Just Cruizin On Bluemoon

Log 78

Plans don't always work out the way you expect them to and sometimes they work out even better just by going with the flow which we experienced trying to give Zaid a surprise party... Amanda, Fakhkrees, Muiz and us Bluemooners decided to surprise Zaid as we have not seen him in a couple of months with him now being in Sabah, and with him coming to visit and it being his birthday – we decided Jono would go skateboarding with him while we set up the balloons and sorted out the food which did not work out as Zaid's family had organised something for him during the day so later on he phoned Amanda to say he was coming to visit them to which Amanda told him we were leaving and were coming for coffee later that evening and to come then!

We rushed to get everything sorted out and set up... while we were busy Zaid phoned Justine to confirm we were leaving first thing in the morning and she confirmed which was not the truth as we had planned to stay a week longer while Zaid was here to spend time with him as the kids had worked an extra week of school so they could take off during this time... He wanted to see them before they left, but Justine said they were preparing the boat so could not see him!! AAAaaaahh!! I felt terrible us joking with him like that!! I know that feeling only too well.... yet we knew it would be worthwhile – so the kids hid behind the counter – camera's ready (which was on the WRONG! Settings!!) anyhow, Zaid arrived with a very disturbed look on his face!! Not a happy man.... We greeted him and wished him then the kids jumped up at the perfect time with us all shouting Surprise!! What a great evening we had! It was really wonderful and even better with Zaid knowing we were only leaving in a weeks time..

We ate and celebrated a special time with Zaid then they all played Uno while John and I headed back to the boat ..... (Thanks Amanda and Fakhrees!!!)

We prepared the boat, packed and were all excited to head off on our road trip... which I must add was not planned!! Yea the road trip travelling around Malaysia was discussed – places looked at that we wanted to visit and see...and dropping our sail off at Quantum in Melacca was, but no hotels were booked … and so we left Langkawi at 7:30 am which is just a short walk to the jetty from the marina.

Justine and Jono carried the sail down while waiting for the rest of us to catch up and boy were they sweating!! That main sail starts getting really heavy after only 100 meters!!!!

Zaid met us at the ferry terminal to see us off and as usual the tears flowed way to quick... thank goodness for glasses!! I just hate goodbyes...even now just writing this brings a lump to my throat!

We all dozed on the ferry to Kuala Kedah which is about an hour and a half..Justine was the only one of us who could understand the movie!! It was in Malay and she was laughing and enjoying it.. When we arrived it was a stop for coffee which we desperately needed as we were not even sure we would get a car!!

Then two taxis later to Alor Setar where we did manage to hire a car...so took what they had or we would have had to wait till after 4pm to get a “nice” car.. we filled up with petrol and hit the road to Kuala Lumpur... which was six hours away... and you can only do 110 ks .

Good music blaring – air con on … we were in high spirits... with the basic of maps for each place that I packed for around Malaysia.. which I thought would do the job!!! (More about that later on) We were enjoying the scenery, the newness, the change... and the AIR CON!!!! They have coconut palms the whole way to Kuala Lumpur which is incredible actually!

They are oil palm plantations and I tell you...are EVERYWHERE in Malaysia. They are quick growing trees that need little maintenance in very hot weather and we were told Malaysia accounts for around 51 % of world palm oil production and 62% of world exports and I am not sure of which year that was.. yet it is really pretty to see!

Toll's!!! We could not believe how many Toll Plaza's there were!!! You pay cash for the short runs then you get a card if heading on the highway till you get to your destination where you give your card back and pay a whopping amount... Though the roads are pretty good and I guess you can count the potholes on one hand... the roads were very busy!!

These tolled roads have many rest areas, restaurants, prayer rooms for the Muslims and souvenir shops which are really great and used well by fellow road travellers! We crossed the state of Kedah into Perak which we felt was much cooler! Till we opened the windows! This stretch was really beautiful winding down through the Limestone Hill side where you could see caves... The hills stand out when you see the Chinese temples which is called tong/s or Hindu temples, many of which are built into the caves! This state is stunningly beautiful!! We were hit with very strong rain and so had slowed down considerably... also mixed with this beauty is the virgin jungle which is honestly breathtaking... really an amazing experience!!! We stopped only a few times to look around – stretch our legs and to grab something tasty to eat and drink. Malaysians drive on the left side of the road... and safety seems to be a minor concern for Malay drivers and was quite an experience all on it's own!! It is not unusual to see people chatting on their cell phones while driving with one hand on the wheel and a small child in their lap!!!! Vehicles will frequently turn or change lanes without indicating, and it’s common to be overtaken on the inside which is quite a surprise for us!

