Phascinated in The Philippines & Mad in Malaysia

MALAYSIA

 

While I'm starting the blog with a photo from the Philippines - it's not actually where our trip began. Rather, we started in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - a city of incredible architecture and commercial beauty. Yes - I said it - commercial beauty. Above -- the breathtakingly natural beauty of The Philippines (and my wife of course) That said, I'm not so much a nature phanatic as to completely discount urban art in all it light color shapes and sound. Kuala Lumpur has all that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The twin Petronas towers are without doubt as mesmerizing as they are inspiring. The beauty, elegance and creativity make for an absolute treat for the senses. Essie & I sat long and quietly as we pondered the beginnings and inspiration for this incredible feat of engineering and inventiveness. We also sat contently watching the water show in the gardens just behind. I noted that the crowd was mostly Muslin - not surprising given that it was just a couple days past Eid al-Fitr and Muslims make up 65% of the population. It was a cool vibe. Kids ran around excitedly-- parents nursed cups of coffee and pop tunes rang out as the water danced in inexplicable shapes and patterns. I suspect Las Vegas has all that and more - but impressive none the less. As is Malaysia. In studying recent history of the region, it is clear that Lee Kuan Yew, the economic and social architect of nearby super successful Singapore has dragged Malaysia along with it. 

 

 

And speaking of History - I fancied a trip South to Malacca where the Dutch  first landed and set in motion a chain of colonial inspired events that went on to have a monumental impact on the region.

Malacca is delightful combination of the original city and a very modern city with fingers stretching to grasp all the future has to offer.

 

In our first of many travel blunders we located the tallest building with a rooftop bar and ordered up bevies without asking the price. $30 for a beer and Essie's fruity cocktail required me to re-mortgage the house. Worth it though 😀

 

 

 

Below a couple pictures from the Batu Caves - a Hindu temple 272 steps up (36 degrees that day) and then through tunnels into the mercifully cool depths of the mountain.

 

Next and ending our time in Malaysia was a trip to the Island of Langkawi. Sun - great food and beautiful scenery was just what we needed after the admittedly hectic travel schedule and city energy. The bastard who stole my phone (hence mad in Malaysia) should be covered in honey and placed on Fire Ant mound. Theft is thought to be unusual  but it does --  and another phone was bought within a couple hours and the adventure continues. 

 

I want to take a moment here to acknowledge Essie's part in quickly putting the maddening event behind us. She was cool as a cucumber - calm and quickly brainstormed on how to manage flight confirmations/ cash management - all the things that are temporarily disrupted when you lose your phone to some unscrupulous bastard.  She amazes me. Onwards!!

 

Where she was less than supportive was my brilliant idea of staying in a drainage culvert converted to a unique and exciting accommodation - oceanfront!

 

First the view --

 

 

Next local visitors --

And Lastly the Tube itself!!  Just a bed and a view - I'm not sure why she didn't absolutely love it!! 😁

 

 

She was a good sport about being caught in the dark in a monsoon on our scooter. Too late we found these nifty Ponchos. Of course the rain stopped at the same instant I paid for the Ponchos. Ha! That's what made the rain stop. We were so wet, the Gobi Desert called and asked us to come visit.

THE PHILIPPINES

If you don't mind 30-meter clear view snorkeling and pristine beaches - there are 6000 such islands to visit. It's easy here. The sales folks are not overly pushy - and value was great. A full day out visiting 5 islands including a lunch of prawns, cold chicken salads etc. for about $20. I spent so much time snorkeling I started to grow gills and sprout fins. Fabulous.

Super noticeable is the absence of single use plastics and a clear commitment to preserving the pristine nature of the region. well done, Philippines!!! 

A couple beachy shots to make my point... 

MANILA/ PHILIPPINES

Manila is a city of around 15 million people and from my time there would say that it is both thriving and decaying in equal measure.  This schizophrenia is not surprising given the history and geography.  Super interesting is a trip to China town on the Pasig River which appears a part of the city in ruins - decay - failure. The Jeepster on the left is an unmufflered diesel smoke belching monster belonging to another era all together. Alternatively, the other side of town sparkles and glistens with all the modern amenities and trappings. 

 

 

In the less than modern part of the city you can learn about the history by visiting Fort Santiago (Spanish beginnings) which is fascinating and following that the three museums evidencing the convoluted colonial past.  There museums are really well done and!!! Air Conditioned!! 

Museum of Natural History - very exciting!!

I though this statue said it all -artistic but more practical as a place to put your garbage

The not-so-nice part of town 

I added this picture because it's my favorite. " Into the transporter"

And this one below because I think it's funny...there was also a restaurant called Good Kok and I have no idea what was being served in there and didn't check.

Teacher Grace called me recently asking if i could deliver another 3 months of food. $400 USD feeds 250 kids for 3 months so if you would like to donate to help me feed hungry kids - you can email me to chat about it  -- or do so by sending a few shekels through:

MPESA -- +254745237248 (Kenya)

Or interact -- Laynemahon@live.com (Canada)

Or PayPal -- Laynemahon@live.com (Global)

50 bucks would really help!! 

Many thanks to Barry for his most recent generous donation!!! 

Layno ...nodding off while in transit 😏!!! Thanks for reading.