Today was going to one which was to be totally occupied with our transition from Russia to Malaysia (Putrajaya near Kuala Lumpur).

We were taken to Pulkovo Airport on the outskirts of Saint Petersburg by our driver. A fast trip.

We allowed a bit of time prior to our scheduled flight to Helsinki (Sweden) and so had to wait to check in. All went well until we had to present to the immigration check. Fred was able to get through without too many issues, however my exit was held up until some checks were made. 

Was it what I wrote ? Too much fact or did I commit blasphemy ? How do I say “I am very sorry, Mr Putin?” 

Nobody would tell me what was going on. I just had to stand aside, like a few others and wait. Fred could see me from the other side: I was starting to think that I was destined for Siberia !! But I was dressed in shorts and had thongs on, in readiness for the equatorial heat and humidity. About 20 minutes later, I was given the all clear to pass through. No comments or explanations: summarily dismissed like a chided child. Perhaps they were so disappointed about me leaving, that were trying to extend my visit ? Fred didn’t buy that one. I think that she had quite a contrary view.

We had 3 legs to this transition: a short 50 minutes to Helsinki with a couple of hours to occupy ourselves in the lounge and then some 10 hours to Bangkok. Then a short 2 hours to Kuala Lumpur. The first two legs with Finnair (our first and last time with them !!) and then with Malaysian. Why no more Finnair / Well we both thought the service, comfort and consideration offered by this airline was less than satisfactory. I think that I would seriously consider walking if Finnair was to be our alternative in future. The only thing good about the flight was that our bags turned up after 3 changes; this was at least my fear. 

Our hotel was in a satellite suburb of Kuala Lumpur; the administrative centre for the country of Malaysia. We chose this location as it was close to the Tanam Ekquestrian Centre in Putrajaya. Putrajaya reminds me very much of Canberra; Government has not wasted any money in building a planned city. They even have a bridge which has no entry or exit point. It just occupies about 90% of the width of the expansive lake. It is rather unusual: but just not functional. Perhaps given all the political upheaval Malaysia has had of late, it was just an oversight ?

Our hotel, the Dorsett is lakeside and seems rather suited to what we want. The weather, well it is stinking hot and humid. Just 24 hours ago, we were rugged up in 8 - 10 degrees in Saint Petersburg. I quickly became a walking sauna.

We had decided to go and see if we could catch up with Stewart our son, who had been selected in an Australian National side to play touch rugby. A burgeoning sport in Australia. To say that the whole family is extremely proud of his rise to such an elite level, would be somewhat of an understatement.

Kuala Lumpur suited as a stop over point: as we often endeavour to do this on our way back home from Europe. Stewart’s selection news made our decision very easy as to where our stop over would be.

The equestrian centre was not all that far away: it needed a “grab” though. I will explain that in the next chapter. Costing us some MYR12 (about $AUD4) in taxi fares. We were able to see Stewart playing against Japan. The team seemed to be far superior in ability for their opponents. The result certainly indicated this. 

I will have much more to say about the competition and how this all went in the next section. Suffice to say, that the cost of living here seems to be quite low for us Australians and obviously those with GBP and Euro.

Stewart’s girlfriend Liz, was also awarded National honours and was playing in a mixed tournament. So this trip was extra special for us. fred had warned me on the giving of advice to the referees during the game. “You need to be on your best behaviour, I do not want any international controversy because of your mouth”, Fred indicated.

She obviously didn’t trust me.