Lane changing in traffic jams is a frequent occurrence, and let me tell you... the other drivers won’t let you in to a merging lane either so you have your hand out the window waving at the car behind to open up a gap or you just close your eyes and drive as agressively as they do... and it works!! Also the one thing I cannot stand! They drive bumper to bumper at speeds that really can kill – there always seems to be a race on and it is not because we have not driven for a while that we say this! Then you get the motorcyclists who seem to be everywhere all the time!!!

You are always checking both sides of your car before turning or changing lanes. They often ride AGAINST the traffic or the wrong way on a one-way street which makes things very challenging!!! So the rest of the trip into KL was quite an experience...

John would warn me which seemed like every few seconds that a bike was going to be passing!! We arrived in KL while it was still light and was so excited to have arrived alive!! I was the navigator and was turning the map in the direction we would go... John could not understand this but it really made it easier for me!! Think of coming into JHB for the very first time and you will get the picture!! To cut a VERY LOOOOOOOOOOOG story short – Yes we got lost a hundred times and so it went turn after turn... We landed back on the highway a few times then realzied the map was out of date!!!!

Driving in KL is certainly not for the fainthearted!!! These drivers are just so unpredictable! If it’s not motorbikes zooming every which way around you, it’s other motorists making multi-lane changes without indicating, or overtaking on the inside which makes it very difficult to concentrate on navigating your way around the idiosyncratic road system... Ok.. besides being out of date this map was inaccurate and there were many twists and turns which made it extremely hard to double back if you realise you’ve made a wrong turn. Then the one ways!!

Getting lost we realized is part of KL life for the newcomer yet we were sure we would eventually find the place we were looking for!!

Thank goodness petrol is cheap here!! It is subsidised by the government … so a litre is about RM1.90 … and that helped with the many extra miles we used getting lost!! LOL Now please let me not forget the jay walking pedestrians which can be a great hazard to us drivers!! Especially in the city centre!!

We managed to find a parking, which is really not that easy I tell you, right opposite the hotel! And by now it was past 9pm!! Yet were all thrilled to find a place so we could freshen up!!

We bought the 3 in one nescafe coffee with our cups we brought and just had to use hot water (a lot of the places have kettles and hairdryers in the rooms) We walked to the Bukit Bintng Plaza, which is one of KL's oldest shopping centres. We walked around just looking... enjoying the aircon!!

Looked at the huge display of computers which John had been doing a lot of research on as our two laptops had fallen while sailing a few times and were now giving some problems... (not enough problems to warrant a new computer) Landed up at Low Yat Plaza and enjoyed buying a few things... on our way out we stopped on the side walk at a little Chinese restaurant and had sweet and sour pork which was really lovely!

Have not had meat for quite a while!! (Dare not even think about red meat... braaing... just do not tease ourselves that way lol)

It rained with spectacular lightening!! Wish I could capture those moments on the camera!! Headed back to our Hotel where we slept well!! We were up quite late – had breakfast – packed and headed for the car with maps spread out heading for the high commission..... what an amazing place KL is!! Talk about discovering a place while being lost!!! lol!! We were driving like everyone else!! Cutting past four lanes to take the wrong turn heheh Landed up at the convension centre which was close to the HC... according to the map!!

Well we had to drive maybe four levels underground! Then came the walking... block after block! Man was this tiring!!

Eventually I found the place to John's relief!! But now we remembered the photos we had to take!!! So it was off to the Berjaya Times Square which is Malaysia's largest shopping mall, sprawled over 3, 450, 000 square feet and you are truly spoilt for choice!!! It has everything!!

