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Published: March 7th 2006
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Life's a beach
Life's hard when all you have is a paradise island and no work to do. MALAYSIA
So we have been in Malaysia for just over two weeks and we must say it has been a land of contrast. From the most amazing paradise islands and beaches to the most amazing smells of sewers and car fume. From the sights of golden sand, to the sights of cockroaches and rats!!
We started in Melaka which was a lovely little town that looked a little bit like a town in 50's America. It was very well kept and horribly touristy but it was definitely a relief from the hustle and bustle of two major cities in a row.
After Melaka we headed off to Cherating on the east coast of Malaysia. It was a bit of a trek as it took seven hours on the bus (even though we were told that it would take four hours by the bus operator!). We stopped at every shack along the way picking up old ladies the size of a walnut and crazy looking men staring at us all the way.
Cherating was great. It had white sandy beaches that stretched out for about two miles. Each day we walked down to the beach we could only
Five star accomodation all the way!
We stayed in the middle one. They were quite sweet if not a bit 'rustic'. It cost us 3pounds each per night. see another two people on the beach and about four goats. In fact, there was hardly anyone in Cherating. We only saw maybe about fifty people in the four days we were there (we were the only westerners).
Part of the reason it was so quiet was due to the fact it was "apparently" the monsoon season. We were a little intimidated by that fact but were assured by our previous hostel (in Melaka) that the weather would be perfect - and it was. The sun shone bright all day long, and even when it rained (for a maximum of about five minutes a day) it was so hot that the rain turned to steam in a few minutes.
We also saw our first wild ALIGATOR (ie. one not in a park, I am sure that if you got near to any aligator they would seem pretty wild)! Which was very exciting... he (or she) was sniffing at some rubbish on the other side of the road - it was pretty exciting (not the rubbish - the aligator - for all of you who don't think that is exciting - we are comparing it to seeing a duck
The gorgeous couple
A sunny day in Melaka. on Newbury canal).
We then moved on to Kuala Terengganu where we had to stay for one night because of bus schedules and time restraints. Unfortunately it was the most disgusting place we have seen so far. High rise buildings that looked like they were going to fall down, smog, dirt, open sewers that wafted down every road and alleyway... we decided to camp ourselves in a budget hotel and try to sleep through the night. Which we did.
In the morning we were off to the Perhentian Islands... WOW!! What a place!! After a short bus journey and then the most hilarious boat journey (we were put on a speed boat with about eight other people and then proceeded to bounce on the waves getting absolutely drenched the whole way there! There were some middle aged Germans that were swearing in German all the way there (it would have been weird if they were swearing in Swedish obviously) Helen couldn't stop laughing all the way).
The Perhentian Islands were billed as the showpeice Islands of Malaysia, and even though we haven't been to any other Islands (yes, we know Singapore is an Island, but you know
A big red church that is famous.
This church is apparently famous. It is also red. It is also a church. We also took a picture of it... there you go... what we mean), I am sure Malaysia is right because they were truly amazing. There are two Islands called Perhentian Besar and Perhention Kecil. Meaning Big (Besar) and Small (Kecil) Island. We are doing well at learning the local language - we now know - tandas (toilet), awas (look out), selamat datang (welcome), Keluar (exit) - so if we need to look out and make an exit to the toilet then we are covered!
The only downer of the Perhentian island was a cockroach incident (we actually had a few in our bedroom!!). The resort we were in was very clean but because we were by the beach and the jungle there were quite a few bugs (huge spiders, massive red ants etc.). Sam managed to get one with Helen's flipflop (not a weapon we would suggest, as it is quite blunt) but then went to get his toothbrush from his washbag and another one crawled out from underneath the toothpaste. Helen was, needless to say, horrified and insisted to sleep with the light on for the rest of the night. Sam didn't mind as it meant that she didn't resort to what Janet (Helen's mum, for those who
Finding a spot
It's been quite stressful trying to find a place to lay our towels. Look how busy it is! There are at least three people on it. don't know) did to Roger's (Helen's dad) dismay when they saw cockroaches in their bedroom on holiday. Unfortunately we cannot publish what Janet did because we still need a place to stay when we come home.
After the perhention islands we made our way to Kota Bharu which was also an awfully grim place. We had cockroaches (again), but thankfully they were just in the streets (i think we saw about one hundred and fifty over two days), one too many for Helen so we moved on very quickly.
After an eight hour bus journey we arrived in Kuala Lumpur. We were a little worried as to what to expect because we had heard mixed reviews about Malaysia's capital. But after only a few hours we had fallen in love with the place. Helen fell in love with the copious amounts of shopping malls and decided (without Sam needing much persuasion) to blow a weeks budget on clothes and cheap DVD's (Helen = clothes, Sam = DVD's).
Unfortunately after two days solid shopping Sam's enthusiasm waned (partly due to Helen wanting to shop for fifteen hours a day and also partly due to him getting food poisoning).
Yet more lazy days
Ok... we promise we won't put on anymore beach pictures. The last few days therefore, the main sights have been the bed and the toilet!!
We would have to say that the most extraordinary eye-opener since arriving in Malaysia has been the people. In fact, we have been the eye-openers. We have felt like minor celebrities, especially on the east coast (less tourists there because it is more rural). Helen's blonde hair has turned many heads. People just stop and their mouths drop. Children run up just to say hello... it is very weird. When we were travelling with Gabby as well all the men kept congratulating Sam on his "two fine wives" which Sam thought was hilarious (much to Helen's dismay).
The Malaysian people are so amazingly relaxed as well. We haven't seen one ounce of friction, not one frown since we got here. If they were any more relaxed they would be asleep. The only bizzarre aspect of the Malaysian culture is the way they think a car horn acts as a second steering wheel. They seem to need to beep the horn everytime they make a turning or even when they aren't moving at all. The sheer length of time they keep their hand on
The Petronas Towers
They are bloomin tall! the horn as well!! Blooming heck!
At first we were quite cagey when people approached us. We were sure they were all out to get our money or con us into something we didn't want to do, but the more we got to know them the more we realised that all they wanted was to help us out. It's amazing how much help and advice people will offer for nothing in return. It is a real eye opener. Hopefully Thailand will be more of the same but I'm not sure we will find people as nice as the Malaysians during the rest of our trip. Only time will tell.
***BEARD WATCH***BEARD WATCH***BEARD WATCH***BEARD WATCH***
BEARD WATCH UPDATE: Although there have been rumours that Sam's beard is going ginger Sam has denied these allegations furiously and has threatened to sue for slander if any more comments arise.
Other than the ginger comments all news regarding the beard has been favourable. Helen has enjoyed the style and content of the beard, believing that it has added a maturity not seen in her husband until now. Sam however can not stop licking his top lip in annoyance of the
A cool bank
Sam thought this bank looked like it had been lifted from Gotham City (Batman for all of you who don't know) bristles pricking his lips when he closes his mouth. Helen has also withdrawn the usual influx of kisses complaining that she is being stabbed by the many bristles growing from all angles on Sam's fine chin... not sure how much more Sam (and Helen) can take... no matter how dashing he may well look.
PLEASE CAST YOUR VOTE: SHOULD SAM KEEP THE BEARD? OR SHOULD HELEN LIVE A PRICKLE FREE LIFE? VOTE NOW!!
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Helly's Mum
non-member comment
Definitely orange!
I like the beard! This new blog is great and it's lovely to see all the photos. Sounds as if you are having a great time. Wish we were there as it's cold here, but not the cockroaches/spiders. YUK! If anyone wants to know what I did about cockroaches ask Roger!!!!!! Love you loads but miss you too. God bless. Mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx