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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure
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Fifi Flipflops Big Adventure

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    Preparing to leave Thailand

    12 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After a wonderful night's sleep I wake up early as I have a few things to do today. I've got the names of 2 hospitals and plan to walk to them to see if I can get my pcr test done. When I go down to reception I have the bright idea of asking the lady on reception if she can call them and see if they offer the pcr service. I sit in reception with a lovely coffee She's so helpful and comes back to me to say the nearest hospital offers it at the cost of 4100 baht about 90 pounds and I can just get a walk in service so off I trot to the hospital. When I arrive I have to fill in a form, they take my passport and I find I'll get the results later today. No buses are crossing the border here so I would need to get a taxi to the Thai border then a motorbike to the Malaysian border then wait for a bus to take me to Kuala Lumpur. I've had this experience before and because you have no other options they can charge what they like . I'm shocked that when I go online I can book a flight for 40 pounds. I take the chance and even though I'm trying to do my trip without the need for flights to minimise my carbon footprint this time I make an exception. By the time I've booked my flight I'm called for my swab. I make my way back to my hotel and collect my washing as there is a laundrette just across the road , a few of my clothes have marks from suncream and I put them on a hot wash. I drop into the 7/11 !and buy some snacks as I'm going to have the rest of the day watching telly and enjoying my room. When I get back to reception my room isn't available so I pack up and move and enjoy the evening watching movies and having a pamper session with face masks and creams.Läs mer

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    New day new country

    13 april 2022, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    An early start this morning as I'm flying to Malaysia and before I leave for the airport I need to go back to the clinic to pick up my Pcr test result. When I arrive I try to converse but the lady thinks I need to get a test today, luckily the lady who did my test recognises me. It would be hard not too as I haven't seen any other foreigners in the time I've been here. Certificate in hand its back to the hotel to grab my bag and a taxi. I arrive at the airport and go to check-in. I'm a little worried as I've had to download an app for Malaysia and some of my documents I've been unable to load. It takes forever and they aren't happy with one of my documents and I wait for a supervisor to arrive . Eventually after 40 minutes I get my boarding card. Just when I think I'm out of the woods I hit immigration who persist in telling me I've overstayed my visa. Honestly I knew this wasn't going to be easy and it's my bad for not speaking the language but I'm sure I've not overstayed. I point to my passport so I can show them my extension, but they are pointing to the computer and saying no. Eventually the colonel shows up and after a lot of talking I'm stamped out of Thailand. The transition through Malaysia is a lot easier than I think and the only issue i have is the fact that they don't recognise my new non EU passport. Once through I eventually meet Jon we're looking for each other and don't realise we're in 2 different terminals, we jump the train and arrive at the Grand Hyatt. Omg I've gone to heaven its a 5 star hotel I've never seen anything like it in my life and its got a bath. I lounge in there for an hour before getting ready. The reception is actually on the 39th floor and you have to get a lift to the top to go down to your room but the views are amazing.I need to get a sim card sorted and for over an hour i walk around a shopping centre that is massive with 9 floors its las big as a town. Eventually after going up and down we find the phone shops and within minutes get it sorted. We take a walk down walking street and I enjoy my first kebab and love it. We then enjoy a few cocktails in a wonderful bar called pisco before walking round in circles before eventually finding the hotel.Läs mer

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    Spa day

    14 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    After the most luxurious nights sleep since I've been travelling I take myself for an early morning swim in the hotel pool. I understand more why this is a 5 star hotel and realise that maybe once a month I need to treat myself. I have to go for a pcr test within 24 hrs of arrival so take myself to the clinic to get this sorted. Its actually an aesthetic clinic but they lead me through and the test is done within minutes on the way back i spot a Starbucks and cant help but get my caffeine fix Back to the room and Jon says he wants to treat me to a spa and has booked us into The Banyan Tree spa, another 5 star experience. Before heading there we get a bite to eat and i indulge in a Malaysian special called popiah which is like chicken deep fried in cornflakes and is delicious. Next its off for my spa where We're welcomed like royalty and after signing my life away am treated to the most amazing body scrub, full body and head massage, and facial and get to end the experience in a rose petal bath with ginger tea served at the side. This is really an experience I will never forget. We're both exhausted so head back to the hotel for a chill when shortly after I get a message from Bea a couple I met in phuket and I arrange to meet them for a quick catch up. Its so nice to keep meeting these people along the way. After a brief catch up I go back to collect Jon and after trying a couple of restaurants in the mall that are all fully booked we decide to go back to Delirium the cafe I met Bea and Mike. We enjoy dinner and a few cocktails and next to us is the fountain show but each time I get up to get a video it stopsI really begin to think someone is watching but eventually on the 4th attempt I get to enjoy the show. The bartender here is a guy called Jiggy and explains his dream of becoming an actor and with his personality i hope and wish he achieves his dream. On the way home we get an offer to take our photo in front of the Petronas Tower he puts a lens on my camera and I have to say its brilliant but then he trys to sell us the lens, it starts at $35 but I'm used to saying no now and once I get my phone back we leave with haste he chases us and offers it for $20 but I can barely carry whats in my rucksack as it is and after a few minutes he turns back to seek his next victims. We find the hotel a lot easier tonight and I make the last chance in a while to take a bath before bed.Läs mer

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    Melaka bound

    15 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    15/4/22Once again I take the opportunity to make the most of our pool and when I arrive to reception I'm once again greeted by Mourieen. She is such a nice lady and so helpful. I have to say the attentiveness and service In Malaysia so far has blown me away. I also take advantage of a Starbucks and when I get back to the hotel Jon suggests we should go for breakfast in bar38 in the hotel to soak up the amazing view. We sit eating breakfast overlooking the Petronas Towers and it really is a sight to behold. Mid morning we book our taxi to the bus station as we are off to Melaka to meet up with Ged and Darryl. As the bus leaves the station I realise I've left my bag with my lonely planet on the seat in the station but were already on route so I learn my lesson of checking my seat when I leave.The journey is only 2 hrs and we decide to wait for Darryl and Geraldine at the station. After an hour and a half they finally arrive. Its so good to see them. We jump a taxi and arrive at the accommodation. Its not in the centre but there are plenty of bars and restaurants here. So we literally drop our bags and head out. We choose a bar called Fifty 5 and order drinks. Its supposed to be happy hour but when the drinks come out they are in half pint glasses very deceiving. There are lots of arcades with the grab machines here and while were sat in the bar one of the ladies comes out and gives us 5 tokens. Me and Ged go in first and I win I literally run up and down the arcade am pleased as punch even though ive only won an elephant key ring. Then Jon and Darryl go in and we hear a cheer. Jon comes out with a hermit crab cuddly toy we laugh so much. One of Darryl's friends James has travelled down from Kuala Lumpur to meet us and after numerous beers topped up with Soju we head back to meet him and for love and money we can't get a taxi into town. I suggest we have a wander back to the area we were in and after a 5 minute stroll find a bar with a pool table. We head inside and we're greeted by the locals like we're royalty. We then get handed microphones and end up in here all night singing karaoke and playing pool. I'm glad we've only got a 5 minute walk home.Läs mer

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    Party boat

    16 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    We wake in the morning and Darryl and Geraldine have brought coffee. We decide to explore the pool this morning and booking is required. Its really strange as you move around because the rules change all the time. Since arriving in Melaka it seems a lot more strict here and once again its back to scanning to check In places. The pool here is really nice and I enjoy doing a few lengths before Darryl joins us and we head into the centre. When we arrive Asha an old flatmate of Darryl's is waiting for us. Shes Malaysian and is keen to show us a few of the sights. When we get into the centre I'm amazed. It's such a pretty city and I've already decided I'm going to stay an extra few days to explore. Its a UNESCO world heritage city and as soon as we arrive in the centre I can see why. The red square adorning the river is beautiful and as we stroll down the tourist street I marvel at the old buildings with various shops inside. We head down to the river to have a few beers as the boats go by we give a little wave. We even get to see an otter before making our way to Jonker Street for Street food. The night Market holds lots of different stalls from food to toys jewellery and many more. We all wander along at our own pace picking up various snacks at the stalls and all trying each others food. There is a guy here shaving and juggling coconuts and at the exit we're greeted by a different version of a tuc tuc called a cartoon cyclo they're brightly lit with various cartoon themes and loud music playing. I really must ride in one before I leave here. We've jointly decided to head back to the bar we were at earlier and spend the evening having dance offs and waving randomly at boats. A lot of laughs are had. Liverpool are playing Man City in the semi finals tonight and I really want to see it so I set off to leave and Geraldine and Darryl join me but when we try and get a grab there is literally nothing available and I end up watching the game on my phone.Läs mer

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    The second goodbye

    17 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    I wake this morning and Ged and Darryl have already been out and got the coffees. The guys head back to Singapore today but we have a few hours before they catch their bus. I once again pack up as I'm moving to a place closer to the center especially after how difficult it was to get a taxi last night. We all decide to go for a coffee but thrres literally nothing open but eventually we find a cafe decorated with Japanese toys and get a half decent coffee.We are going to where Asha is staying to grab a bite to eat and then she will drop them to the bus station. I always hate goodbyes but somehow I think I will see them again before I head home. I get a taxi to my new place and although its back to the bare necessities I only use my room to sleep in so it doesn't bother me. When i arrive theres a metal door shutter outside and no sign of life but after sending a message the owner lets me in. I literally drop my bag and head out and in the shop outside an older man asks me where I'm going. I stop to talk to him and he walks me down towards the river and en route invites me into his shop. Its an antique/brick a brac shop but instead of trying to sell me something he takes me into the back where there are 3 other men and invites me to sit and take tea with them. They all speak pretty good English and what they can't the guy who took me there called Leow translates for me. I sit with them for a good few hours and the tea turns to a couple of beers before I leave to grab food. I need money so walk towards the shopping centre and even though I'm not into fast food I've been told to try the KFC here. Shortly after I get a message from James who was supposed to be riding back to Kuala Lumpur on his bike but before he hit the highway the rain came in and he's coming back to Melaka. We enjoy a few drinks by the river and joined by Declan make our way to Medusa night club. The dance offs continue and considering I left Phi Phi to calm things down I get in at 430 in the morning.Läs mer

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    Hangover central

    18 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    I don't wake till midday and am desperate for coffee. I head to a place on the river with beautiful views called Gravy baby.Othimane joins me and we spend the day together. Its a crazy thing because just when you think you're going to be on your own you pick up new people and another chapter awaits. I suggest we go for food and recommend the place we were yesterday with Geraldine and the crew. I order pizza but can barely eat half and afterwards Oti suggests we go for a massage which is a great idea and I literally fall asleep on the bed. We go back to Gravy Baby where James is and because I feel so rough I take a cold beer. I feel its the only thing that will make me feel a little better. I also need to catch up on some sleep so head back to my place to lay my head for a few hours before meeting up with Osman and Dennis. There's been a bad storm and it's raining so we seek shelter in a little bar just around the corner. The owner tells us that last night someone stole the I pad which is crazy as they play their music through it which you'd think they would notice it missing so it must have been taken after they closed. Were all hungry and most of the places are closed so when Dennis suggests we go to Mamsitas for food I say I know where it is and lead the way, except I take us the wrong way and even with Google maps I still take us the wrong way. Eventually we arrive and after great food they bring tequilas to the table. I really can't do another late one so agree to go to The Let it Be bar around the corner. It's an unusual little bar but the owner has a pug who takes a fancy for me, and after cuddling up to him make myself comfy. The streets in Melaka are adorned with art and the owner explains this area used to be the red light district and shows me the mural of the women in the windows who used to shout out for business. A short walk home and I'm in bed a lot earlier tonight thank goodness.Läs mer

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    Pool Shark

    19 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    I head for my morning coffee In Gravy Baby and as I sit here with Osman we hear a loud argument in the hotel opposite. I think the guy is Chinese and he's in and out shouting his head off. Too much drama for this time in the morning. Dennis and Osman are due to leave today but I've extended for 2 more days so agree to let them leave their bags at my hostel. As we head back the square is full of pigeons its like trafalgar square revisited, and as we walk along the river i see the biggest monitor lizard in the water and out of the corner of my eye an otter swimming to get away from him. I have to say the river water here is probably the cleanest ive seen. I'm not drinking today so when we sit by the river I order the fresh apple juice. When it comes out its like a neon green colour but when I taste it its delicious. While sitting here there's a lady on her own and we chat to her she's from England and she joins us for an hour before heading off to see a little of the city. I suggest a game of pool. Its about a 25 minute walk away so off we trot in tge red hot sun, and when we arrive its shut, even though Google maps says its open. Rather than walk back we get a grab and head back to the river. I order another apple juice and when it comes its in a glass the size of my head. Amy joins us again a little later and debates whether to stay another night but her will stands strong and she manages to catch the last bus out.Eventually we find a bar that's open with pool so Dennis and I head there and Osman and James join us a little later. I love the bar. Its called Bernies and the guy who runs it called Nigel is really cool. They play 80s and 90s music and I'm in my element. As well as being the pool champion. The bar closes at 1 and we get a grab back to town. I head back as Liverpool are playing at 3am and I want a few hours sleep before the game.Läs mer

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    Ladies Night

    20 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    After my early morning coffee it is time to get my washing done I walk along the waterfront taking in all the Miltary history that surround here. Melaka was once the biggest shipping port in Asia. It was captured in 1511 by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch but when the British took over in 1795 it fell to its demise. The waterfront is littered with military vessels including ships and boats and old weapons which I absolutely love. Just as I reach the laundrette I stub my toe and literally split it open. Luckily James has arrived to do his washing and runs to the chemist to get me some stuff to bandage myself up. Washing done James drops me back on the bike and I drop off my washing and head out to do a little exploring. There is so much to see here with the antiquated buildings each one different. Asha has suggested I should eat the Nyonya Laksa at 88 Jonker Street so I head there for late lunch.Laksa is a spicy soup with prawns and noodles and a coconut broth and served with tofu puffs. Its delicious but nearly blows my head off with the spiciness. I buy a ticket for the boat cruise and joined by a lovely family. The two boys are Liverpool supporters and they love it when I show them pictures of the game. The family invite me to go to there house when I'm in Kl for a real Malaysian experience. I walk back along the river and get a shower then join James at Gravy Baby where I enjoy a steak and ale pie with mash and Gravy. It's absolutely delicious. James left his brolly in Bernies bar last night so we jump a cab and enjoy a few games of pool. The plan is to head to Medusa because its ladies night and it's free drinks from 8-11 but as it pans out we don't arrive till 1130 and have to buy our drinks but the owner comes over with free tequila shots and once again I stagger home leaving James in the bar.Läs mer

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    Limau Limau

    21 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    I wake this morning and my floor is covered in blood, as I've taken my shoes off downstairs my toe has bled everywhere but because I was drunk I didn't realise. I arrange to meet James for breakfast and we go to a little cafe called Limau Limau. The owner of the Cafe is a lady called Sam and she makes us so welcome. She runs the place with her brother Jason and we sit talking. Throughout the day various customers come in that we're here before the pandemic and I can see why they come back. A lady called Michelle comes in with the biggest apple pie and we all get a slice its absolutely delicious and the pastry is amazing. Sam is talking me in to staying another night and wants me to cook with her tomorrow. Its a strange thing as I've really missed being able to cook and the cafe has an amazing kitchen. On a Friday and Saturday they have a vinyl night and I guess it will be another experience for me so I decide to make the commitment and stay. I literally spend the whole day in here enjoying the company and getting hints and tips of where I can go but at this rate I can't see me leaving Melaka. Its strange how the people of a place can keep you there for much longer than you planned. A little later in the afternoon Sams dad comes to the shop with the oldest vespa I've seen and the boys leave to go and do some repairs on it The cafe shuts at 6pm but Sam,Jason and Michelle invite me and James to join them for dinner and drive us to a wonderful authentic chinese restaurant out of town. The restaurant originally used to be in the centre but they wanted it to be more Malaysian for the tourists so the Chinese were made to move. Its really busy and Sam orders a variety of things off the menu so me and James can enjoy the full experience. We have sweet potato leaf, salted duck egg chicken, okra, ribs , noodles and rice and I really enjoy everything but my favourite is definitely the salted duck egg chicken . My toe hasn't stopped bleeding and Sam kindly offers to take me to the clinic where they glue my toe and dress it. She then drops me back at home where I book to stay for one more night and take to my bed without a single drop of alcohol passing my lipsLäs mer

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    Cookery class

    22 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    I get up at 6am to meet Sam at the wet Market. Today they have a vinyl night in the cafe and Sam and I will cook the food this afternoon, but first we have to go to the markets to buy the ingredients. The market has everything from fresh fish to meat and vegetables. We purchase our ingredients before dropping them off at the cafe and heading for a walk along the river for an hour. Afterwards she takes me to a local place for breakfast of noodles. The place is packed and it's obvious why the noodles are unique as the 3 generations stand around pots pulling fresh pasta into pots of boiling broth. A quick shower and I head back to Limau Limau to start the prep work. I've loved spending time with Sam and Jason and to get the opportunity to cook has been amazing. We've cooked veggie chilli with homemade salsa guacamole and tortilla chips. As we're cooking we keep realising we've forgotten ingredients and poor Jason has about 5 additional trips to the shop. James videos us cooking and we just about finish in time before the guests arrive. Its pretty much a full house and such an array of people. Shereen who is local and her partner from Australia. 2 ladies Karen and her friend who now both live in Australia but originally from Melaka. I can definitely see why they come back. Were also joined by James and Michelle Later in the evening we go upstairs and I'm blown away. Jason has so much vinyl and his memorabilia on the beatles is extensive. We play music and dance the night away before having our group photos taken. A day and night I will never forget and will treasure forever.Läs mer

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    Leaving Melaka

    23 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 30 °C

    I get up early to pack and spend a few hours with Sam Jason and James before leaving town. I never expected to stay so long but so glad I did. Last night was epic and for the second day in a row didn't drink. Sam has kindly offered to take me to the station and as I come down I'm met by the hostel owner Francis. He chats to me and explains he's got a gift of a book for me. It's about the history of his Chinese culture and I'm so grateful it seems hard to say no even though its massive and won't fit In my rucksack. I leave my bag in reception and head to Limau Limau for my final coffee. Its busy in there today so just before I leave I make my way to see the baba and Nyonya heritage museum. The house dates back to 1861 and owned by a Perankan family. Children who were born to Chinese and Indian settlers with women from Malaysia and Perankan meaning local born. Baba is an honorific for men and Nyonya for women. The house is filled with Chinese blackwood furniture inlaid with mother of pearl and it contains a staircase that is under carved and gold gilded but contains no nails as they believe that they should only be used when your put in your coffin. It also has flaps on the top which were to prevent burglars but also stopping the men from coming upstairs when drunk. In the centre of the house are open areas with drainage and these were used so when it rained it cooled the house. Upstairs is a marital bedroom and a young male of the family with the same zodiac sign would be brought here on the marital night to roll in the bed to bring the couple good fertility. I wander around a little more then head back to tge cafe to say goodbye. Jason takes me to my hostel where Francus has left me the loveliest note along with the book and a keyring as a keepsake. As Jason drops me to the station I grab a quick drink before boarding the bus which I'm pleasantly surprised has a massage seat and recliner all for £2.Läs mer

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    Snakes

    23 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I feel the need to write a second blog today. I arrive in Kuala Lumpur and James kindly has offered for me to hang out with him I arrive at the bus station and go to customer service to see if my lonely planet has been handed in , when it hasn't I ask the guard if I can go and look at my chair where I left it. Its not there either so I book a grab to my placea Its a really cool set up and after making me a cup of real English tea and showing me my room I get a shower and I meet James who takes me for a guided tour. The place is really wonderful and we take a walk to the view point. On the walk up there are lots of monkeys and when I reach the top I can't believe the view. As the sun is setting a storm is coming in and the lights of the city illuminate the skyline as the sky gets darker. We sit here for well over an hour enjoying the view and as we walk down we spot something glowing on the floor as I turn on my torch its like a beetle but when I Google lens it its actually a Borneo glow worm. I'm over the moon and just as were about to leave the forest we spot a guy with a big light and camera he calls us over and he's photographing a speckled headed whip snake he shines his light so we can take pictures he then says he's seen another 2 snakes and takes us along to see them. We find the second snake but it's quite far into the bushes and we're not able to get a photo. The scary thing is you can only just see it on the vine of the tree. We walk down to a bustling little square that has the biggest TV I've ever seen and we enquire to see if the liverpool game is on tomorrow, sadly it isn't so we grab ourselves dinner In the food market. We enjoy fish rice and vegetables totally delicious before heading back to listen to some music.Läs mer

