Gulfstream Aerospace Private Flyers Club

As mentioned before, the second to last stage of my round-the-world-trip took me from Singapore straight into Barcelona, just in time for El Clasico. The choice of flights between these cities is limited to say the least, except……. as member of the Gulfstream Aerospace Private Flyers Club.

Thanks to my wonderful Black Amex card, I’m proud to say I’m now a member of this elite club. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy the comfort of first class, especially on some specific airlines, but when you are on a tight schedule, a private plane (and especially a Gulfstream) is the nec plus ultra.

Not sure when my next flight will be, or to what destination, but I’m looking forward to that already.

Home Sweet Home – Around the world in < 80 days

A little over 2 months ago, I boarded a vessel leaving the European continent behind me. After a roadtrip through the US, a very relaxing week on Bora Bora, and some ‘city trips’ to Sydney, Singapore and Barcelona, I returned home last week.

I completed my round the world-trip faster than Phileas Fogg, and in much more comfort. The hotels, the restaurants, but also the people, the weather, they are all amazing memories. A truly amazing experience that I will not soon forget.

But restless as I am, I’m already full of ideas for new adventures. So stay tuned, as I will of course share them here with you.

El Clasico

As an amateur of the game of football, I had to see the greatest player of the moment (and maybe of all time?) in action, and what better occasion than the ‘classic’ Barcelona Real Madrid game. I’m talking of Lionel Messi of course, 4 time winner of the Ballon d’Or. 

On my way home after my round the world trip, I made a last stop in Barcelona. After sleeping off my jetlag in the wonderful W hotel I arrived at the Camp Nou stadium for an intense football match.

Lionel Messi probably played better games but it was still very special to see his performance and that of his team. I’m glad to report they won the game 2-1.

And now, I can finally go home…….

Singapore

When flying from Sydney back to Europe a necessary stop has to be made in Asia. I opted for Singapore, mainly because I never visited this tiny place.

Of course, I had to stay in the fabulous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Not only is the building breathtaking, it also features a 150m infinity swimming pool, an ice skating ring and the world’s largest casino.

As I stayed for just 2 nights, there wasn’t enough time to visit much outside the amenities of the hotel.  But that’s not a problem, I’ve already made a reservation to come back during the Formula Grand Prix weekend in 2014.

Sydney

 Next stop on my journey was the highly acclaimed city of Sydney.  After all the positive stories I heard about the place, and being relatively in the neighbourhood, I thought it would be a good idea to spend a couple of days there.

But then a fire broke out, and what a fire. It was all over the news so no need to get into details here, but it even had an (understandable) effect on the always so laidback locals.

Needless to say, Sydney isn’t a nice place to visit at the moment but I will come back for sure, to enjoy the city and (a big part of) the rest of the country.