Well what a whirlwind 3 days. After a 2 hour coach journey we arrived in Kuala Lumpur. It took a while but I managed to figure out the train system and we arrived at our accommodation in yet another China town (saving money on going to actual China).

Had a little explore and found a food court in Chinatown which did the B E S T pineapple fried rice. Needless to say that was our dinner spot for the next 3 nights… The Chinatown markets were also cool, and because I’m not the most discreet looking I got many comments as I walked past, my favourites including: ‘miss? You want to see my coconuts??’ And ‘mmmm shakira!!’- quite flattering I guess??

The next day we went to the botanical gardens, saw a HUGE monitor lizard (ergh) and walked through the different parks looking at different species of plant and trees etc.

Once we got too hot and bored of looking at plants, we went to KLCC to see the Petronas towers (they’re huge) and milled around window shopping for a while.

The next day we had a bit of a lay in because it is so knackering walking 24/7 in the heat. It was so good. We then headed to the batu caves to walk up the 272 steps to the famous caves filled with religious statues. We also watched some cheeky monkeys steal peoples food, water bottles and souvenir magnet book which was pretty entertaining (and scary as they’re relentless!)

We then headed to the KL tower, 600m up on the sky deck, we watched the sun slowly set over Kuala Lumpur. We also got to stand in the glass box which hangs over the edge of the tower. Move over monitor lizards- that won in the terrifying contest. We also met the sassiest guy that worked there who’s grandad was the old prime minister of Malaysia, he was pretty cool.

In fact, all of the Malaysian people we’ve spoken to, especially in Kuala Lumpur have been amazing. Beautiful people, always willing to help and always friendly.

This came in useful when I had a 2am shocker on the last night and had to be taken to A&E. After 10 days after leaving my normality, my knee decided to sprain itself over NOTHING. Bless him, Ted’s never seen screaming like it- or felt pain in his hand so much (I squeezed hard). Got taken down the hotel stairs on a stretcher and had a very bumpy ride to the hospital in an ambulance- first time for everything I guess!

Had a lot of painkillers and like something out of the bible, I was able to walk again! Still feels pretty fragile but Phuket is next on the list so hopefully a bit of beach relaxation will do it good.

Always a drama eh! Stay tuned for more catastrophes and ramblings.

Lotsa love xxxx

(Last day of Singapore) we went to Chinatown which was fun, very pretty and bustling and spent the rest of the evening chilling off at the pool (I promise we’re skint backpackers)…

We then hopped on a bus on Wednesday morning and headed to Melaka. Expecting the worst after our traumatic Amsterdam bus experience, we got on a sterile, reclining chaired, roomy coach which was perfect for the 4 hour journey.

We got off and I realised I’d left my favourite red shorts and some of teds clothes which were in a different bag on there so it wasn’t the best start..(sorry ted)

We then started walking through Chinatown in Melaka in the sweating, yet slightly less humid weather, and made a quick drink stop to check a map to find our guesthouse. I was extremely stupid in thinking that 15kg on my back and a rucksack would be manageable as that 10 minutes walk has probably aged my back by about 50 years- but it can only get better eh!

Checked into the clean, super duper air conned room and went on an explore, ate chicken satay and had a late night wander to the ‘beach’ (pile of rocks by some water).

Woke up early the next morning to visit Stadthuys, Christchurch and all of the Dutch/Portuguese architecture that Melaka is so famous for. Went on a replica pirate ship which the Portuguese used, ate some nasi goreng, went up the sari tower which had a 360 viewing platform and found the famous pineapple tarts that lonely planet had recommended *i haven’t eaten 7 already, I haven’t eaten 7 already*.

Had some more chicken satay for dinner, did some more wandering round Jonker street and the night markets where I got a t shirt inspired by mum and dads ones when they went travelling, and had a good look at random toot that is still exciting even though you’ve seen it 4 times over already.

Now sat in the FREEZING cold room packing for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. Melaka has been a short stop but i feel its definitely going to be on my top list of favourite cities.

Happy reading!! Sorry it’s a long one filled with many chicken satays x

Highlight of my day

We went on a river boat cruise down Melaka river today. Cruising down we caught a glimpse of what we thought was a baby alligator. Realising I was probably being dramatic (shocker), we googled it and turns out it was a giant swimming monitor lizard :))) – the same breed of lizard which was crawling up the bathroom wall last night!!

Nothing gives me the heebie jeebies as much as reptiles so let’s just say that Australia is going to be very interesting…

After my 2, 7 hour, extremely uncomfortable flights, and getting painfully lost in Dubai airport, resulting in a marathon trek- I arrived in Singapore.

Thinking there was going to be a taxi driver waiting to pick me up, I was instead greeted by ted as a surprise which got my day off to a lovely start (such a romantic eh)

2 hours later I was at the top of ce la vi (marina bay sands) for the sky high brunch. I have never seen so much bloody food. And champagne. Much champagne.

The atmosphere was amazing, music was very groovy (man on the bongos was crazy) and was a lovely afternoon. Had to come home to nap then headed out for a little drink with raks..

sat having a drink outside mogombos and I got introduced to a girl called Izzy. Turns out she’s an ‘isobel’ too (rare occurrence) and loves and teaches musical theatre.. obviously as we were clearly twins, we hung out with them and ted showed them his party trick: the worm, in a packed bar.. gotta have a healthy bit of embarrassment once in a while.

Woke up and went to the beach club for the afternoon, swam to an abandoned island and drank some sangria and chilled. Then went to the most amazing Japanese restaurant which was unlimited food- obviously made the most of it :))

went for a little walk along Clarke quay and now I’m here.. with my kit Kat chunky and Coke Zero which really doesn’t taste like Home- but it’s a small price to pay for the amazing time I’m having already.

Next pointless and rambling instalment soon, stay tuned x

Sat here trying to figure out how to use this thing, typing on my new laptop which my travel insurance sadly won’t cover and procrastinating as I obviously don’t need sleep even though I’m out of the house in 4 hours…

My bag is fully packed, its 16kg and my hand luggage is basically filled with home snacks for ted and I for the homesick days. Thank god the massages are cheap out there!

After having a hectic life admin day and some much needed organisation, I had dinner with my  family to ‘celebrate’ my leaving and my A level results (ABC really isn’t as simple as 123, nor doe-ray-mi). Lets just say its been an emotional day…

Ted flies back to Singapore soon too so he will be there (probably drunk) waiting for me with Raks. I’m so excited, nervous and scared but I’m so glad I’m finally doing this- who needs uni when you have constant sun for 5 months eh?

Anyways, thats enough procrastinating, must put my laptop into hibernation and tidy my room so mum doesn’t hate me when I leave.

Most of my travel updates will be on here every now and again for anyone who cares- don’t want to be annoying on facebook hahah.

Thanks for reading and il update as soon as anything exciting happens- lotsa love xxxx

 

 

 

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton