Johar Bahru
Trip Start
Apr 16, 2008
1
15
33
Trip End
Aug 11, 2008
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Friday, June 6, 2008
Sam: We managed to make to the bus depot in time despite a few navigational errors on both our part and getting lost on the MRT system, hehe :) We then caught a very comfortable bus and settled down to the 5 hour journey ahead of us. Nothing much eventual happened on the trip but we decided we would stay in J.B if we found cheap accomadation due to Singapore being so expensive.We arrived into J.B mid afternoon and booked ourselves into a shite hotel called A L'Vista. Christina: we'll it was shite considering we were paying more than 3x what we've been averaged paying in Mslaysia, and the quality of the room was worse than several hostels we stayed in. The ensuit had a sink actually detached from the wall, which we made sure we reported before being charged for it smacing on hte floor, and the beds were pretty rubish. We thought we'd pay for one night (70RM) so we didn't have to lug the bags round any more.
After booking in we went in search of a local tourist info place who advised on Footloose backpackers, which was out of town and located by a lovely park owned by the Sultan. We took another walk involving a few navigational errors (Never been my strong point) but eventually found Footloose. We enjoyed a cuppa made for us by the owner, called Hakimi, a really laid back easy going guy, and decided that this was the place for us for the next four nights.
We left Footloose and treated ourselves to a big juicy TGI's burger and chips before reluctently heading back to the hotel.
Tuesday 3rd June
Sam: We arranged for Hakime to pick us from the hotel and then moved ourselves into one of his dorm rooms sharing with James, Phil and Jo-Bell. We then got chatting to Phil (a real character) and discovered that he was currently half way through his journey of riding his bike around the world! The rest of the day involved a lot of lying round in the sun and reading our books and getting to know the other guests (Hard life).
In the evening Hakime organised a BBQ with chicken, rice and burgers. We then sat round and played cards and exchanging stories and I think the night may have involved a (christina: more like several Mr Chamberlain)small glass of whiskey shared between the 8 of us but I can't quite remember :) christina: i have the pics of him on my phone, covered in dirt as consequences for being a cheat and loosing the card games, hehe.
Wednesday 4th June
Sam: We really enjoyed our first night at Footloose and decided to get up early (Helped by Hakimes Cockerel) and go for a run in the local park. We then decided to spend some time in J.B town centre visiting the local shopping square and duty free shop. We also went shopping, having promised everyone back at Footloose a proper spag bol. However, we could not get mince anywhere so changed the meal to a tunafish and sweetcorn pasta bake (daddy woods' cambells recipy) which still went down really well... even with those who don't eat pasta, only rice!
Comments
6th june
hi both.just read your update.Sounds like dads cookery lessons have finally come in handy at last.Had a good week catching up with things in the house. Went yo see Sarah today and she was asking about you and how you were getting along.Both the boys have been granted awards from the L.E.A. for their sporting achievements.K.J. gone to the rugby tonight wiyh Callum and Craig. Grant off out tomorrow night with Tom to a party in the Black.Went to Asda today and looked through the photos you had done . It was hard to choose some to print. Had one of the 3 of you done in a frame for nans birthday off you three. Dont know what else to get her! Anyway carry on enjoying yourselves and hope Sammy is still looking after you and you looking after him.
lots of love as always.Just realised you are just about half way through now. mam x x
gran
Just to let you know that I took granny into Mount Edgcumbe Hospice yesterday. I'd contacted the Macmillan nurse to arrange it because gran was having more pain than before, plus her mobility had deteriorated big time. Also, grandad needs a break - he's worn out mentally and physically and was in danger of getting ill himself. She's very happy there and they've put her on oral morphine to sort the pain. She'll probably be in for about 2 weeks.
Lovely to read all your news again - what a fantastic trip you're having! We've had great weather here for the last 5 days - Becky is really brown already. Only 3 days 'til she knows her results - fingers crossed. Matt has golf all this week at Westward Ho! and then starts work at Canary Wharf next Monday - no summer for him! Well, just wanted to keep you up to speed with gran. Take care of each other and have an amazing time.
Lotsa luv,Fiona.x