After 13-day Malaysian adventure, we are back in Bangkok. Piotr left on Sunday back to PL but Marta joined me for another two days in Bangkok. Then on my own, at least for some time :-)
I was in Malaysia for the first time five years ago and since then it has not lost its edge. Economically it is fast catching up and really feels like EU or US are not so far off. Especially given that for Malaysians EU or US still seem like places to be, visit or buy. Yet despite being surrounded by young Malays wearing Chelsea t-shirts, eating KFCs, parading with fake Guccis and drinking Coca-Colas (no light or zero versions though), it is still an authentic cultural melting pot full of curious people living in narrow streets and eating street food by run down corners. Touristically Borneo proved to be one of the best places I've seen. Not so spectacular in the Taj Mahal's type of way but much more relaxed, not so overcrowded, full of unexpected and very welcoming. Sometimes going to the places you do not know much about before actually getting there, can be not only surprising but much fun too despite some extra stress.
From Malaysia I will best remember Penang's food, view of Kuala Lumpur from Petronas Towers' 86th floor, long red-nose Proboscis monkeys and sentimental Orangutans, turquoise water surrounding Palau Sibuan and Bum Bum's house on water. And funny taxi driver in Kuching saying 'ok' all the time - Borneo people nice, ok; you not lose weight here, ok; you enjoy, ok. Ok, I certainly did...
I was in Malaysia for the first time five years ago and since then it has not lost its edge. Economically it is fast catching up and really feels like EU or US are not so far off. Especially given that for Malaysians EU or US still seem like places to be, visit or buy. Yet despite being surrounded by young Malays wearing Chelsea t-shirts, eating KFCs, parading with fake Guccis and drinking Coca-Colas (no light or zero versions though), it is still an authentic cultural melting pot full of curious people living in narrow streets and eating street food by run down corners. Touristically Borneo proved to be one of the best places I've seen. Not so spectacular in the Taj Mahal's type of way but much more relaxed, not so overcrowded, full of unexpected and very welcoming. Sometimes going to the places you do not know much about before actually getting there, can be not only surprising but much fun too despite some extra stress.
From Malaysia I will best remember Penang's food, view of Kuala Lumpur from Petronas Towers' 86th floor, long red-nose Proboscis monkeys and sentimental Orangutans, turquoise water surrounding Palau Sibuan and Bum Bum's house on water. And funny taxi driver in Kuching saying 'ok' all the time - Borneo people nice, ok; you not lose weight here, ok; you enjoy, ok. Ok, I certainly did...
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