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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure
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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure

Ein Abenteuer von Fifi flipflop mit offenem Ende Weiterlesen
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    Pool day

    25. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I wake early this morning even though I haven't had much sleep, and my alarm clock is the sound of local music and when I look out the window I see a bunch of men in suits so give Paddy a quick shout and make my way downstairs for a quick nosey. It's a wedding and as the bride's posing for her photos I try and make myself inconspicuous in the background. Before every Malay wedding ceremony, the couple will have to go through the stages of merisik, meminang dan bertunang, akad nikah, and bersanding. Merisik is where the groom's family meet the brides family and check the bride is not engaged to anyone else. Meminang is the proposal but unlike a lot of cultures it's actually a senior woman from the male side of the family that presents the engagement ring.Akad Nikah (Solemnisation) is a ceremony to hand the bride away. It is headed by a Wali, who is customarily the father of the bride. This is where the contracts are signed and takes place a day before the actual wedding day. During this special Malay wedding ceremony, a beautifully-decorated couch can be seen on top of an elevated platform. This is called the Pelamin, which is the centre piece of the ceremony.
    The bride will be waiting on the Pelamin with her face hidden by a hand fan, held by her Mak Andam, a close female relative. The groom will have to complete a series of light-hearted and charming challenges prepared by the bride’s relatives and friends in order to reach his bride. A band of male musicians will escort the groom while singing various verses from the Qur’an. This is the Islamic way of seeking blessings for newlyweds. Once the groom reaches her bride, the guests will be invited to express their well-wishes. Before we head for breakfast we say our first goodbyes to Paddy and Charlie or as I like to call him George. They are heading to Bali so I have a feeling I'll be seeing them again. We have breakfast and then it's time to say goodbye to Will Dan and Liam.,they've hired a car for a few days and shortly after are heading home. Anouk Bente and Dominic are going to have a few hours at the museum and I've decided to chill by the pool. At lunchtime I just eat at a local bistro before it's time to say goodbye to the last 3. We've only known each other for such a short time but they've been a wonderful group of people to spend time with and I feel very honoured to have enjoyed the time. I stay by the pool for the rest of the afternoon and get speaking with a group of girls from Kuching who have just finished they're last day of college. They invite me out tonight but I think a stroll along the river and a bite to eat is more up my street. I take a short stroll along the river and call into the the shopping centre to pick up a few essentials. I've really struggled to find nail polish here as most people use henna but tonight is my lucky night. When I go outside it's starting to rain so I head back and have a pamper night.    Weiterlesen

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    Another day to chill

    26. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    I'm woken this morning at 2 am by a call from Amber and she is crying, I panic and turn on my light and she tells me she's engaged. I'm over the moon but mixed feelings of happiness and sadness that I'm not there to give her a huge hug. I struggle to get back to sleep and eventually at 8am get out of bed and shower. I planned on trying to book a couple of Day trips today but nothing is open, you kind of forget what day it is when you're traveling. After breakfast at indah ( I like it here because I can just have toast and lemon curd or peanut butter) I make my way back to the hotel pool to do some more homework for the onward journey. Ideally I'd like to go back to Langkawi for a few days and the flights are really cheap from Kuching but if my card arrives in time I will venture to mulu to do a few days trekking with a stay in a longhouse so we will have to see what happens. The homesickness hits me like a brick this afternoon and I think it's due to the fact that I've stopped and have time to think and the fact I'm missing my family and for the first time in a while I'm on my own. I go onto the landing and for one of the first times go to iron a top one of my favourite tops and the iron burns a big hole in it. It certainly isn't my day today. I treat myself to steak and chips and a gin and tonic and try and be proactive by booking a trip but once again the fact I'm on my own becomes difficult because everything has a subsidy for solo travel. I manage to make contact with a guy who is really helpful and I advises me on different options I have. I go to bed exhaustedWeiterlesen

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    Living in hope

    27. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    I wake early and head straight to the tour agency to see if I can occupy myself for a few days. She arranges to get back to me via watts app and after dropping my washing off I make my way to black bean coffee. As I'm walking along the street a Malaysian girl in one of the shops shouts Fifi and when I turn round she ask "do you not remember me?" I recognise her face and when she says Penang I realise it's Hermine who I shared a hostel room with in Georgetown. After a brief chat we arrange to meet for dinner this evening and my heart is a lot lighter at the fact I won't be alone again tonight. I make my way to the coffee bar and get chatting to a lady Jacquie and a guy called Greg. It's so nice speaking with people of my own age. We share a few coffees before they set off to explore the city.When I arrive back there's a glimmer of hope, my cash card has been received at customs at Kuala Lumpur so hopefully should be here by the end of the week if not before. I get a message this afternoon from a beautiful lady Cynthia I met in Singapore but is originally from Kuching. She puts me in touch with her mum who offers to take me to Benogh dam tomorrow. Things are starting to look up and when I receive the message back from the tour agency to say they can't do it I'm relieved I've made other plans. I give Margaret a call and after a brief chat make our plans for the next morning. An early night is had in preparation.Weiterlesen

