Post wedding

After the wedding we had a couple of days more relaxing before leaving for home. We packed in a trip to the marine park for snorkelling and the big Buddhas in Chaweng. Finally I suvpccumbed to a handbag which I purchased  from the night market after some good bargaining.  We were all very relaxed after the big event. 

Angie and I went up for a blessing from the monk. We had no idea what he was saying but we were liberally sprinkled with holy water.  He was quite serious so I would have liked to know what he was saying. The temples were beautiful and incredibly elaborate. This one had the stories of Buddha painted around the ceiling and walls.

Soon it was time to leave Koh Samui for Kuala Lumpur.  The airport departure was much nicer than the arrival terminal.

 The gang in departure lounge.

My connection to KL was quite close,.only a couple of hours but when I checked in they were reassuring. However the plane was 're-timed' a euphemism for late. I thought well this is going to be a close call. I might be overnighting in Singapore!

Bangkok Air were very helpful by putting me into a seat close to the front and prioritised my luggage. When we finally took off nearly an hour later I was resigned to getting the next connection available.   When we arrived in Singapore I was off that plane and through immigration in a blink. In my enthusiasm I overshot the baggage area and found myself on the outside without my luggage! I did a quick about turn and re-entered the baggage area only to set off the alarms. I was directed by a guard to go to information for help. I couldn't go back through the exit. I felt so stupid but apparently it happens more often than you think. I was given a pass and told to go through the staff entrance. By now I am starting to get really anxious.  The guards made me wait while they finished their discussion, which didn't seem like work. They were too smiley to each other. When they let me through the gate I was subjected to a personal security check before they took my passport and directed me to the carousel that would deliver my bag. I had calmed myself when I realised my bag hadn't come out yet so I couldn't do anything anyway. Bangkok Air were fantastic as my bag was the second out. 

More security checks then it was back into the Departure area to check in with Air Asia. I had checked in online in Koh Samui so it was just a bag drop. Fortunately I got a counter that had no other oassengers( they were all at the departure lounge obviously!) and they accepted the bag and sent me off to immigration, security again and then I was running to the gate D36 all the way down the end of the terminal. When I got there I had ten minutes to spare and I was still on the original flight.  Wow Singapore Airport is very well run. Immigration and security and baggage are super efficient. 

It was great to be on the flight as scheduled. When I arrived in KL though it was a long barren walk out to the baggage pick up and  no bureau de change in sight. I found the train ticket office quickly but decided I would forget the cash until later because the bureau was way over in the corner. The airport has this huge shopping mall at the entrance and I was so confused I couldn't find the station. When I finally stumbled on it a train was waiting. There were no expresses at this late hour but it wasn't much longer.  Eileen was quick to come and pick me up. It was good to be there after my little drama. We shared a whiskey on the balcony and made plans for the next couple of days. It was a very good whiskey!