Happy Birthday!
Trip Start
Nov 01, 2007
1
59
81
Trip End
Jun 28, 2008
Georgetown,
Malaysia
Friday, April 18, 2008
We made it from Railay to Georgetown without any hiccups - it was just a rather long day. All told, I think it took about 10 hours (sitting in a van). Georgetown is a pretty big, bustling city - a drastic change from sitting on the beach doing nothing, with no body around. We will probably hang out here for another day or so and then either head west to Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Islands) or possibly south to the Cameron Highlands. We have to decide which route we want to take yet.
I didn't honestly think that I would see much of a difference between Malaysia and Thailand, but I think I was wrong. I can't quite put my finger on it yet, but Malaysia certainly feels different to me....perhaps not so open or friendly than the other places we've been? Its very modern and western like Thailand (KFC, McD's, 7/11, etc.) but the people/place feel a bit more reserved or formal?
For example, we wanted to visit the tourist information today, which was supposed to be in a big shopping mall. We eventually found our way into a building that looked sort of like a bank, but I think (??) had something to do with the local bus transit system and possibly a local airline. Anyway, we were told to take a number and go to a counter and provide our names and passport numbers, which in return for we received a security passcard. We were sent to a bank of elevators and told to go to floor 56. At this point, we still had no idea where we were going - we just wanted the tourist info! We arrived on floor 56 (had nice views) and it appeared we were in some really fancy (head?) office of the tourism department?!?! We were taken to a board room and an official looking lady was dragged from her cubicle to answer our questions. I must admit, I felt a little silly asking her which bus I take to get anywhere!! It was a really rather strange experience.
I did however convince Malx to treat me to an order of McD's fries - yummy!!
Will write more when we know where/what we are doing!
All our love,
K & M