So after much walking and many floors up and down we had the pics taken – John thought it best if Justine and I stayed at the mall while they went to the HC as I was furious that things had gone so wrong and would easily say what I thought!! After a great cuppa.. John phoned as I had to come in and sign....so off we went.

When we arrived we had other people to help. The passports for Jono and Jess along with their Id books had been rejeted!!! Apparently the fingerprints had been the problem – no kidding considering we had to do them ourselves!!!

Now a lady from SA whom was from Blowm and was working here for the last two years did the new fingerprints and of course I was asking a lot of questions as to maybe we should do another set just incase these never turned out right and, and, and... she understood why I was so upset and assured us these would pass – also I wanted to know if we would be put at the back of the que again as timing was a problem for us and so she phoned the lady in SA to let her know she was sending the new info and made sure we would be taken care of as soon as the paperwork arrived – and we had to come back in two days for the tempory passports as the two kids were illegal now!! (Though the passports expired only beginning of May – one must have 3 months left in your passport to be legal in Malysia) everyone feeling much happier and reassured headed for the coffee shop before our long zig zag guessing game to find where the convension centre was!!

We found it!! Managed to land up by the malls and so parked the car down a side walk and strolled to the huge computer mall where we had a great cuppa!! The weather had turned and wow!! What a storm! Maybe the sound effects were because of being inbetween all these incredible high rises... and the lightening!!

We have never seen such incredible displays that we anywhere else! After much investigation and lots more walking, we assessed which and what we needed then bought two new computers!!! With all the accessories!!!

Now we were exhausted!!! The storm had abated and off we went looking for the car! Night time changes the view you had during the day!!! LOL You know – what you must understand if you don't know us is.... John needs a navigator! Hehe We would go to work for 12 years straight to the same place and I would have to tell John to take the turn off as many, many times we would be so consumed with what we were discussing that we would land up in town!!!!!! The story of our lives lol!!

We found the highway and headed for Melaka! The drive was great – except for the stressful moments with the speeds these cars were doing while creeping up the bumper of the next car while it was pouring with rain! You really have to see it to believe it!!!! We stopped at one of the rest spots and headed for the KFC for supper. Then continued into Melaka where we found the Orchid hotel for the night... when we went to park at the back which we were instructed to do we could not believe their parking system!!!!!

Like out of the movies!! It is a park and pack system worked off chains and winches etc!! They lifted a parked car then moved it up a level and over other parked cars so we could get in!! Hairy canaries I tell you!! Yet again – aircon!! I cannot tell you how hot it really is – all I know is you are always wet! Even after a shower!!

So the aircon is such a treat for us though all the hotels and motels have aircon which we are all delighted about!! After a great breakfast we were once again intrigued by their parking system!! Headed out for some sightseeing …..

Melaka is really a beautiful place full of historic landmarks which were really great seeing! The eye on Malaysia is a huge wheel like you get at the fun fares.. just really much Bigger! You kinda see it everywhere you go! Driving down a nice street we arrived thankfully at the centre of Melaka where Christ Church and a lot of other historical places were! Wow! So much history in this cute town!!!

We parked the car and walked around.... We found the Stadthuys (1650) which was the official residence of the Dutch Governor which now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum which has many traditional bridal costumes and relics on display. Close by we strolled to Christ Church which was built in 1753 which also is another great example of the Dutch architecture. What a buzz with so many people snapping pics, laughing, shuffling around this place and the music!

Full ball from these richa boys! Really fancy up to date music each blaring a different song riding their well decorated cycle carriage.

While standing outside the church we saw a bride arrive and she really looked alittle lost! She was not as happy as one would expect a bride to be – but she did look lovely in her traditional wedding outfit! During the peak of the Malacca Sultanate, the Sultan was gifted the Princess Hang Li Poh by the China Emperor. Her entourage settle in Bukit China which we know as Chinese Hill. Bukit China is believed to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside China, with many tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Hang Li Poh's followers built a well in 1459 that is said to have never dried up.

The well has been turned into a wishing well and may believe those who toss coins into the well will return again to Malacca. The Maritime Museum is constructed after 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal.

With its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to Malacca's heritage.

At the museum, visitor can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. There are exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.” You must take your shoes off going inside and boy is it big! Really fun investigating this huge ship! Memorial hall (1912), the landmark where the nation's first prime minister announce proclamation of independence from the British empire.

