25.7.2011 We left Medan by taxi through the usual melee of Medan fumes and traffic congestion and headed to Medan 'International Airport' - rather like Luton 15 years ago, but also looking like a 1980s shopping precinct in Kirby. Fast 'kiosk check-in' and bag drop and we were tempted to the 'Crown Lounge' at 60k (£4.50 each). What a gem - we had A/C, snacks, drinks (all free) and some peace and quiet! Plane came in 18:05 and miraculously was emptied and we were off by 18:42!? There was so much 'hand luggage' (limit 1 item 7kg) some had maybe 3 bags at 20kg+ - I really expected the plane to flip upside down when we took off! As it was we didn't- although the runway was bumpier than Liverpool, Church Street after it was block paved - the plane just bumped and bottomed all the way until we lifted off. It was a sweet 2hr 5min flight. Then we arrived - in the Southern Hemisphere at last! Similarly Bandung Airport was small... we walked off the rear of plane - into a hangar and waited 10mins for the Very Short conveyor to spew out our bags - then off to the taxis. A helpful 'taxi-pimp' sorted us within 5mins or so with a 15min ride to the Mutiara Hotel. Hotel check-in was speedy and our room 'OK' - nothing more.. More later....