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    Monkey madness

    24 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I really want to go to batu but James isn't so keen but says I can borrow his scooter to go there. Its an automatic with a kick start so we have a trial run down for breakfast but I just can't get it back on the stand so he kindly offers to take me on his bike after his lesson. We ride the 20 mins to the cave and I'm mesmerised. Batu means cave in Malaysian and this is the biggest Hindu temple outside of India. There is a colossal gold statue of the deity Murugan at the base of the 272 multicoloured steps that lead you up to the main temple inside the limestone rocks. Annually they host the festival of Thaipusam here where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims attend. Devotees carry ornamental structures attached to there body with spikes and hooks piercing there skin. We then make the hours journey to Malawati Hill which is the former Sutance Palace and contains the first Sultans tombs, but the main attraction here and the monkeys. As well as the common Macau the are silver leafed monkeys and they are so called and live here because of the silver leafed trees that they live in and are only found in this area. They are so timid and we spend a few hours watching and feeding them. They literally are so human like with toe nails on their fingers. I'm amazed at their friendliness. After a wonderful dinner of Scallops and Prawns on the river we make our way to see the fireflies. We wait around for a short time before boarding a boat on the river. As it travels just a few metres we start to see the glowing and within minutes the guy paddles us close to a bush that looks like a xmas tree. I'm blown away by the amount of them there are and so glad we stayed to see it. Its an hours ride home and no sooner have we hit the motorway and about 30 motorbikes overtake us from both sides weaving in and out of the traffic like idiots. There are known as Mat Rempit and are widely common throughout Malaysia They are known for their illegal street racing and stunts. Safely back home i get a shower and go and meet James friends for a quick beer and a game of pool and luckily for me they have the liverpool game on. Another win and I go to bed with sore cheeks from smiling. Another epic day.Läs mer

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    Eye of the storm.

    25 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    I wake at midday today which is really unusual for me but James and I stayed up talking till silly o clock and after the full on day we had yesterday I probably needed it. He suggests we should go for food and to be honest I am really hungry when I wake today which is unusual for me. We take the scooter down to the local Chinese Court an area with tables and chairs and lots of different stalls and he also suggests I order a triple layer tea its tea with soy milk and a dark brown sugar layer at the bottom and is my favourite morning drink to date. We have lunch and collect my washing and head to the post office to drop a letter but as we come out its hammering with rain. Rather than get soaked we go to a little cafe around the corner and after sitting there for an hour watching the amazing show decide we're going to try and get back without getting too wet. Luckily James has two raincoats in the back of the bike and most of the journey home is under the carriage way above so we arrive back only slightly wet. I spend the afternoon planning my forward journey and just resting. The past few days have taken it out of me and I want to be fully rested for the Highlands. James invites me over to go for a swim before we head out for dinner. The pool is on the rooftop and as I sit in there overlooking the city sparkling with all its high rise buildings it really is a site to behold. We eat in the same restaurant and then head back as Nick is coming over. I've volunteered to bake cookies and with a packet mix and no instructions have to guess what to add with a little help from Google. I also get to do a bit of housewifery as I borrow a needle and thread. James has an amazing projector and we spend the evening listening ro music and watching old cartoons and laugh at how the cinematic scenes replicate the music playing. Another great night.Läs mer

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    Heading to the Highlands

    26 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    I wake at just after 9 and have raging toothache but take a few pain killers. I have arranged to do breakfast with James. He picks me up on the bike and takes me to a cool little cafe where a lawyer has all his books and has opened it so other lawyers can come and use them while having a coffee or sandwich. I've packed my rucksack which just seems to get easier each time I do it and James once again kindly offers to drop me to the bus station. I'm quite sad saying goodbye to him as he's been the best company for the last 10 days and although we are polar opposite have got on brilliantly. I board the bus for the 5-6 hour journey and I'm a little disappointed that I haven't got a massager on my seat this time. The bus journey passes quite quickly as I've downloaded a few things off Netflix and caught up on my blog. When we get to a place called Ringlet it's a good 40 minute snaking road upto the bus stop passing lots and lots of plastic covered green houses sitting on steep hills that house all tge vegetables they are famous for growing here. It's only an 8 minute walk to my hostel so I grab my rucksack and walk there. I'm so hungry so I literally drop my bag and head for food. My first stop though is to buy some mosquito spray, I've been eaten alive In KL and need to take precautions here. The guy in the shop recommends a traditional indian restaurant here and I order the chicken korma with roti and they even have 3 layer tea. When it comes out its more like a Madras but still delicious. I leave here and find a chemist they have no painkillers but Clove oil and to be honest it works better than the pain killers. I take myself to bed early to get up for the dentist tomorrowLäs mer

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    Forest trekking

    27 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    I have a Starbucks this morning as a treat as I plan to do a forest trek today. I go back to the guest house to collect my things and get chatting to the owners about what I can do they are so full of information so I also ask where there favourite places are in Malaysia Val ushers me over to a big map and points out what I should do with so much information I take notes. They are so kind spending their time showing me. The start of the trail 5 is at Mardi and is tucked behind a corrugated roof shelter and as soon as I start I wish I'd worn long trousers but I dose myself up with mosquito spray and set off as I get deeper into the forest the noises get louder and louder and the light shines through the leases lighting up the moss covered forest floor. As I'm sitting in the first m I get a call off judy from home and its surreal having a signal and speaking to the other side of the world and being able to see each other. I'm so grateful I've downloaded mapsme it has all the trails on there and even has the arrow in the right direction. Trail 6 has me climbing over and under trees and the smell of the fauna is intense. As I take the joining road to trail 4 I believe I've taken the wrong path. There's barely a trail to be seen and I seem to be slightly off but I persist and eventually come to a more trodden path. I turn back on myself as I can see there is a waterfall and before I know it there is a terrible storm and I luckily find a shelter. I've been here nearly an hour before the rain eases and when I walk over the bridge towards the waterfall the current of water is literally making it shake. I decide not to continue and turn back to the trail and after a few minutes can start to hear the town again. I'm literally soaked so stop off to get food and hot tea and two of the people I met in PhiPhi walk passed saying hey fififlipflop. Its so funny. We catch up over another hot cup of tea before I head back for a shower and early night as I have a sunrise trek and liverpool play at 3am.Läs mer

