Team to Penang arrives safe, sound and tired.

What a day. Cantabrian's, Wellingtonians and Aucklanders came together for the first International leg to Hong Kong, then Kuala Lumpur, and then the final destination Penang. All bags scraped in without any excess. 12 Fencers and 5 supporters left on time, off blox at 2359, then with a tick and a tock it was no longer Friday the 13th Black Friday, but Valentines Day.

The new IFE (In Flight Entertainment) system was briefly a hit while we were served a late night "supper", then sleep took over. Arrived Hong Kong some hours later (I believe about 3am-ish local time), rather quiet. Customs, baggage, rechecking in without hassels.

Then once again another few hours, a meal, snoozing, for the flight Hong Kong KL. Arrival in Malaysia was stress free, quite and peaceful. An air of calm was palpable ... or we were just plain tired. Transferred to the short domestic flight to Penang. More of the same ... only change was the rather heavy touch down thump which announced "you have arrived" and we were awake. Palm trees every where. A warm and humid 30 degrees. Met at Penang Airport - fencers and bags transferred to the Evergreen Laurel Hotel with a sea view from our third floor rooms, overlooking a swimming pool. Shower, dinner for 17 and then bed.

Dinner setting for 17 - open air, view the sea, warm zephyr breaze - and we are just a little tired.

A day of travel with a five hour time shift and the adventure on the longest Valentines day has begun ... more to come.

Martin Brill, Coach