A quick blog to record the end of the first full day of the first trip of my new job. It will only be quick as it is just coming up to midnight here, and it will be another early start tomorrow.
Turning attention back to the last couple of days for a moment, the journey to Singapore went smoothly. No A380 this time around, but benefits of business still enjoyed - most notably the ability to have a flat bed for a few hours for some sleep. Met up with Philip and Ann in the Changi lounge (they were in the first class side due to their exalted traveller status) before the onwards journey to Medan.
Turns out that Medan has a new airport since I was last here. Much nicer and more modern that before, but an hour's drive from the city. Hotel is also much better than the one we stayed in when I was here about 10 years ago.
A beer before bed last night, and managed to sleep reasonably well before the alarm woke me at 5.30am to have me up, breakfasted and out with the rest of the party just after 6.30 for the 3 hour drive to Simpang Kiri.
Our day on the estate was fairly busy, starting with a garland welcome from some of the children followed by a visit to the kindergarten, before we began the actual estate tour. It turns out that the estate is split into two divisions which are about a 45 minute drive apart (the whole estate is called Simpang Kiri, and then to confuse, so is one of the divisions, with the other called Secondur - check spelling). The drive to Secondur is alone a pretty bumpy unmade road, but does include a crossing of the famous Ann Fletcher bridge.
The Secondur tour also included a school visit, and on our return to Simpang Kiri we were treated to a full on production including singing and dancing from the children as well as speeches in honour of Philip's retirement.
It was after eight by the time we returned to the hotel where we've met up with David and Chandra ready for our train journey south in the morning.
[To be accompanied by photos when upload speeds allow]