Hello all who are following us!
Wow it’s been over 4 months! We are trying to wrap our heads around Malaysia, but we are getting decision fatigue. I’m also getting food fatigue. Noodles and or rice with every dish!!!!!! I thought I’d list some things I think about and have learned.
Malaysia was an add-on when we were planning last winter because we got such good deals on the cruises, but had to fill the time before them. It’s the hottest country we’ve been in, and it’s Ramadan all month so lots of closures and funny hours. Not to mention lots of calling prayer from the mosques. The people speak English, but aren’t very interested in much outside their country, or traveling. So other tourists mostly from the Philippines, China, India, and other Asian countries are our new friends. Australians too.
Bathrooms are different, mostly Turkish toilets where you stand. There is usually one sit-down toilet, and the line can be long for it.
The curries are not hot, everything is sweet so you have to be assertive to say no sugar or jut a little sweet or hot. Most things are deep fried as well. It’s cheap but the market smells can be daunting at times.
The country side is gorgeous and the jungle is fantastic. We have seen lots of wild life in natural habitat, but will go on a tour to the reserves to see more. I’m writing from Borneo. Some cities are very cosmopolitan and people everywhere are friendly and helpful, but often have never left their town or region.
Malaysia is the biggest culture shock country as I don’t feel a personal connection to it. It is a very different kind of ethnicity than the the rest of SE Asia but beautiful nonetheless.
Traveling, well we’ve sent to packages home and acquired a souvenir bag to carry. Luckily the flights here go by baggage weight, not number of bags.
Internet from now on will be available, but not as available on the ships. So we will mostly get messages when in port, which is every few days. In less than 2 weeks we board in Singapore for the cruise to Sydney.
I’m feeling good, over my cold, no hospital visits for other of us since Thailand and we are both looking forward to cruising, California, Oregon and then home. I dream about Finn forgetting me! So sad!
Hope all is well, please reply to email or blog as it’s nice to hear from people.
Ellen
Finn will be over-the-moon to see you!
I’m in awe of all the decisions you are making. It must be exhausting!
I leave for Europe in 2 days (Danube River Cruise – Budapest, Vienna, and eventually Prague), then in May, Ireland with Justin & Family and Krista. I have some concerns about too much travel, but watching your odyssey, makes me relieved that so many decisions will be made for me!
Travel safe!
You’ve got this Mary. Remember to feel the Force. The Force is strong with you!
HI you two amazing travelers; it is a pleasure to read your posts. Thanks very much.
Marit
Thanks for the post, Ellen. So interesting what you said about Malaysia-not feeling as connected to this culture. I would love to hear more to learn from you.
Finn and all of us will NEVER forget you! Finn will go nuts when you return. Also, we should get Finn and Nuke together again. Nuke is still a wild boy but he is learning and he is with 20 other dogs several days per week. I think he was meant to be in a family with more dogs, not less. He is one energetic Golden. Maybe some backyard time when the weather is better. We can hangout.
Enjoy cruising. I did not remember you were going to Sydney. So great.
I noticed Mary Drew’s post about the Danube cruise. We did that cruise and really enjoyed it. We took the extra excursion on e-bikes (Vienna I think) that went through vineyards and wine country up to a small town at the top of a hill/mountain. It was worth it. Beth
So interested in your comment, Ellen. “It is a very different kind of ethnicity than the the rest of SE Asia” I wonder if it’s the Muslim influence or something else….. more please.
Jodi and have been following your trip and it has been so awesome to follow with you! We can wait to have you back stateside and hear some more. We will make sure to have plenty of hamburgers, hotdogs, brats, chicken strips and fries waiting for you! Safe travels. Dan
Hard to believe it’s been 4 months! I’m sure Finn will still remember you. I can understand the idea of decision fatigue. Have there been any “American” food restaurants? Interesting that Maylasia has a different vibe.
It was 70 here the other day and then back to the 40s. Snow is all gone.
I agree with you that things could change for Meg by next year and maybe she shouldn’t decline membership in NCC…
Doing my 2nd interview with Cheryl tomorrow for the Oral History Project. I will say hello to her from you.
We had a great NCC program last Tuesday. Barbara Roy (a member) spoke about how her journaling helped her deal with her husband’s many year decline due to Alzheimer’s. Afterwards I heard people talking about their own experiences with caregiving. I’m sure you could relate too after taking care of Jean.
All is well here. John and Jane are on a trip to Europe-London and Paris, and then John will stay on a visit Roar in Norway.
Off to bed soon. Enjoying your travel posts.
Sarah
I got my new passport and a Real ID and so I am set for Tulum in April and London and Edinburgh on June. Nothing as exotic as you’re on! I would be exhausted by the mud and heat, as it sounds like you are. And decision fatigue!! NOT a vacation but a true adventure. Finn will for sure remember you! I miss you and I’m not a dog!
Marlene
Thinking of the two of you and looking forward to a slide show (did I say that?) when you return.