It has been preserved with archive pictures of the country's struggle to attain independence. Portuguese Square has a mild affinity to Portugal and known to be 'Mini Lisbon' in Malacca. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours. One will also find authentic Portuguese restaurants at the square.

Sam Po Kong Temple was constructed in dedication to Admiral Cheng Ho. The temple was named after a fish that miraculously saved the admiral's ship from sinking after it had been hit by a storm enroute to Malacca from China. The fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull preventing the ship from taking on water.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is one of the first Hindu temple built in the country at the turn of the century. It was built on the plot given by the Dutch. St. Francis Xavier's Church was built in 1849 by a frenchman, Reverend Farve.

The Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia in the 16th century. St. John's Fort was rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18 th century, the fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist.

The fort has an interesting feature in that its gun embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks on Malacca came mainly from the land instead of from the sea. You will see the pics on my facebook page as I have had a lot of problems loading pics on my site.

St. Peter's Church was built in 1710 by the Portuguese descendants and comprising an architectural mix of the Oriental and Occidental. Also close by is St Paul hill which is behind the A'Famosa Fortress which was built encircling the Melaka hill which is now known as the St Paul Hill to guard the Malacca river and the coast line from enemies. Ok – now it was time to have a change from this history lesson!!

Jonker Walk it was... Or Jonker street or Jonker way... whatever... it is a narrow street in Melaka's Chinatown area, home to the oldest buildings in the city, some dating back to the 17th century!

Its historical value is enhanced by its status as Melaka's foremost marketplace for antiques. Many antique shops line Jonker Street, selling items dating back to as far as the Portuguese occupation. Time for lunch!

Then the water wheel which was lovely to see, built beside the Malacca river. On our way back to the hotel we went to the Arab city which has it's own bridge and what a sad surprise!

So many buildings gone to ruins – so many unfinished buildings … went to the lighthouse then back to town where we found our hotel. We freshened up with a shower then walked to the city where they have a really huge complex which had the best fish and chips ever with salad!!

We got so horribly lost in this mall as it is not set out like our malls!! Shops and food is the Malaysian life! Went back to the hotel and had a really good sleep! The following day we again got so horribly lost looking for the zoo! Yet found ourselves thoroughly enjoying all the mistakes we had taken!

Found the zoo eventually where we got totally lost yet again as it is so big and enjoyed the show they had and all the animals. A lot of “ Afrika” animals were there so felt a taste of home... glad to be in Melaka though heheheh Found our way home – relaxed for a short while then freshend up and went for supper where we all had a traditional dish of nazi goreng spicy which was fantastic!

We found a paintball competition going on so walked on closer to see who was shooting who and bam! I got shot on the neck!!! There were on closer inspection a good few holes through the fence and found these pellets all over the lawn where lots of people were lazing watching the competition.

We went back to the Charicture guy whom we had seen the night before and decided to have our characters drawn. Had a lot of fun with Mr Ado who is brilliant in his cartoon drawings. We checked out the movies and found the dvd selling which was the same movie showing at the movie house so we bought the dvd and headed back to our hotel where we watched the movie with lots of good cuppas.

Got up early the next morning and headed for Quantum to drop our sail off to have the UV strip restiched. We found the place rather easily and enjoyed taking a tour especially the kids of how sails are made – a great field trip for them! We then hit the road back to KL to collect our tempory passports. We had a great trip back and found the High Commission much easier this time and so parked in their parking lot with smiles all round! The TP were not ready yet so we headed back to the Mall to have some coffee and were pleasantly surprised when the phone rang... they were ready... thanks to John letting them know the inconvenience they were putting us in!

We collected the TP and were thrilled to be on the road again this time heading straight for Johor. On the way we stopped to change a wheel and balance the wheels and oh boy could be now drive faster without the wobble!!

We had a pretty good trip down though the lights were really bright and the traffic always moving fast... we stopped for supper and had a delish Malay meal.

Hit the road again and arrived in Johor City Centre but yet again these blasted spagetti junctions get us every time as the words are written in Malay and to find them fast on a map is just the funniest thing!

