beautifully as they took off. Unfortunately though, after many attempts to get one perfectly positioned, this was the best I managed.

The airport ceiling is quite massive and geometrical, so naturally I had to take some shots. I spent ages taking pictures from various positions and angles. It was quite funny because people would walk past and look up to see what I was photographing. There were a few perplexed looks. This is one of my favourites, edited for Instagram.

And the roof from the outside is just as interesting. It almost mirrors the arches of the hills in the distance.

I have a few more hours to go before my flight. I'm sick of looking through shops, though I did take advantage of an electronics store to get a universal socket adaptor; something I'd completely forgotten to pack, apart from my Apple rechargers. So much for "Mr Super Organised"!

I'll grab some dinner soon. Then, next stop Vancouver.

After choosing to stay in the airport instead of taking a bus tour into the city I was a little worried I might be in for an arduous and boring day. In the end though I had a great day. I read, ate, drank and explored. And massive airports like this one are always good for a photo or two.

When I paused to take this shot I was only looking at the handrail. I only noticed the great lines and perspective when I checked the image. Another happy accident.

Masses of trolleys waiting patiently for the next wave of travellers. 

By 8:00 pm I'd been there 12 hours. Only a few to go and I was feeling tired but OK. I've picked up a little cold and my runny nose was getting very annoying. I decided to seek out some medication. I made sure it wasn't going to prevent me from sleeping in the plane. Yes, it will make me drowsy? That's OK, I thought. I took one just over an hour before boarding not realising how quickly or intensely it would take effect. The last hour before boarding was hell! I had to keep constantly walking or moving for fear of falling asleep at the gate. I have never felt so happy and relieved to finally sink into my seat on the plane. Not that it would ensure sleep. I dozed at best, yet it was enough to make that final flight seem quite short.

On the advice of the airline I decided to get to Heathrow as early as possible. The added bonus was that I could take the Piccadilly line before peak hour hit. I wasn't keen on navigating through those crowds.

To my surprise, when I got to the airport check-in went as smoothly as normal. The check-in clerk noted my middle seat and looked to see if an aisle seat was available instead. So glad she didn't find one because it turned out that my seat was in the row that only has 3 middle seats - a really good spot! I must note the seat location details in addition to the seat number in future. 

The flight was fine. Being a night flight, I intended to try and sleep and organised myself accordingly. But unfortunately, despite best efforts and ideal conditions, it was not to be. 

So I have the day in Singapore. I had planned to catch a bus tour from the airport but I'm just too tired. Plus I think I've picked up a minor cold, so not feeling 100%; preferred to potter around the airport. 

I noticed this sign with lovely words on the door to the butterfly house. 

This time tomorrow I'll be home.

Managed to get to Heathrow in good time despite the taxi driver getting a little lost trying to escape central London. Security didn't take anywhere near as long as I'd expected so I had time to pop into this bar for a quick farewell beverage.

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Then to the gate to board an A380 to Singapore.

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There were quite a few pockets of turbulence during the trip. However, unlike smaller planes the A380 doesn't seem to rattle through turbulence it just kind of bounces. The 11 flight didn't seem to take too long. I'd didn't manage to sleep much. Watched 4 films and some TV instead.

We got to Singapore a little early. Plenty of time to march from one end of the terminal to the other to catch the final flight.