Crusoe in South East Asia

Today I am officially 2 weeks into my travels. I awoke to haunting dreams from my past. Thinking too much about either the past or the future is a  dangerous habit which I try to avoid. I believe it is much more important to concentrate on the present as that is where we are now. By focusing on the present the past is, well, history! They say that travelling alone is a long journey to finding ones self. Maybe there is some truth in this after all, one day we shall see I guess.

Have decided to include the day number in all my posts from now on. This was influenced by the book I am currently reading ‘Michael Palin-Around the World in 80 days.’ One of my favourite modern day adventurers. I’d like to do a Michael Palin style adventure one day, however 80 days is a long time to travel for. I intend to watch the television series the book is based on when I get back.  Like Palin, local people find it hilarious to call us Mi-kel Jackson. However, in my case probably more so seeing now he is dead and had so much media coverage.The other book I bought at Heathrow I have now finished. I gave it as a parting gift to Norman. It is remarkable at the speed you grow attached to someone when your travelling. Feels like I have known him for ages now and it is sad to leave. Next year he is moving to Australia and I hope to keep in touch.

This morning, after emerging from my deluxe comfort bed fighting the sleep out of my eyes. Last night was spent chilling with Norman until fairly late. We watched the Venus and Serena tennis match at Wimbledon. Up until now haven’t watched any tennis and only been kept updated by emails from my mother. Was weird watching the tennis at 11pm LIVE from England as usually I’ve always watched it at UK time (4pm approx).

Made the journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur which was an adventure by itself. Took a really comfy modern air conditioned bus for 4.30 hours with only Michael Palin for company and trying to sleep. We passed through lots of jungle although I didn’t really appreciate the views as much as I should have done and preferred to sleep. There’s a limit to how much jungle you can look at.  Then followed by train and then the oldest bus I’ve ever been on  (they drive with the doors open). Arrived at Sunway district, and got off at my stop. I was instructed to get off when I saw the giant sphinx. It looks a little bit out of place in Kuala Lumpur I have to say….Following this, I then spent ages trying to find Norman’s brothers house. Visited every back street in the area and was about to give up when a ray of light shone down from the sky and fell upon the house (actually I asked someone in a hotel). Fortunately, I made it before sundown and spent the evening chilling with Terry discussing our future plans. (Have already broken my promise from this morning)

Tomorrow am meeting one of Normans school friends at 10am to go to KL centre. Have a burning desire to go up the KL twin towers and walk over the Petronas bridge, one of the key sights in KL. However, ticket availabilty is scarce and so may not have the opportunity. Will spend a few days here before heading on in order to relax heading to Vietnam via Singapore, somewhere where I have very few contacts and will have to be on my guard.