Rotary Group Study Exchange UK 1210 – Malaysia/Singapore 3310

John’s Diary

26/5/10-Today we made our way down the mountain stopping on the way at a pottery factory. We arrived back at my place around 1pmish. We settled in for a quite afternoons reading, sleeping and swimming. This evening we had our final presentation and I think it’s finaly hitting us that in three days time we will be on our way home Yay

25/5/10-Today started with a strange breakfast of baked beans and chicken sausages that had been curried YUK!!! We then were taken to the Sabah tea plantation. We had a walk around the factory and were shown how tea was picked and made into tea leaves. After a drink of said tea we made our way to poring hot springs. We did a fantastic canopy walk but were hassled all the way around by the local workers at the spring wanting money for every photo we took!!! After I explained that we were not going to pay ( P*** O** T******) we got some good photos After this we went down to the hot sulphur springs to wash off the grime and cool down and relax. Our hosts suggested we go to KFC for lunch which we said no to. They asked what we wanted and the unanimous decision was local food. As usual it was superb. The hosts then took us to the Kundasang War Memorial where 2000ish Australian and 700ish British soldiers died at the hands of the Japs. The memorial is a very calm and beautiful place but very moving. After this we went back to the hotel and all piled into my room to watch a film. It was called the hangover but the sound was rubbish so we didn’t really get the full story.

24/5/10-I had an early start today with my host Dr Ravi. He’s a radiologist at the local Hospital. He took me for breakfast at 6-30am today and we had roti with dhal and a spicy sauce and a coconut sauce. After breakfast we were taken to the Hyatt Regency for a presentation to the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu. At 3-00pm we started our journey to the Kundasang National Park where we were to stay for two nights and three days. That evening we stayed in and ate our dinner at the hotel retuarant which was a big mistake. The food was awful  

23/5/10-Today we started the day with a street market which I have to say didn’t do much for me. Maybe I’m not a shopper but all these stalls look the same!!!! After this we went to the harbour and a boat took us to a small Island where we sun bathed and snorkeled till the afternoon when it became far to hot. We had a fantastic picnic that was made fresh by our host Alfred. He opened the cool box which was empty and started putting chicken in ripped up, then squid and octopus. Then he added very dry crispy bread fruit and mayo. Salt pepper and fresh coriander. He stirred it all together and served it with peanut crunchy bar. It was absolutely gorgeous and I had to have two plate loads. We where all taken back to our respective hosts and my place has a swimming pool so I stayed out reading until it was time to get ready for the evening meal.

22/5/10-After a very early start today 7am at the airport we left Kutching bound for Kota Kinabalu with a stop over at Miri. The stop was for approximately an hour. Our arrival at KK was really cool. As usual lots of people and camera flashes everywhere making us feel like rock stars. It will be weird traveling without this in the future. We were then taken for our first meal in KK which was Roti (Indian on a banana leaf) it was delicious. I had mutton which was cooked to perfection. They cook it on the bone in Malaysia but the meat fell off which was perfect. We then went back to our host for a snooze and catch up. At 7pm it was off to our official welcome dinner at Kg Nelayan which is a sea food restaurant. They have huge tanks in the restaurant where they keep fish, prawns,lobster, crab etc They have pictures of the cooked dish above the tanks. There was one that said beef satay but for the life of me I couldn’t see a tank with a cow in it….Ha Ha. After this a few of us went to a Rotarians house for a beer and some cake!!! Back home for 11.30pm which is mega early for me while I’ve been here but we have another early start tomorrow

21/5/10-This morning saw us up and early as we were going to a traditional Long House. These are fantastic structures that are not only long but vary in height, shape and size. The houses are all inter connected and cover a huge area. They have live stock running around underneath and when they have scraps of food they drop it through the gaps in the bamboo floor to the animals below. It was also our free and easy day today so we got back to Kutching at 1pmish. Tracy and I went back to her host for a bit of RR by the pool. We didn’t realise just how hot it was and ended up looking like lobster thermidore!!! This evening was our farewell dinner which was superb, the butter prawns were the best food I’ve tasted so far on this trip. As we leave Kutching early tomorrow morning I’m Hopeing I’ll have internet access at my new host’s house. After the dinner we went back to Yaw Hua’s for some more beer and karaoke but I declined the cigar tonight. I would like to thank all the people in Kutching for being so friendly but especial thanks go to Sylvester and Gary for driving us around.  Goodnight KUTCHING and thanks for having us, We will be back

