Tuesday 17th February, Kuching, Sarawak

Kuching is the most modern and most familiar-feeling place we have visited so far. Is this likely because there is a completely different balance of ethnicities here, namely over 50% Christian? On arrival yesterday we had some laundry to do (why have your own machine at home if you can wash a load for £1? asks Luca), and as we waited for the swishswosh and tumblebumble to finish we sat in a bistro where - amazingly, almost the first time - it felt normal to be asking for an alcoholic drink. A nice cold Carlsberg did it for us both, a fresh fizz-bite on a hot and very humid evening. The live band was really really good - you know, that resonating buzz-in-the-belly of a well-balanced sound system with a warm bass, as well as cool covers (yes, Cool Operator included), a bit of a relief if I'm honest to be in such a familiar sort of place. The lead female singer wanted me to join them - why keep asking me?!! - but what do I know that a modern band can play? I'm a pop-thicko, honestly I am. Might need to remedy that, make a list of songs I actually can sing. At least learn Cool Operator for another time, right?

Late night massage, mmmh, nice

It's Chinese New Year today, so there's lots on in the Chinese temples and in the streets with fire-crackers by day and no doubt the fireworks will start after nightfall. Tonight's gonna be a fun night!
Lunch in Bishopsgate, as you do.
Most scary looking scobie ever.
Scorpion in room, oooooh.Read more