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    Benogh dam

    28. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    I wake early this morning as I'm going on a little trip to Benogh dam with Cynthia's mum Margaret. I'm so blessed how these lovely people that I've met along my journey keep popping back up and enable me to experience wonderful adventures that I otherwise wouldn't experience. It's also crazy that most of the people that are creating these local experiences are due to my passion as an LFC supporter, but as we say YNWA. Margaret picks me up in the morning and drives me to her village and takes me to her home. I get to meet her son and his beautiful family and as I'm talking with her granddaughter I kneel down and to the left of me is a scorpion and when I point it out Donni's wife casually picks up the umbrella and kills it. Donni has kindly offered to drive us to the dam and from the village is only a 35 minutes drive. When we arrive at the dam all the boats have departed so we change our plans and drive to the longhouse village. It's really special when we get here. On arrival we are greeted with a complimentary tuak before making our way up to the longhouse. The places surrounding kuching are very geared towards tourism and the longhouse is deprecated into multiple homestays equipped with television although if you venture further into the jungle there are still traditional longhouses but COVID has had a huge impact on this because they rely on traditional medicine they are more reluctant to let foreigners in. The entire architecture is designed and built as a standing tree with branches to the right and left with the front part facing the sunrise while the back faces the sunset. The longhouse building acts as the normal accommodation and a house of worship for religious activities. The entry could double as a canoe dock. Cooling air could circulate underneath the raised floor of the dwelling, and the elevated living areas were more likely to catch above-ground breezes. Livestock could shelter underneath the longhouses for greater protection from predators and the elements. In fact, chickens coops were hung from the main room structure for easy feeding. This particular longhouse is set up for the tourism with the dwellers selling their handmade goods and homemade Tuak (in whisky bottles) to the people who pass through. There is even a bank here. An added bonus is one of the ladies that runs a shop here went to school with Margaret so we get lots of information about the place and the things being sold. A little later she spots a lady who she thinks was her teacher but it's actually her sister Peggy who is a wonderful soul and served as a midwife for over 40 years. We speak with her for over an hour as she explains the history of Sarawak and Mr Brooke. Further along the road we eat at Margarets cousins cafe before making our final stop at the crocodile farm. I'm quite saddened to see these amazing creatures kept in such a small habitat, but they've generally been caught due to being a danger to the locals. I'm so thankful to Mags and Donny for taking me around and showing me the attractions but the weather is really bad so I tell them I'm happy to get a grab back. They won't hear of it and on the way back we witness a tree that's been uprooted and is impeding the traffic. In the evening I take myself for some essentials shopping , new underwear etc and manage to bag myself a few bargains before heading back homeWeiterlesen

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    Fort Margherita

    29. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    After another early night and no alcohol my plan is to explore a little more of this wonderful city. After speaking with Peggy at the longhouse yesterday she was so informative of the history and has advised me to go to the fort. I leave the hotel and its only 3.5 km so have decided to walk. As I cross the bridge the whole place is a building site with them replacing all the slabs but somehow manage to manoeuvre myself through the gravel and cement. The rest of the walk takes me around the edge of the botanical gardens but I will return here tomorrow armed with mosquito spray. I arrive at the fort which is a museum of the history of Sarawak. It tells how a young English adventurer called James Brooke arrived into Sarawak in late 1838. At the time the country was ruled by the Sultan of Brunei.With intervention from James Brooke and his armed boats a treaty was written in 1841 ceding all political power to him and he became the first white Rajah of Sarawak and ruled until his death in 1868 when his nephew Charles took over as the second white Rajah. During his reign James Brooke encountered many invasions from head hunting tribes and only due to his strategies and arms was able to protect Sarawak. Charles Brooke also instigated trade deals and started putting Sarawak ont the map by exporting pepper and antinomy used in the production of metal alloys. The decent of the Rajah was through the male line but some of the women had interesting aspects as well.Lady Sylvia Brooke was the last Ranee of Sarawak and the consort of Rajah Vyner Brooke who ceded Sarawak to the British Crown in 1946. She associated with many actors like Errol Flynn and in her 80s wrote a book which was a big seller in the UK. The museum then brings you to the top of the fort giving you a bird's eye view of the river. After the Fort I take the walk back to the hostel having a quick dip in the pool to refresh. In the afternoon I have dinner in Indah and do a book swap for the Indonesian lonely planet which I think is a great find although when I get it home am slightly concerned by the message inside. Hopefully it wasn't written for me. I get an early night as I'm flying to Langkawi tomorrow and want to be fresh.Weiterlesen

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    Langkawi legend

    30. Juni 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I wake early as I have a plane to catch this morning but go and grab a much-needed coffee in Indah. The owner Colin joins me and we chat about various travel and how fuel prices are changing everything even the price of bread. I could talk to him for much longer but I want to get to the airport on time. I arrive sharpish and as we pull up its like police academy are on duty. I have my last cigarette and once again struggle with printing my boarding pass. The lady on the desk is really helpful and after checking in my bag I'm ready to grab a bite to eat. As we fly into Kl I'd kind of forgotten how the airport is so different from the City of skyscrapers. We land surrounded by miles of psalm trees all grown for they're palm oil and after spending time in Borneo and it's natural nature I feel like I'm in another dimension. We arrive to kl airport ahead of schedule and I have a 3+ HR layover here before my flight to Langkawi. I'm so excited to be returning to my little island of friends. The good part is I can leave the airport and top up on my nicotine fix before boarding my next flight so I grab myself a coffee and head out to puff myself to oblivion. The time fly's and I get chatting to a lady called Gerry who lives on Langkawi. She knows uncle Johnny. We chat till we board the plane and before I know it we've landed. I wait a short time for my bag and get a grab to Rainbow lodge. I literally drop my bags and and make my way to Rainbow Bar. I'm soon reunited with the crew and spend the evening catching up and telling them about my Borneo treks. It's so good to be back, and in my travels in Malaysia Langkawi is definitely one of the places that feels most like home. After numerous beers and a couple of G and T's I stagger to my room and enjoy a good night's sleep.Weiterlesen