So we were headed for Woodlands then back again and so it went with us screaming with laughter all the way... as we were on one highway out of town then on another coming back into town then around town and again back and so this went!! The local men refused to speak to us ladies when we did stop to ask for directions... seems they are more stauch in these parts... anyhow we managed eventually to find Danga Bay where we decided to stop and just check if TY Amor were docked and awake... after a little walk around the docks we found them and as we passed by their boat quietly we heard Laurence saying goodevening to us though she could not see us in the dark and I answered back and boy did she almost swallow and choke on whatever she had in her mouth!

It was wonderful and such a great surprise! Bebert and Francois were sleeping as by now it was very late! We did not stay long as we still had to find a hotel and so off we went excited to find a spot to shower and sleep and boy did we find a house in a hotel!! We took a family room for the night instead of two rooms as they had none left and this place was the size of a house!! Three bedrooms two bathrooms, one onsuite – a kitchenette with stove kettle etc... really luxurious which really was nice for the night but such a waste as it was so late .. anyhow enjoyed a hot shower then cold shower, lots of coffee while we all sat in the lounge chatting about our trip so far and all the things we had seen and experienced.

It was really great finding the things that was highlights for each of us...

All well rested we signed out and booked a hotel room closer to the Marina which was really cute! We had the earth room which had a huge earth printed on one wall while the kids had the tropical room with the palm tree and a sunset on the water. Your own kettle and again complementary coffe and tea.

We went back to TY Armor where we all caught up on the last year and enjoyed a good snack over coffee. We then all caught a bus to one of their big malls where we were surprised to see some unusual goodies. We bought a few things then headed down to the coffee shop where we spent catching up and enjoying the hussle and bussle of the busy work people while the kids strolled through the mall. The rain came down hard while we all enjoyed the refreshing change ….

We were pleased to see Laurence and Bebert looking a lot better than when they had their accident in beginning of March... The photos clearly show that they are both very lucky to be alive!!

They had been out and were returning home on the motorbike. Bebert and Laurence were behind Ron who had lifted Francois their son. Being a Friday night it was rather busy and next thing a car swerved infront of them just missing the front tyre to which they slowed down to maybe 30 ks... Next thing another bike came past them and pulled at Laurence's bag which was around her neck and shoulder hanging now between her and Bebert – that shook the bike then the guy pulled a second time – this time he pulled even harder and realized they were going to fall so sped off when the bike lost control and they fell with the bike over the tarmac!

Laurence still had her bag! Long story short – Bebert had a bad head injury and had broken his collarbone – though they thought he was dead! He was unconcious and thank goodness Laurence clicked open his helmet as it was choking him! Laurence broke her wrist which later they had to operate and put pins in as the bones were crushed!

Besides all the scrapes and bruises and cuts, they seem to be healing well xx

Apprently a young pregnant woman died the same way – someone trying to steal her bag but she hung on so they kicked her bike with their foot which caused her to have an accident where she died with her unborn baby... really terrible!!

We all caught a bus back to the marina which was yet again quite exciting as the storm was really lashing down with deep rolling thunder and spectacular lightening!! Eveyone seemed so used to it with their umbrellas handy...

We arrived and said farewell till later when we would meet up with them again for supper and hopefully the storm would abate... we headed to the hotel where we could hardly see in front of us!!! Freshened up then headed back to the marina... It was really raining hard and we were standing under the rooftop of the restaurant we would later eat at when we saw Evan and his brother!

His dad Gene we had seen in the mall and had caught the same bus back with! I think we were all surprised at seeing each other ….

Francois came up with raincoats and off we ran to their boat where we had drinks and caught up some more... lots of laughter and enjoyment sharing this wonderful time with wonderful friends.

Later we went for dinner which was great! Nothing better than good food! Tried the fish and chips which to our surprise was scrumptious! We have not had fresh fish like this is a long time!!! We try to stick with the 3 F's.... Fish Fowl and Fibre but have been lacking the Fish big time!! (Seeing as we do not get much red meat... - though it is available if you really want)

We headed home at midnight all happy – slept well – were up very early – headed back to the marina where Bebert met up with us to help us get into Singapore... Laurence had a doctors appointment so could not come and Francois was at school (my how he has grown! Love him to bits!!) I have so many kids it is shocking! LOL!! JL, Cody, Claire and Francois!! hehehehe Then of course my three wonderful, adorable babies!!!!

