Homeward Bound.

Sunday 22nd January 2017 and Monday 23rd January 2017 - to Manchester and Kendal.

I will make this the last blog of the trip.  If you have read the blog up to now, you deserve a medal!

We are girding ourselves for the long flights home.  Our flight from KL to Dubai sets of at 7.10pm and then a second flight back to Manchester arriving about 7am tomorrow morning.  Sounds straight forward but we also lose 8 hours in time difference too.  Also, we have our fleeces and jackets to the top of our rucksacks in preparation for the English weather.

I don't intend to review the holiday other than to say it has all worked out as we wanted it.  We have been pleased about the period and pace of our journeys.  We have included a variety of accommodation, travel methods and locations.  We certainly enjoyed the variety of cultures, countries and scenery.

It was great to visit my cousins and second cousins and also to see Marg and family.  Memories we will not forget and many kindnesses along the way.

It has been a special trip for us.  Janice gets the full five star review on Tripadvisor......a wonderful companion.  She has put up with all my teasing on the blog, which means the wedding is still on!

Cheers.

I hope you enjoyed my ramblings.

Last full day!

Saturday 21st January 2017

I regret the comment I made about David Beckham's music selection for Desert Island Discs.....I was way off the mark suggesting he would choose nursery rhymes, it is totally obvious that he would choose Spice Girls hits!

Today is our last full day of holiday.  We will not arrive back till Monday morning but tomorrow and Monday morning will be taken up by travel.  As usual at the end of a holiday we are looking forward to getting back to normality and seeing friends and family but I don't think we will be too good adjusting to the weather when we return.

Our day involved a swim in the pool and then another excellent breakfast.  I had the cereal as normal followed by Sichuan duck omelette, coconut steamed rice with nuts, streaky smoked beef and shiitake mushrooms.  A little different from a normal cooked breakfast, don't you think.

We caught a taxi to the Royal Palace Museum.

The palace was built for tin tycoon, Chan Wing (quite a tongue twister) in 1928 and was used by the Japanese Governor during the Second World War.  In 1957 when Malaysia became independent it became the National Palace for the King and Queen of Malaysia till 2011 when they built a new residence.  We had to take our shoes off to enter the palace.

The Palace was a bit dated, I guess it hadn't been refurbished since it became a Royal Palace so in one way it has retained its authenticity.  All the Kings had exceedingly long names!  The current next in line is called....Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Al-Wathiqu Bilah Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.  He had an exhibition of his personal items in the Throne Room.

Our next visit was to the National Mosque.  I have never been to a Mosque before, neither had Janice.

We had to adhere to the dress code in order to enter.

Janice called me Dumbledore!  I don't know why, she must be trying to get her own back.

We couldn't enter the main prayer area but I took this photo from the doorway.

I took a number of leaflets about The Islamic religion.  I feel a bit enlightened.  Allah is the only God.  Jesus is an Islam prophet before Mohammed, not the son of God and he will come again just before the End of the World and will judge by the law of the Qur'an.  I think that's probably enough religion!  We had taken our shoes off to enter once more.  When I was putting my shoes back on an Asian man asked me what I thought.  After a brief conversation I asked him where he was from, he said London, I told him I was from England and told him (jokingly) that we could be related!  He found it highly amusing and shook my hand.

We passed the KL Railway Station, which was the major station of the city.  It is still a station but only a minor one.  It is a faded grand building of the colonial era.

It is bigger than the photo suggests.  I just couldn't fit it all in.

We walked back through the city centre.  It was still managing to stay dry but still very hot and humid.  We walked through a Chinese type market street all geared up for the Chinese New Year.

We heard the sound of banging drums and located them inside a Bank and this is what we found....

There was a troupe of drummers (very loud) and these two Chinese dancing dragons.  There was a traditional ritual that involved the dragons distributing oranges and eating lettuce?  The locals were certainly excited by it as it was supposed to bring luck.  We watched it for about 20 minutes.  Janice's ears were ringing by the end.

We walked back to the  hotel.  In line with the Chinese theme I did my karate impression in the hotel bathrobe!