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    Sunrise at the tea plantation

    28 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    It's an early start as I watch the Liverpool game at 3am this morning but I'm getting picked up at 6am to do a sunrise tour. Marly and Harvey have also booked on so I'm looking forward to it. Arvin is our guide and is outside early but when I come to find my shoes there not there. In most Asian countries they take their shoes off outside the property but with it being so early there's no one to ask. Tge guide says to try the door and I'm relieved when it's open an my shoes are just inside. Arwin drives out of town and to the viewpoint where the sun is just starting to rise but the moon and stars are still clearly visible in the sky. Its a gorgeous sunrise as the skyline lights up shedding light on the tea terraces below us. They are so well groomed like topiary and as we walk down towards the cafe there are people harvesting the tea. This is only done once a fortnight . The tools they use are recycled bottles formed to make big handlike utensils that almost clap the new leaves off. The workers are generally from Pakistan or Nepal and are paid 24 cents a kilo the equivalent of 5p and imagine how many tea leaves to make a kilo. The tea is called Boh tea and is very popular here and it stands for best of highlands. The owners are actually Scottish and descend from a guy named Archie Russell who started the tea plantation when his other investments of tin and rubber took a hit with the great depression in the 1920,s and is still owned by the family. Our next stop is to taste the tea at a cafe with the most surreal view. They even have scone jam and cream here but I opt for the firecracker sausage roll and the strawberry tart it's only 830 but I've been up for hours. I even go back to try a different tea its so good. Now we're fed it's time for the trek . It's not too far but once again its climbing up through the forest until eventually we reach the mossy forest. It's like being in a movie the scenery as the moss literally wraps itself around the floor climbing the trees. I take way too many photos but each time I turn a corner I just keep going Wow. After the trip were dropped off in town and we all go for food, its delicious and my intention of heading back and grabbing my washing ends up in me having a little siesta. I eventually make it to the laundrette. They actually have washing tokens here so I load my washing andhave also put my rucksack in. When I return 30 minutes later im devastated. Everything has white marks on it and I think maybe it hasn't rinsed properly but as I continued to sort through I find I've left my suncream in and it's literally covered my clothes. I rewash but they are still marked thank goodness it's only a few things. I buy a toothbrush and when I get back give them a good scrub and it comes out. I eat dinner in a restaurant called Jasmine and with it being western is twice the price. I meet Harvey and Marly in the shopping mall where we share a few games of pool before having an early night.Läs mer

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    Ipoh bound

    29 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    I wake this morning with raging toothache again but decide I'll get it seen to in Ipoh and finish off my packing. The people in Father's Guesthouse have been amazing and I've really enjoyed my stay. The holidays are imminent so at least if I get to Ipoh I'll have a few choices. I grab a pancake for breakfast with hot tea then make my way to the bus station. Harvey and Marly are on the same bus and it really makes me chuckle when the vehicle in front all we can see is a pair of feet and its either someone sleeping or a dead body. when we arrive in Ipoh they manage to catch an earlier bus than they'd booked so I share a brew with them and get a grab to my hotel. Luckily they let me check in early and by midday I'm out exploring the city. I've taken a painkiller and my tooth ache seems to have gone so I'm going to see how it goes. The city is renowned for its street art instigated by a Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic but ill post these pictures separately. My first stop is 22 Hale Street a museum taking us back to when tin miners were Kings and how the street where its housed was known as hotel street. A really interesting way to present it as you walk through the old buildings that's been restored to its original glory and with beautiful pieces of original furniture. Stupidly I then put in bus station Ipoh instead of Train station and end up walking to tge other side of town and wondering why I couldn't see this historic building then realising I was actually looking at the bus station ah well at least I know where it is for future reference. Eventually I make it to the train station its one of the main heritage buildings here and sits with other beautiful white colonial style buildings including the town hall and clock tower. I wander aimlessly through the streets discovering new little alleyways and street art around every corner as I'm about to cross the river a youn guy asks me if he can help me and I say I'm looking for the mosque he points me in the right direction but also gives me some other places I should definitely see. Ansell also says I should go and see the the Chinese temple and take tea at the Seong man teahouse. As we stand on the bridge that connects the old town with the new town he explains it used to be called the bridge to nowhere and that there was only really 20 years between the old and new towns being built I take his advise and after the temple and mosque visit enjoy traditional tea with a hot water heater and a bol of sweet potato with grass jelly served with brown sugar and milk - nicer than it sounds. As I'm about to finish off it starts pouring and a girl who I saw in the noodle shop called Max kindly offers to give me a lift back. I pop out for a bite to eat before taking my aching mouth to bed.Läs mer

