Blogs from Kelantan, Malaysia, Asia - page 3

Blog starts with 'via' again. Via Marang and Kuala Terengganu, we make our way to Kota Bharu in the extreme Northeast of peninsular Malaysia. A short look at the map confirms my suspicion that we're almost in Thailand already. KB is the capital of Kelantan, the most conservative and staunchly Muslim of Malaysia's states (more, so much more on that later). The city is also famous for its diverse cuisine, which for us was the main reason to go there. After the disappointing, pricey fare on Kapas, we wanted to indulge in great food once again. And that's what we did the next five or so days. Eat, eat, eat. For breakfast, we go to an Indian restaurant where I finally, finally get my beloved masala dosai, which turns out to be the best I've ever ... read more

Was haben wir hier gefunden? Wie funktioniert das eigentlich? Und wo kommt das Alles überhaupt her? Wieso ist der Himmel so tief Blau? Und das Wasser so kristallklar? Was macht ein Paradies besonders, wenn man doch die unendliche Auswahl hat? Und gibt es eigentlich so etwas, wie ein „Paradies“? Ist es nicht einfach nur eine aneinander Reihung von Dingen, Tatsachen, Landschaften, die den Blick des Betrachters in besonderem Maße auf sich ziehen? Dann wäre ein Paradies ja überall zu finden und nichts außergewöhnlich Besonderes mehr. Oder ist es nur dort zu finden wo wir gelernt haben, wo uns anerzogen worden ist, wo wir also lediglich darauf konditioniert worden sind, das Paradies zu suchen und wenn wir schon einmal da sind, auch zu finden, vielleicht? Aber anders. Oder doch nicht. Oder lassen wir einfach das schnöde Nachdenken ... read more

We walked around aimlessly looking for a taxi that wouldn't rip us off when a city bus pulled up and asked if we were wanting to go to kota bharu. We said yes and jumped on. A taxi would of cost us 60 RM, where we paid 6 RM each. We found a guesthouse close to the bus station that would be our home for the next 2 nights. Its pretty basic, but clean and is only $7US a night. Because it is Ramadan (the largest muslim holiday) not many restaurants are open except American chains. We grabbed a bite at A&W then walked around the market. We spent the evening and early morning listening to a baby scream at the top of its lungs till 4 am. The next day not a single store ws ... read more

Monday March 14th, 2011 Strait of Malacca- off the Coast of Malaysia Latitude 2 degrees 59 minutes’ north- Longitude 101 degrees 20 minutes’ east Yesterday we were in the booming metropolis which is Singapore. The busiest port in the world, Singapore is a modern, independent city which is also its own country. Singapore was a marvel to behold. The architecture was very high tech and bold, but there were some very well preserved historical buildings as well. We went to the Raffles Hotel to have a genuine Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar. Built by the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, it was originally built on the waterfront. They have filled in so much area since the 1800s that it is now over a mile inland. Perfectly preserved and thriving the hotel is now ... read more

Coucou, voici la suite de nos aventures. Apres un petit episode maladif, nous revoila sur les routes. Nous avons fait une etape par la jungle malaisienne ou Kate a ete un peu malade. La bonne consequence de cet episode et que nous avons rencontre un medecin chinois 'doctor Chong' tres sympathique qui nous a emmene dans la ville ou il habitait (Jerantut), il etait tres content de nous faire decouvrir pleins de choses et nous a emmene dans plusieurs restaurants. Tout ca ete tres interressant, il nous a aussi emmene dans un temple boudhiste et nous a explique sa religion. Apres 2 jours passe a Jerantut, nous avons repris le train aujourdhui pour un trajet de 7h. Ce train sappelle le 'Jungle Train' et comme son nom lindique il travers la jungle, ce qui nous a ... read more