Grand Ella Motel

... my freedom a bit, when we agreed I told them where I wanted to go and apparently had all the freedom to go and do as I please. This is true somewhat although I am meant to be able to do whatever I want I am constantly being pushed and pulled into things and being held back from doing some things. He is very good at giving me advice such as where certain things are cheap and to watch out for certain people trying their scams on you. He also is getting me cheaper rates for the ...

... the stars gave me more kicks than route 66.<br><br>I left Tioman Island and spent a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur which proved to be an interesting city full of amazing Asian cuisine and a number of worthy sites. I indulged in some star bucks and junk food in one of the super malls knowing that I would be unable to get my western fix for at least the next few weeks.<br><br>I took the bus last Wednesday evening to the KL airport at 11pm and slept on the ...

... short walk. Good views over the hills and across to our next conquest Ella Rock.<br><br>The next morning we got up early-ish in order to go up Ella Rock before it got too hot. Our driver decided he wanted to come too, which is just as well, as at first we went the wrong way! We also somehow managed to pick up a local guide on the way. The walk up was really tough but rewarding. We walked along the railway track, then through grassy fields and finally through an Eucalyptus ...

... and the British style houses. We visited a tea factory just outside the town to see how tea is made and it was fascinating - I never knew it was so complicated. On our way back to town we passed a Hindu festival, with men pierced with hooks through their back and legs, hanging and swinging from the hooks - it looked painful but they seemed to be enjoying it! An hour later when we ...

... in our proper climbing attire highly entertaining though, but we were warm and dry! It is really quite dangerous seeing some of them climbing in their bare feet up and down these really steep steps carrying children on their shoulders or supporting their grandmother who can barely walk because quite often there is no railing to hold on to and you really have to concentrate on your footing. A lot of families do the climb ...

... pass (its only 1 line until you get to certain stations). The train doesn't really go too fast as its going up hill and there are a lot of twists and turns. When we went through a tunnel all the young locals would yell and scream out - i was too afraid to poke my head out in-case i got whacked by a train signal -- the tunnels were pitch black! We rode past all the tea plantations ... 1000's of ...

... of elk on the way out of the park. And during my 3 and a half hour hike, I only saw about 10 other people, which made for a pretty peaceful morning. There's a little museum at the start of the trails with some interesting "facts"; my favourite was the one about a British officer, Major Thomas Rogers, who was responsible for killing about 1400 elephants (they no longer roam Horton Plains), and who was killed by a bolt of lightning... and ...

... to very frenetic driving conditions, have nerves of steel, and have experience driving on the left side of the road. Getting a car with a driver costs less than $50 a day, and if you are here only a short time, can be a great way to see a lot without frazzling your nerves, The beaches of the south are absolutely lovely (and offer that amazing turquoise water that you get only on the Indian Ocean) as well as a huge range of food and ...

... size of my belly, it needs to happen. 5) TUK TUKS - We need them in London. I'm sure they're more economical than black cabs. They're certainly more fun. 6) BARTERING - Can see me in Sainsbury's now when I say 'How much is that?', the cashier says '20 pounds' and I'll respond with 'Too expensive. I'll give you 10'. You never know, it may work! 7) SCENERY - Looking out the window as we've been travelling each day too and from ...