EXCLUSIVE!! JANUARY UPDATES ON CHANGI'S AIRPORT

Notes from Blogmaster

Hi, and welcome to another EXCLUSIVE column. As the Changi Airport, Singapore, opened another Terminal, there are a lot of news and updates which visitors should know. Congratulation, Singapore!!

After this exclusive column, I'll start working with the next part of the Portugal series.

**SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 3 OPENS FOR OPERATIONS**

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Singapore Changi Airport’s new Terminal 3 commenced scheduled flight operations today 9 Jan. 2008, witnessed by Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim. After months of intensive preparatory tests and trials of various airport systems, the new terminal handled its first arrival flight from San Francisco at 1150 hours and saw its first departure flight at 1250 hours to London.

Accompanied by Mr Liew Mun Leong, Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and CAAS senior management officials, Minister Lim personally welcomed passengers onboard the first arrival flight, Singapore Airlines flight SQ001. Passengers were also greeted with a lively traditional lion dance performance and received gift bags containing congratulatory certificates for being on the first flight.

CREDIT: TRAVELDAILYNEWS

Minister Lim said “I am delighted that Terminal 3 has now come to fruition. The opening of Terminal 3 marks a significant milestone for Changi Airport as it will increase Changi Airport’s total annual capability to about 70 million passenger movements, enhancing its position as the regional aviation hub. With this new terminal, we are poised to meet the demands of the growing tourist and business traffic in and out of Singapore, especially when the two integrated resorts start their operations.”

Credit: WIKIPEDIA

At Terminal 3, travellers and airport visitors will also get to enjoy varied shopping and dining options from over 100 retail shops and 40 food & beverage outlets. More than 35% of the retailers at Terminal 3 are new to Changi Airport. In addition, the introduction of a number of “first-of-its-kind” outlets, innovative and interactive features in airport shop concepts as well as the greater presence of popular retail and dining establishments will add vibrancy to the shopping and dining scene at the new terminal.

With the opening of Terminal 3, Singapore Airlines’ long-haul flights will operate out of Terminal 3 and its regional flights will operate out of Terminal 2. Four other airlines, namely China Eastern Airlines, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and United Airlines, will commence operations at Terminal 3 in March 2008.

Credit: WIKIPEDIA

Terminal 3 and its associated works cost S$1.75 billion. It adds a capacity of 22 million passengers per annum to Changi Airport, bringing the airport’s total annual capability to about 70 million passenger movements. Terminal 3 also adds another 28 aerobridge gates to Changi Airport. Among the 28 aerobridge gates are eight gates that are designed to handle the A380 aircraft, bring the total of A380 gates at Changi Airport to 19 across all three main terminals.

SOURCE: http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/24047

**CHANGI AIRPORT ENHANCES INTERNET SECURITY**

Monday, January 14, 2008

Singaporean network and security solutions provider, Advanced Network Technology Laboratories (ANTlabs), announced the launch of its Securite solution to secure Changi Airport with The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). The advanced anti-data theft solution is deployed airport-wide on the free-Internet access terminals at Changi airport.

According to ANTlabs, the Securite solution prevents viruses and spy-ware from stealing user information when they surf the Internet, giving passengers the confidence to know that their private and sensitive data is safe at all levels when they check their email and transact online at Changi Airport. With over 300 free Internet access terminals throughout the airport, Changi Airport is renowned for having one of the most populous airport-wide free Internet kiosk service for passengers in the world, with over 1.3 million business and leisure travelers alike using the service annually.

“We are delighted to forge this relationship with CAAS. It is a testament to our achievements and ambitions in the security space. This win represents the next phase of our growth and will take ANTlabs beyond our traditional boundaries and provide a springboard for our expansion on the world stage,” said Mr Ang Kwang Tat, CEO of ANTlabs. “Our Securite solution is gathering momentum in the market and we aim to expand our presence in other regions as well as tying up the home front, and we hope to elevate the appeal of our offerings following the successful roll-out at Changi Airport.”