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    Staying local

    1. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    My usual breakfast is taken in Raos and I meet a lovely couple called Ell and Damien, we chat for hours about different things and I love the company. Ells makes the most beautiful handmade jewellery and shows me the most beautiful handcrafted pieces that she has made. It's strange how when I meet someone for the very first time within 5 minutes I can get a wonderful connection. They are a wonderful couple and the hours while away as we sit and chat. Sometimes it is good just to do nothing and later in the afternoon I take a cold shower and refresh myself before popping my head into Rainbow Bar. There is a couple in here Wendy and her husband who are from Liverpool UK who have lived here for many years and I can honestly say Langkawi is one of those places I could definitely lay my roots down. They ask me how long I've lived here and when I tell them I was only here for a month and have just returned they say I must have made a big impression as so many people greet me with 'fiona nice to have you back'. In the evening Andrew and Nathan invite me to Bamboo bar to meet with one of Andrew's friends but to be honest I prefer the atmosphere in the Rainbow Bar and when I say I'm heading back Andrew and Nathan join me. I have another couple of beers then hit the sackWeiterlesen

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    Langawi revisited

    2. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    I wake this morning with another niggling toothache but take myself for my usual breakfast and coffee to Raos. The hangover isn't so bad today and I sit with the crew enjoying breakfast. I love the fact that it's like being with my little family. They all look out for me. A little later a guy comes in who's from Belgium and after a brief chat I find out he's volunteering on boats out here which if you have been following my journey was my intention in Thailand. It's really interesting to learn how he's gone about it advertising on various Facebook pages and tomorrow is starting his little adventure. His name is Bobby and after breakfast I head down the beach and a short while later he walks past and asks if he can join me. He's packed his life up and is living more minimally than me but he is so happy and when I ask him how long he's traveling for he says forever. I know in my heart that I couldn't do this and that adventures take me to far-off places in the world but my love for my family always brings me home. I planned to get a tattoo in Sarawak but when I lost my card was unable to do it due to the shortage of cash so I have a consultation this afternoon for getting one here. I've moved rooms today and when I get back to Rainbow lodge the room still isn't clear so I sit and chat with Addy and Andrew until the girl leaves for the airport. I grab a quick shower and have a few games of pool and a whisky to try and sort my tooth ache out but to no avail the only thing for it is an early night.Weiterlesen

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    Tooth ache

    3. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    I wake this morning with a massively swollen face and having had very little sleep realise I need some medical assistance. The dentist is closed today but I go to the clinic. I believe that my tooth that I had the root canal surgery in has flared up again but I look like I've got a golf ball in my mouth and the pain is incredible. The clinic is only ten minutes walk and I'm pretty much seen immediately where the doctor prescribes me antibiotics and pain killers. It sets me back over £30 but to be honest I'd pay anything just to get rid of the pain. I take myself back to my room and just sleep most of the day and wake up to a couple of messages seeing if I need anything. I can't take all the medication without food so stroll down to the little restaurant at the end of the road and when I explain to her she suggests she can cook me soft noodles and steam vegetables. I'm actually quite hungry and eat the lot. The pain killers aren't really touching the pain so Bobby offers to drop me off something stronger so at least I can sleep. I eventually drop off but wake at 2 in the morning in horrific pain and sweating profusely. I get in the cold shower and take a double dose of the pain killers I've been prescribed and after an hour they kick in and I drift back off.Weiterlesen

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    Day with the girls

    4. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I wake this morning and although I'm still in pain and my face swollen I feel a lot better than yesterday. I take myself to Raos and force myself to eat something before taking anymore medication. Lucky has bought me my favourite fruit Rambutan and although I don't feel up to eating them I will keep them for the next few days. I've arranged to meet Nilofar and Evonne for lunch today and after taking my tablets feel up to it. It's also Uncle Johnnys birthday and thanks to Abbie buying me a little printer take some time to make him a homemade card. Nilo picks me up just after 12 and it's nice to be reunited with the girls again. Dinner is short lived as everyone has places to be this afternoon but it's nice to just enjoy a little time. I head home to get ready for uncle Johnny birthday party tonight. I've invited Bobby to join us and when we arrive just after 7 it's pretty busy. The amount of people who know uncle Johnny and turn out to surprise him is wonderful. I'm not drinking with being on Antibiotics and can really feel them kicking in so don't want to affect that. Even the pain has subsided slightly. I enjoy the evening catching up with the rest of Langkawi that I haven't gotten to see yet. I head back to the rainbow bar and the Chinese/Malay guys that were in here earlier are still here. The guy I played earlier is now quite a few beers heavier and so I guess I might be able to beat him at pool no but I'm sadly mistaken. I have to say he's one of the best pool players I've ever played and unfortunately still is a little worse for wear. Me being me I'm relentless and after numerous games concede and admit I've met my match. Time to retire with grace. Let's hope I sleep tonight.Weiterlesen

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    New day

    5. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    I wake feeling refreshed after a much better night's sleep and when I get to Raos realise it's closed so continue my walk to armanis cafe. It's nice to be back in the place where they taught me about the song 'Fiona'. I really didn't realise how much I've missed this place and how many people I know here. Its also calmed a little of my homesickness as people here are like my little extended family. I spend a little hour on the beach then walk down to pay my deposit for my tattoo. I've wanted it done for a little while but due to one thing and another haven't managed to but tomorrow is the Day. My tooth is still giving me grief but the swelling has gone down a lot and I think after another few days on antibiotics I'll be able to visit the dentist. I meet up with Bobby a little later on and I take him to Flo's bar to watch the sunset we go in search of Brian's bar but can't seem to get access to it so I head to Sarti to see Paulina to see if she knows the way. She guides us in the right direction and after a quick game of pool were on a mission. We get chatting to a German guy called who invites us to a trek to a viewpoint he knows and we arrange to meet at 9am the following morning. We stop for a quick game of pool in rainbow bar before hitting the sackWeiterlesen

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    Tattoo time

    6. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I'm woken this morning by someone shouting wakey wakey through my window. It's Bobby and I've snoozed my alarm and gone back to sleep. Luckily he's managed to get up and after watts apping me and getting no reply has been knocking at my door for 5 minutes decides it's the only way to get my attention. We have a quick coffee but when I put the destination in Google maps can't find it so have to message to get clearer instructions. The grab drops us at the bottom of the hill and it's a good 20 minutes to the first stop and it's pretty much all uphill but when we arrive the views are to die for. We take the remaining walk up with Bernt and his dogs but Bobby is struggling with his dodgy knee so he takes a short cut back to the house while we trek down and back up another route to the very top. It's crazy up here because little platforms have been bought up pretty much by expats and houses are being built left right and centre and some are so unsightly they ruin the landscape as well as they're neighbors view. The views from the top give a 270 degree view all the way along pantai cenang to the islands in the west it really was worth the trek. On the way down Bobby get a lift on the back of the bike but It means I can step the tempo up a bit and meet him at the bottom shortly after. We get a grab back to base and after a very quick bite to eat and a shower Hafiz kindly drops me off at the tattoo parlor. I must admit the pain was more than I'd remembered but I really wanted something to remind me of my time here as it's been so memorable. When I get back I call the dentist and book in for early tomorrow morning. Bobby asks if I want to go for a stroll to the fruit shop at the end of Pantai Cenang . We get there and the guy opens the door of a huge walk-in fridge. It's a bit strange but to be honest it's a welcome relief from the humidity outside after there we take a stroll to the hidden bar beach but it's so hot we have to go to the hidden bar for shade. It's so expensive in here I only have a coke and it's 8rm I'm glad I'm not drinking. On the way back uncle Johnny texts me and I go and share a coke with him before heading home for an early night.Weiterlesen

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    Its all about the pain

    7. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    The pain of my tooth has caused me more issues this trip than anything else and when I set off early this morning I've already made the decision I'm having it taken out. I get a grab that drops me outside the clinic. I take his number and arrange if I'm not to long I will call him to take me back. The clinic actually says Dr Boo and when I get to reception they look a little confused but they take my documents and book me in with a ticket like you would get at the Tesco meat counter. The clinic is really busy and there are 10 people in front of me but I take a seat and wait patiently. Shortly afterwards my phone rings and it's the dentist I spoke to yesterday asking where I am. I tell her I'm in the clinic and she says I can't be then explains I'm in the wrong place. Luckily it's only 100m to her clinic and when I arrive I get seen immediately. I'm still traumatized from my experience in Ipoh but after a lot of reassuring and a couple of injections the tooth is out. Luckily the grab driver is still local and I'm home within the hour. I take myself straight back to bed as I feel like I've been hit by a train. Later in the afternoon Bobby drops by some essentials and asks if I want to take a short walk on the beach. It's funny how just getting up makes me feel a little better but the injection has worn off so I pop a pain killer and head out for the walk. He takes me to a place I haven't been before which brings us to the jetty at the other end of the beach. We take a break before making the walk back and Bobby suggests grabbing pizza and sitting on the beach to eat it. I actually really enjoy it even though pizza is not my favourite. We take a slow walk back and even indulge in an ice cream on the way. I chill out in my room for the rest of the evening watching Netflix as I have a hectic few days ahead and need to be fully recovered.Weiterlesen

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    Trip around the Island

    8. Juli 2022, Strait of Malacca ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I take my usual breakfast in Raos but when I go to drop my washing off they're closed. Bobby has invited me to go out on the bike today so we drop my washing off on the way out. Our first stop is Kuah, we are on the hunt for a few individual items but have no joy as most of the shops are shut today as Friday is a weekend day. After a look around a few of the shopping centres in Kuah we take the side road up towards tanjung rhu, one of my favourite beaches here in Langkawi. We enjoy a light refreshment before taking a walk to the far end of the beach. There's loads of rubbish which is really annoying because this beach has some top end hotels and you'd think they would clean the beach outside. We make an effort to pick up what we can but seriously you would need a whole day and about 10 bin bags just to clear half of it. On the way back we stop at Scarborough fish and chips for dinner. It's good but we wait over an hour for it and the portions are really small so we're only half filled when we leave. After a quick stop for fuel we head round the island in the opposite direction stopping of at the harbour dreaming of owning one of the beautiful yachts moored in the harbour. We eat dinner at the little Thai restaurant at the end of the street and as we walk back there's some guy stuffing the biggest teddy bear in the boot of his car and I explain the penalties of animal cruelty, hasn't he ever watched Ted? Later in the evening uncle Johnny is playing in rainbow so we enjoy a couple of beers watching him play and eventually getting to bed just after 1Weiterlesen

