Since my final flight wasn't until 1250 I decided to get up early and start the day with a relaxing swim. The hotel's outdoor pool is nestled among palm trees in the shadow of the ATC tower (yes it is that close to the airport) but it felt surprisingly secluded as I had the pool to myself.

This relaxation was to be short lived though as when I arrived at the airport and hour later, looking for check in I was informed at the information desk that I was at the wrong airport! I thought he was kidding for all of 10 seconds before the reality sunk in. One frantic search for the bus terminal and the correct bus before I started the 20 minute transfer to LCCT airport. Luckily I had left the hotel in plenty of time and was able to check my bags in and get through customs with time to spare.

I don't remember the flight as I slept for the 2 ½ hour transfer to Kota Kinabalu (KK) and was met at the airport by Daniel, the owner of Lavender Lodge, which I would be calling home for the next 4 weeks. During the drive back from the airport I got a glimpse of the city, noting the location of the hospital and various necessities in what has turned out to be quite a small place. I am reliably informed you can walk around KK in 2 hours, although it is often too hot to do so comfortably. It was a modest 32 degrees and I was told that, despite what the weather forecaster online had been telling me, it hadn't rained much in the past few weeks.

I had a friendly welcome at the Hostel, got checked in, and was provided with a room on the 3rd floor which provided the staff with a bit of trouble as they offered to carry my 27kg bag up for me! Once we made it upstairs I had the chance to unpack before going for a wander into town. Having being pointed in the right direction of a good restaurant I headed towards the coast and got rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the water. Dinner of sweet and sour chicken and I was ready for bed, all hopes of heading to the lounge area to socialise faded as I started yawning and I decided to get an early night!

Night all xxx