Then got down to the serious business of having afternoon tea and the complimentary cocktail period, 5-7pm.  It involves self serving free alcohol for 2 hours, I can't believe it!  Of course we will be drinking responsibly.

We had a last walk around the park to see the water and light show.

Perfect.

Back to Winter.

Friday 20th January 2017

I nearly made the title of today's blog something to do with the Inauguration of Donald Trump as US President.  It could be a memorable day.  I don't think there is anyone in the world who doesn't have a strong opinion about him.  Let's not go there!

As we have crossed the equator we are officially in winter time.  The weather forecast that I mentioned yesterday hasn't actually materialised yet.  It's a strange winter when the temperatures are up at 30 degrees and the sun is hot, hot, hot.  The humidity is seriously high.  I have been sweating heavily just walking around.  However, it hasn't rained yet, so if this is winter I'll have some more.

The best breakfast of the holiday award has been won today.  There were strong contenders elsewhere but the choice of food available today was unbelievable.  I hadn't seen the full range of what was on offer before a member of staff asked me what I wanted and I picked eggs benedict not knowing what was available.  I had cereals first and then the eggs benedict and then pastries, all of which were excellent.  Later, I had a proper look around and saw that curry, dim sum, dhalls, sushi as well as full English were all available.  I will be taking different selection tomorrow.

One of the staff had a name badge that said 'Janice' on it.  Janice asked her about it and she told us that it was her chosen 'English name'.  Her real name was 'Hoi Yu'.  So, using the same principle, I am using the Malaysian name for Janice for Janice and henceforth she will be known as 'Oy You'!

We went out for our first exploration of the city.  First we walked through the park outside the hotel and onto the Petronas Towers.

The park includes a playground and a pool.  It is pretty much surrounded by giant buildings or at least it will be when the building works are all completed.  The Aquarium and Convention Centre and Suria Shopping Centre are all close.

We went over and got a tour up the Petronas Towers.  The building is an office building for Oil and Gas companies.  It has 88 floors.

We were taken to the bridge between the two towers (about 46 floors up) and then went up to the 86th Floor.  Stunning views in all directions even though it was a little hazy.

We walked through the city.  They drive on the left as we are used to but the driving is a bit different from the UK and definitely different from Australia.  The traffic is rather frantic and crossing the road is a perilous activity.  Small motorbikes are popular and there are few official crossing points.  Also, there were plenty of 'strange' smells as we walked along the roads.  There are open grids over the sewers in many places!  We were aiming for Merdeka Square.  Merdeka means 'freedom'.  It was the area where British rule was focussed in the 19th Century and includes the first Government Building.

There are plenty of other old and grand buildings.

There is a cricket pitch in the centre of the Square and also a large flag pole which is where they raised the Malay flag when they declared independence in 1957.

We went to the Tourist Information building and learned some of the city history.  The city name means 'muddy estuary', not too nice really.  Sir Frank Sweetenham was the first British resident and he began the City plan.  It's amazing that these British people are unheard of in their own country.  Why do we not celebrate our Empire period.  I know why....it's politically correct sensitivity, we have become embarrassed by our greatest national achievements, it's terrible that we cant be proud without someone accusing us of being nationalist racists or something similar?

In the Tourist Information building there was a model of the city with a light and video show,

The biggest white tower hasn't yet been built.

We had a walk through the Central Market....

Janice thought the red mask close to my head had the closest similarity.

We walked back to the hotel.  I was dripping with sweat and Janice was glistening! We freshened up and then went to the top floor swimming pool and bar.  We had a swim as we need to burn some calories prior to afternoon tea.  We had surprisingly good scones and cake.  The British Empire at least succeeded in spreading quality scones around the world!

We have just heard about the nutter in Melbourne who has deliberately driven at people in the city centre, killing 3 people and injuring over 20 more.  We had been in the same area two days ago!  It's sad that some people have such anger inside them.  However, we repeatedly hear that these people have been known as a public risk to the Police and other agencies but our 'liberal' beliefs prevent any positive preventative action.  I know it's a thorny ethical issue but repeated criminal psychopaths don't deserve the protection of 'human rights' to the detriment of the general public.

