I'm churning these out, right now because such a lots has been going on, more is about to happen. I don't want to forget it. We headed to Pea Farmhouse as Hery needed some help with his guests and Ibu was going there to cook. We peeled the garlic and the smallest onions I've ever … Continue reading Sumatra – Pea Farmhouse
Sumatra – Corn and Litter
We volunteered to help bring in the corn (maize) because Ibu was worried about more damage by boar and she asked if we were serious about helping? Of course we were. Anyway the next day with Ibu and a neighbour (related in some fashion I think) we went to pick corn. We were shown what … Continue reading Sumatra – Corn and Litter
Sumatra – Batak Houses
Many people in Samosir live like Efrida (I've been spelling her name wrong) to a greater or lesser degree. Very few will get to experience the rest of the world, Efrida went to Bali and worked as a teacher in a primary school there ( just wait to see her with children later), which probably … Continue reading Sumatra – Batak Houses
Sumatra – Samosir
So what does our day look like? At first I felt really uncomfortable, Ibu and her family feeding us and sharing their home is no small thing. We wanted to do some work to help out but, I think we seemed rather useless and Ibu kept saying we'll talk about it later when we offered … Continue reading Sumatra – Samosir
Sumatra – The Homestead
We arrived to meet Efrieda's parents, nieces and nephew and we were welcomed warmly. Marintan with one of her many grandaughters Our first views The home is a bungalow, with dogs and chickens and a black cat. I was a bit worried about hygiene as we don't have their immunity and the facilities were basic. … Continue reading Sumatra – The Homestead
Sumatra – Lake Toba
I didn't know what to expect, I hadn't researched Sumatra and this was such a spur of the moment thing. At the Airport I took out just over 1000000 Indonesian Rupees and thought this will be the only time in my life I will be a millionaire! It's worth about £50 Hahahaha! Tatjana had lived … Continue reading Sumatra – Lake Toba
Malaysia – Penang, George Town and a change of plan.
Penang and George Town were quite a pleasant surprise. Penang is an Island and the town, George Town in part is a UNESCO world heritage site and it had the feel that Malacca lacked, it was not so gentrified, quite authentic and in some areas dilapidated. This was again an area populated by Peranakan Chinese … Continue reading Malaysia – Penang, George Town and a change of plan.
Malaysia – Getting to Penang
From Taman Negara to Penang was going to take about 10 hours or so by bus. We had decided to go via the The Cameron Highlands (the name clearly a link to its colonial past). I had read that it's very touristy so we weren't intending to stop long, just over night. I was still … Continue reading Malaysia – Getting to Penang
Malaysia – Taman Negara 2
I had to rest. My cold cleared in a day but, I was left with aching joints and particularly my pelvis and legs. It came in waves and stopped me sleeping. It was the weirdest thing because in myself I felt fine just not comfortable walking, bending, squatting and god forbid I run across a … Continue reading Malaysia – Taman Negara 2
Malaysia – Taman Negara
STOP PRESS! I am a senior citizen in Malaysia! Yippee I get discounts! I know, I know I'm very nearly one in the UK but, I'm taking the little win early, hahaha! We found this out the second time we were sent to the queue for senior citizens at Kuala Lumpur to buy bus tickets. … Continue reading Malaysia – Taman Negara
The Travelling Bee 