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Published: August 5th 2006
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Sukasuka Island
A dark picture of us arriving to Sukasuka Island by boat. Oh my goodness. We are now in Penang, back to the busy city life. Back to internet and phones and hot water showers. But honestly, I would love to be back at our homestay which is where we have been the last two and a half days. It was the most relaxing days of our trip thus far. We arrived in a small town that I am still not sure the name of, but it was the first time I have seen just houses here. Everything else has been tall, enormous apartment buildings. It's kind of crazy to see that so many people could cram into such little space, especially when we arrived at the bus station. The area was full of tropical foliage, green landscape everywhere, tall trees. Really beautiful. And then we got to the lake. We loaded our bags on a boat and took another boat over to the house we would be staying at. Just about a five minute ride, but once we got there it was like we were a million miles away. You couldn't hear anything except foor the geckos and the birds. Our hosts were a husband and wife with a two year old
Our host
Our host Azazi. son. Azazi who was our guide while we were there told us that he is in his terrible twos and will make himself known occassionally. But the entire time we were there we didn't hear him cry once or whine. He was so low key I guess because his family is so relaxed, it creates an environment that gives him a different personality.
The island we stayed on was named Sukasuka Island. Sukasuka means 'Be free, be happy, or go as you please.' It's located pretty much in the center of the lake and covered in lots of lush vegetation. Plants everywhere, swings, open windows. It seemed very comfortable, as we weren't allowed to wear our shoes inside the buildings. It became natural after the first night to remove shoes before entering a building. It was nice walking barefoot on the cool woodfloors. It made it feel less warm.
The wife
cooked for us, three meals a day, all traditional Malay food. She was very aware of our tolerance level for spicy food and cooked to our level. Her cooking was amazing. It Lodging
Cabin/room we slept in at Sukasuka Island. was the best food I have had on this trip so far. Homecooked food... it was nice to just sit at a table and enjoy the company of our tour group. We got to know the group more and have become friends with the Swiss girls, Lisa and Selene. We ate lunch with them today and they have our pace of traveling which is nice to be around since we don't feel like we are moving too fast.
The second morning of our homestay we woke up and ate a wonderful breakfast and then took a boat ride over to a small village to take a hike. Along the way Azazi showed us more plants with medicinal benefits and had us try some fruit right off the tree. We were then led on a hike to a waterfall. How awesome!!! The water was cold but we all jumped in anyway. It is humid here and we sweat a lot, just from being in the sun, so the water felt amazing. When we got back to put our clothes on we realized how much we stink. Hehe, at least it wasn't just me. Took the boat back to Sukasuka and
Bed
Our simple but comfortable room. The white thing hanging behind the bed is the mosquito tent we pulled over the bed at night to sleep. ate lunch and learned how to put on sarongs. The afternoon we spent swimming , reading, and playing Texas Holdum. Nobody had any money so nothing was lost.
For dinner we put on our sarongs and went to eat a real traditional Malay meal. We sat on the floor eating only with our right hand, as your left hand is reserved for... other things. It was so much fun. They encouraged us to be loud and we were told earlier in the day that in the villages nearby, the custom is to never reject food. That is seen as very rude. So you are obligated to eat and the host will keep refilling your plate until you say 'Just a little bit more', which I suppose is the polite way to say 'I am full'.
We were all sad to leave this morning. It was so peaceful there that we all felt incredibly relaxed except for the bouts of excitment when one girl went fishing and actually caught a fish. She screamed because she didn't want to touch it. She had never fished before so I guess she
Path
A pathway that lead from our room to the main building where all the wonderful food was cooked and served. didn't think it all the way through. We also had some excitement when water buffalo came to the outskirts of where the huts/rooms were. They are massive things and look like grey bulls. There was also an iguana that was probably fifteen feet long including the tail. That made us the most nervous since we saw it slip into the lake to swim when we had just been in the water a few minutes prior.
Today we took a bus and ferry to Penang which is a crowded city. So far, I have nothing exciting to say about it. Nothing much is happening so far. Ryan left to go to some old house with Lisa and Selene and everybody is meeting up for dinner.
We have so many pictures to show but unfortunatly the internet is not always fast so it takes too long. We are timed and have to pay [which kind of sucks, but right now I am using this computer for 1RM for every half hour. And there are 3.63 RM to the US dollar. I can't really complain. I'll try to load as many as possible now and then the rest will have to
Waterfall
Waterfall we hiked to. wait for home.
I miss you Lola!!! Take good care of her Mom & Dad!
Hugs and Kisses to everybody.
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Jo Ann
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It does sound like the last leg of your journey does sound incredible. I had been anxiously waiting to hear about this one since it was unique from the rest of the itinernary. News from the homefront Ryan- Dad bought a truck which we will be picking up tonight, we changed our mind on the floor tile and we have a schedule date for the wood installation. Kyle will be home next Sat. Still only 2 tortoises in which I get one and if a third one hatches I will get that one also. Missing you- Love Mom