Kuala Lumpur

Cousin Eileen and I decided to visit Malacca and overnight so we can really enjoy the town.  Driving was hair raising to say the least..  Malaysian drivers only know full speed and breaking on your tail.  The road was quite good but the driving was crazy. Despite the excitement we arrived safely at our hotel Jonkers at the less touristy end of the old town. It had a car park which was essential. Not many hotels in the world heritage listed part do. They are old terrace houses converted into small hotels. Ours was pleasant and beds good, bathroom good but windows small.

We explored the old part after grabbing lunch in a genuine old Chinese restaurant. Very home cooking style and nothing flash in decor. We  checked out the Chinese temple, Mosque and the Catholic Church.

I was amused by the paper houses and cars until Eileen put me staight about their purpose. They are for burning so the departed would be comfortable in their heavenly life. Even sneakers and Louis Vuitton bags! Heaven is going to be just like here.

 

We had cocktails at the Geographic Cafe a haunt of famous writers in the thirties, and ate Portuguese influenced food for dinner. Malacca has such an interesting history with colonisation by the Portuguese, the Dutch , the English and unofficially by the Chinese. They actually have a statue of a great Chinese explorer Cheng Ho who sailed across the Pacific, to Australia, and Africa before all the Europeans. The museum was very interesting but the  explanations in English were pretty bad.
I found it very charming and bought some dragon fly earrings to remember it by. I came here with Peter when we were in our late twenties - a lifetime ago

. I always remembered the market with its spices and goat legs standing by the wooden butcher blocks. We didn't visit a fresh food market this time.
Back to KL the next day with more erratic drivers. A party at Eileen's friends home then a day around KL where we visited a mosque again, and happened on a ceremony at the Hindu temple which was very noisy but fascinating.  Kl reminded me of Brisbane in its luxuriant  tropical foliage but the town seems very shabby and disorganised. The footpaths are broken and grubby it seemed in comparison to Malaka. We had a very pleasant dinner in a trendy western style strip of shops near Eileen's place. This area seems very upmarket and bustling.
Next day we have noodles for breakfast and then it is off to the train station and the airport for my flight home.  The train ride was interesting because I met a New Zealander who is based in KL with his girlfriend but who does voluntary work in Sri Lanka. Bryn has since sent me some information in case I would like to do some work with them.
The flight home was fabulous with empty seats around me to sleep across. Air Asia staff were pleasant but not as well trained as the other airlines I travel with though I suspect there is not as many staff. They actually were running down the aisles!

Post wedding

After the wedding we had a couple of days more relaxing before leaving for home. We packed in a trip to the marine park for snorkelling and the big Buddhas in Chaweng. Finally I suvpccumbed to a handbag which I purchased  from the night market after some good bargaining.  We were all very relaxed after the big event. 

Angie and I went up for a blessing from the monk. We had no idea what he was saying but we were liberally sprinkled with holy water.  He was quite serious so I would have liked to know what he was saying. The temples were beautiful and incredibly elaborate. This one had the stories of Buddha painted around the ceiling and walls.

Soon it was time to leave Koh Samui for Kuala Lumpur.  The airport departure was much nicer than the arrival terminal.

 The gang in departure lounge.

My connection to KL was quite close,.only a couple of hours but when I checked in they were reassuring. However the plane was 're-timed' a euphemism for late. I thought well this is going to be a close call. I might be overnighting in Singapore!

Bangkok Air were very helpful by putting me into a seat close to the front and prioritised my luggage. When we finally took off nearly an hour later I was resigned to getting the next connection available.   When we arrived in Singapore I was off that plane and through immigration in a blink. In my enthusiasm I overshot the baggage area and found myself on the outside without my luggage! I did a quick about turn and re-entered the baggage area only to set off the alarms. I was directed by a guard to go to information for help. I couldn't go back through the exit. I felt so stupid but apparently it happens more often than you think. I was given a pass and told to go through the staff entrance. By now I am starting to get really anxious.  The guards made me wait while they finished their discussion, which didn't seem like work. They were too smiley to each other. When they let me through the gate I was subjected to a personal security check before they took my passport and directed me to the carousel that would deliver my bag. I had calmed myself when I realised my bag hadn't come out yet so I couldn't do anything anyway. Bangkok Air were fantastic as my bag was the second out. 

