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Spring is finally here! And wishing it would stay longer 🙂 Pretty birds chirping away, flowers and sweet scent in the air. Roses are blooming in the garden. I am sure the tulips in Amsterdam are just as beautiful this time of the year. What’s in your garden?
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A very long overdue post about my recent travels to Malaysia, India and Amsterdam. But a must share of experiences that I encountered along the way.
First up, packing continued till the last minute. Left for the airport. Arrived at the check-in counter. Rummaged into handbag for my air-ticket. Go figure. Of course we left it at home! Nervous to the teeth!!! Hubby rushed home…Found the ticket, rushed to the air-port and low-behold, made it to the gate just minutes to spare 😀 Was sad that me and hubby had less time to spend before my flight. Orbitz issued me book tickets instead of an e-ticket. And yes, it’s unexplainable!
Nine hours to Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam for my connecting flight to Malaysia. It was uncomfortable. And not without a drama. The book-ticket continues to haunt. I arrived barely 1.5 hours before my connecting flight to find the transfer counters empty! Gosh! I needed a boarding pass, it can’t be so difficult right? While dragging my luggage, I ran all the way to the other end of the airport to gather more information for the next flight. And what do I get? A frumpy-grumpy attendant explaining the reason why she gave away my chosen seat on flight.
The grumpy conversation:
Flight attendant (FA): Hi, your ticket?
Me: (too groggy and lousy from the jet-lag).. hhmm, what? Oh yeah, here is my book ticket. Why isn’t there anyone tending at the transfer desks?
FA: I was there 2.5 hours ago! You are late and I have released your window seat! All window seats are taken!
Me: { Flabbergasted! There is still an hour to flight} Your tone is too rude missy. And for your information, this is my connecting flight. Even if I were to jump off the plane, I can promise you that my swimming skills wouldn’t help me arriving here 2.5 hours ago! I demand to speak to your manager. And can you please be so kind and hand me a complaint form or something? Your customer service skills are much appreciated 😀
FA: Gimme a minute!
Me: Take your time, I am too tired to argue now 😉
Sigh. I went and took a seat awaiting to board the plane. A tap on the shoulder and the Manager on duty apologized instead of handing over a complaint form or explaining the atrocious behavior her staff displayed. I was assigned a window seat finally. Any window seat is fine, not aisle! That amounts to jinxing my departure 😀
In summary, there is no harm in demanding. In a gentle gesture. Or so I thought!
Touchdown at KLIA Malaysia in the wee hours after 12.5 hours of flight. With horrid, battered and bruised face I was ready to hit the sack. Met parents at the arrival hall. Hugs and kisses. Arrived home and slept all the day. Mummy’s cooking lingered and I knew I am back into the arms of my loved ones 🙂 Sadly, left a piece of my heart in Orlando.
To be continued… This was just the beginning of a wonderful vacation!
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I‘m back after a long overhaul and melodramatic journey’s across continents! Can’t wait to catch up with every one. It’s been a month since I returned to US. Been super busy! I have a gazillion unread emails and feed reads, so please bear with me while I clear some backlogs. How have you been doing? Drop a “hi” or “hello” and tell me what you’ve been up to.
Love to be back to blogging again 🙂
I missed you all 🙂
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Love life, engage in it, give it all you’ve got. Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it – Maya Angelou.
I can’t recall when was the last time I actually slept for 6 hours or so. The max was 3 hours. For months. It was grueling. And was about to be even more nightmarish 
The flight from Orlando to Amsterdam, though pleasant, I could not sleep a wink!
Clear blue sky!
Gazing into Netherlands
Arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on 17th Feb 2009, at 11:30am. It’s freaking chilly! As I make my way towards the baggage carousel, I realized that I did not know which carousel would have my luggage. So, the panicky girl I am – I panicked! Calm down Kiran, there is nothing to worry about. So what if these people spoke more Dutch than English? I approached an officer on duty, and with a sigh of relief, he explained to me where I would get my carousel information. In English! Yay! Hail O’ Netherlanders!
I claimed my luggage and walk towards customs and security, with a breeze. It was a “touch and go” security. At God’s speed. Har*, Jessy* & Tas** was constantly on sms with me, awaiting for my arrival. Very sweet of them 🙂 Meeting them – with teary eyes, laughter & smiles – after a very long time. Bitter sweet reunion. Thank god Jessy brought a jacket and scarf for me. It’s freakishly cold! What’s wrong with the EU weather? It was chilly, dark and gloomy.
Jessy & Tas's apartment 🙂
We headed towards Jessy & Tas’s apartment, where I was greeted with warmth from the heater and amazing scent of home made food. Pure bliss. We ate, laughed, shared stories and exchanged gifts for one another. Though extremely exhausted – not sleepy – the feeling of content, being surrounded by family are beyond words.
18th February 2009 – We decided to stay put at home due to my lack of sleep, exhaustion and jet lag. The next day was my next direct flight, and this time, the destination would be Malaysia – Truly Asia. I barely slept at all Perhaps due to excitement?
Part 3 coming up, stay tuned!
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Click here to read my previous Travelogue’s.
* my sister’s
** my brother in-law
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As part of my grand plan of setting new year resolutions, I have made some subtle improvements to our home interior. I am not an interior designer, mind you – considered warned if you need my advise in this department – If you have or given the right materials, tools, accessories, and theme, this task of re-decorating can be as simple as reciting your favorite song – without a tune, which is so much easier. The photos begins with the formal dining room, living room, kitchen and butler’s pantry. Butler’s pantry are commonly used for extra storage. Personally, I use it “buffet” style when we entertain family’s and friend’s. It’s very convenient when the dining table is not occupied with platters of food.
I have made some improvements in other areas of the house as well. Feast on the photos below:
We do not use the breakfast bar during meals – instead it is now a pedestal for my beloved indoor plants
I love indoor plants! In fact, I am planning to salvage some of my pots and pans and turn it into planters. Very green and economical.
Our favorite venue, especially during the summers. Endless BBQ’ing. The planters are filled with seasonal fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, mint and curry leaves. Sigh, I can never live without curry leaves 
Money plant! I heard many myths about money plant. So far, it fails to amuse me. People, stop spreading myths!
This is a very cute toilet placard My sister bought it for us from Amsterdam. We are so depended on Google Maps, and now we need a placard over the toilet door?
I need help on wall coloring as well. Do you think I need to paint different colors on my wall? Currently the walls are beige, all over the house! Suggestions on colors would be great
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Hello and Welcome to KiranTarun.com! Ten years ago, I met Tarun, and we instantaneously fell in love. Our life so far, has been a roller coaster ride. From Malaysia and India, we begun our journey as husband and wife to America. Living abroad is like a new birth to life. Read More or Contact us.
