March 31st - Phuket, Thailand

This visit to Thailand I rode an elephant! My sweet thing was named Aonwan
and was led and cared for by Mr. Pasamu. The guides actually live on site in
one of the huts as pictured. There was one lady elephant who would not let
anyone get ahead of her, she kept taking short cuts to get in front - this
after her side trips for snacks among the trees. When I asked if she was
pregnant, I was told that she just likes to eat.

The visit also included a visit to a local rubber plantation and
demonstrations showing how rice was harvested, the uses of coconuts and how
to make Thai "Jungle Curry".

We were also treated to some very strong Thai coffee and coconut pancakes
that were delicious.

I still can't get over all the wires everywhere, so glad I do not work for
any of the utility companies and have to figure out what may need repairing.

On the way back to the ship we made the obligatory shopping stop at "the
largest jewelry store". Part of the stop included a walk through the factory
and it was fascinating to watch the artisans at work.

Can't believe I am saying it, but I am looking forward to the upcoming sea
days to read and enjoy some of this sunshine.

March 30th - Penang, Malaysia

Woke up at 6:30 this morning and the humidity was in the 90s - and it was
not raining. With temps in the same range, I knew it was going to be a hot
day.

First stop after getting off the ship today was to Chew Jetty Kongsi, an old
Chinese waterfront settlement. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the
largest and one of the liveliest clan jetties in Penang.

Then it was on to Georgetown with its colonial buildings, Chinese shop
houses and Little India.

Stopped at the Penang Museum & Art Gallery, housed in the remains of the
original Penang Free School built in 1821 to learn about the cultures of the
various races in Malaysia (and a little air conditioning).

The last stop was to the Thai Buddhist Temple and then to the Burmese
Buddhist Temple across the street - both were quite elaborate.

March 29th - Kuala Lumpur

It was raining upon arrival to Port Klang this morning, but it had stopped
by the time I got off the ship and did not start up again until it was time
to head back to the ship - great timing.

There was a lot of haze today, but not near as much as during my last visit
six weeks ago - this time you could actually see the KL and Petronas Twin
Towers.

At the King's Palace, the flag indicated that he was currently in residence.


Had an interesting stroll through Chinatown and Petaling Street Bazaar with
all kinds of knock-off items for sale, lots of fun to watch the vendors and
shoppers.

Last stop was a visit to the National Museum which is the custodian to the
historical heritage and culture of the country. Got to watch many children
who were amazed and intrigued by the mannequins in the displays. One child
actually sat on the lap of one of them and was trying to pinch his cheeks.
They also had a Proton car on display - this car was the first of the 30
cars to be manufactured during its test run stage. The Proton Saga car made
history by becoming Malaysia's first national car when it was completed
4-18-85.

There were lots of signs downtown from organizations, schools and businesses
with condolences to the passengers of the lost Malaysian flight 370.
hbbm