We are still in Langkawi at the moment enjoying the sunshine and occasional tropical downpour. We changed hotels late last week to one set more into the rain forest as the thought of being closer to nature appealed to us. We were wrong. We saw cute monkeys and interesting eagles but we also encountered a long green snake falling out of tree only a few yard or two from where we were walking and only about ten yards from our hut, especially when the snake slid back up into the tree ready to have a second attempt at landing on our heads. I (Carl) don't mind snakes but I don't like them falling from the sky or being close to where we sleep. So we have moved back to the beach.
During this time we also hired a car and visted a few sites of interest on the island. This included the Langkawi cable car that climbs 700 meters above sea level at a 42 degree incline and at one point you traverse a revine and the small car rocks in the wind. You may be able to tell from the dialogue but I do NOT like cable cars and the whole experience left me not just weak in my knees but all over (see the latest pictures). The view at the top was stunning and probably worth the ordeal although I have to be honest, once at the top I looked for the stairs back down but had no luck there so had to endure the reverse journey. But I guess part of this trip is all about overcoming irrational fears.
We also visted the field of burnt rice, there isn't actually any burnt rice to see but you visit the, once, home of a famous Langkawi General who orderd all the padi fields to be harvested then burnt just before the Siam army marched in Langkawi.
After the field of burnt rice we drove to the island captial and then around the island. It was very interesting to see the Malay houses and the bison in the rice fields. We also had the experience of being on the road at prayer time when the roads are full of men on Mopeds all wearing little white hats. All were smiling too and it gave teh good impression that prayer time was quite a social event in teh day as well as a religious ritual.
Taking it easy for the next few days and recharing our batteries ready for Kuala Lumpur.
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