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Published: June 17th 2006
Beach boulders at Tembeling
A new fave place to climb and play for the kidsWe're still just lazing the days away here in Kuantan. We've been staying up late and sleeping in until 11-12 most days, but slowly we're trying to get to something more normal. The World cup is to blame for some of it, the rest is just being lazy...but hey, we're on vacation, aren't we? Well, when we're actually awake we do get out and about, a bit farther than the pool. We head down to the beach at the bottom of the hill or over to see Jo's folks. There is also a lot of eating involved as I think I mentioned that is what Malaysians are all about. If we don't cook it here at the apartment or go to eat at the plethera of restaurants/hawker stalls then somehow food comes to us. Everyone who comes up to see us brings us food....char siew (bbq pork, my fave), glutonous rice and rendang (a dry beef), char siew buns, chicken rice...just to name a few dishes that freinds and family have brought up to us...We're not complaining, just have to find a way to get out and keep from growing attached to the sofa.
Our walk down on the beach
Our fave Monkey
The kids have named this Alfalfa. He drops by every afternoon to see what's happening. at the base of our hill was lots of fun for us and the kids. We drove down the winding road through the jungle to a wide spot that we could park at and out onto the beach. The tide was headed out about 5:30pm as we went walking around the boulder strewn headland just below our apartment. Just to the south is a large open beach, wide and flat, but to the north are the large boulders that have tumbled down the hill and to the edge of the sea over the past few thousand years. They vary in size and pitch so some are more easily climbed. Because the sand surrounds them, climbing them wasn't too daunting for the kiddies. There was lots to see sea-wise: shells, crabs, flotsam, birds, people fishing.... The jungle comes down the hill and ends right at the edge of the beach, quite nice really. The rocks provide lots of privacy, so occasionally you come across some young Malays out sitting on a boulder holding hands. It's frowned on as they are Muslims, but some even dare to take off their tudongs (head covering), shocking! You can't balme them; they just want to
Survivor Will
Will imagining he's shipwrecked and living off coconuts! get to know each other without the pressure of all the rules and such.
While on the beach, Jo gave Will and Viv some instruction about some of things they found along the rocks and beach. Of course, I got stuck hauling their shells back in my cargo shorts.
The monkeys that haunt our apartment complex also enjoy the beach. We see them down there playing in the trees and jumping from one to the other. They will walk up to you but not get too close. It's best to not get too near as a monkey bite can be pretty nasty. The closest we get to them is in the afternnon when they invade the balconies like little golden hordes swooping down on unsuspecting laundry and patio furniture. They must make a pretty good living off of trash and food as Jo's dad says there are few fruit trees in the surrounding jungle that could support their large numbers. The monkeys like to come to our balcony in the afternoon and look in at us, leaving prints all over the glass doors. You even find monkey prints on the windshields of the car. It's still quite novel
Monkey love
Love is never having to groom yourself.... to us, but I'm sure that wears off after a while. You just have to take measures to monkey-proof your balcony and remove the clothespins any signs of food. I guess it could be worse, down at Jo's house they have these large (say 3 ft long) monitor lizards that try to get their pet chicken. You see them lurking around every so often. The kids think it's all very exciting of course.
Well, dinner time, so we're off to find something in town so we can get back to allow Jo to get online and be in synch with the work day back in the States.
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Ted Houser
non-member comment
enjoying your blog
Keith, add JFHOUSER@sbcglobal.net to your list. I'm really enjoying the blog and get bummed when you go a few days without-aka 10 days ago. I was happy to get 5 blogs in 1 day. Say high to everyone and enjoy.