While the main purpose of our trip to Malaysia was simply to get to Singapore, we ended up munching our way through the most eclectic mix of food we've ever been exposed to (except Indian, I still can't look a curry in the eye - especially the ones with eyes). With its melting pot of cultures and wealth of cuisines, Malaysia had a lot to tempt us after relentless curries and mountainous noodles - we took full advantage. Seeing as how there was a distinct lack of success when we tried to find Dim Sum in Hong Kong, where it is meant to be the food stuff of choice, we jumped at the chance when it was offered in Kuala Lumpur. Scoffing down plates of the delicious prawn, seafood, and 'meat' (just don't ask) dumplings prepared ... read more

Do do do do Do do do Do do do do Do do do do do (Honest that's right, check it if you don't believe us) If the Taj Mahal is disappointing as a New World Wonder then Angkor more than makes up for it. We refer to it as Angkor as to call it Angkor Wat would be to do a massive disservice to the absolutely stunning temples, citadels and cities that make up the Angkorian Empire around Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia. The saying here goes that no matter what has happened recently the Cambodians built Angkor and can be proud. And to that we can only say their spot on. This is like finding every Roman ruin in one place, most of it still standing. Dozens of incredibly well preserved temple structures just ... read more

After the success of marathon cycle tour of the citadel at Hue (at least 40 mins), we felt the need to up the challenge and undertake the 'Íronman' of Vietnamese cycle tours with a man who calls himself the Sleepy Gecko. The Gecko, or Steve as he was more commonly known was to take us on a 'monster' tour of the islands that lay to the south of sleepy Hoi An - where it's positively comatosed. Hoi An is a quaint, incredibly well preserved example of an old Vietnamese trading port and what with Unesco World Heritage listing and more crossiants than France it's pretty popular with the tourists too. Actually its painfully popular. Bulging at the seems with tailor shops (over 200!) and modern art galleries this is a town of tour groups and frappaccinos. ... read more

To the people who warn against Hanoi, and Vietnam at large, because of aggressive touts, pushy sales men/women/9 year-olds and the demolition derby that is every intersection we only have two words - Try India! Ok, this isn't Thailand and bartering is more a religion than a simple everyday occurance, but this is a place that has received some unfair press form the outside world. Thoughts and images from the 'American War' can't prepare you for an old quarter with tight alleyways bustling with boutique shops and French cafes (although many Vietnamese cafes sell coffee, just coffee no food - even a request for milk can warrant disapproving stares). Armies of young cyclists and fruit sellers with bamboo baskets and conical hats pour through the streets as they have for a hundred years. However, venture further ... read more

As the 8th hour sitting, waiting for another bus that is unlikely to come, passes the ways in which to keep oneself occupied begin to wear thin. That's why after 104 days travel (my giddey aunt its flying by) and many, many delayed, slow and non-existant buses we felt the time was right to publish a brief portion of our musical repetoire - two of our favourites of the at least. Please note that 8 hrs is a long time to fill and when you have to do it every few days eye spy can really lose its appeal. The first, a popular childrens ditty (so I'm told), features a little green frog. Mmm, went the little green frog one day mmm, went the little green frog mmm, went the little green frog one day mmm ... read more