We walked across the road to catch the bus to the other big mall which was closed so we had to walk around the VERY LONG BIG Block!!!! hehehe Arrived at another humungus building to where customs and immigration are. You have to walk maybe a mile through this really big and beautiful building! Up an escalator, walk a distance then another escalator, another long walk and so on.... wasted space really – though stunning! Went through the officials where we were stamped out of Malaysia and headed off to where hundreds of people were!!! All lined up at different ailes to catch various buses...

Now the funny thing is the conductor knew Bebert and so shouted at him – greeting him.... really funny!! This guy thought he was in the army!! Yelling commands and orders to everyone to hurry up onto the different busses hehehe … we caught the 101 bus into Singapore customs and immigration... a nice drive I must say! Or rather because of us all being so excited – everything looked good LOL!!

We had to keep our bus tickets to write the no of the bus on our official papers ( there and back!) We took the drive over the expressway into Singapore which was quite an experience with hundreds of people and they do this everyday most of them!!! We went through Singapore with the new passports signing in without any hick-ups!! Wheeew!!! Caught another bus – 101 into Singapore.

The ride in was better than a breathe of fresh air! EVERYTHING was so tidy and neat! Verges, streets etc... pretty flowers and greenery blocking your site from anything “ messy” Was really nice to see an almost perfect place on the surface!

We stopped off near little India which was really colourful! What I think I love the most is the pungent aroma of the many kinds of spices and the flowers! Street stalls and colourful sari stalls are always an attraction to draw me in! We then went for a snack to eat which was such a treat!

We bought pies! But nothing like we have tasted in over three years!!!! Even making our own doesn't taste this good so a lot more practice is needed and a change of recipes! Then it was off to Sim Lin Square which is spread over six floors which sells lots of electrical things.... lights, connections, cameras, phones, computers and, and, and... then off to Orchid Road which has streetscapes of new malls.... so if you like to Shop then Orchard Road it is!

We got a few small things, had a great cuppa then went to the next mall just to browse around... but could not spend the whole day in a mall!! lol – Bebert had other things to do so walked with us to the MRT which is a brilliant hassle free, cheap means of getting around. We had a little problem trying to get our cards and had a good laugh as we knew we would not miss the train! There were always more coming within minutes of each other. MRT is a Mass Rapid Transit and boy is that the truth!! You get to stand most of the way heheh The trains really are punctual and clean! We eventually became fundi's with this system! There are so many attractions here! Not enough for a day or two that is for sure!

You have the Escape theme park, Xtreme swing or bungy jumping... Bird park, discovery centre, the singapore flyer, the zoo, Night safari, Science centre, snow town and just so much more!! They also have a wave house which would have been fantastic to have gone for being so hot … then maybe the flying trapeze would have cooled me off too hehehe so we decided to skip the megazip adventure park and head for the waterfront... went to find a place to eat and while in one of the malls, they were shooting a movie! You had different people putting their hand up for certain people to walk past at what moment just like in the movies lol

You cannot smoke just anywhere outside... you have allocated areas – the place is super clean and the building are well maintained! Everyone seems to be into fashion and are dressed well! It is definitely Chinese dominent. Everything is rather expensive... the same amount as in Malaysia, just with Singapore dollars!

Had a light meal with a great cuppa – got a few good shots of the amazing scenery! Then caught the MRT to woodlands with the underground service – we wrote out our customs paperwork and put our bus no on... the one joke that was made by someone we were chatting to about the zoo was that Malaka animals did not get much to eat while Singapore animals all have aircon!!

Caught the bus to customs, signed out Singapore then caught a bus back to Johor to sign in then walked out through this huge shopping mall where we stopped to buy our 3 in 1 coffee then headed for a cup of coffee and an icecream in the mall then caught the bus back to Dangu Bay where we visited TY Armor - Met Jill and Brian (whom we had met previously in Panang ) sitting on the walk-on having drinks with fellow yachties.

