5 posts tagged “holiday”
Taking opportunity of the weekend to get away, I took another attempt to reach that elusive waterfall which defeated me about a year ago. My car got stuck then and the knee deep mud devoured my slippers and effectively ended my attempt.
But now, it has a paved road and I could drive right near to the waterfall, only trekking for 500m. Looking at the sight, I couldn't resist dipping into the waters. It was damn cold, I think it was at least 15 degrees! My whole body quiverred but it was well worth it. Better than any shower at any 5 star hotels. Where else can you find clear, clean fresh water without chlorine.
The numerous ferns and plants lined the area.
It started drizzling later in the afternoon and we headed for home after the refreshing trip. The road was covered with mist and visibility was about 20m only. We drove past wonderful people, numerous buffaloes (and their poos lining the road) and chickens, and magnificent sights of mountains. All I can say is, this is the great outdoors!
Still feeling the effects of jet lag. Woke up at 2 pm this afternoon which roughly translates to 7am in London (after taking account of daylight saving time of 1 hour since Malaysia is GMT +8, I think ). It's complicated to keep in touch with local time and then with the DST especially if I don't want to miss my flight home!
And according to Wikepedia, recovery takes about one day per time zone! Oh no!...I need to work on Monday! I initially gave myself 2 days to recover - might have underestimated the effects of jet lag. Apparently traveling eastward, being female of reproductive age and younger people suffer more of jet lag.
And that Viagra aided in 50% faster recovery from jet lag in hamsters, and considered a off label use hahahaha. I've not checked out the authenticity of the manufacturer's recommendation for this indication yet...So for horny old men out there, you've got an excuse why you're bringing your Viagra on your holiday flights though I doubt your wife/partner will buy this reason one bit hahahaha...
But...it's good to be home. Home sweet home. Nothing beats the sun, the sea, the mountains, the trees, MY SPACE and MY CAR.
Transited in Dubai and flew to London. Luckily I'm still on the happening side of 35 ;) , so we could still check into a backpackers hostel. Man space is really a premium around here. Bunks of beds packed into a really small room. Other than the really tiny space, a backpackers hostel is a great place to stay and mingle around. It's rejuvenating to be able to communicate in a non-medical manner. Man...almost forgot how to start a sentence without using "Ada apa sakit?"
Transport is really convenient in London and even more so in Paris. The underground train system is really efficient. Perhaps RapidKL can learn a thing or two here. It's still packed though and people do rush to go in, but in a more subtle manner. For example in Paris I did not have to wait more than 3 minutes for any train for any connections to anywhere! After taking the tube for a week, I've decided I'm NOT giving up my car even if petrol goes up to USD300/gallon. Perhaps can consider the Hybrid Toyota Prius in the future when the price drops ;) I need some breathing space man...
Visited the usual tourist attractions in London, then took the Eurostar to Paris and stayed in a better hotel in Paris hehehe. Cannot "tahan" staying in a 'prison cell' for too long. I must say Paris is fabulous - Paris didn't get the No 1 tourist destination tag for nothing. London, in my opinion is nothing to shout about.
Spent a couple of nights in Paris, ate some really great meal there after eating bread, cold sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs or fish and chips in London. What's the best way to spend some extra cash? Yes...food.
Oh yes...and there was this cabaret thing with a glass of champagne to go with it ;) Not the famous Moulin Rouge (which would be grossly out of budget) but a similar one nearby. I'll skip the descriptions hahaha.
The Louvre museum is spectacular. The exhibits inside really overwhelm the senses. Also saw the famous Mona Lisa which was kept on the wall behind some special glass (with everybody snapping their cameras non-stop!).
After that went back to London to spend a couple of days more, including a trip to the city of Bath and Stonehenge. After that the grueling flight back to home sweet home :)
This trip made a huge dent in my wallet but then well, I've always been thrifty and this is a "once in a blue moon" kind of thing ;) and more importantly it brought me back from being burnt out - seriously exhausted, from work. A wonderful trip! Now when can I get a hot Char Kuey Teow..
I decided to go to Semporna for the weekend to see the annual Regatta. Using "Now Everyone Can Fly" airline, I touched down at the town of Tawau - brings back some memories since I was posted there for almost 2 years. It was the place I learnt how to be independent, professionally and personally. Spent a night at an old friend's place and he lent me his car to drove to Semporna. I woke up at 7am, had breakfast and immediately drove 107km to the town of Semporna. The army checkpoint about 50km to Semporna was still there. 2 army personnels were still stationed at the checkpoint although they were sitting down this time - the last time I remember, they were always standing up. It started drizzling but that will not stop me. It was well worth the journey ! A very colorful event indeed. Each lepa was represented by a damsel in traditional outfit dancing at the stern, with drums being played by the other participants inside. Numerous colorful flags also decorated the town. Some of the pics I got.
Just got back from a few days break in Bali :)
Lesson one : Everything is negotiable.
Lesson two : Bring US Dollars. Forget others.
Best thing about Bali : Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, good food.
Worst thing about Bali : Touts, touts and touts plus there is no fixed price on anything!
Will I go back? Yes but a little smarter. Touts (for everything from massage, taxis, surf boards, vendors etc) and travel agents have enhanced their skill of smooth talking till it's an art. I bought two Balinese paintings from Ubud for USD40 each after some "hard" bargaining. I think I've overpaid nevertheless. The opening price was USD200 each!! ( will put it up on the website later - still in wraps ). Spoke to the local guide who agreed to take us round for IDR180,000 (USD20) after bargaining, the average wage for a Balinese is around 1-2 million IDR per month (USD100-200). Corruption and drugs are major problems. We were also invited to visit his house and was aquainted with his wife and 3 year old kid. The housing scheme was like a concrete "long house" with partitions to make it individual homes. Each "partition" has 3 areas - 2 rooms and a kitchen in a longitudinal arrangements. Cost IDR 300,000 per month rental. I was given the impression that the locals are really poor and tourism is the major source of income in Bali. Everything is catered for tourists. And although the Balinese people looked rather like from the "Malay" ancestry, 80% of them are Hindus.
Visited Kuta Beach for surfing, watched the Barong dance, visited Tanah Lot for the temple on the sea, Kintamani volcano for lunch, Ubud for the arts, Tagalalang for the rice terraces, Uluwatu for the temple on the cliff and Jimbaran beach for a magnificent romantic seafood dinner :)
