Jekka's Malaysia Diary (continued)
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(Click here to return to page 2) |
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28th October, Penang to Kangar...to Penang! |
Up early, we dressed in our best bib and tucker and set off in the coach back up to Kangar.
Junus Bin Suhid, our guide and mentor also had to get into his best clothes; his suit had to be delivered from his home to the hotel by his nephew, in preparation for our visit to the Raja Perlis. |
Our guide, Junus Bin Suhid |
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At the Palace of the Raja Perlis VII |
We were presented to the
Raja Perlis VII, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail and his beautiful wife, who had been in discussion with the Minister of Tourism before our arrival.
The lunch was sumptuous and at the end we were presented with gifts: Mac and Gilbert, silk shirts; Jan, a silk outfit and I, the loveliest piece of silk to be made into an outfit. |
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After Lunch the Raja’s wife showed us the stately rooms, which were fascinating. Then it was back into the coach to see some caves, at the end of which was a hidden garden.
Being no good in caves, coupled with the fact that one had to run as we were short of time, I didn't see the hidden garden. But I did admire the cliffs and the plants growing around. |
A hidden garden...hidden!
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Spices, at theTropical Spice Garden, Penang |
We bundled back onto the coach and off to Penang to pick up those who did not go to the lunch.
Due to the traffic, we were delayed, not arriving until 19.00, which meant that by the time we arrived at the Tropical Spice Garden, it was dark. This was very sad, so this too is on my 'must visits' when I return. |
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This delay meant that we missed our flight to Kuala Lumpur, so we drove instead, arriving at the hotel at 04.30. There was just time for a quick shower, a doze, then up and off at 09.30 for Melaka. |
29th October, Penang to Melaka to Kuala Lumpur |
| We arrived in Melaka at 10.30. Our first visit was the Garden of a Thousand Flowers.
Despite being tired, it was enthralling to be able to see more plants that I had only ever read about. |
Cassia fistula, Golden Shower |
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Tour of the Botanical Garden with Mr Lim Chow Beng
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Clerodendrum paniculatum, Pagoda Flower |
From this garden we went onto the Botanical Garden which is very well set out.
It included a native herb garden, where I saw Clerodendrum paniculatum, Pagoda Flower.
This is one of the most famous mystical plants, used by the medicine men to summon spirits. |
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After this tour it was time for lunch at the Botanical Garden, hosted by Mr Lim Chow Beng.
Then he kindly took us by boat on a tour of Melaka. |
Melaka |
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Enjoying Sati in China Town, Kuala Lumpur |
We arrived back in Kuala Lumpur at 18:30.
There was just time to freshen up, then we were off and out to see Chinatown. It's massive! We ate Sati, sitting on the street, and very good it was too! |
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30th October, Kuala Lumpur |
| We got up early and I started to compose my speech for the wrap-up presentation. We also helped Junus prepare the PowerPoint presentation. Then it was off to Putrajaya were we had a wrap up meeting with the Minister of Tourism followed by a press conference.
Then it was back into a mini bus and off to Kuala Lumpur. Both Jan and I were keen to do a bit of shopping to take home, so we stopped at a craft centre and within half and hour were back on the mini bus, as Jan and Gilbert were leaving in two hours. |
Petronas Twin Towers,
Kuala Lumpur |
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Mac and I were not to fly until early next morning. It was sad to say goodbye to both Jan and Gilbert after our whirlwind week together. However I have a hunch that come the spring you will find Mac and I visiting Giverny, to see the Monet Gardens, and to meet up again with Gilbert Vahe and Jan Huntley. |
Traditional Malaysian dinner
with our new friends |
At the Ministers debrief, Datin Nafesah Raja Nong Chik kindly invited Mac and I to dinner.
We met at her beautiful home just outside Kuala Lumpur, situated on a slight rise so at night you can see the city lights. She then kindly took us out to a local restaurant with her daughter, who had recently returned to work in Malaysia having completed a degree in the UK. |
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It was a lovely evening; the food was traditional Malaysian; it was so peaceful, after our whirlwind week, to sit and chat without rushing. A perfect way to end our first visit to Malaysia, with a Malaysian family, surrounded by genuine friendship: it epitomised our whole trip. |
31st October, Kuala Lumpur to UK |
Up very early, first to breakfast, then off to the airport. Junus, who had looked after us so well, accompanied us and got us through the airport. Our luggage was overweight from the lovely presents everyone had given us throughout the trip.
We arrived back in the UK to a golden autumn afternoon, which seemed such a contrast to the lush tropics of Malaysia. Who would have thought my chance meeting at this year's Chelsea Flower Show with Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, the Minister of Tourism Malaysia, would have been so inspirational. I am truly grateful for the invitation to visit Malaysia, and hope to return and revisit many of the wonderful gardens, flora and fauna I've encountered.
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