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    Leaving Langkawi

    9. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    So this morning once again I say goodbye to some wonderful friends I've met here. Lucky being one of the loveliest soles I've met since traveling. It's so difficult saying goodbye because it's not like a friend at home or some like minded travellers from Europe where there is a good chance you'll see them again if you really want to. This is goodbye goodbye. My time on this island has been so special and something I will remember all my life. Bobby comes to see me off and I say goodbye to Addy and thank him for my stay. I arrive to the ferry well in time and thankful it's on time arrive in Kuala Kedah after 2 hrs. Azman has offered to pick me up from the station but don't feel comfortable for 40 minutes with my rucksack on the back of the bike I arrange to meet him in Alor Setar for something to eat before I board the train. We drop my bag at the station and after a very quick tour of the city he drives me for lunch. I have sizzling noodles for the first time and really enjoy them, how come I'm only just trying these as I leave Malaysia. He drops me back to the station in plenty of time and I board my electric train to kl. The station funnily enough reminds me of South parkway my station back home. The train journey is wonderful transiting through beautiful scenery although sitting in one spot on a full train is hard work on my knees. I arrive just after 715 As I come to get off my rucksack is missing but someone has taken it out of the baggage compartment and just thrown it by the door. I'm fuming and as I leave the station I book a grab but the app is telling me to go to the lobby of the Hilton I wander through and the security guard tells me to go to level 3 after 5 minutes wandering around aimlessly and trying to find the lobby. I end up going back to the security guard who speaks to the grab driver who comes round to the other side and picks me up. I meet Dinesh at the Eastin and after dropping my bag at reception we go to the carpark and head to one of the oldest bars in Kl called Backyard they have a live band on and they're really good and the added bonus of 2 pool tables that are the best table I've played on in Malaysia. We enjoy a few beers and then make our way to another bar which is more biker/rock. When were in here there are 2 guys one with really long hair head banging. Then another Malaysian guy comes in and pushes the head Banger into the drummer. He then continues to lift tables and pick up chairs. I think he thinks he's in some kind of grunge pit. The staff are getting more annoyed. I head over and speak to him and ask him nicely to stop. It seems to do the trick and is far better than the bar staff getting in a brawl. As I return to my seat I greeted with a free drink of whisky. As much as I'd like to stay I'm exhausted and head home.Weiterlesen

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    Back to kl

    10. Juli 2022 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    I wake this morning and today is Hari Raya which is one of the 2 Islamic festivals they have each year. Family come together and spend the weekend. After morning prayer they have the slaughter where they offer either a sheep or cow and the animal is split into 12 portions and distributed to needy families in the neighborhood.Officially, the date is declared in Malaysia by the moon-sighting committee on the first day of Dhul-hijja, for only then can the exact date of the holiday be determined, owing to its being on a lunar-based calendar. I spend the early part of the day in the hotel and head for lunch which is amazing. With it being the holidays the have a banquet on an there is literally food from all over the world from multiple pasta to biryani lasagna and any fruit and cake topped of with a chocolate fountain. I eat more than I usually would and need an hour's shuteye when I'm finished. J messages me to say he's home so I jump a grab up there and after a quick catch up head down to the local area for food and a few beers. We go to our regular food court and order an array of food but pretty much finished off everything and even enjoy an ice cream on the way to the bar. We share a few beers and a few games of pool and later in the evening Dinesh joins us. I'm gutted not to have had more time with him but he's heading out to Penang tomorrow so has stuff he needs to do. We all enjoy catching up and leave at 1am but when the bill comes I wish myself back to Langkawi prices.Weiterlesen

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    Another day Another Country

    11. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I wake this morning with a heavier heart than usual today is the day I leave Malaysia. It's quite a strange thing because when I arrived here I didn't have massive expectations but I can't emphasize enough what an amazing place it's been. For those who have known me a while I very rarely go back to places but Malaysia is somewhere I definitely will. It's the people that have made it so special for me,they are some of the friendliest kindest people I've met in my travels and to add to that they have stunning landscapes beaches and mountains. Malaysia really does have it all. I spend a few hours with Dinesh before they have to leave and drops me over to Jays pad. We grab breakfast before We chill for a few hours in the pool and then it's time to leave. I'm treating myself to a grab to the airport, I don't know why taking a flight always makes me anxious making sure I tick all the boxes and have the right paper work, but I fly through immigration and grab a coffee and wait for the flight. When I board I'm surrounded by idiots an American guy spouting off about old men and 12 yr olds in Bali honestly I have to tell him to keep his thoughts to himself, then some young guy who's asked by the flight attendant to put his mask on properly numerous times and still keeps taking it off. I'm in the warpath today. I've received a message from Ruth a lady who I met in Langkawi and gave her scooter lessons. I'm meeting her when I get to Bali and she messages she's put a beer and a water in my fridge and that there's a pool table where we are staying. I arrive at Bali airport and after a half hour queue get asked for my visa. When they explain I have go to another desk the queue there is also massive after that it's back again to the immigration queue. Once I'm processed I make my way to buy my sim card and over to the carousel to collect my rucksack. The flight landed at 9pm and it's now 1030pm and no sign of my luggage. I go to lost property and when I show them my ticket they advise me I'm at the air Malaysia carousel and the air Asia one is number 2. Bag found I head for the exit and book a grab after having a couple of cigarettes my car turns up and costs 197,000 rp. When I try and pay him I'm only giving him 20000 but I'm so tired all these 00's are confusing me. I arrive at my accomodation just after 11pm and greeted by Ruth with a bottle of beer a bottle of water and coffee for the morning. She is such a wonderful lady I could cry after the stress of the airport. We have a good chinwag while drinking our beer and I hit the sack just after midnight. Welcome to BaliWeiterlesen

