Next morning we are ready early and a boxed breakfast has been prepared. However, we are not able to leave as one of our party needs medical attention. She thinks she suffered an allergic reaction from penicillin some days ago and has been gradually getting worse. We are all concerned for her safety and she has, at last, agreed to seek help. She will need some time to recover and one of her friends agrees to stay with her as the bus cannot stay in Hat Yai indefinitely. Hopefully they will catch us up in a few days.
As we enter Malaysia, it's clear that this area has suffered badly particularly from the flooding. It is still visible all around us as far as the eye can see and even the elevated road has not escaped completely. On the bus, very few had anticipated this, being more concerned with escaping the floods in Thailand and the erupting volcanoes ahead of us in Java. Our guide, John, is reassuring though, as they had made it through to collect us at the border without the need for armbands, rubber rings or flotation devices of any sort.
As we carry on, climb into the Cameron Highlands with its dramatic landscape of limestone pillars. Pulling over for lunch, an impressive array of fresh fruit stalls and local dishes is laid out in front of us. Cloud apples, jack fruit, snake fruit are beautifully stacked and presented alongside fresh mangoes, pineapples, papaya, apples and mandarins. Nasi Lamak, the local favourite little green pyramids of banana leaf, containing coconut rice and are sort of fishy sauce, look tempting and are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It all makes a delicious and healthy change from the bags of crisps and biscuits that most people have been dining on, during 'bus' days.
Approaching Butterworth on the mainland side of Penang, we have to cross the longest bridge in Asia to reach Georgetown on the island side.
Our hotel is another 70s throwback, but at least the beds are comfortable and there's some warm water in the shower. Best of all, there is a rooftop pool, and whilst some search for a wifi connection on the ground floor, the rest of us head straight for the pool before it gets dark.
As we enter Malaysia, it's clear that this area has suffered badly particularly from the flooding. It is still visible all around us as far as the eye can see and even the elevated road has not escaped completely. On the bus, very few had anticipated this, being more concerned with escaping the floods in Thailand and the erupting volcanoes ahead of us in Java. Our guide, John, is reassuring though, as they had made it through to collect us at the border without the need for armbands, rubber rings or flotation devices of any sort.
As we carry on, climb into the Cameron Highlands with its dramatic landscape of limestone pillars. Pulling over for lunch, an impressive array of fresh fruit stalls and local dishes is laid out in front of us. Cloud apples, jack fruit, snake fruit are beautifully stacked and presented alongside fresh mangoes, pineapples, papaya, apples and mandarins. Nasi Lamak, the local favourite little green pyramids of banana leaf, containing coconut rice and are sort of fishy sauce, look tempting and are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It all makes a delicious and healthy change from the bags of crisps and biscuits that most people have been dining on, during 'bus' days.
Approaching Butterworth on the mainland side of Penang, we have to cross the longest bridge in Asia to reach Georgetown on the island side.
Our hotel is another 70s throwback, but at least the beds are comfortable and there's some warm water in the shower. Best of all, there is a rooftop pool, and whilst some search for a wifi connection on the ground floor, the rest of us head straight for the pool before it gets dark.
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