MALAYSIA

We arrived in this fascinating country right on schedule.  Rather than take one of the long organized tours via coach to Kuala Lumpur, we opted to share a car and driver with Tony and Patti, which gave us the flexibility to go exactly where we wanted and spend as much or as little time at the various sights. 

 

This was our second trip to KL and in our view, it hasn't changed much.  It's a lovely, clean and organized city and there seem to be many new skyscrapers!  But the old part of the city with its Chinese and Indian markets is always worth visiting again.  After the obligatory trip to the twin towers and environs, that's where we headed for a delicious Malaysian lunch and a bit of walking around ... and bargaining!  We lucked out with a good driver whose English was excellent as was his sense of humour.  He and Ken kept us entertained on the one hour trips to and from the ship. 

 

The next day, we arrived in Penang -- a new destination for us.  Now this is a really charming place!  Full of  turn of the century colonial architecture that has been beautifully restored and maintained. Clean, tidy streets and very friendly people. We were treated to a special event at the Pacific & Orient hotel, an historic old building right on the water.  As you will see from the photos, our mode of transport was individual rickshaws for the trip from the pier to the hotel.  Great fun of course but I don't know how those skinny old men managed to pedal some of us overweight people to our destination without suffering cardiac arrest!!

 

At the hotel we had high tea (with a bit of champagne of course) and then watched a lovely show featuring the various cultures that make up this interesting country.  Chinese, Indian and Malay ... with a bit of Borneo thrown in as well.   It was interesting and very entertaining. 

 

We are now sailing in the Bay of Bengal on our way back to India.  Cochin will be the first of three ports in that country. After that, we'll visit Goa and Mumbai which is one of my favourite places.  We have appointments at the Spa in the Taj Mahal Hotel (much cheaper than the ship) and it will be interesting to see how the place looks after the carnage that took place there after our last visit.  By all reports, it has been restored beautifully and the only change is an increased level of security.  Hope they let us in. 

 

Our last two days at sea have been very relaxing.  Sunshine, very calm seas and lots of reading.  As of tonight, we are back on pirate watch and that will remain in effect for a while.  The Captain is having another meeting with all the passengers at 5:30 today to explain to the "newbies" what that entails. 

 

We've been trying to organize a special party for the crew and have now agreed to host a dinner for them on Easter Sunday, complete with a roasted suckling pig and all the trimmings.  Molise, Niels, Ken and I will serve the crew buffet style in the mess and we're told they should love it.  We wanted to do a late night pizza/chicken wings/drinks party on their outside deck but because of the pirate threat, no lights will be allowed.  I'll let you know how it goes.  We have asked Sujith for uniforms to wear for the event which hopefully will give them a laugh!

 

Must go now and get ready for a noon event.  Take care and keep in touch.  Hope everyone is well. 

 

D & K