The Werners in Asia: Friday 27th

Today was the start of our journey home. We had our last Thai breakfast (well - bacon, scrambled eggs and toast if you can call that Thai) by the pool and again headed into Patong the fill the last crevices in our suitcases. The job was only half done, but we were due to check out at 12:00 so we duly headed back. A final swim and a short extension meant we ended up checking out at 1:00 and Michele and James finished (well sort of) what they had started earlier that morning and we caught a 'deluxe' cab to Phuket Airport, about 45 minutes away.

It seemed a quiet day at the airport and we moved through very quickly, leaving time for a snack at Subway and a last Thai meal :(

Our seat allocation split us up, so thanks to the kind lady next to Steve and James who let Michele join us. Steve took the window for the first time in 8 flights. It was a bit of a bumpy ride, but the sunset was glorious and the lights of KL worth seeing.

We were looking forward to staying at the Federal hotel in KL for our last night. Unfortunately, this place didn't live up to expectations - you could almost call it a disaster! It took 25 minues to check in (including two room changes), the TV had great sound, but only the occasional picture and the toilet didn't flush, which was no doubt unrelated to the mould in that bathroom.

We headed downtown. It was Friday night and the place was busy, vibrant and noisy. A spot of shopping preceded a street meal and a beer, but unfortunately Malaysian food has nothing on the food in Thailand or Vietnam. Burnt, tough and greasy are a couple of adjectives that come to mind.

Michele found a few market stalls on the way home, and after some light hearted negotiations, a few more things were added to the boot. Street vendors always have a few fun items for sale and tonight's collection included a dancing giraffe and a character that blew bubbles from very interesting places.

We tried to find a bar to celebrate Michele's 50th Long Island Iced Tea for the trip, but were unsuccessful and headed to bed. I say bed, but not sleep, as the Hotel had the loudest disco (I think they call them nightclubs these days) in KL so sleep was out of the question. It's now 3:05 AM and both Michele and Steve are still awake, but I'll sign of and see if the music stops before dawn. I can feel a letter coming on...