stranded

Well, technically not really. But 20 minutes past our estimated time of arrival in Kuching we were still flying circles over the airport - below us, thick white impenetrable clouds. The flight captain announced that since the weather was not improving we would park ourselves temporarily in Sibu airport, refuel and wait for the storm to blow over.

Leaving Sibu

After an hour waiting in the terminal, the storm in Kuching had blown over... to Sibu airport. Fortunately, we managed to lift off in the rain albeit shakily.

Rain streaming by as we take off

The turbulence stayed with us for the flight back to Kuching. Nothing could be seen peering out of the windows, just a foggy white and the occasional flash of lightning filling up the entire oval of the window. It was pretty scary for a while but we finally landed safely in Kuching airport and were picked up by Simon and Liza.

It's one of those times when the thought crosses your mind. Most of us dismiss it quickly but I sometimes wonder what people in actual aeroplane disasters feel like for the brief period when it becomes a reality. A villager said that maybe we brought the rainy season. I don't disagree with the possibility of that - the kemarau (drought) that all the villagers mentioned was nowhere to be felt. It rained almost every single evening we were there and although it made for a seat-gripping aeroplane flight, dangerous jungle trekking and gloomy skies, it was a wonderful and welcomed season for everyone in Bengoh.