CREDIT: TRAVELDAILYNEWS

**SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT REGISTERS ANOTHER RECORD YEAR FOR PASSENGER TRAFFIC**

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

2007 marked another year of records for Singapore Changi Airport. Passenger traffic hit an all-time high of 36.7 million in 2007. This represents a 4.8% growth over 2006. The traditional peak travel month of December 2007 also set a record for the highest monthly traffic at Changi Airport. More than 3.5 million passengers went through the airport, a 3% increase compared to 3.42 million passengers handled in the previous year. The third record set is the number of passengers processed in a day. 125,000 passengers passed through Changi Airport on 15 December 2007, surpassing the previous record of 121,680 passengers handled on 16 December 2006.

The increase in passenger traffic can be attributed to the continued strong growth from key markets such as China, which registered 12.6% growth, and India, with a 15.6% increase. Emerging markets such as Vietnam, Russia and South Africa also saw double digit growth in traffic at 24.4%, 27.7% and 15.1% respectively.

Changi Airport continued to win Best Airport awards in 2007, garnering 19 last year. This takes the total number of Best Airport awards won to more than 280 since 1987. The 2007 accolades include Business Traveller (UK/Europe) “Best Airport in the World” award, which Changi won for the 20th consecutive time, and the Asian Freight & Supply Chain Awards for “Best Airport – Asia” for the 21st consecutive time.The Budget Terminal also won the “Best Low Cost Airport” award last year at the World Low Cost Airline Congress.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, CAAS, Mr Lim Kim Choon said, “2007 was a good year for Changi Airport, marked by exciting developments like the world’s first A380 commercial flight taking off from Changi Airport. Five new airlines, including Jett8 Airlines Cargo, Etihad Airways and Mihin Lanka, joined the Changi family last year.”

Mr Lim added, “We got off to a good start in 2008, with the opening of Terminal 3. Changi Airport is in good stead to tap on the strong demand for air travel. Even as we handle an increasing number of passengers, our priority is still to deliver our exceptional ‘Changi Experience’ to our passengers.”

As at 1 January 2008, Changi Airport is served by 81 airlines operating more than 4,310 weekly scheduled flights to 190 cities in 60 countries.

Operational Statistics (FROM WIKIPEDIA) Year---Passengermovements---Airfreightmovements(tonnes)---Aircraftmovements 1998------23,803,180------------------1,283,660---------------------165,242 1999------26,064,645------------------1,500,393---------------------165,961 2000------28,618,200------------------1,682,489---------------------173,947 2001------28,093,759------------------1,507,062---------------------179,359 2002------28,979,344------------------1,637,797---------------------174,820 2003------24,664,137------------------1,611,407---------------------154,346 2004------30,353,565------------------1,775,092---------------------184,932 2005------32,430,856------------------1,833,721---------------------204,138 2006------35,033,083------------------1,931,881---------------------214,000 2007------36,701,556------------------1,918,159

SOURCE: TRAVELDAILYNEWS

PORTUGAL 2005 Part 6

(This story continue from Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 and Part 5)

**ONE DAY LISBON TOUR (Last Part)**

++Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (The Hieronymites Monastery)++

The bus took me and the others back to the Belém district of Lisbon. The guide brought us to one of the greatest monastery in Protugal - Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (The Hieronymites Monastery). He told us that this place was built in Manueline style and it was where 'Vasco da Gama' and his men spent the night in prayer before departing for India in 1497...

Credit: WIKIPEDIA

...And after the successful return from India, the above limestone structure was built as a history and glory of Vasco da Gama. The construction took around 50 years to finished. It, then, became the house of prayer for seamen when leaving or entering the port of Lisbon. In the time of "the great earthquake", 18th century, the church received some damage and the restoration took place in 1850's.

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos was divided into 2 main parts: "Church of Santa Maria", and "the Monastery". Due to the limited time, I had entered only to the Church of Santa Maria. Outside of the building, you can see limestone architectures which was very great in my point of view.

Inside the Church of Santa Maria, a high roof beautiful architecture in the main chapel was stunning but I have no skill to describe into words. Beautiful, fair and stern the thing I was stared.

