First experience in Scotland

Getting this job is a new challenge in my life as I step into the new horizon of 2009. On 2nd Jan 2009, I flew all the way from Malaysia to undergo a six months drill in Prestwick, Scotland. I’m not sure what are the challengers lying in my path for now which I’m not going to talk about for now. Well, the flight from KLIA to Glasgow airport was a long one. It took 7 hours 45 min to reach Dubai and another 7 hours 45 min to reach Glasgow. Transit at Dubai was 3 hours but we got no time to discover the airport due to the long queue at immigration check.

at Dubai Int airport

before take off from Dubai

Although the flying hours were long, I never felt bored been accompanied by the ICE in-flight entertainment systems. I get to enjoy more than 100 channels of different movies (from recent release as well) and all the classical, yesteryears and modern music which help to spellbind my mind from the long hours.

ICE in-flight entertainment

And I get to snap some photos from the cabin window on some magnificent views which we can’t find elsewhere in South East Asia. The scenery of the desert to the icy view is so fascinating to see for a first timer like me flying to Europe during winter time.

View on Dubai desert

View on Iraqi mountain

Somewhere in Iran

Somewhere in Turkey

Somewhere in Southern part of Europe

Our flight made its touchdown at Glasgow Int airport at 12.05pm. Upon arrival, I and Rudy were mildly squeezed by the officer at the custom clearance before leaving the airport around 12.30pm local time inside the rented car. For the first time in my life, I experience the winter weather but that day wasn’t that cold. It was 8 degree Celsius at midday. Speaking of daytime, it’s shorter during the winter with sunrise around 8.00am in the morning while sunset is around 4.30pm in the evening.

It took us 45 min from the Glasgow Int airport to this small countryside town in Troon, which forms part of Ayrshire. The house was typically shaped in English style and I was surprised that it has been equipped with all the basic necessities. The house owner is from South Africa and he is so nice that he even provides the SKY (similar to Astro in Malaysia) and the wireless broadband service to reduce the hassle of going to cybercafe. Guess what, connection speed is 8 times faster then our TM streamyx.

Dining area

Kitchen area equipped with hood, gas stove and 2 ovens

Washing machine (left), dish washer (middle) & fridge (right)

SKY satellite TV

Backyard of the house

Washroom

Rudy's bedroom

My bedroom

My big wardrove

The wireless modem cum router

The living room

View from the toilet window on the golf course behind the house

Weather here is not too bad for the time being, I can still bear the lowest temperature of -2 degree Celsius with my excessive fat. There’s no snowfall experience as the area is near the sea. Shopping for grocery is cheap with most items is less than 1 pound. Actually equivalent to our price based on current conversion rate of 1GBP = RM5.10. The best thing is grocery can be purchased at TESCO and MORRISONS which is just a few minutes’ drive from our house.

Our long grocery receipt

For me it’s a good start living in a foreign country. But I really miss out on the Malaysian food, my wife, family and our long sunny, humid and wet weather. I’m still adapting to my new sleeping routine after the long hours of jet lag.

Here I come to begin my journey in Scotland, Malaysia Boleh!!!