A Delay, A Warrant, A Wedding, A Meeting, An Expired Buddy Pass and Two Angels

It has been a crazy adventure going home to Atlanta.

First, my departure flight out of KL was delayed by 3 hours. Fortunately, it gave me a extra time to spend with Cheong and Vishen at the KL Sentral Starbucks. Then Cheong and I rode the KLIA Ekspres headed for the airport and we caught up on what we’ve been up to over the past 5 months.

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My flight was 19 hours long, but comfortable, and I spent most of my time catching up on sleep, eating 3 meals with unlimited OJ, and reading my new book, ‘Travels’ (thanks Vishen).

I sat next to a guy and after we exchanged a few sentences, he says, "I know you!"

Actually he knows Sharath and is a good friend of Ankur. What a small world! Out of a plane of over 400ppl, leaving Malaysia, I meet someone who knows who I am, lives in Riverside (a city in CA that I once lived in) and has spent time traveling with Sharath and Ankur in Atlanta.

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The moment I stepped off the plane, it was evident where I was… AMERICA! Well, L.A. to be exact, and here are some of the immediate things I couldn’t help but notice:

1. Mexicans
2. Asians with American accents
3. Toilet seat covers
4. 80 degrees Fahrenheit
5. Botox, face lifts, and silicon breasts
6. Big, big, big people
7. Big, big, big cars
8. $7USD for parking (That’s 28RM!!)
9. Passenger seat is on the right, driver on the left.
10. Driving on the Right side of the road

Korakot, my best friend of 11 years, picked me up from LA Airport and we spent the rest of night making preliminary decisions about her upcoming wedding.

Oh yeah…I forgot to mention that I ran into a minor situation as I was passing through immigration/customs…you'll have to call or email me to get the full story. ;-)

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The next morning, I overslept and woke up in sunny California! Korakot and I ran errands all over town for her wedding.

Planning a wedding is not an easy task. Even if you want a simple, small wedding…

By the end of the day, we’ve decided on the venue the reception will beheld, the style of flowers – on her bouquet, on the bridesmaids, on the isle, the arch, the dinner tables, reception table, etc. We also chose the fabric for the table cloths, chair covers and the sash to tie around it. It’s all about the details, and I’m more than happy to help my best friend plan her special day.

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That evening, the Magsombol’s met up at Lola’s house and we all met Tanya and Aisa for the first time.

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Wednesday morning, my Aunt and Uncle treated me to breakfast at Denny’s. There was only the three of us, but when the food arrived, there were six plates! 'American portions,' I said shaking my head. I didn't even finish half of it, so I took the rest to go.

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It was a short trip in LA, only 1 day and a half. It would’ve been nice to stay longer, but I was eager to get back to Atlanta and finally settle in. I arrived to LA Airport to find that Delta had changed so many policies while I was overseas, and now my check-in luggage was overweight by 23lbs each, my carry-on luggage was too bulky, and my buddy pass (already booked and paid for) was expired. Since the policies changed while I was overseas, I felt it was a little unfair to apply the new rules. I felt like my stay in LA was going to unexpectedly extend. Luckily, with the help of two angels, Korakot and a Delta rep, Tommy Grimes, I made it safely back to Atlanta.