Flight to Miri was with Air Asia (the equivalent of Ryanair in SE Asia). Took off pretty much on time and we were sitting near the back - which in hindsight wasn't such a great idea. Bit bouncy en route, but it truly got lively for the last half hour. Sheet lightning going off everywhere and plane was bucking around in every direction. As we came below the clouds it got particularly hairy - Jon and I were gripping the armrests (not sure how that helps really, but it's something you instinctively do). I then realised that we seemed to have gone up again. The pilot then came on the tannoy system to say that we had to give up on our first approach and would try again from the opposite direction. White knuckles and 15 minutes later we were finally on terra firma - for once we felt like applauding at the end of the flight (that's why I get irritated with most Ryanair flights when people clap for no good reason - they should save it for moments like this)!
A short transfer to the Marriott Spa hotel and we were soon checked in and having dinner (curry for Jon & fish and chips for me - I figure I'll get enough curry and rice over the next few weeks!
We saw there is chaos in Europe with snow everywhere - particularly important was the fact that Heathrow is closed and the other members of our group tour are stranded there. We wait to see what happens.
Still suffering a bit from jet lag and didn't sleep too well. Amazing how good technology is... So got up early and watched Strictly final and Kara's win. All via my sling media controlling our sky box at home - how cool is that (or perhaps how sad is that!)
Evening update.... Went into town this morning for a trip to the local Market. Weird and wonderful fruit and veg we've never seen before. Fresh crabs were freely moving around - made weighing them on the scales interesting to watch. Also chickens definitely fresh! Still alive but with there bodies wrapped up in newspaper, even the French don't demand their food that fresh!
Met our group leader Henry this afternoon - as we thought at least half our group are stranded at Hrow. Last treats for me today, Starbucks coffee and spa treatments this afternoon. My hair may look like a frizzy mess but fingernails and toenails look fantastic. Dinner at a local restaurant (I use the term loosely) and discovered Jolly Shandy (as opposed to a grumpy one I guess!)