Reincarnation for Utopia

So, another try at resurrecting my blog. Mainly because there is too much to say for Facebook...

About 18 months ago I was inspired to consider holidaying in Malaysia as I had come into some extra funds and Borneo was the #1 choice destination because of the orangutans (I support several animal charities out there).
Long story short, I saved up the extra and spent six months planning my trip. 

The trip of a lifetime didn't have an auspicious start...

The plan was - fly to Singapore and then shuttle across to Kota Kinabalu...simples.

So I woke at 5am to travel to Heathrow...I always hate that there is a 5am...anyway, I digress. Me, one very heavy suitcase and one light backpack pitched up on time for the 13 hour flight and waited....and waited....and waited...
Finally, two hours late, my flight began to taxi and my holiday of a lifetime had technically started. However, as the connecting time was only 75 minutes at Singapore, I knew from the get go I was not going to make the local flight.
13 hours in an aeroplane flying economy, is a trial all of itself.With an elderly lady in front who insisted in having her seat reclined the whole time and a teenage girl behind me who was obviously a football fan, from the amount of kicking she did, it was not a restful flight. The policy on long haul flights is to feed you and then encourage you to sleep, that way you are less likely to cause trouble. Once dinner was finished and cleared away the lights were dimmed and we settled down. I think I finally managed about four hours sleep, interspersed with various movies from their wide collection.
Now, I know my maths is basic, but I was right - 120 minutes does not equate to 75 minutes and we were way late for the Kota Kinabalu flight - only problem, there is only one flight a day from Singapore. I threw myself on the mercy of the lovely girls on the Transfer Desk and imagine my surprise when they said they were flying me out via Brunei. I've never been to Brunei - actually unless you count the airport, I still haven't been to Brunei!! At this point I was wondering what would happen with my hotel transfer - I mean 5* is 5* but would they take into account my 6 hour delay?
To their credit, Royal Brunei were brilliant, shuttled me around Malaysia on time and with the most amazing politeness, although I was now wondering about my suitcase's final destination.
Finally, after 28 hours travelling, I was finally in Kota Kinabalu. I was exhausted but somewhat victorious. I had travelled 7,000 miles alone and, despite various hurdles, I had done it without incident. Even more amazing, as I walked off the little creaky A320 plane I noticed my lilac suitcase had also made it 7,000 miles with some detours and arrived at exactly the same time as I did....
So, somewhat inspired despite the fatigue, I made a short pitstop at the airport washroom. After carefully reading the notices ( I always read signs - it's the H&S officer in me) I tripped on the step they warned me about in the notices and fell face first onto the slate floor.
It was with a loose tooth and a bloodied and bruised face that I staggered out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport to find a local waiting for me with my name scribbled on a sheet of paper. I have never been so happy to see a little Malaysian man...I was so relieved I nearly cried. From then on I was not permitted to lift a finger. He manfully toted my case into the little old van and pootled me out through rush hour to the hotel.
At the Rasa Ria Hotel and Spa you are welcomed by the greeting gong, and when the gong sounds the local instruments are played, you are guided to a seat and a welcoming fruit drink is pressed into your hand (none of the old hoi polloi queuing at the reception desk) - so all in all, a unique arrival after an unusual trip.
**Oh, did I not mention the reason for the delay in the first place? One of the ground crew in Heathrow collided with our plane...yes, he didn't see the enormous double decker A380 and drove his vehicle into the plane...