Well, the obvious happened! Everything was dumped into plastic, paper bags, haversacks and loaded on Tuah.

We were pleasantly surprised with the number of friends, neighbours and even strangers present to send us off. Another surprise was the Senior reporter of The Wharf John turning up with his photographer.

Said of TV3 assisted by Shafina was ready with his equipment by the time the Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia Encik Razaidi Rahim arrived, followed shortly after by Uztaz Erfino.

Flagging off was slightly delayed but we were away by 11.30am by courtesy of En. Razaidi Rahim.

Many thanks to En Azman Rahim of the Malaysian High Commission for making the necessary arrangements and the flagging off a success.

On arrival at Dover, we were greeted with an announcement that the Channel tunnel was temporarily closed due to malfunction of the ventilation system. Regardless we bought our return ticket which cost substantially more than what we would have paid had we booked earlier. Adrian however was unperturbed!

At 5.30 pm we were on the move on the train towards Calais with the lingering doubt about making it to the campsite before the gates are shut at 11.00 pm.

We made it to Camping de la Colline, Torcy, ten minutes before the gates shut for the night, thanks to the Sat Nav and managed to put the tent and awning up in the middle of the night for a deserved nights rest.