West Wilts in Malaysia, 2010: day 1

We've all arrived safely! The flight over was comfortable for most, although I think I was in a minority in that I slept most of the way and arrived feeling much better for it.

Much excitement at KL airport and lots of taking of pictures already. It's a large and busy place and there was quite a lot going on. We were delayed for a while at immigration, as it seemed that a couple of international flights had arrived at the same time, but finally everyone had their passport stamped and had fetched their luggage.

We were greeted at the airport by Tony and Cherry Beadsworth, British teachers working at KYUEM; Fauzi, who looks after much of the pastoral side at the college; and a number of very excited Malaysian students, who will be working with us this week. Several had gone off to pray at the airport prayer room while they were waiting for us.

A bus ride to the College later and we were greeted by the college principal, Neil Sutherland, and his wife Carol, as well as a number of other staff and the rest of the students. We had a delicious supper of local fruits, sandwiches and noodles, as well as fresh coconuts and juice.

After that we went to our accommodation to get ready for a well-deserved night's rest. I think a lot of people found it difficult to sleep, since it was mid-afternoon UK time, but the chance to stretch out and rest from the journey was well-received by all. This year we are all based in the apartment blocks on the edge of the campus, with girls on the top floor and boys on the middle floor. There are a lot of unusual insects which caused some nervous reactions! Luckily we have all been equipped with anti-bug spray.

This morning we had a greeting from the principal and a little getting-to-know-you session in the staffroom before moving to our classroom and beginning work. It's been sunny so far today and is very humid, but the rooms are all heavily air conditioned and I think everyone is enjoying the break from the cold dark of Wiltshire.

Tomorrow we're off to the Cameron Highlands for a spot of tea!