The Night Market

I had the chance to take my camera for a quick spin after dinner on the last evening at Kota Kinabalu. I started off at the famous Filipino Market before drifting with the crowd towards the main market.

There were nothing much for me to buy actually. In fact, I would definitely get ripped off the moment I opened my moth at the market, so rather than spoil my mood, I decided to just enjoy the sight.

After about 20 minutes, I was basically done. It was time to head back to the hotel and pack.

The Promenade Kota Kinabalu

Unfortunately I was not referring to walking on the side of the beach here. But rather about the hotel I stayed in during my weekend at Kota Kinabalu. The Promenade happened to be where the MSH Scientific Meeting took place and staying there meant that I didn't have to worry about travels.

Anyhow, the hotel was more than capable of holding such an event. The rooms were just being refurbished. And you can tell from some unfinished fittings still left on some of the corners.
The wifi in the room was sluggish and not password protected. The TV channels were limited to 10, with only one sports channel. Luckily United were playing on Sunday, after I reached KL.

The lights on top of the main lobbyThe main lobbyThe reception areaA group of Korean climbers checking in. They looked to be very well prepared.On the first day, I had to get the plumbers to be sent because the toilet was getting clogged up from the previous tenant.

The breakfast was great actually. And the waitresses were attentive and polite, unlike some of the venues in KL which I was used to.

As for the hall, it struggled to accommodate the sheer number of delegates. We didn't plan for 500 people to start with, this being Kota Kinabalu and all. But we were wrong. Yes, we had to partition the ballroom for the pharma booths to fit in, which can get rather noisy. The ceiling in the meeting rooms were also rather low, but we coped OK. The AV system was UK although I stayed away from the wifi. My iPad has good LTE signal on the hall floor.

The bed was cosy enoughA nice seating area by the windowThe corridor from my roomThe hotel was also within walking distance from the town centre, the beach front and the Filipino Market which was a hit amongst the nurses. Transport in and out was simple via taxi.

On the whole, it was a pretty decent hotel. For lunch, I had some Chinese dim sum which was not bad. More of a working lunch rather than anything. Would definitely try it again if I return, although Sutera Harbour would still be my first choice.

Returning Home

Three nights away initially seemed long, but with the talks and other stuff, the rest was limited. Maybe I should've returned on the Saturday evening rather than stay until Sunday. I had to wake up early still and the transport for the airport came at 8.30 in the morning.

But I had other plans that morning. Mahmud, an old schoolmate from MRSM came to pick me up to the airport, stopping over at his new bicycle shop - although he is a pilot actually - before another spot of breakfast after checking in.

Ready to leave the hotelWaiting to boardI slept very early last night, practically falling off to sleep the moment I reached the hotel after dinner and quick walk in town to get some gifts. The sun was already up by 6, and I got up at 5 in the morning. I did all the packing then before going down for breakfast, and later check out and waited for Mahmud at the lobby.

I reached KLIA just after 1 in the afternoon - hungry as I didn't really enjoyed the meal on the plane. Took the KLIA Express to KL Sentral before being picked up to the apartment. Anita and the boys were out for a birthday party at Kidzania, so I had a shower and headed out to town for some food.

Landed at KLIA

The big but empty bagNice to be back homeBack to the usual routine I guess. Good thing I cancelled my clinic tomorrow. The boys would be on their last day of holidays and they were keen to watch the Avengers. Better get that organised I guess.

Reaching KK

The flight to KK was a smooth one although there was a warning from the pilot that there would a stretch which was cloudy. But it was smooth enough that I managed to each one whole movie.

Taken 3. Not a bad movie. A nice one to pass the time and took my mind off wondering about terbulance. We landed just after 7 pm and were taken to the hotel in town by a waiting van.

A quick drink before heading to the gateTime to move ...Now, waiting to boardChecked in followed by dinner. And when it came to KK, it must be seafood. So, I was taken back into town, had a superb dinner and back to the hotel for a nice shower. More about the food later I supposed. It was time for me to catch some sleep. The conference starting tomorrow, and it would a long day.

The Packing was Done

I was at the hospital until about 3 am last night. And was at my Sister's place before that since the boys wanted to play with their cousin. And with the atrocious traffic from Bangsar to Kajang, it was almost midnight when we reached home. And then in it the phone call. Off i went after dropping Anita and the boys off.

I woke up late this morning - no clinics, just some errands to do. Got my ward work sorted out and it was close to noon when i finally reached hone to pack. Luckily, Anita had already bundled everything in. All that was left was my personal stuffs and gadgets of course.

I decided to bring both my OM-D and GR along to Kota Kinabalu. Hopefully I don't have to be on photography duty because I would only be able to the basics. While there, I hoped I could do a bit of sightseeing and sample the local food. I shall plan that after checking into my room tonight.

So, I have just left KL Sentral, now on the train to the airport after having a spot of lunch with Anita. I might have something to eat at ths airport while waiting for my flight. Travelling is just not my thing...

I wished that I have taken an easier flight so that I could have more time to rest after checking into the hotel later. Bad planning on my part actually. At least I decided to leave on Sunday rather than Saturday evening...