September 17,

We got around and had our morning Javas and light breakfast of yogurt with Muesli, and a flan. Then we packed up our stuff. Today is “moving day.” At 1000, we checked out of An Nam Hotel. At 1010, the taxi came, we loaded up, and to the airport. At 1050 we arrived, checked our bags, through security and into the lounge by 1105. We found Pho Bo (Rice Noodle with Beef) soup, Dumplings (texture of marshmallow, but not as sweet), Bacon, Hard-boiled egg, and Banh Uot (Steamed Rice “Pancake”). Also had peach juice mixed with a orange, lemon-lime juice. It was good, and light- will be enough to tie us over.

We left the lounge, and arrived to get in the long line to board, which did not take long and we did not sit long, either; as the plane backed out at 1225. Ten minutes early! We were airborne by 1237. There was just enough time to do the water pass out and we were touching down into Ho Chi Minh City! We were flying on Vietnam Airlines– it was very prompt and a way more professional feel to it. I don't know that we will fly Vietjet anymore! We had noticed the board showed almost all of their flights as 'delayed'. That is just not reliable or expectable if you have close connections!

Anyway, at HCMC we landed at 1309, collected our bags, and walked over to the International flight side of the airport. Now we are flying on Air Asia, but our flight out was not until 1620… already delayed 15 minutes (now 1635)! We went to the Rose Business Lounge. There was another option on our Priority Pass entry – the Jasmine Lounge, but it is Halal and no wine. So we chose the Rose. Once inside, we sat and just relaxed as it rained and our flight was delayed more – now 1715! We had a light meal of Lemongrass Grilled Beef (a meatloaf with great lemon flavor twist); a Thai Style Grilled Chicken (with a peach(?) sauce); a Basa Fish Fillet with a green yogurt sauce; and a Banh Mi of ham and cheese with sesame dressing and veg. We also had red wine, a Chilean Cab Sav. At one point I saw a plane loading and there were 21 wheelchairs lined up to board in the jetway!! Then when the plane opened all but two of them walked on board!!! I noticed that they looked younger than 40, maybe 30! That was the craziest thing – abuse of needing a wheelchair just like back home!

We went to the gate at 1650 and plane just started boarding. The plane loaded quickly, backed out, and took off by 1720 . There was a bit of turbulence as we climbed to cruising speed, but fine after that. Then the carts came out. When it arrived at us the flight attendant asked Jeff his name – we got supper on the plane! Jeff then remembered that was a perk he got some way or another. It was good and small portion, thankfully. I still did not finish it, because well we had been eating all day long (or so it seemed). There is a time change from 1900 to 2000. So at the new time of 2015, we landed.  As we were disembarking, we could not find one of our bags from the overhead bin. Jeff went to the stewardess, just as another passenger was holding up our bag and asking her friend if it was her bag! I said that is my bag and took it. Jeff checked to make sure all our stuff was there!!! We then got our checked bags, and through immigration without getting a passport stamp or seeing a immigration officer- we just had to scan our passports. This part went well – easy peasy! 

   Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!!!

Jeff called a Grab taxi 2102. It was a zoo – waiting for our car like almost every other person or group that came off our flight. We found our taxi, got in, and drove through the city. So many skyscrapers, all lit up – like they are dancing to the heavens. We saw the Petronas Twin Towers – now the 20th tallest building in the world, and the second tallest building in the world – Merdeka 118. Anyway, we arrived to our place, Regalia Residences, around 2215. Jeff found the key mailbox and checked into our tower, Melrose, with the guard. Then up to the 23rd floor for our apartment. Bed by 2300.