More security checks then it was back into the Departure area to check in with Air Asia. I had checked in online in Koh Samui so it was just a bag drop. Fortunately I got a counter that had no other oassengers( they were all at the departure lounge obviously!) and they accepted the bag and sent me off to immigration, security again and then I was running to the gate D36 all the way down the end of the terminal. When I got there I had ten minutes to spare and I was still on the original flight.  Wow Singapore Airport is very well run. Immigration and security and baggage are super efficient. 

It was great to be on the flight as scheduled. When I arrived in KL though it was a long barren walk out to the baggage pick up and  no bureau de change in sight. I found the train ticket office quickly but decided I would forget the cash until later because the bureau was way over in the corner. The airport has this huge shopping mall at the entrance and I was so confused I couldn't find the station. When I finally stumbled on it a train was waiting. There were no expresses at this late hour but it wasn't much longer.  Eileen was quick to come and pick me up. It was good to be there after my little drama. We shared a whiskey on the balcony and made plans for the next couple of days. It was a very good whiskey!

Wedding day

After a quick swim we all departed to get glamorous. I have decided that the black dress is too sombre for a wedding in Thailand so it is the purple Jersey I select. No hairdressers were available so it was left to our usual styles.  We met in reception though the brides parents had allready departed to the Banyon Tree.

The shuttle buses drove us  Five Minutes to the entrance! We then transferred to golf buggies to be taken up the hill and then through winding tracks to the beach.

The setting was very lovely witha floral arch of pale lemon roses and white orchids, an aisle of Rose petals and a gazebo graced with white orchids and other white flowers. Very elegant. Thai style soft drinks were offered while we waited for the bridal party. It was very hot although there was a light breeze intermtently from the beach. Angie, mother of the bride looked lovely in Teal and her son walked her down the aisle. There had been some tensions between them prior to the wedding but he greeted her with a " you look beautiful Mum" . She almost burst into tears. 

 The bride and her dad  Tim arrived soon after the bridesmaids and she was radiant.

 This is the dress we all shepherded through security and immigration on the way to Koh Samui. It was worth it.  It was so tight though, Kirsten felt faint by the time we went to the wedding dinner!

The couple were so confident in their vows.  The readings were poignant. Every aspect was perfect and so happy. After the ceremony we had cones of Rose petals to throw as they walked up the aisle.

While the bridal group went off to have their photos we retired to the bar for delicious hors d'oeuves by the pool. This is a vary elegant resort and very expensive but they are making the wedding very special.

 Now we get transported by golf carts to the wedding reception. The main building is on the hill overlooking the beach and an expansive view of the greater bay and Islands. It is very dramatic. 

 After a fabulous, delicious dinner of five courses the bridal party did a flash dance medley, we all danced and then it was time to go. The finale was a Thai tradition of sending lanterns into the sky with our wishes. Unfortunately I had to share a lantern with three others and I think our wishes were too heavy.  Our lantern drifted into the trees and started a fire! There was a great flurry as the staff jumped into the above pond and splashed water to put out the fire. The wind had changed so the lanterns were drifting in the wrong direction. No more wishing lanterns but I loved the idea.  The bride and groom had made this a very personal wedding.

What do I think of destination weddings now? I think it can be a wonderful experience as this was. I got to spend more time with a group of people who are now friends. I had a lovely holiday.  It takes a lot of organisation to make it special. It also restricts the number of family who can attend . Perhaps a good thing? Depends on the family I suppose. It was exactly what the couple wanted and they made it so special and memorable and I think when you have been living together for a while already it is a way of making the final transition to marriage significant.

Pre-wedding dinner

The bride anfpd groom have organised a family and friends pre wedding dinner on the beach Saturday night.  The resort has set up tables and chairs and all the buffet and BBQ food right in the sand. It looks amazing. Very romantic and cool with a gentle evening breeze fragrant with grilled seafood.