On a lighter note, I have heard that David Beckham is doing Desert Island Discs, I wonder which nursery rhymes he will choose?

Bye Bye Melbourne, Hello KL.

Thursday 19th January 2017 - to Kuala Lumpur

No KL is not Kirkby Lonsdale, it's Kuala Lumpur or Lumpy Koala as I like to think of it.

We have checked the weather forecast for Kuala Lumpar.  It is wall to wall thunderstorms and 30 degrees, so we might not be exploring the area as much as we would like.  We have three nights there but only two full days really.  We have booked a nice hotel which has an indoor pool and gym so we may stay put? 

We said our goodbyes to Marg.  She has been a star. 

Janice and Marg are doing a 'Shazam'.  They have identical bracelets and they link them together and say 'Shazam'.  I'm not sure if it's something to do with the Arabian Nights?

We caught an Uber taxi to the airport.  The driver was an Indian philosophy student.  It was the most unusual taxi conversation I have ever had.  Like most Philosophy students he had lots of questions but no answers!  We covered topics ranging from Brexit, Donald Trump, the state of Democracy, the power of the Media and the rise of the British Empire.  All topics I prattle on about on a regular basis.  Quite a range of topics considering the journey only took half an hour.

We had a pleasant wait at Melbourne airport.  We enjoy people watching when we are travelling.  I am always shocked at people's propensity to queue to board a plane before the plane arrives.  Why, especially considering that everyone has an allocated seat?  It seems that people are desperate to sit in the aeroplane seat for longer than they need to, I don't understand it myself. 

We weren't particularly impressed by Malaysia Airlines.  The flight attendant wasn't very friendly and an inflight pizza wasn't too good.   The flight was fine though.  It was about 8 hours long and we put our watches back 3 hours.  I watched the film 'Casablanca' for the first time.  I thoroughly enjoyed it. So, 'Here's looking at you kid'!

From KL airport we caught an express train into the City and then bought a taxi coupon to get to Traders Hotel.  We were advised to get a taxi coupon to avoid being ripped off by taxi drivers.  We paid 18 Malaysian Ringgits (about 5 Ringgits to the Pound) for a 20 minute journey, not bad value.

By the time we checked in at the hotel it was 11pm and considering that it would be 2am Melbourne time we were pooped.  We went straight to bed....but not without admiring the view from the hotel of the Petronas Towers.

A-ma-zing. The view is from floor 32 of the hotel. 

You cannot be serious!

Wednesday 18th January 2017 - Melbourne

The last full day in Australia.  Nice and sunny but pleasantly cool, around 21 degrees.

We were seeing Paul, Kathy and Sian this evening at a restaurant for the 'last supper'!  In the afternoon we went into Melbourne  to buy some Malaysian Ringgits.  It is about 5 ringgits to the pound.  Then we walked to see what was going on at the Australian Tennis Open.  It is being held at the Rod Laver Stadium and another stadium nearby.

I was having trouble keeping Janice under control so I went into the umpires chair and she had a strop at me....she shouted, 'you cannot be serious'!

We walked back to Federation Square where we watched the tennis on a big screen, well I did.....

Janice had a nap.  It was more than a nap.  She went to sleep in the 3rd Round and when she woke up I told her it was the Final.  In the nearby Transport Bar we had a game of our own tennis.....

Table Tennis.  It was great fun.

Back to Marg's and then out for a meal.

Our meal was at a Himalayan Restaurant.  I had a Himalayan Goat Curry and Paul had a Birmingham Balti.  I doubt very much whether my goat had been near the Himalayas or whether the Balti was from Birmingham but they tasted lovely.  It was probably the hottest curry I have had for some time, just what I need before an eight hour flight tomorrow....not!   We had a great night and we said our goodbyes again to Paul and Kathy, they have been very friendly and kind.  We may get to see them next year if they come over to England as planned.

Several Tree Hill

Tuesday 17th January 2017 - to Melbourne

Our last day at Adelaide.  We fly to Melbourne later.  The temperature today was 38 degrees, phew!