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    Finding my feet

    12. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Ive slept like a baby and Ruth and I head for breakfast which is included in the price of the stay here so I take full advantage of it. We then head out for a little explore and make our way down to the beach. We find a couple of deck chairs and make ourselves comfortable and order two coffees. Within seconds we are surrounded by various traders selling everything from temporary tattoos to bracelets . It is relentless and as we try to enjoy our coffee a guy comes and makes himself comfortable by us. It takes a lot for me to be shocked but the mouth on this guy is ridiculous. The C word is used continuously and definitely for a more selective audience. It's funny initially but after a while it gets a bit too much and although I'm enjoying sitting by the beach we decide to head back to the main road and find somewhere to grab a bit of lunch. While we are there I get a message from Bobby saying he wants to fly over as the weather in Langkawi is really bad and his chances of sailing aren't going to materialize as he hoped. Before I know it he's booked a flight and is arriving tomorrow. Ruth and I enjoy a few beers and get chatting to guys from Australia they head home tomorrow but have given us a few recommendations of where to go this evening. As we won't back yet again we are harassed by Street traders it's really very different out here compared to Malaysia but there's also a really nice vibe. Ruth and I sit and chill by the pool for a couple of hours before going for a nanny nap as the plan is to go out a little bit later tonight as things don't really get started here till midnight. The Aussie boys recommended and all you can eat and drink buffet that costs $120,000 rupees which in English money is about 7 quid so just after 7:30 we take the short walk to Lxxy's. When we arrive our bags are thoroughly searched, Ruth even gets her little mini sausage confiscated. At the buffet there is an array of seafood meat skewers salads and pastas and all you can drink at the bar even spirits although they are more like house brands than The real McCoy. We got our money's worth but the bar closes at 9:00 p.m and we decide to make our way to another bar. Cuz we are walking down the street I spot the Liverpool Man United game on in one of the bars so we stop and order a buy one get one free cocktail. I really clever thing is that they put a plastic cup on top of the drinks to stop anybody being able to spike you although there is no one else in the bar but even still is a great idea. I suggest we grab a couple of beers and head back to the hotel to have a couple of games of pool but when we arrive the guy says the pool table is closed for the night so we sit on our balconies having a chat finishing our beers before heading to bedWeiterlesen

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    Unlucky for some

    13. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We share breakfast with Alison this morning and after all the hecticness of a days traveling I feel exhausted so we decide to have a lazy day. After breakfast I drop off the laundry and take a little stroll around. I need to pick up a few essentials and I'm overjoyed when I go in and they have pawpaw ointment. I'd never heard of it before but my beautiful friend Geraldine bought me a gorgeous wash bag filled with all kinds of goodies and this was in it. It's amazing stuff and has definitely helped with the healing of my tattoo. As I come out of there there is the memorial statue for the bombings that occurred back in 2002 The 2002 Bali bombings occurred on 12 October 2002 in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. The attack killed 202 people (including 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians, 23 Britons, and people of more than 20 other nationalities).A further 209 people were injured. The bomb was set of inside Paddy's bar and as people fled another device went off in a van outside. The crazy part is I kind of remember this vaguely but when you travel and physically visit these places things become a lot more real. As I walk back to the hostel the streets are lined with offerings and burning incense sticks. We eat dinner in a little Indonesian restaurant just around the corner and you select what you want and they total up what you have and give you a card with the total on. My plate is overflowing and it literally cost £1.50 and with a large Bintang beer £3. We head back and have an hour at the pool and await Bobby's arrival. He turns up a little stressed with the airport scenario and after dropping his bag I hand him a beer I've had chilling in my fridge and we make our way back to the pool table and have a few games of pool before retiring to bed.Weiterlesen

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    Motor bike madness

    14. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    We've decided to hire bikes for the day today and after breakfast sign our life away and have to leave a passport as insurance. We set off and our first port of call is Uluwata temple and all I can say is it's one of the craziest rides I've ever had. There are no rules here you just ride for your life very similar to hoi chi Minh. I also have an issue as I've given Ruth my phone and she's on the back of Bobby, and it's hard enough trying to stay safe on the bike let alone trying to follow them as they get lost in a mirage of hundreds of bikes. The big problem is that if I get lost I will definitely not find my way home without my phone. As I drive along I spot the guys pulled up on the side of the road. We have a cigarette and I put on my long sleeve shirt as sitting in traffic lights in the midday sun is a sure fire of burning to a crisp. I get my phone back and we continue the journey. About 10 minutes from our destination we stop at a really nice coffee shop and Im glad of the coffee and cigarette and just before I'm half way through a fly drops in my coffee. It's so good I scoop it out and finish it. I must admit the thought of the ride back is horrifying me and we haven't reached our first destination but I compose myself and the last 10 minutes is actually enjoyable as there's hardly any traffic. We arrive at the temple and as part of the entrance fee we're all issued with a purple sarong. Luhur means “something of divine origin” and ulu the “land’s end” and watu the “rock” in the old language. The name itself had aptly described what this special temple is all about. It sits perched about 70 metres above the sea on a cliffs edge. As we arrive were warned about the monkeys taking sunglasses and sure enough a guy hasn't held onto his and a Macau monkey sits there trying to put on these now broken specs. As we walk up the steps to the temple many Hindu worshippers are making there way back down in there traditional dress. The areas of worship are closed off to tourists but there are the north and south cliffs and a statue just a short climb up some steps. Back on the bikes we now have an hour and 30 minutes to the waterfall. Once again we endure an absolute nightmare on the roads but eventually reach Tegenungan waterfall . It's really beautiful but has been totally commercialised by a huge resort bar being built in front of it. There are quite a few steps heading down to it but when we reach the bottom you can feel the spray as the water hits the pool. We cross a few bamboo bridges and take a beer to the side. I now realise ive got to ride home in the dark. To be honest it's not as bad going as the roads seem a little quieter and I've got my headphones in with Google maps giving me directions. We eventually make it back and I honestly thank god for sparing my life. We share a few beers with Alison and Peggy and have a good giggle before grabbing a spring roll for supper.Weiterlesen