 It wasn't long before I kicked off my shoes. Even sandal wedges are too  uncomfortable to wear in the sand. The cocktails flowed but there was also wine from Chile.  Wine is not often offered so I really enjoyed it for a change.  The food was delicious with fresh salads and prawns, lobsters and fish steamed in bamboo as well as beef and pork spare ribs.  Dessert was a mix of fruit and small pots of yoghurt mousse, cheesecake or mini cakes. 

The highlight of the night were some fire dancers. They were quite thrilling in their twirling and so nimble. Then they selected Jasmine and I to participate. They twirled the fire around us and made us bend backwards while they swept over our bodies with flames. It was quite hot and yet not scary. I felt complete trust in the artist. I was really proud of myself and everyone was impressed with our composure.

 The finale was one of the artists standing on a rock a little off shore and spinning the fire balls so that it looked like fireworks. Spectacular.

Resort relaxation

As we sit by the pool waiting for our massage and facial, satiated by a cocktail and a cool dip in the pool fringed with frangipani trees, I begin to reflect on the resort experience.  It has been so relaxing despite the dramas suffered by the mother of the  bride. Her son and his girlfriend have been rather trying in their behaviour at times which has added a degree of angst.    Travelling can test a relationship that is well established,   so it will be interesting to see if theirs lasts beyond this trip.  

Our arrival late at night was quite challenging because Angie was tired and suffering culture shock. She couldn't quite come to grips with the desire for a formal wedding in an impoverished country. Then the allocated room did not have the anticipated view and the alternative room had a faulty aircon. Eventually they relocated to a villa with private plunge pool. Kirsten negotiated a special deal. Fortunately my room though not looking over a garden as I expected has a view albeit distant, of the sea and a view to the hillside through Palm trees.  It is all green and very private.  I think our arrival confirmed my preference for arriving during the day. I feel that you are able to deal with the unexpected more easily. There was also a flurry over the credit card deposit that hotels like to do in case you abscond. Some of the party haven't travelled much and hardly ever to Asia so they are a little anxious.

After a good nights sleep and a swim I decided to take a walk with Barry(Sandra's husband) into the village. He is looking for runners and swim shorts. I am just curious as I have no sense of our location. Haven't even seen a map yet. It is hit and the road has no footpaths so we dodge the local scooters and cars and trucks to eventually find a Tesco of all places.  It has a pretty good range and I succumb to a pair of lightweight blue slip ons for poolside. All of $5.00  australian  cute and comfy and much nicer than my Chinese black ones.

We had a late lunch poolside and later repaired to the Tapas bar for cocktails and tapas. Our waiter misunderstood our order and we ended up with ten plates of gyosas instead of a plate of ten! As it turned out they were delicious and it was our dinner.

Next day we organised ourselves to go to Chaweng for shopping.  Angie and Phylis bought gorgeous bags and a few treats. I saw nothing to tempt me to open the wallet. It is a mix of upmarket shops and tourist stuff for young ones. One long street and a new plaza called Central. Not huge. Lots if bars and really just a street back from the beach. Geoff and Barry decided to experience the flesh eating fish that are in glass aquariums on the street, at 200 Baht for 15 minutes they let the fish nibble the dry skin off their feet. It was quite a tickly almost painful sensation initially that settled down and eventually delivered smooth feet. I had heard about soldiers doing this during the Second World War to heal their ulcers. I took lots of photos but didn't want to try it.

Back to the resort to get ready for dinner at the Cliff Restaurant. Our first chance to glam up. 

I have enjoyed getting to know Angie and Tim's friends better. We have shopped and eaten delightful dinners together. Everyone is just going with the flow and enjoying the resort and the company. The young ones for the bridal party are all here now and having a lovely time hanging out.

We have had a day out in a resort van visiting some temples, a waterfall and a cultural centre under construction. One of the highlights was a visit to the Retro Cafe at Ne poi?

 It has been constructed out of containers and is beside a beautiful beach. It is just south of Nahon town. A real find. We were back in time for Angie to go and visit the Banyon Tree and for us to have a cooling dip before a degustation meal featuring Thai wines. Who knew they grew grapes?