It is the first day of the Tour Down Under.  We went to One Tree Hill to see the race go past.  It was scheduled to come through between 11.30-11.45am.

Fortunately there was more than one tree to shelter under.  In fact there were several trees, the town should be renamed.

Jill had told me to check out a Russian stall in the Institute Market.  I had no option but to try two of the snacks....they are a bit like a deep fried savoury donut with meat in the middle.  There was a sign saying 'all money to Ukrainian Funds'.  I'm still not sure whether it was money for the Russian invasion of Ukraine or the Ukraine nation?  Anyway, they tasted nice and I hope I haven't inadvertently supported the naughty Mr Putin.  He may be monitoring my blog and I could be subjected to a Russian cyber attack at any moment.....it will be denied, of course!

The tour sponsor train came through and we got some bags, hats, sweat bands, flashy wrist bands and a 'cow bell'.

The lead men's rider was a Belgian called De Vreese.  He was well ahead of the pack.

It was hot just standing taking a photo.

We returned to Jack and Jill's to watch the rest of the race on the TV whilst we stayed cool.  The Australian, Caleb Ewen won the stage.  It had been up to 41 degrees at times.  I would struggle to walk fast in that heat.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Jack and Jill's.  They have looked after us very well and the loan of a car has been fantastic. It has been good to get to know them better too.  Sadly, Conan the Detsroyer didn't come to say goodbye.  We did, however, see Mummy and Joey kangaroo this morning.

Adelaide is a lovely city.  It is clean and well organised.  The beach area is great but it isn't any good for surfing (not that I can surf).  There is no graffiti compared to Melbourne where it is all over the place.

We were given a lift to the airport and said our goodbyes.  We need to give a big thank you to Jack and Jill for their kindness and generosity.

We had a small security problem at the airport.  My rucksack was pulled to one side after it went through the scanner!  I waited with a guilty look on my face.  The security lady asked me if I had a bottle opener in the bag.  I had been caught red handed.  She had averted a terrorist incident as I had intended to storm the cockpit and hold the bottle opener to the pilots nose and force him to fly me to Brazil.  My plan was now in tatters and I had to concede that the bottle opener would be confiscated.  To give them credit, it did have a small blade attached to it and it shouldn't have been there.  However, I did get my nail scissors through the check in my toilet bag.  I apologise publicly, as I normally put my toilet bag in the suitcase but because it was a domestic flight and tubes of gels were allowed I had forgotten about what should and what shouldn't have been carried.  I was lacking in my civic duty on this occasion and I won't let it happen again.

We got a taxi from Melbourne Airport to Marg's as it was cheaper and more direct than trains or buses.  It was great to see Marg again.  She has something planned for us tomorrow for our last full day in Australia.

Cooler in the Tropical Greenhouse.

Monday 16th January 2017

Today was the hottest for quite some time.  We made our last trip into Adelaide as there were a few places we wanted to look at.

The Botanic Gardens were good.  Lots of different areas for shade, roses, lotus lilies, Amazon lilies  and Corpse Plants!  Here are some photos....

Amazon Lilly pads.

Behind is the Tropical Conservatory.  Amazingly it was cooler in the Tropical House than it was outside and we got a shower from the watering system whilst inside.

This is the Corpse plant....it attracts bugs to fertilise it by giving off the horrible smell of rotting flesh.

This gives the recipe for the smell.  Lovely.

The lotus lilies were especially beautiful....

There is a pond underneath the plants, you just can't see it.

We moved on to the Art Museum as it was air conditioned.

Here is one of the exhibits.

No.....it's not Janice!  How dare you think such a thing.  I thought it might be a Tracy Emin special.

We had a last evening walk around Jack's land.  The kangas came out in force to see us.  At least 20 were around.  It was a bit like being a cowboy being watched by the Apache Indians on all the hilltops. I'm glad the kangas weren't capable of ambushing us.  We also talked of the TV programme Skippy, The Bush Kangaroo and made clicking sounds with our tongues on the rooves of our mouths. We didn't get much response.  It may be the last time we see kangaroos n any number.