USA: Becky Hart

After all our preparations, training sessions, try-outs and demonstrations rides, we are finally here in Malaysia. Just getting here was a test of endurance. My time was fairly tame – I left San Jose Weds the 15,th so I could be in LA for a 1:45am flight to Hong Kong on the 16th. I had a 3 hourlayover, then rode for 14 hours to Hong Kong. From Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur a mere 4 hourflight, then a short hop to Kuala Terengganu. All totaled my trip was around 30 hours. A few of the rider’s had about 40 hour trips with layovers, so I’m not complaining.

At the airport we were greeted by several people from the organizing committee. They helped up get our luggage and drove us to the hotel. Cheryl and Stewart Dell, two Canadians and I all arrived on the same flight. Jan Worthington, Grace Ramsey, John Crandell, Meg Sleeper, and Kathy Brunjes all arrived later that night or the next day.
We have acclimated fairly quickly. It feels just like Florida, so no one is suffering unduly from heat or humidity. It rains at night with great displays of thunder ad lightening, but so far has been nice during the day.

Our hotel is in the process of being remodeled. All the TVs work on the 1st floor, but n the 2ndfloor there is reception for only one channel. I am sure no one has ever been in our room before . Once the flooding shower was fixed it has proven to be a very nice room. Of course, the remodelingwas supposed to be finished before we all arrived. Every day there are new changes. Its sort of a game to see what is new – hm – was that mirror there yesterday?

The swimming pool had it’s light installed last night and today they are filling it with a hose. It is about two feet deep now. It’s the same story with the gym – it should be finished about the time we leave. We are going to see if we can walk to the beach and play beach volley ball for exercise.

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the horses on the 20th, and starting to make preparations for their arrival.