klia

2010 Travelogue Part 1 – Chaos

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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Travelogue Part 3 – Malaysia

Duration: 20th February – 7th March & 22nd Apr – 7th May 2009.

My ♥ fluttered as the plane touched down on the tarmac of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Sigh, I truly missed the airport. Seriously. Before marriage, a major part of my life involves chauffeuring family and friends to and fro the KLIA airport – lame isn’t it? Anyways, no flights for me during that period. Reality struck huge when it was my turn to board the plane for US, more than 3 years ago. Time flies.

I almost raced to the baggage claim and immigration. And then I saw them, at the arrival gate. Mom and dad.

Awaiting impatiently, I could tell 🙂 A tear rolled down my cheek. I wept. It’s been 3 years guys! We reunited, got to the car park and head for home. Mom asked, “what do you feel like eating?” Gosh! I truly missed Malaysian cuisine. We went ahead for local breakfast, and duh.. it had to be our staple nasi lemak and teh tarik! Yummylicious 😀

Mom enjoying nasi lemak 😉

Arrived home with a full tummy, jet-lag and tiredness! Phew! It was a long journey back home. I snoozed and awoke a couple of hours later to the most delicious scent of aloo pakora’s 🙂 Mom, you are the best! What more can I ask for?

The next few days were packed with embassy appointment to renew my US visa, shopping, food sampling, dinner and lunch appointments with family’s and friends’. Fun was short-lived when I met with an accident. Nothing serious, no bodily harm or injury. Bumper dangling from each side of the car, with serious dents, bumps and bruises. Not to forget the fine of Ringgit Malaysia (RM) 300 that was slapped to me by the Police for allegedly not keeping a safe distance with a vehicle that was ahead of us. It’s a law in Malaysia, if you hit a vehicle at rear, you are automatically issued a ticket. It’s a very good law, only if I am immune to it 🙂 Sigh. The repair itself costs an additional RM600. What a luck? I am sorry for damaging the car Dad 🙁