I landed safely in Birmingham at 12.35pm. Called Babe when it was safe to do so. Man, I really missed him. Everything went smoothly. No long Q&A from Immigration and my luggage popped out on it's third turn. Customs too waved me through. Lucky, lucky me. :-)
Called Babe again and waited outside the Arrival terminal. It was bustling and heaving. Then, I realised something. It's freezing. In less than 24 hours, I was vaulted from 31C to 10C. Quickly, put on extra socks, an extra cardigan and my hood was up. Babe arrived and gave me a lovely warm bear hug and lots and lots of kisses. It's good to be back.
I was away for 3 weeks. I left Birmingham on 1/10. At the check-in counter, my brand new cleansing gel was confiscated cos it was more than 50ml. Airport security wanted to explain why but I told them it's ok. Just don't want the hassle.
The plane took off at 3pm and the flight to Dubai took 7 hours. Watched 3 movies : Night at the Museum, Kungfu Panda and Indiana Jones latest offerings. I was chuckling happily watching Kungfu Panda and Indiana Jones reminded me a lot of The Mummy 2.
I reached Dubai at 12.15am local time. 
Chatted with 2 ladies, Lena and Jo who were on the same route. Dubai was packed and there wasn't any room to drag your luggage without being trampled. Since I've got 3 hours to kill, I spent the time walking on the first level and not on the duty-free shopping area.
My next flight was at 3.10am. It would take another 7 hours to reach Kuala Lumpur. I watched another movie, a Jet Li and Jackie Chan collaboration, The Forbidden Kingdom. Couldn't sleep at all cos it was so stuffy. Walked up/down the aisle.
Reached KL at 2.15pm on a bright, hot afternoon. I was so happy to be back. My last trip was in 2004. At Immigration, I just put my magnetic M'sian passport in a tray, pressed my thumb and hey presto, I'm out. Why don't they have this in the UK?
I was out of the Airport by 3pm and greeted by my 4 boisterous nephews and their dad. The journey to Port Dickson took us about 2 hours. I was soo knackered cos I didn't sleep the past 24 hours.
In PD, Abah greeted me with bear hugs, tears and kisses. My grandma, aunty and uncle was there too. Went in and hugged and kissed Emak. Although bed-ridden, she looked well. Abah said prayers for my safe journey home. Amin.
Called Babe to say that I've arrived safely. It was 10 am UK time. We kept in touch daily. I either called Babe around 11pm (UK 4pm) or he'll called me around 8am (UK 1am). We were always confused when we say good night to each other.
I couldn't sleep at all. The heat was unbearable and I'd the fan running. I was awake at 3am and wandering around the house and waking everyone up. I'd showers in the early morning to cool down. After about 3 days, Abah had to install an air-conditioner in my room to enable me (and the others) to sleep :-). Thanks Abah.
Since it was Eid, we'd relatives and friends stopping by. My sister and family had to go back to Pucong and I was left with my parents and my eldest nephew, Eriq. Then, my grandmother was hospitalised for breathing difficulties. I decided to spend my holidays enjoying my parents company, just talking and helping out.
Abah did all the cooking and I helped with the chopping, washing up and cleaning. We would go to the market early in the morning and I'll pick whatever my taste buds desire. I love seafood and there was plenty of that.
I spent most afternoons reading Sergei Lukyanenko 
Night watch trilogy. It was fascinating and I'm glued to it. Also completed the Sudoku. I managed to pop to the dentist twice, renewed my passport, assisted Eriq with his academic applications, checked out the night market and met/phoned a few friends (TAK, RMN, JJ) and said hi to the neighbours.
In the evening when it was much cool
er, I popped down to the beach to get a few shots. The sea have been reclaimed so much and too many resorts and hotels were mushrooming along the coastline. It was quite scary cos without Sumatra blocking the impact of the 2004 Tsunami, PD will definitely be affected.
CYH was in PD and we made a date. We haven't seen each other ever since I left for the UK in 1995. That long huh although
we do keep in touch. We spent 6 hours of catching up, exchanging news, tears, laughters and memories. There was a lot of catching up to do. And I pray that her new relationship will turn out for the best.
My uncle decided to hold a doa selamat (prayers of thanks) at my parents house. The whole clan turned up and Abah invited the neighbours and an ustaz (religious man) to lead the prayers. I prayed for my parents, Babe and me, Dee and family to be always under Allah's care. Amin.
Then, it was time to fly back to the UK. It was very sad leaving your elderly parents and very elderly grandmothers. I promised to fly back every 2 years, Insyaallah.
I boarded the 2am flight from KL. Watched Wall-E and read. Reached Dubai at 4.45am local time. Managed to browse around the duty-free shops but things are very expensive. Depart Dubai at 8.05am. Watched Hancock and Vantage Point. There were many empty seats that I moved to a window seat. I always chose an aisle seat so that I could get up anytime.
From the window seat, I was able to snap a few photos from the air. The birds-eye-view of Iraq was breathtaking. 
I flew by Emirates. I've no complaints and the service was good. The food was fantastic and there were 2 options to choose from. There were the main meal (meat, 2 vegs and potatoes/rice), salads, fruit salad, pudding, roll, cheese, and biscuits. Apart from that, they constantly replenish you with water, juices, biscuits and chocolates. No wonder I couldn't sleep. :-)
To RMN and JJ, I'll take a rain cheque.
*Yesterday in Malaysia
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