In Atlanta

The day went on like a blur as soon as I reached Atlanta. I didn't get into any trouble at the Immigrations when I arrived. In fact, it was more straight forward than I expected also I got news that my old friend who I would be meeting tomorrow - Specky - was taken for extra questioning. He flew via Detroit though. He was already in Atlanta when he SMS me just now. No damage done.

As for me, I had a driver waiting for me at the airport, driving me straight to the hotel. It took 25 minutes in the middle of the afternoon. I checked myself in, took my conference badge and registered. I then hit the shower before taking a can to one of the malls.

Anita had given me strict instructions about what to get her. I went to the store as planned, but the item was not available. I had to order it to be picked up in a couple of days time. Payment sorted out, so off I went for some coffee.

The mall - Lenox Square - was about 6 miles from my hotel, a 20 minutes can ride in the heavy traffic. It was not too big, but it had an Apple Store and many designer boutiques. A comfortable space. I got two items - a Nexus 4 and an Ecco pair of shoes - which were not available back home.

I will blog more about the Nexus 4 and the mall after I have some rest. As for tonight, I will hit the shower again soon, order room service and off to bed. At least the day doesn't start until midday tomorrow as far as the conference was concerned.

More about this Atlanta trip here.

A Quick Stop

It took about 15 minutes before the counter could issue a boarding pass for me. The problem? My first name was too long. Hopefully that was not a bad omen. It was soon sorted out when the supervisor arrived to verify things. Boarding pass issued, and off I went to the terminal floor. The shops were just about to be opened then. It was just after 6 in the morning local time after all. Around 2 back home.

A quick phone call to Anita. She had just arrived at Cameron Highlands - a trip planned for the boys, plus her mother. She was about to check in there. They got lost a couple of times, but managed to sort the directions out in the end. The children were behaving themselves I hope.

I was skipping breakfast since I had one earlier on the plane. I'll probably take another nap on the Trans-Atlantic flight. I'll give Anita a ring again before I board. Hopefully, there won't be much issue at the immigrations. I really could do with a nice shower now.

More on my Atlanta trip here.

First Leg Done

Just arrived at Terminal 4 at Heathrow, got myself organise just to find out that the counter for my connecting flight was yet to be opened. Cold outside. Minus 3 degrees, but was not exposed to the elements inside the terminal. The flight in was comfortable, although the turbulence and air pocket woke me up a couple of times. Managed to catch a couple of movies and around 4-5 hours of sleep.

Certainly A380 lived up to the comfort level, but I would blog about that a bit later. Time to get something to drink, wait for the counter to open. Retrieve my boarding pass, and then wait for the next leg of my journey. I'll probably browse for a book or two while waiting. Will blog later.

More on my Atlanta trip here.

Checked In

So, I arrived early, checked in and off I went to sit at the lounge. The flight was just before midnight and it was just after ten now. Anita prepared a heavy dinner for me earlier, so I wasn't exactly hungry. I had a cup of hot chocolate, settled into the seat and enjoyed the free internet.

I managed to check in my luggage straight to Atlanta but upon arrival at Heathrow, I had to get another boarding pass before the next flight. Praying that there won't be any delay hopefully as I was sure in would be right tired then. I wasn't planning to get much sleep for the flight into Heathrow. I would leave that for the Trans-Atlantic leg.

Maybe, I would force myself to watch a movie or two. After all, it would be my first experience onboard an A380. I got the upper deck seat, and requested for an aisle one rather than a window. In was a night flight. I'll go for the window one for the return leg when it would be during sunlight.

The lounge was recently renovated, but I did not see any changes since the latest time I've been in. Food was OK, but being full, I didn't have much. Maybe I have something light after the take off. I didn't recognise anybody else on the flight so far, so I reckon most of the other Malaysian delegates did the sensible thing and took the flight via Seoul. I liked to be difference. So, London, here I come. Even if it was only for a few hours.

More on my Atlanta trip here.

All Packed

So, I managed to reach home early after leaving the hospital just after 5. Arranged the discharges, sorted out the paperwork and handed over the patients. It was earlier than expected, giving me some time to chill, have dinner before leaving for KL Sentral after Maghrib.

The packing was sorted out since last night. I just needed to get my electronics and double check that I have all the documents in order. I will be on the plane for the next 24 hours. Getting really tired I was sure by the time I reached the Atlanta, I would be really tired. If I was jet lagged and unable to sleep, I would go straight to shopping .....

More about my Atlanta trip here.