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    Holiday hectic

    30 april 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    I spent nearly an hour trying to book a train out of ipoh to Kuala kangsar and even though it says there are 4 seats available it won't let me book them so the guy from here has kindly offered to drop me to the train station. It is the labour day holiday but also the end of Ramadan so everyone is on holiday. The tradition is that the whole family travel to the most senior members home. When I check there is literally no availability in either Kuala kangsar or Taiping, the nearest accommodation is 15 miles away from each and they are both £60 per night for a room with shared bathroom. I call my hotel in Ipoh and ask if I can stay another night and then I book my accommodation in Penang. I walk to the local bus station and enquire about getting to the caves and Castle here. There is a bus at the station ready to leave for one of the caves but my sensibility gets the better of me and I decide I should maybe get my tooth looked at before the holiday season starts. I have seen a dentist right by the hotel and in case I need to go lie down after any procedure walk back. They see me right away and the problem is in my back tooth which has a large filling. The dentist has no xray machine but offers to remove the filling and perform a procedure that needs doing. She gives me an injection to numb it bur it doesn't touch the sides and after 3 injections I try and tolerate the pain. My pain threshold is high but I have to say I'm clinging to the ceiling. I've been in the chair more than an hour when I get lock jaw, the tears are streaming down my face and each time she touches the nerve it's like an electric shock. After 3 hours she gives up and explains she has cleaned it and prepared it but with the inflammation and the pain she's unable to deal with the last root and will put a temporary filling in till I can get it seen to in another destination. I pay the bill and leave feeling very sorry for myself. I take myself to the hotel for a lie down and set my alarm so I can get up for the Liverpool game. When I wake I feel a lot better and get a shower and Don my Liverpool shirt. I'm going to Healy Macs Irish bar which is a 10 minute walk from the hotel and when I arrive its pretty busy. I order myself a bucket of beers which is usually 5 but for some reason I get 6. The guy looks a bit shocked that they're all for me but they're only half a pint and having not had a drink for nearly a week I'm ready for a few cold ones. Shortly after a group of about 15 young lads come in and I get chatting to them . They are here with the Australian army and do 3 months training out here including 3 days survival training in the jungle, well this Navy girls already ticked that box. The even funnier part is they're from Newcastle in Australia and the conversation ends shortly after. I enjoy the game except for the fact there's no commentary but they have a live band on and they are brilliant especially the singer @baytyemran. Liverpool score and I'm relieved when the whole bar cheers. After the game I chat a while with the band before heading back to base. I'll definitely sleep tonight.Läs mer

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    Perak cave

    1 maj 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Today I feel like I've been hit by a train but I also feel the need to go somewhere. I choose Perak Cave as its only 6km away and when I check on Grab its 10myr about 2 pound so I rally myself and book the cab. When I arrive im shocked at how busy it is as its still quite early. It was first found in 1926 by a Chinese couple who raised funds to develop it As I walk up the steps there is agiant 40 ft and the walls and ceilings are adorned with beautiful paintings and calligraphy believed to be painted by the Chinese couple. There are also many statues of deities with people burning incense sticks and praying to the various gods of wealth, happiness and fertility among many others. The steps take you up to the viewpoint where you get a birds eye view of Ipoh. I wander back down and order a grab. I desperately need my nails doing but when I go to several shops they are fully booked I suppose it's not a good idea to try in the holidays I look up on Google and find a shop I call first and manage to get a slot. I enjoy the pampering and even get talked into a different colour than my usual red. I grab a shower and take myself to the Cafe Yoon Wah which is famous for its snow beer its extremely busy and the wait for food is over an hour but I have nowhere else to be and its nice just people watching I'm literally sat in the street so at least I can smoke. The restaurant is pandemonium with tables and chairs being set up in all available spaces its comical just to sit and watch as the place literally takes over half the street.Läs mer

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    On the move

    2 maj 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I wake this morning and once again its the packing ritual that I don't look forward to. I honestly don't know why because its done in about 10 minutes but I also suppose it's the waiting around and stresses of catching the bus on time. I set myself up by grabbing a take away coffee and bringing it back to the room. I book a grab which is double the price going as it was coming and arrive at the station 30 minutes before I'm due to depart. Its really busy today as people are travelling for the holidays. The bus journey is a lot quicker than I anticipated but when we arrive its like fight for your life. There is no line discipline and literally people just pushing and shoving. I struggle as not only do I have my rucksacks but I also have respect there are elderly people and kids here but noone seems to care. After nearly 2 hours in the queue and a broken back we eventually board the ferry. The journey literally takes 15 minutes, then its the rush to get off. I share a grab with 2 German people I've queued with and when I get to the hostel I'm greeted by two really sweet guys Bayu and Eric. They show me to my 4 bed girl dorm and I'm greeted by Vivien a lady I met in Pai. I join her for dinner and she takes me to a vegetarian sushi restaurant. Its absolutely delicious and after it I could seriously go veggie.There is a crazy electrical storm here tonight and I sit in a bar just watching in awe. I wait in the bar for Marly and Harvey to arrive and we decide to head to a bar called Pokok. There is a guy beside us who is a Liverpool supporter and he rejoices at the fact I'm from Liverpool. They're as passionate as our own fans here and throughout the night he brings over various other fans to meet me. We stay in the bar till 130 in the morning dancing and singing to the live music. Another great night.Läs mer