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    All out at sea

    15. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    So this morning we are heading out to nusa pedina a small island just off the South East coast of Bali. We have our free breakfast and book a grab to to Sanur to board the ferry the grab driver asks us if weve got tickets and when we say no offers to stops at the place where we can buy them. The journey takes about 30 minutes and we pull up outside an agency, the driver gets out with Bobby and after a couple of choices we book a return ticket for 600,000rp £33. We then get driven to the ferry port and realise that we've definitely been overcharged with the tickets. We wait at the harbour and when it's time for boarding make our way to the water. It's crazy because as the waves are crashing in we are trying to board the boat. It's actually hilarious until it's my turn to get on. As I step up my foot slips and one knee smashes to the floor and my other shin smashes against the step. The initial pain winds me and I get on a boat feeing sick before we've even started. The journey takes about 45 minutes but it's taken longer than that to get everyone on the boat. It's a little choppy as we cross to the island and I'm surprised at how few people are sick because usually half the boat is puking into a plastic bag. We arrive to hoards of people shouting "taxi" but collect our bags and enjoy a beer. The walk to the hotel is only 12 minutes and after a few wrong turns find the place which for £10 a night is beautiful. We chill by the pool for an hour then walk out to explore the area. As we sit in a little restaurant the traffic outside starts building up and with there only being a few roads around the island that are just about passable by 2 cars nothing moves for nearly twenty minutes. We continue our exploring and after 20 minutes manage to get down to the beach. There are children in the sea collecting small crabs from areas with lots of metal bars piled in the sand and as we walk along its quite sad to once again see the effects of COVID as so many of the diving places and bars have literally disintegrated with the lack of maintenance. Eventually we find a Gin bar and enjoy a Gordon's and tonic which is more expensive than our nights accommodation but is worth it for the beautiful sunset we witness. The bar is really chic and they have little marracas that you give a shake of to order which Bobby takes full advantage of. We walk back along the beach and the stars in the sky are so clear because of the lack of light pollution. Back at the hotel I stream the football and go to bed a happy lady. Brilliant day, great win.Weiterlesen

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    Island tour

    16. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    The plan today is to hire bikes and explore the island. Bobby and I set out to enquire about prices, with him being so tall and having Ruth on the back he struggles to use the small ones but we find the big bikes are twice the price. We get approached by numerous people and also are given the option of a private driver which is going to cost £12 for the day each. We call Ruth and with the weather looking iffy opt for the car. Bobby has been craving croissants we find a lovely bakery but he has to settle for a brioche bun. The driver picks us up outside our hotel gives us an itinerary of our day ahead. Our first stop is Diamond Hills and the drive there takes just under an hour, the roads aren't the best here and when it starts to rain I'm really glad we took the option of the car rather than the bike. There are lots of tourists traveling around the island but it seems they have a system to all travel in one direction rather than pass each other coming in the opposite direction. As we're driving along the road the waves are crashing over the break water. We eventually arrive to a car park full of white transit vans, I'm glad ours is a different colour otherwise there would be no chance in hell of me finding it. These huge peninsulas sit high in the water with beautiful beaches at their base. Even though the weather isn't great the views are spectacular. There is the option to walk down to the beach but to be honest I don't think you could get a better view than here. We take a Balinese coffee and enjoy the view. A short drive down the road takes us to a tree house but they want 8 quid to take a photo so we walk through and take our own photos. Second stop is kelingking beach. Another perfect beach with stunning views. Even now there are so many tourists I'd hate to think what it was like precovid. Everywhere you go here you pay for a wee and nevermind spending a penny it's 30p a pop. As we leave there are two beautiful girls who are so sweet selling ice creams and drinks to the tourists. They have the most perfect English and if they were a little older I'd give them a Job tomorrow. We stop for lunch and a rule of thumb here is you buy the driver lunch too. We drive to broken beac but the craziness has started because cars that have already been there are starting to come back to the main road and the amount of near misses is crazy. We come around a corner and as we go to drive up the hill a young German couple are coming down and skid on the gravel coming off their scooter. Our driver stops and we all get out to help. They're obviously shaken an have minor cuts and bruises. We finally arrive at broken beach and billabong, there is a small peninsula that separates the two but as I walk to the other side I'm stood watching the waves crashing against the rock and sweeping into the bay. I can hear someone shouting and then I realise it's one of the locals telling me to "step away from the edge". Our last stop is sunset at crystal bay which im sure would be beautiful if the weather was a bit better but I have a wonderful packet coffee there that makes me wonder why I pay for Starbucks. As we're sitting here two women come up beside us really distressed and say they have been shouting for ages as they were nearly drowning. The waves in Bali are huge and that's why it's great for surfing but sometimes in the bays you get cross tides and this is where it gets dangerous. I give them what's left of my coffee to warm them up. On the way back we're caught in another traffic jam which is yet another accident. We finally arrive back at the hotel and Bobby heads back whil e Ruth and I grab food. Later in the evening I catch up with Judith who I first met in Penang it's so good to reunite. She's exhausted after diving today so a quick Beer and she's gone but it's wonderful to meet again.Weiterlesen

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    Nurse Fifi

    17. Juli 2022, Bali Sea ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Bobby has woken this morning and is so sick but he decides to join me and Ruth for breakfast. I head off with the laundry an after a 15 minutes walk see a little sign pointing down an alley "laundry". I wander down but can't see where so I ask a young boy who physically walks me to the place. Some of the houses here are within almost like temple style buildings with multiple rooms off the square courtyard, I walk in and there's noone around. All the rooms doors are open so I stand there and from nowhere a little lady comes out and nearly jumps out of her skin when she sees me. She takes my washing and say s it will be ready in the morning. As I walk back to meet Ruth and Bobby I hear a shout 'fifi' it's jochem and Judith and I'm so glad to see them both I stop to have coffee before they leave. Bobby calls me to ask where I am and tell him to come and meet me but he's really not well and I have the key for the room. Whoops. I bid the guys goodbye for now as I have a feeling we might cross paths again. I get back to the room and get a little shopping list of what Bobby needs. I come with his list and a few extras like a vitamin drink and a dragon fruit. He takes a COVID test but is clear so just heads to bed to sleep. Ruth is leaving today so it's nice to just spend a few hours with her before walking her down to the ferry. We say our goodbyes and I'm sure if not here we will catch up in the UK. I spend the afternoon catching up on paper work and having a little swim in the pool. In the afternoon we head out to look at booking our boat back but Bobby ends up being sick on the side of the street so back to the hotel it is. We spend the evening watching Netflix and chillingWeiterlesen

