A melancholic interlude

Trip Start Aug 06, 2008

Trip End Dec 04, 2008

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Flag of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Monday, August 25, 2008

I'm feeling a tinge of sadness. Today marks the end of my garden leave and ten years of my professional life at ABN AMRO (oh, it's called Fortis now - I keep forgetting). It has been an awesome experience working for this (once) great bank. I've learned so much and made so many friends along the way. Most of all, I learned a great deal about me (and what I'm capable of) and I'm really thankful for that. Anyway, that chapter officially comes to a close today and I feel somewhat sentimental but extremely excited at the same time. Excited about this world trip and excited about what's to come when this trip ends. Being made redundant is probably the best thing that's happened to me in this stage of my life. I mean, it's given me the opportunity to do this trip and I've got loads of time to reflect on the past and contemplate the future. I've not felt so relaxed and calm, and so sickeningly positive in years :-) And I'm starting to feel more like myself.

Ok, this is...as the title says: a melancholic interlude. Back to my trip. I'll be leaving for Lang Tengah island in an hour or so. It's a 45-minute flight from KL to Kuala Terengganu on the east coast, then an hour by bus to the jetty in Merang and another 45 minutes by boat to the island. I'm really looking forward to seeing this island - the nature (I've heard) is just spectacular.. and I have this strange fascination for pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water :-) Just hope the weather will be good. Anyway, you'll be hearing from me in a few days' time.

Hasta luego!
(I recently bought a Spanish phrasebook so I'm practising ok!)

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Comments

silverguy on Aug 25, 2008 at 10:12AM

Hola Keith
Mi gusta mucho los reportajes de tus viajes. Mas vale alli contigo y NO aqui en Inglaterra donde siempre hay frio y tristesa.
Mandame mas alegria, dar mis requerdos a Fritz. Espero que el libro de frases funciona!

Don Pedro

juditha66 on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:29PM

NEW BEGINNINGS......
NEW CHAPTERS,NEW EXPERIENCES,NEW PLACES,NEW FACES....
WHAT AN ADVENTURE.THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!
Ps/ Do U have enough Spanish to reply Silverguy's greeting.Dont ask me...am just an ARM CHAIR TRAVELLER.CHeers.

eugenel on Aug 25, 2008 at 04:54PM

Everything is NEW again
Hi Keith, sorry to hear that you are feeling a tinge of sadness. I am sure once you arrive at Lang Tengah, all those feelings will melt away with the the billowing white clouds and the ebb and flow if the white sands renewing itself with the waves. Just like you are renewing yourself right now and I think that I can speak for everyone that we are all excited to see what the new chapter in your life will bring you and IF we are lucky enough, we will be a part of it with you. Have fun!! and lots of love

Eug

lorraine10 on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:05AM

Hola Amigo!
Hey there! I heard that you are back this way of the planet. Sorry I missed you earlier - was in Surabaya, just got back late Monday night.

Boy, I can just picture the serene beach at Lang Tengah. I was there about 2002 around this time of the year as well. The weather was magnificent, clear blue sky during the days, warm balmy nights and the best thing about Lang Tengah is that it is not commercialised, unlike Perhentian. I also did an afternoon of jungle trekking.

Well, enjoy yourself. I'll see you when you get back.

Hugs,