Destination weddings and techno anxiety

I am at Singapore airport waiting for our connection to Koh Samui which has been delayed a couple of hours much to the consternation of a few of the party.  When I booked I missed the booking through all in one go and distressed some of the group by having to exit, collect my baggage and then check in again.  It went off  smoothly in less than about 20 minutes. 
The next cause of stress was one of the party having an anxiety attack over the fact that they are uncontactable. No global roaming and therefore suddenly overwhelmed with panic and in tears.  It makes you think how attached we are to our mobile devices. Once we were out of contact for weeks at a time.  I was often uncontactable last year and I did have a few moments of anxiety but I was able to deal with it rationally and get past it. I think we should be uncontactable more often.
Now I am getting hungry and a drink would be nice too.

 Very tired group at Changi

The flight was great. Full but quiet and I caught up on three movies I wanted to see.  I picked the Paper plane and felt very emotional and cried. The other movie was the Imitation game and the Theory of everything. All great movies but all a bit sad too.

We arrived finally very late and Angie was shocked at where the resort is. It was like going through the boondocks, rural Thailand and then arriving at paradise. 

Our rooms are very nice but there are a few different low levels. No OH&S here! I have this massive bed and a spa bath on the balcony. I just had a quick shower and fell into bed. Angie was very upset because she had wanted a sea view and paid extra th have it. There was no sea view. I thought we were getting a garden room but we are on the 4th for.  I am happy and ime morning I could glimpse the sea from my balcony.

A working week

This week I was focussed totally on getting organised for going to Thailand. This meant getting those lectures finished and ready for Andrew to deliver in my stead. That is a rather challenging situation because your lectures are so personal and you know what you will add or do in the class to make it interesting, so having to set up,for some one else's delivery is rather more time consuming. To be honest I feel a trifle anxious too. Is it good enough? Well too bad I did get them finished after three solid days and my wrists are aching from sitting at the desk and computer. It is quite obviously not an ergonomic set up.

It was with great relief I finally posted the work to the student learning system and to Andrew. I have now got marking to do too. Ugh! assignments are due but they will have to wait till I return. I am constantly chasing my tail but so what is new. I am not letting it bother me. 

Swimming lessons with Ziggy are a hoot and turning quite social with post class interaction with the other kids and parents. It is quite tiring though. Today the poor little mite fell asleep on the way home. I was tempted to keep driving but I thought he probably should go to sleep in his bed. BIG mistake. He has done nothing but tell stories out loud to himself for nearly and hour and I wanted him to have a good sleep before we went to play with Abby today.  little people aren't always so predictable.

I gave blood this week too because I will have to wait another four months otherwise and I have missed my usual donations due to travel last year. I have made 60 whole blood donations so far. Because I am 0- they like the whole blood. I think of it as my community service.

When I get back there will be a break from art classes which will free me up for some writing time and time to do a proper budget. Now I am really relying on my super I need to be more  aware. It has been an expensive few months this year so far and I may want to take on more work albeit reluctantly if I want to rebuild my liquid cash balances. It is not that urgent but I have never really done a proper budget which is disgraceful. I can't put it off any longer.

I frequently long for the walking road. My foot is not entirely healed but I would love to be walking again. Not necessarily weeks but a few days would be divine. I am feeling more inclined to just take myself off somewhere. Everyone seems to be as busy as me and so it is hard to get common times together for walking. 

I am off to Thailand, Koh Samui tomorrow for the wedding then a few days in Malaysia and home. It will be fun I am sure, though there doesn't seem much to do but lounge  by the beach. Not exactly a hardship. My hairdresser tried paddle boarding while he was there so I hope they have that at the resort. 

The mother of the bride is rather anxious, understandedly, so I will have to keep a close eye on her to help her enjoy the occasion. After all the kids chose the place for their wedding and. Had the resort do most of the planning with them.  I am sure it will be fine. If it rains it rains and we get wet or go inside. The main thing is they just get married.

 Ziggy playing at the new children's park which has fountains that the kids can play amongst. He got very wet.