Credit: YouTube

After a breif visit at the great monastery, our guide guided us to the Pastel shop. The place where the renowned "Pastéis de Belém", a creamy dessert, is believed to be originated. He told us that even the president of Portugal also came here to eat such Pastel. The cafe was crowded. The tale and the crowd encouraged us to try. It was only 0.75 EURO each. So, we queued into the queue and after 15 minutes, we came out with the Pastéis de Belém, one for each...

Don't ask me about the taste.... I knew it's the famous one... but personally, there's nothing much special in it...I like the bakery in Sintra....more...

++Torre de Belém (The Belem Tower)++

Credit: WIKIPEDIA

Another place of interest from 16th century. This "L-shape" fortified tower is the memorial of power of Portuguese during the age of Great Discoveries.

'This is one of he symbol of Lisbon.', I murmured, blinking at the tower which once was used as the defense of Rio Tejo (Tagus River).

'Why they have to built a war tower with many decorations?', said Mr. Praphon, 'It must cost a lot to built but only a few shots of cannon are enough to waste all the money.' He, also, looked at one of the strangest fortified tower we had ever seen.

'However, I think because of it's beauty that last its life and becoming a tourist attraction today.', I said.

Near the Tower, I've found an interesting place named 'Monumento Combatentes do Ultramar' (Fightings the Overseas Monuments). It is a place of memory for portuguese soldiers who lost their lives in servicing of the Portuguese Empire in 1958-1975 (in colonial wars). There was a monument and a list contains more than ten thousands of name. In the picture, I did a sign in the same way as of the monument for I thought the monument made me thinking of the reunion. I had no intention to disregard the place and sorry if any Portuguese is serious about it.

++Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)++

Another place of interest near two world heritage sites above. Firstly, it was built here, by the Rio Tejo, using the Perecíveis (perishable) materials for the Portuguese World Fair in 1940. Twenty years later, it was re-built by concrete as you have seen today for the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the death of Dom Henrique o Navegador (Prince Henry the Navigator).He is the figure in the front, holding a Navio (ship). Our guide also said that this place contains around 30 famous Portugueses, such as;

1. Vasco da Gama (discoverer of the sea route to India),
2. Ferdinand Magellan (first to circumnavigate the globe),
3. Bartolomeu Dias (first to cross the Cape of Good Hope),
4. Saint Francis Xavier (missionary), and more...(These are those whom I am familiar with.)

In front of the monument, there was a fine mosaic decoration pavement showing the world map with the routes of various Portuguese explorers and a wind rose.

Credit: WIKIPEDIA

Standing by this pavement, you can see a stunning view of Lisbon.

And this is Jessica's son, Ethan. Jessica Teo is one of the two participants from Singapore. Her husband and her son also joined this event too!! At the time I write this post (MAR 2008), she is expecting to have another baby. God bless you and your family Jessica!!

We ended up our tour with taking pictures with Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), the biggest and oldest (12th century) church in Lisbon. Then, we, with the guide of our guide, walked for a mil or two in the old district of lisbon. The city was old and nice but it was dark and cold and I was too tired for shooting picture, I just followed him and wished to find our bus again.

**THUS COMPLETE THE ONE DAY LISBON TOUR OF MINE**

But it wasn't over yet!!! I still had one full week to go on!!!

The next part will be about my journey north, to the City of the old port, "OPORTO" or "PORTO" ...It was a very fruitful journey!

THIS STORY CONTINUE ON PART 7

PORTUGAL 2005 Part 5

(This story continue from Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - and Part 4)

**ONE DAY LISBON TOUR (Part II)**

++SINTRA++

My next stop after the fair Roca was Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th century Romantic architecture, a major tourist attraction in clude 3 palaces. One of the three, Palácio da Vila (Village Palace) de Sintra, was built more than 5 centuries ago. The other palaces was built / recontructed in 19th century. The town has very long and great story (of course, our guide has told all these to us in the bus...I was blinking stupidly, remember nothing);

During the Islamic domination there was built (or enlarged) the Islamic Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), perched on the crest of the Serra (alt. 450 m), and also, in the area called "Chão de Oliva", now Vila Velha (Old Town), the residence of the islamic princes that was the origin of the Paço Real (Royal Palace).

