Luckily there were no more delays and we set off for Dubai. I must admit I was surprisingly impressed with the food from Emirates however turbulence meant that just before they got to my row all the cabin crew had to take their seats and I was left to ponder life to the smell of dinner. When I did eventually get my tray it had not only a pretty decent meal of lamb curry but came with all the extras, bread, starter, water, pudding, plus small chocolates and a snack box to keep for later.

I entertained myself watching 'The Eagle' which was an action film about Roman soldiers, before sleeping for most of the flight. When I woke for landing I considered why I hadn't chosen Dubai for my elective. The flight was shorter and the city looked very impressive from the videos playing on the personal TVs but I hadn't factored in the temperature. When we landed in Dubai it was 35 degree! That's not too hot, you say, until you realise we landed at 0200 local time and it was the middle of the night. No definitely too hot for me!

Even with the delay of my first flight I still had plenty of time to get all the way across the airport (and quite an impressive airport) to my connecting flight, snapping up some pictures as I went. These included a handy charging machine for all your electrical devices, a Häagen-Dazs café and Rolex clocks mounted on the wall every 50 metres or so.

I had been allocated the same seat as on the previous flight but this time didn't even make it to take off before hitting the land of nod. I awoke to breakfast being served (they have these handy stickers you can stick to your chair that say if you want to be woken for food or not) just as the senior air stewardess makes an announcement asking if there are any medical professionals on-board. I froze! What do I do, *panic*! But just as one of the air stewardesses passes by me a lady two rows in front gets up and says she's a doctor *panic averted*. Strangely I had been discussing this very situation with mum before I left, where I had said I would say something (probably along the lines of 'well if you get really stuck'). Since I had mentioned I would do the same should they ask with anyone with flying experience I crossed my fingers against that becoming an issue.

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 1500 local time and I checked into my hotel (Pan Pacific) whilst waiting for my bag. One buggy ride later and I was at the hotel where I settled with a shower and a nap before exploring the gift shop and swimming pool. Tomorrow I head off on the final leg of my journey to Kota Kinabalu with a flight at midday but for now, more sleep .