V-Flyer

In reality there are two legs to this flight MH1145 and MH762 but it doesn't fit in the box available

MH1145

After our few days in Penang it was time to move on. We had had an enjoyable time which included doing a cookery class where the New York Times came to photograph us and eating at the hawker stalls where Chris found a beak in his chicken dish! However it was now time for us to part company with Marlene going on to Bali via Singapore and Chris and I heading to Phnom Penh. Our flights departed at roughly the same time so we all travelled to the airport together. Before we were allowed into the check-in area our checked bags were screened - a routine we were rapidly coming to expect and we headed off to our respective check-in desks. We were travelling on Malaysian Airlines and had to change planes at Kuala Lumpur. Our bags were checked through and we were given boarding card for both flights. the check-in agent then informed me that I did not need a visa to enter Cambodia but that Chris, as a US citizen, did. I was rather surprised at this but he assured me that was so. Well who am I to argue? I asked if my VS Flying Club number could be put into my reservation and my miles have since been posted. Malaysian Airines 1 - Singapore Airlines 0

We all met up again and after a mild bit of shopping, settled down for some coffee. We were quite near the security screening area and were quite surprised at the long lines but then quickly realised that nearly everyone had rentacrowd to see them off! When it was getting near time for our flights and there was a lull in the crowd we decided to go through. We showed our boarding cards to the guy manning the area and he sent Marlene through to one screening area and Chris and me to another. We didn’t think twice about it until we were through and realised we were in separate holding areas, she in the international departures area and we in the domestic area. Of course we were, we were initially only going to Kuala Lumpur. We were gutted when we realised we hadn’t said goodbye to each other and we pressed up against the glass wall, palms pressed together like a scene in some corny, weepie B-movie!! All that was needed were the violins!

Mopping our eyes (not really, but it sounds good) we headed to the gate area and had a look at the shops there. I was sorely tempted (in every sense of the word) to have a foot massage which was on offer but there was no-one managing the area. Ah well! We watched our plane come in and shortly afterwards boarding began. It was the usual scrum normally associated with boarding even though it was by rows. Having said that, the gate agents were very vigilant about sending people back who were not in the rows that had been called. We were in 20 D and F and on this occasion there was no-one in the middle seat. The flight was a short one of about 45 minutes and we were served peanuts and orange juice.

MH762

Once in Kuala Lumpur we followed the Transfer signs for our onward flight. KUL seemed to be a very spread out airport and at one stage I felt we were walking to Phnom Penh! Eventually we reached the transfer area for international departures and went through Immigration. There followed another long walk and we thought we might have to take a train to another terminal but then, all of a sudden we were in the area of the A gates from where we were to leave. There was limited duty-free there as well as a World of Chocolate shop belonging to Cadbury’s and a Disney shop and that was that. We didn’t linger long and indeed they were beginning to admit people to the gate area for security screening. Boarding took place shortly after and I was beginning to feel excited and a bit apprehensive as I took my seat on board.

We were in seats 14 E and F and I was surprised that Chris, who normally takes an aisle seat had snagged himself a window seat - that is until we got there. Row 14 is immediately behind the over-wing exit rows which in this configuration only had two seats per side with a gap where the window seat should be. As a result he had unlimited legroom for his long legs. Alas I had the middle seat and a rather peculiar guy next to me!!

The flight was just over an hour long and we were served a hot meal. I had a chicken and rice dish and he had a beef and noodle dish. We both had a glass of wine with it and received a top-up. Soon we were descending into Phnom Penh where an Air France 777 was in situ. We offered up silent prayers that it had been there for some time!

Once on the ground we found that the Air France flight had just arrived and they were all queueing to get visas. Chris joined that happy throng and I, feeling just a little bit puzzled, went to the Immigration desk. How come the French had to get visas and I didn’t? After all EU citizens usually have the same requirements. What made Ireland so special (well apart from the fact that I am one of its citizens)? I soon found out. Once I reached the Immigration desk I was quickly sent away with a flea in my ear to get a visa! I was like an anti-Christ about the check-in guy in Penang. I was now at the end of a very long line! The good news was that everyone had filled in their application forms; the bad news was that I was still the last. Or was I? Chris’s visa came through with consummate ease in spite of the people ahead of him. The whole process was like a lottery. Having filled in the form you waited until an official called your name and waved the picture page of you passport in the air so that everyone could have a good giggle at your photo! To be honest it wasn’t very long but one French guy got so excited when his name was called that he punched the air and shouted with excitement. You’d have thought he had done something useful like scoring a goal for France in a World Cup Final. He gazed rapturously at his visa that he nearly missed his wife’s visa and then suddenly realised her name had been called, More excitement! Some people need to get out more. Mine came out shortly after that and as our bags had already come through we went to meet the car which was to take us to what was to be one of the nicest hotel experiences ever

Great TR, so frustrating with the visa situation!

Thank you HL for the latest part of your TR saga.

Hl - another terrific TR - I'm following your tour with great interest. What fascinating places you got to on this one, I'm jealous!