Penang - food capital of Asia

After the basics of the jungle we got a coach to Kota Kinabalu - capital city of Borneo -where we finally had a much needed shower (after 3 days of no running water) and a proper bed - heaven! Luckily for us, white water rafting was finally re-opened following previous days of the river flooding and a dutch girl and I screamed our way down huge rapids, while the boys did all the paddling.

After a few days in KK, we flew to Penang, Malaysia to be pampered by my family - Aunts, Uncles and lots of cousins. Somehow, we had managed to time our visit with the end of chinese new year, and a Hindu religious festival where there were processions where the men pierced their cheeks with arrows, and backs with hooks as part of a pilgramage - Eeeek!

We were taken on private tours of the whole island - visiting the heritage sites - where since the old colonial building is protected - hotels and offices are just built behind it.

also chinese temples and a really cool Klan building which is owned by a rich chinese/malaysian family. We were also shown all the best eating spots. Richard's reputation for eating spicy food was tested as we tried delicious laksa, indian curries, malaysian curries and thai curries - and albeit it, red faced and with sweat pouring off him, he passed!! :) It was great to see family that I had not seen for many many years, and we really enjoyed our time there. (Thanks to everyone for your hospitality)