Hello from Malaysia

Hello dari Malaysia

   But first I have to finish off with the last 2 nights in Thailand at the Khao Sok National Park. We arrived at our jungle hotel in the pouring rain. We really can’t say anything as it is the rainy season but…. We had bungalows built on stilts above the river. Over the 2 nights we stayed there the river went up and down like a yoyo – changing at least 3 feet at a time.  Every deluge meant a rise in the river quickly, receding again just as quickly. As our bungalow had tarpaulin roof we could definitely hear the rain – a great lullaby to go to sleep with. I’m sure in the right season this would be an awesome national park but this time of year it was mainly wet and muddy. In fact the truck was parked facing in the right direction for a quick get away as it was noticed that the local’s cars weren’t parked in the same area. Did try some floating down the river but with the high water it made it a little treacherous, water over all the bushes and sticks that are normally ‘high and dry’.

     Next stop was the border crossing into Malaysia. We hit the duty free store and saw 5 litres of wine on sale. Well the wine drinking has suffered big time as it has been so expensive and not easily come by in Thailand.  Therefore we were lining up to buy 2 – 5 litre boxes and get the 3^rd box for free. Only to be told that you can only bring in 1 litre of any spirits per person into Malaysia. As we didn’t want to take a chance with a border crossing we put it back and then wined a lot!!!! Or was that wingeing?  Didn’t want that darn wine anyway!

    Then we stopped in Penang – the area of Georgetown is another Unesco site with lots of colonial buildings. Here the Malaysians’ like to eat at street vendors more than restaurants. Which we really enjoyed and found many Indian vendors as well and are actually starting maybe a little bit to figure out their meals – but we love them so far.

satays on the BBQ

While in Penang we took the tram up Penang hill – must have been an engineering feat to build it. It was actually a cloudy day and therefore the view didn’t live up to expectation – but we were out doing a walk about.

tram line to the top of Penang Hill

motorbike grave yard - always wondered where they went - the vines will bury them quickly here

We decided to walk down and get some more walking in as well. (I believe this is where Russell says I decided!!) So the road down was mainly 30% grade for the 5 kms.  We ran into a pile of monkeys and of course rain – did I say rain! After 3 storms – one that killed my cheap umbrella and the trees weren’t big enough to shield us, we were rather soaked. Finally reached the bottom and asked a fellow where we would find our bus. He said 23 kms that way. I said no way – must be the English maybe 2 or 3 kms that way. WE WERE WRONG!! Well long story short took us over 4 hours to get down the hill into town – one must flag a bus to get them to stop not just be at the stop and I mean flag – not a light wave and with the next one being an hour later. Plus that liquid stuff kept coming down. My feet were done in – totally fried - the sandals with all the grit caught in them and the toes feeling quite webbed by this time. Let alone to add more insult to injury, where the cars were driving past and splashing great walls of water at us!!!  Well I mean!!! The hard part to accept was the Reid’s had no map of the area and didn’t have clue what part of the city we were in, so needed to get back to familiar ground somehow. Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.

   Next we were off to the Perhentian Islands. Another great place to chill out on the beach and not have to wear shoes – thank god! We did do a quick change of hotels so we could have a deck and a view of the ocean. (Better for happy hour that way)

Happy Hour on the beach with Keith and Sandra

look at that water!

We did some snorkeling with all the tropical fish and the tortoises. Made me remember how much I enjoy snorkeling. Guess that is why we are heading to Indonesia and the Philippines next. Even did some kayaking – in the most uncomfortable boat ever! One beach nearby even had some waves big enough to body surf on- yahoo!! One afternoon we all participated in the Calypso Olympics.

 Of course the Reid’s are not competitive at all and were in there like dirty shirts! We did all the kid (adult) races: 3 legged races, sack races, frog races(crawling through everyone’s legs) castle building and finding answers to quiz questions running up and down the island. Anyway we had a wild time –with many tourists watching us thinking we were maybe a little crazy but.. most important my team WON!!!!

crawling through - we can't leap anymore

   Before we actually left the islands a team decision was made to miss the next national park. One comment from Lonely Planet was that in the rainy season it’s only mud and leaches! Good reason to skip it.

   Therefore we were in Kuala Lumpur a little early. The name "Kuala Lumpur” which in the Malay language means "Muddy Confluence" or “Muddy Estuary”, reflects the city's humble reverine beginnings. This is definitely a big city with lots of new stuff ie malls, hotels. We did use the hop on hop off bus to get a good tour of the city. Enjoyed our stop at the cultural center as different artists showed how they did their craft, another stop was the Lakes area which were nice and peaceful compared to the hustle of the city. And of course we stopped at the Petronas Twin Towers but they were closed for renovations (the tallest building in KL with a bridge between the buildings).  On our last night Ben (fellow truck mate) did a comedy act at Dirty Nellie’s, an Irish bar. We all went to lend our support and enjoy his show. What a character and definitely had a lot of laughs.

Petronas Twin Towers

KL Towers

Dragon boat at the National Museum

Little India street centre piece

    Next stop Melaka – another Unesco Heritage spot on the Melacca Strait. This is the trading hub from our history books. This would have been on the Silk Road via the ocean so definitely a part of this whole trip – the ships would wait for the monsoons to start at the different times depending on which sea they were heading to. Now it is very much a tourist town mixing old with new. In fact it has to be all the tourists buying in these trendy malls as it doesn’t seem to be the locals. Noticed on our ceiling in the hotel a sign saying KIBLAT and presumed it meant exit as it pointed to the door. In another room it pointed towards a wall – then realized that it pointed towards mecca. That way no one would pray in the wrong direction. Exit is kabular so pretty close.

boat cruise on canal

trishaw lit up for a ride home

holding meteorites and a polished section of one

   Next was Singapore - the last stop for most of us on Odyssey tour of the Silk Road. Of course first stop was for a Singapore Sling at Raffles. Mine tasted good but kinda over-rated me thinks but one has to do these things.

enjoying our Singapore Slings at Raffles - where they were invented

 Next was brunch at Orchard’s Hyatt well at $100.00 US, it had better be good – was Russell’s comment. With all the champagne you could possibly drink let alone all that food – it was amazing!! But I think I actually had too much champagne as I don’t remember eating any of the desserts or from the fancy cheese platters but I did eat a lot of smoked salmon and roast beef let alone the sushi and crab, shrimp. I loved it but kinda think this was a one of.

      I can’t believe what we have all seen and done in last 6 months – the friendships that were made with group that all have the travelling spirit!! Wish everyone the very best to wherever life may take them.

still looking good after 180 days

    Next our own adventure in Indonesia – Bali and Flores for sure who knows what else at this stage. Stayed tuned!!!