After the Christian Reconquest - Sintra surrendered to the army of Dom Afonso Henriques in 1147, a few days after Lisbon had been taken - the Portuguese king granted a franchise to the thirty inhabitants of the oppidum of the Castle (1154).

In the reign of Dom Dinis (1279-1325) the town was donated to the Sainted Queen Isabel. Great works took the palace in enlarging the Royal Palace and the life of Sintra was given new impulse. After the crisis of 1383-1385, the town was granted new statutes giving it autonomy and then began its golden age.

At the start of the 16th Century, King Manuel ordered further amplification and decoration;this being accompanied by the literary and cultural burgeoning that was increasingly inspired by the Renaissance.

According to a tradition, of which there is no proof, Luís de Camões even read the original of his epic poem The Lusiads in a wing of the Royal Palace, to King Sebastião on the eve of his ill-fated Moroccan expedition. The 16th Century was in fact, for Sintra, a flourishing period and a centre of decision-taking.

But it was above all in the 19th Century, with Romanticism, that the region was rediscovered and recovered in international terms. Romantic artists such as William Beckford (1787) and Lord Byron (1811) sang its unsurpassable beauty, engravers such as William Burnett (1830-1837) immortalised the most significant parts of the countryside, men of sensitivity like King Fernando II lent impulse to planned afforestation of the Serra de Sintra and helped the construction of sumptuous revivalist buildings such as the Palácio da Pena.

Unlike the Cabo da Roca, Sintra was covered by mist when I was there. I couldn't even see the palace located in the hill-top. We started with entering the renowned Palácio da Vila de Sintra, an oldest palace of the three, located in the centre of the town.

++Palácio da Vila de Sintra (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra)++

'Bom Dia (Good Morning)', said the guard and the front gate information centre as we gathered together in the front of the palace. I looked at my watch and thought, "Oh, yeah!...it's not yet noon". 'Bem-vindo ao Palácio da Vila de Sintra.' the guard continued, welcoming us to the palace. Then he guided us to the main front hall where I knew that 30 EUROs each for this one day trip didn't include the entrace fee. Our guide said, "It is up to you whether you enter.". As you thought, I, and may be others, had no choice but to pay a 4-EURO entrance fee with the understanding that =We can't take any photo inside=

Our guide guided us from room to room, from one hall to another, from the chamber to the kitchen and the jail. Everything was preserved in good condition. The palace has been built by many kind of architecture; Gothic, Mudejar, Manueline and Renaissance. Moreover, there are the wonderful azulejos (coloured glazed tiles) from the 15th and 16th Centuries in various halls and patios, and in the Royal Chapel.

It was after mid day that we finished a tour inside the Palace. Our guide gave us free time for an hour which we needed to find something to eat ourselves. So, it's my time to stroll around (Passeio - in Portuguese, if you want to know) this quiet town.

So hungry I was, looking to and fro in front of the palace for small restaurant but found no solution which way I should go in this stong mist and almost rain. The christmas event was just one month ahead and the Portuguese started to decorate places into the Christmas theme. It was very cold. You can see the very beautiful old road in front of the palace which was built using cut stones.

Crossed the road, we found many shops selling souveniors, azulejos (coloured glazed tiles), chicken (symbol of Portugal), and christmas stuffs. I and my colleague, Mr. Praphon, did many windows photographings ^_^ there.

We then turn in and out many streets finding some local restaurants to have some food but couldn't. We ended up with a cafe and ate a piece of cake and coffee/tea. Not a poor time as I might, the cake I ate there was stuffed with the most delicious whipped cream I had ever known. I'll be fat if I stayed in Sintra longer.

After our lunch, rain poured and we had to run through the coldest rain I've ever known to the meeting point. The bus was there and we're heading back to Lisbon...

THIS STORY CONTINUE ON PART 6

More stuffs

1. Map of Sintra
2. Palácio da Vila de Sintra

Detailed information in this part are from:

1. Virtual Portugal
2. Wikipedia