To be continued…

So much for my Phlog… t’internet’s too slow here to upload many pictures, and I’ve already spent 2 and a half hours faffing about with bank transfers and such, so, here’s a quick summary…

Finally left the Perhentians! Made our way down the east coast of Malaysia, stopping at Kuala Terrenganu, Cherating and Kuantan on the way to Singapore. Nothing huge to report. Singapore very cool, but also left a big hole in our budgets! Sorted out visas for Indonesia, bought an Indonesia guide and enjoyed warm showers and great food :)

Found out it was a bit of a mission to get to the north of Sumatra from Singapore so opted to fly instead; which actually worked out cheaper as well. So took to bus back up to KL for a couple of nights, visiting Jorge’s friends there again before flying into Banda Aceh. Heading off the plane to the arrivals ‘hall’ chaos ensued and we felt we’d arrived back home. Malaysia tried to be way to organised (and didn’t quite manage). Organised chaos is much preferable, and that’s what we’ve found here. Feels much the same as Thailand in that resect.

It’s extremely beautiful the little we’ve seen of it so far. The people are lovely, and go out of their way to wave, say hi and chat to practise their English. The language is more or less the same as in Malaysia so we’re off to a head start and can get about, buy stuff and order food no problem. Conversations are another matter, but we’ll keep practising!

We’ve been in Pulau Wei, an island 8okm north of Aceh for the past four days. It’s a tropical paradise. Probably the most beautiful island we’ve been so far. Bit deserted post tsunami and earthquake but the locals are really positive and keen to see tourists coming back. The bemo (moped rickshaw taxi) driver took a detour this morning on the way back from the ferry port to show us a huge ship that had been washed inland by the tsunami here in Banda Aceh – apparently just one of numerous. Looks like it’s being used as a power station or something now. There’s evidence of lots of rebuilding still, and of course sadly, the destruction the tsunami caused, including mass graves. Poor people here haven’t had much luck, but they all seem to be content, happy and positive about the future.

Yesterday on the island got stopped on our moped in a roadblock by the fashion police! They waved us on once they saw we were westerners. Read about it before that they have police to check that people are appropriately dressed for the muslim state.

Only staying here in Banda Aceh tonight before moving on towmorrow to the Gayo Highlands, to continue the long journey south. Nice enough here, but small enough to see in a day or two, and really expensive compared to other places too. Plan to spend my birthday in Bukit Lawang, to see the orangutans!! Very excited about that!

Hopefully find a fast connection and upload some photos soon to make you all very jealous ;)

Until then…

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