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    Gili here we come

    18. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Every morning here we've been woken religiously by call to prayer. Between 4.30 and 5.30 am the singing and chanting at the mosque is so loud even earplugs don't quell it. We grab our early morning coffee and head out to find tickets for the boat journey. On the boat over we got well and truly ripped off and as peeved as we are were very cautious about buying our new tickets. Bobby's feeling a lot better today and having had the day yesterday to review things we've decided to skip going back to the mainland and head for the Gili Islands instead. Judith told us that she only payed 280,000rp so we go to the place that she bought hers from although along the way being told that the cheapest price for the trip was 400,000rp. Sure enough when we arrive there the guy gets us to download the app and even though it says 330,000 only charges us 280,000. Tickets bought we have enough time to get breakfast and another coffee before making our way to the ferry. The journey takes an hour and a half to Lombok and then ten more minutes to Gili T. As soon as I step foot on the island I fall in love it's weird how you feel a vibe within a few minutes of stepping off a boat. As we walk up to the main street there is no sight or sound of motor vehicles which straight away puts me into chill mode. The main form of transportation here is horse and carriage and bicycles, it's like a Carribbean Amsterdam. Every shop/stall is vying for your business but the hotel is 15 minutes walk from the harbour so I want to drop my rucksack first. The place is a little difficult to find as it's not on Google maps but after a few wrong turns we eventually find our abode. We couldn't be made more welcome and are greeted with fresh coconut and hand held fans. Sitting in the pool it's ironic how the little things make life so much better. We get chatting to the two guys Oggy and Mato and they are so excited to see us as we are there first guests since COVID. We are both hungry after our swim so walk through the centre of the island to find a cheap restaurant. Along route they have a horse sanctuary and I love the fact all the animals look really healthy. Just along the road we spot a restaurant within Jali resort and when we look at the menu decide to opt for here. What a great choice the food is exceptional and although not cheap is one of my favourite meals of the trip. On the way back we get offered to buy a baby so within a few hours of being here we've been offered a baby drugs and sex. After the food we're both in a food coma and have a little afternoon siesta. I really want to see the sunset but Bobby is still recovering and stays in bed. Im greatly disappointed because the sun sets 45 minutes earlier here than in Penida so I've missed it but make up for it drinking a beer on the beach with one of the locals Luciano. He tells me about the island and says how much he wishes he could travel, but I explain to him there are people in the UK that have never left and that this is like paradise compared. I make my way back to the hotel grab a shower and give Bobby a shake to see if he wants to join me. We walk back along the beach and the further we go the more partyish it gets. We walk pretty much 3/4 of the island enjoying an ice cream. We're tempted to get a carriage but end up just walking slowly back.Weiterlesen

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    Movie night

    19. Juli 2022 in Indonesien ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    I wake this morning and take an early walk along the beach. I love my coffee and this morning I have another first. Creme brulee coffee what a fabulous idea, my favourite desert and coffee all in one. Wow it doesn't disappoint. I am also desperately in need of a haircut and as Bobby's in the barbers the guy comes out and asks if I'm getting mine done. Well in for a penny I head in to the barbers, another first time experience. I explain I just want a tidy up of the sides and a bit of trim on the bottom. Everything starts off great but as he keeps cutting and cutting I have to tell him to stop. When he's finished he says nice now you have a mullet. We take a slow walk around the island. The island has multiple boutique and surfing shops from billabong to 69 slam. We peruse in and out. When you have been traveling with the same clothes for 7 months, and most of them I've had for years before, I'm in the mind frame to treat myself to a new wardrobe, well at least a few new bits, but there is so much choice I come away with nothing. As we walk along the beach there is a guy knocking a wall down and he's literally stood on a ladder smashing the concrete slab with a big hammer but instead of hitting the top he's taking small sections off the bottom. Seriously health and safety would have a field day. Chunks of the wall drop to the floor and the poor guy is exhausted. As we walk along the beach we dip in and out of the ocean but I'm surprised how strong the current is even though the waves here aren't as strong as Bali. Gili Trawangan is the largest of the 3 islands and Trawangan means tunnel due to the Japanese building one when they occupied here during the second world war. The islands didn't really become a tourist destination until the early 1980s but since then has grown massively with multiple speed boats arriving hourly from neighbouring Bali. Something that's very apparent here is how much they take care of the island. No plastic is a big thing and the island is beautifully clean which is why there is so much marine life. We reach a restaurant and when I see crispy duck on the menu, I make the grave mistake of not asking the price and nearly have a heart attack when I get the bill. It's my most expensive meal in Asia. Further along the beach we've seen a sign for movie night and get our early seats at the front with the perk of it being on sunset beach we get the added bonus of witnessing one of the most amazing sunsets to date. The film is advertised as my daughters killer but as it starts we get another brucey bonus of it actually being the new top gun maverick film. Wow what a day finished off on a sunset beach lying on bean bags watching tom cruise at his best.Weiterlesen

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