We said our farewells to our wonderful friends over a cuppa then we went for supper at the club again – chatted with Laurence, said our final goodbyes then went back to the hotel... Next morning early we packed our bags, signed out the hotel and headed for the east coast... ready for our 7th state which was Pahang.

Not sure if any of you know ….. Langkawi's state is know as “Intriguing Legends and Nature's wonders” Perlis and Kedah state is “ Malaysia's Rice Bowl” Penang state “Old world Charm and Beach Reatreat” Perak state is known as “Histiric Towns and Resort” Kelantan is known as “The Cradle of Malay Culture” Pahang is known as “The Gift of Nature” Melaka is “ Malaysia's Historical City” Terengganu is the “Gem of the East Coast” Johor is “ Beaches, Golf and Fruit Farms” Negeri Sembilan is “Magnificent Minangkabau Architecture” Sabah “Nature's Wonderland” Sarawak “A Paradise of Eco-Adventure”

We drove pretty much the whole day as our time was running out and we had a long way to still go... Palm trees lined the expressways and highways for miles. Malaysia is just such a fascinating place! Also surprising was the East coast is reasonably developed! Still... this side of the world is clearly rural and comparatively poor.

Not forgetting the most culturally conservative part of Malaysia.. They are more staunch and you will rarely see a woman without her headcover or headscarf. The top of East Coast implement and enforce fairly strict Islamic law (Syariah) with their own courts and they still impose full Muslim hudud punishments. Guess that explains the unfriendliness somewhat.. Lots of little small towns...

This side of the world you see the South China Sea which was quite exciting for us actually. We stopped for lunch where we saw one other foreign couple for the rest of our trip and they were surprised to see us! The South China Sea was rough and dirty and just so not what we are used to! Must be because it was so shallow.... and of course the weather was turning...Closer up to Terrungun the towns are quite big and the distances between the towns closing up. Little cities actually! Decorated trees and lots of pretty lights! The places come alive after 8pm! Or when it is dark. Also cannot believe how busy these places are!! The drivers here are honestly shocking!!! They are chances and dare devils! They overtake on blind rises, around corners and are like lunatics!! Bumper to bumper at speeds past 120!!!

You must NOT leave a space between you and the next car or someone will squeeze in when a car is coming!!! Quite nerve wrecking actually!! We pushed on to Terengganu and decided to find a place to stay for the night... grab some food but what a shock! We felt so unwelcome! So uncomfortable.. also got lost a few times. Found an ATM eventually then stopped to get a meal.

While we were parked and waiting for the food, we were all sitting and standing by the car observing that this was clearly a lower class part of town... Unsavories watching us... Really dirty actually with rubbish all over the place... when next moment a bike was almost on our boot!!!!!My heart stopped!!! That thud sound...

I think he popped the clutch, where something dropped on the floor which turned out to be a big pin... he wiggled around abit then just drove off when he was back on the ground! John tried speaking to the other guy who had just been dropped off by this bike guy and boy was he rude!!! He was smsing and just glared at John... we told him to just leave it as there was no damage just tyre marks... fetched our food then headed off to find a place to stay... what another shock... there were no clean hotel rooms!!!!

No matter the price of the room it was filthy!!!

John said rather we sleep in the car as we were all exausted now... but decided to try one more place which was not the best of places buy way cleaner that all the others we had seen.. a Chinese hotel which was decorated so pretty! We spent the night where we slept well – had our coffee - and left very early the next morning trying not to spend anymore time in those rooms that were desperately needed!!

We headed to Kota Bharu and the Tai border then cut through the mountain in Keritin then spent the rest of the afternoon driving around the mountain. What an absolutely awesome scenic drive!!!!

High in the mountains with the most incredible colour of fauna and greenery!! Beautiful and honestly spectacular!! Sadly the drivers do not learn their lessons!!! Within a 3 hours of driving there were two accidents and one car landed sideways in a trench by the bottom of the mountain... all along the barriers you could see how buckled and bent they were... cars yet again overtaking on this bendy winding road at speeds that kill! What is it with these drivers!!

