somewheredownthecrazyriver

Actually, no.  I’m really enjoying it so far.  Yes, there are many times when I would love to say to someone, wow look at that!  But for the most part, its good to feel smack-dab-right-up-against-the-world.  It’s right in my face, all the time , and there is no-one else there to shield me.  And not that much time to think.  So much to take in, but still the need to be aware.   And that is a plus.  Being present.  Here.  Now.  People don’t hesitate to talk to me.  I meet the locals, and learn so much.  It might get ‘old’ at some point but so far – it’s all good.  For the most part, people are friendly and helpful, and curious about me too.  Having said that, I must also remember to be wary of strangers who seem just too friendly, and Never blindly answer the constant ‘ what’s your name’ and ‘where you stay’?  Otherwise be prepared to find they just happen to be hanging around when I go out the next day, and much too anxious to re-engage.  There’s lots of good advice for women travelling alone.  Take it all in.  Make those right reactions automatic, and stay safe.

last week was bad news for everyone.  worldwide financal crisis.  a wild ride still ahead.  hoping for the best.  enjoying Georgetown.  it is only a small part of the island of Penang, but it is the main draw.  afternoons are hot here.  just stand in the sun and feel the burn.  mornings and evenings are very comfortable.  took a bus up the mountain to Kek Lok Si, a beautiful temple with a great view.  much rain the first few days but dwindling now (rainy season ending).  still often a downpour once in the day.  first 3 nights in pre-booked Love Lane Inn (RM25 for single room).  i would not recommend it.  moved just down the street to the Old Penang Guesthouse (RM35 for a single room, well worth the extra RM10).  nice old building, recently opened, done up very well.  new, clean, friendly, helpful.  low key (not a party place).  days spent exploring, shopping, eating, chilling, reading, surfing the net, star satellite tv.  there is still so much of Malaysia to see.  the Perhentian Islands on the east coast, but almost monsoon season there, when they close down.  so i will give it a miss this time.  also, Taman Negara (national park of ancient rainforest), Cameroon Highlands, Borneo.  Georgetown is good for now.  the old part of the city is the most interesting, and very compact.  everything available, just a short walk away.  very friendly people and great food, culture, climate.  reasonably cheap.  though countries to the north may be cheaper?  most people speak English in the larger cities in Malaysia, so its easy for me.  lazy, hazy tropics.

after 5 nights in Kuala Lumpur, took the monorail back to the main train station to board the ... [Continue reading this entry]

train from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur departed 8 am.  first class air con seat.  AUD$57.  the view: endless palm oil plantations.  every hill and dale - row upon ... [Continue reading this entry]

Jetstar flight.  Sydney to Darwin.  this was the smoothest flight ever.  had to look out the window to see if we were moving.   arrived Darwin - did not see the city from the air, as hoped.  sat outside for awhile between flights to feel ... [Continue reading this entry]

11:55 pm.  direct flight AC33 Vancouver - Sydney.  arrived 2 days later (time change).  train to the city.  2 nights at the old-style Glenferrie Lodge, Kiribilli.  single room. ($$$ splurge, but needed time to ... [Continue reading this entry]