While standing in the queue for the loos Edwin had a moment of enlightenment and wow-ness on the flight from Amsterdam to KL: "Daddy. We are higher than Mount Everest and going faster thana Formula One car AND we don't have our seatbelts on." So if the children get nothing else from this adventure to KL then at least one of then has got an understanding of global scale!
We almost didn't get to leave Amsterdam as an eagle eyed KLM lady spotted that Trixie didn't have more than six months left on her passport and that KLM might get fined, or some such apparent nonsense. After answering a few more questions and doubtless sounding very suspicious:
Official "Do you have copy of your contract with you?"
Me "No."
Official "Do you have a work permit?" as well as to enable Lexo
Me "Er, no."
Official "Do you have an address in KL?"
Me "Er, sorry, no."
I mamanged to clinch the deal by provding the telephone number of my school's administrator and that seemed to be ok. There is a lesson there somewhere.
Boys and girls enjoyed seat-back TV and games on the long flight and even managed a little bit of sleep. Our arrival at KL Internationl Airport was smooth although we were all glad that we had tied Union Flag ribbons onto our cases to help identify them. Why are all cases black?
We were met at KLIA by the head of secondary and head of primary and then drivem the 75km into KL in one of the shcools minibuses along with another couple from BIrmingham. Tiredness started to kick in.
Following some sleep we had a welcome brunch the next day, Thursday, by the pool side in The Boulevard Hotel. It is really a posh hotel. They have arranged for us mob to have adjoining rooms to allow a constant through flow of children and parents as well as to enable Lexi or I to part fractious off-spring.
On Thursday afternoon I had a tour of my school and naturally was easily wowed by the Drama facilities. Three studios, editing suite, office, practice rooms and a props store. All air-con. The list of additional useful items includes a brand new office chair, although I don't reckon there will be much time for sitting on it, interactive white boards, stage blocks, as massive school hall, known as The Grand Hall, and a cafetierre ready and waiting for use in the office. Bring on the lessons, say I.
House hunting is a little bit stressful though. We have met various agents who are all keen for us to rent their apartments. The school is surrounded by high-rise condominiums, or condos (yes I do still titter a bit at that word). They are ceratinly posh although the ne that has most taken our eye is the oldest one that we have seen. Wooden floors, four bedrooms and on two levels. With the obligatory swimming pool, gym, badminton court and barbecue area the apartment is owned by Mr Yew, although I dearly wish it had been Mr Woo. The big HOWEVER is the price. Colleagues say that because Mr Yew's place is an old condo (10 years plus) then the price shouls be RM2500 to 3500 per month. He is opening the bidding at RM4800. we are seeing more places today and then will start hard bargaining.
Enjoyed a welcome dinner with the school in Chinatown last night, whihc was great and I bought myself a genuine fake "vans" bag for school and travelling around. We also had a very pleasant afternoon at the KL Bird Park too.
More updates soon and hopefully some photos too.
R.L.E.R.T.