The one accident was with a car and a motorbike up the mountain ridge and the biker was seriously injured! The other a taxi had just rolled into the mountain!! Really!! Quite like a dream actually – even almost unreal!!

There was forestry everywhere – Mountains peaking out highter that the next. Greenery like we have not seen in a long time! Though Malaysia is green!!! Winding roads just so pretty where you don't know what is around the next corner or what is up the next hill – felt like we were in a roller coaster! The speed limit was 70 on this road, but no-one payed attention to that – not even the truck drivers! There were many large trucks with large logs on them... made sure we were not behind them for long lol!! We had the radio on and the station was playing song after song with music just for us … music that just complemented the stunning scenery! Bridges with breathtaking views... This is the state of Perak....

Such a nice change from the days before looking at village after village! Like we were in a different life zone heheh Another bend, the afternoon sun behind the mountain... the aircon on full as it is a dry hot heat in these parts …. Really worth the trip!! We stopped a few times at the designated stop spots and let me tell you... the presence of the Lord was there with us for sure!!!

With the forestry all around and the mist on the far side of the mountain with the sun shining through slightly, heading down towards Penang.... will be a memory etched in each one of our minds for a long time to come … We are blessed!!!

It was so nice to be back on familiar ground heading towards Penang!!! Though it was quite different being in a car this time instead of sailing in and walking where you wanted to go...

Seems like our natural timing is to always come and go at peak hour traffic lol!!!!! The traffic is also not what we are used to... much more traffic at hideous speeds!! There are over 500 000 people living on this little island and I was convinced they were all on the road at the same time!!! LOL

We decided to take the bridge over into Penang which is the 3rd longest bridge in the world. While going over the bridge which was spectacular we noticed a car with two people standing next to an ambulance while they were all looking over the bridge to see something... and a motorbike with a helmet on the handles parked alone... apparently there are a few suicides on this bridge so hopefully it was nothing like that!! We managed to meander our way to the Waldorph hotel which was right opposite the Red Garden...

We freshened up then went for our favourite... Breyani which is always a winner for us! This time the kids too ordered not to miss out and they were not sorry!! As usual our singers had started their karoake singing and the buzz was growing... always brings back such awesome memories for us!!!!

We retired to bed quite late and were pretty exhausted from the full days travel and the traffic so looked forward to having a deep sleep! Up early and were ready to head for Alor Setar... being day no 10 we were rather looking forward to being back on Bluemoon by that evening...

So back over the bridge we went .. hot as usual yet again thankful for the faulty aircon!! I think we had overworked it LOL Padi fields all around ... lovely, people working … amazing views of the mountain in the background and the lovely flowers around the verges and some open fields... Green houses, Red.. Orange... Chinese buildings... Pit stops along the way.. Toll roads...

... took me down memory lane once again to the time John and I had sold everything we owned – resigned from our jobs, bought a high Combi (an old ice-cream Combie) rigged it out with wall to wall carpeting, cupboards, bed, stove, and fridge then just hit the road... travelled a few months over most of South Africa!

We arrived in Kuala Kedar.. had the car picked up then went to have a great cuppa coffee while waiting for the ferry to come... now the way they make coffee here is interesting... when you just ask for a cup of coffee they will bring you there Malaysian coffee which is rather bitter and very strong!! Your spoon will stand straight up!

They also give you their traditional cold coffee which comes with Lots of ice!

Or you can have milo ice which in really refreshing but rather watered down with all that ice lol! So one must ask for Nescafe' panas (hot) which comes with sweetner inplace of milk and sugar which is our condensed milk and is really great!!!

Though not everyone does Nescafe!!

While sitting in the terminal waiting for the ferry – we noticed two prisioners who were surrounded by four police officials sitting with them. When the ferry arrived, the cops each handcuffed a prisoner to themselves and the other police officials walked close by... one was dressed in green and one in white.. no-one seemed to even notice...

We all snoozed and were quite surprised the trip had gone so fast!

Everyone was very pleased to have arrived “home” being far richer from an amazing experience!

Now the planning and preparing for our departure for Johor/Singapore within the next few weeks.

Will keep you all posted when there is more news...

Till then .. Live life to the fullest!!!

Love John Jenny Justine Jessica and Jonathan