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    Beautiful Georgetown

    3 maj 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    I wake this morning with the first hangover in ages. I'm due to change rooms today but there's noone around in reception so I go and grab a coffee. As I sit in the cafe an old guy comes and sits next to me and when I get chatting to him he tells me his name is Happy and that's certainly the case. He's 82 yrs old and doesn't stop laughing and dancing it really makes me feel lots better. I go back to the hostel and pick up my washing it whiles away an hour so I can go back and move rooms. At 1pm there is still noone around so I pack my stuff up and take myself to Chinatown for food. As I'm walking down the street I spot a bloody big rat. Apparently they are common here because the waterways run through the streets with big trench like gullies. After lunch I walk along the very busy touristy streets and sit myself outside a place where they are selling ais balls. These are balls of shaved flavoured ice with an ice cream centre. As I'm sat here Ara a guy who joined us last night taps me on the shoulder. We sit and chat and I say I want to go to Penang hill he asks if he can join and after a nightmare of trying to catch a bus we end up getting a grab. We arrive at the funicular and after an hour eventually get called to queue. I don't know what it is here but standing in an orderly queue isn't something they do well. It's another hour before we eventually board and I'm shocked at how fast it ascends the hill. I'm so thirsty but you can't get a beer here so i opt for an iced coffee. When it arrives im pleasantly surprised, its really cheap up here considering its a tourist catchment area and the logistics if getting stuff up here. view from the top is magnificent but its all very touristy and the queue to get down is ridiculous. We walk around the top and I'm treated to an amazing sunset. My motto is if you can't beat them join them and I see a gap in the massive queue I slide in discreetly and shortly after Ara joins me. At least we have a queue with a view. Eventually we arrive back down and manage to get a taxi. We go to a seafront food Hall and enjoy dinner before heading back to pokok for a few well earned beers.Läs mer

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    Day at the beach

    4 maj 2022, Malaysia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    I wake jubilant, we're through to another champions league final although it was a bit hit and miss first half. I take myself for my usual morning coffee then take myself back to the hostel. There are a couple of German girls outside but check in isn't till 3 so I let them put they're bags in my room. We meet other friends of theirs at a coffee shop in town and wander Georgetown for a few hours. I've pretty much seen everything but as you turn a corner there's is always something you've missed. We eventually are a group of 10 and we discuss various options of what to do. Its always hard to please everyone with such a big group and while a couple of them eat I sample the famous white coffee. Its one of the signature things in Georgetown although it really doesn't taste any different irs roasted with butter and sugar than a coffee We go back to the hostel and have decided to head to the beach for the day. I'm quite excited as it's been a while since I've been in the water and I get my costume on. We discuss about getting a couple of grabs but there's 9 of us going so I suggest the bus. The beaches are on the North of the island and when we get on the bus it's saying it'll take an hour but 20 minutes in we're still an hour away. I'm so glad we managed to get a seat. There are 55 stops on the route and I can see the guys are agitated but it wouldn't have been any quicker with a grab as it's literally one road along the coast. The traffic is still bad as the holidays continue but I believe it should get a bit quieter from tomorrow onwards. Still 20 minutes away I spot a cove and suggest we should get off. Its crazy as with 9 of us we take up half the seating area. The beach is quite nice with huge boulders and by the time we get there the sun is half way setting. It's so good to get in the sea and although its not as clean as I'd like it's warm and wet. A couple of the guys go and buy beer from a local shop and we watch the sun set. I notice the bus coming down the road and we make a mad dash to jump on , although this time we're not lucky enough to get a seat thankfully the journey is quicker. We share a few beers and some amazing falafel in the evening before retiring to bed.Läs mer

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    Sea dog spotting

    5 maj 2022, Malaysia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    When I wake this morning I'm overjoyed that Man City got knocked out of the champions league last night and we will face Real Madrid in the Final. I've arranged to go trekking with the group this morning and im quite shocked that they are up so early but after a little discussion they are trekking up Penang hill and I've already do there so I opt to Join Jon for breakfast then to the spice Gardens. He has some work to complete and there's a fews bits of paperwork I need to get sorted. We head out just after 1pm and it's a much quicker drive today I try to download the audio app but it doesn't seem to work so we just wander through the fauna it's great to be in the nature. The paths weave us through the various areas including a poison garden a huge swing and the spice terrace.its very overgrown and as covid has hit the jungle trees have reclaimed the area. Our next stop is at Batu Ferrenghi the beach we were supposed to go to yesterday. Jonathan recommends a restaurant called Bora bora as we sit her I see something in the water and as I go to see what it is they swim faster than what I can walk. After lunch Jonathan takes me to Hin bus depot an old disused bus station that still has its original features with local companies occupying the space. We enjoy an ice cream with a wonderful lady called Jesie who hand crafts lots of really original things whilst there I get a pair of earrings made and she gives me an anchor with hope written on it. She says something that Jonathan and I had just literally been speaking about pulling on a handbrake. It's so random it literally makes my hairs on my arm stand on edge. Her company is called Sew Cuddly definitely worth checking out on Facebook. I leave her as quickly as we met but feel a really strong connection. As we arrive back to the hostel Chin, Annie and Judith are going to the Clan jetties where in the late 19 century Chinese families travelled down South in search of better settlement where they built wooden houses on the sea and still to this day live a very traditional lifestyle. We meet the boys at the waterfront and sit there until at 7pm we're chased off as the jetty is closing. As I leave I bump into Jonathon Samira and Stephanie who suggest grabbing some street food. These are stalls where everything is on skewers and you cook yourself in pots of hot water. When you've finished the sticks are colour coded per item and you hand them the empty skewers to pay your bill. Just when I think the day is over Jonathon suggests we go to China Garden an amazing cake shop that's 200m long and at the end opposite to the cakes is a bar with live music. We order cake and drink cocktails and a little while later are joined by the rest of the crew. A perfect end to a perfect day.Läs mer

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