20/5/10-I woke up this morning to heavy rain which continued for most of the morning!!! We were meant to be going to the orangutan sanctuary but postponed it until the weather cleared up. So instead we went to a textile museum and the onto a pottery factory where everything was done by hand. The casting of the cups, vases, mugs etc etc, even the painting was by hand. It was then time for lunch Thai mmmmmmm which was the best meal so far. fortunately for use the rain stopped and we made our way to the sanctuary. There were a lot of orangutans out and we managed to get some very good pictures. We watched them being fed fruit and the big daddy of them all was called Richie very apt we all thought!! The day ended with a meeting at Yaw hua’s house where food and karaoke were on offer. As usual the food was out of this world and the GSE singing was outstanding. Our rendition of YMCA with dance moves proved the team were up for anything our friends from Kutching seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe they were just being kind Ha Ha.

19/5/10-Today we had a small boat ride across the river to view the Parliament building and to visit the old fort. As you would expect the fort is set on the river with commanding views. We then made our way to the Tun Jugah Iban Cultural Centre which is where they do Iban Weaving. This is a very time consuming job as its all done by hand. The lady’s have amazing dexterity and one lady 86 years old would sit by the loom on the floor all day weaving. It’s incredible how they can still do this at an age where we think its impossible. After this the girls all went for a manicure so I came home for a rest and to prepare for another RC meeting with the Kutching Jaya club.It all went well and yes Sylvester took us back to Yaw Hua’s home where we smoked Cuban cigars and drank either single malt whiskey or in my case Carlsberg beer. The cigars where $120 each  :-)

18/5/10-My host family are fab. They are really looking after me and are extremely tolerant of me coming in late. I will add its all Sylvester’s fault as he keeps taking us out!!!! Today started with a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village. They had replicated the way houses used to be built and decorated. They are called long houses and are on stilts. The walk around the village was fascinating especially with the views of the mountain behind it. As usual the GSE team where on fine form with lots of jokes and innuendo, Rich is such a bad influence ( that’s especially for you Lynne We are having a brilliant time visiting all these beautiful places and meeting such lovely people. We went onto the Sarawak museum after the village. Then it was onto our next RC meeting with the Rotary Club of Kutching. The presentations, food and company were excellent but the karaoke singing by Tracy and Rosie were not!!!! The dancing was pretty bad aswell but as usual I got them out of the S**t by getting up and showing them all how to dance!!!! We ended the night with Yaw Hau and Sylvester taking us for late night cheesecake. It was delicious but probably not the best time to be eating it.

17/5/10-Today started with a breakfast where of course I had it with my mistress again. We then travelled about 30mins to a crocodile farm and zoo. We saw sun bears, otters, monkeys, peacocks, rabbits and crocs. We watched them feeding the crocs!!! They tied a pigs lung onto a rope stretched across the pool and the crocs raised themselves out of the water to snatch at these offerings. After this it was off for lunch at Regina’s food court. Regina is a Rotarian and her family own the food court. The food was up to the usual standard, awesome!!! Then it was off to Kenwy’s music school. I was told that there would be pianos there but he (Kenwy) specialised in playing and teaching the Yang Quix ( Dulcima ) Some of his students played for us and it was probably the best experience I’ve had this trip. It moved Rich to tears. The playing was out of this world and the sound was something i’ll never forget. We did talk about pianos at the end but I was to wrapped up in the dulcima to really talk. We then had a couple of hours to kill so it was decided that as Tracy has a pool at her place we would all go swimming……The curse of the trip reared its ugly head as thunder and lightning came over the horizon just as we were preparing to go. After this non starter we prepared our selves for the presentation tonight which was at my hosts house. We first had food then did our presentation which went fairly well apart from some talking through Tracy and Mand’s presentation. We ended the day with a reflexology foot massage which is the perfect end to the day.

16/5/10-Today was a sad day but also a great day. We left Singapore and our lovely friends June, Jewel, Lilian and PM who we’ll miss like mad but met our new host’s. My host is Bong Joon Hin. He met me at the airport and introduced himself as……… Hi I’m Bong James Bong……. brilliant. His house is superb and it’s finished to the highest degree and I’m very comfortable. After landing I was taken to a restaurant where we met up with some more Rotary friends. We had a great meal and the food in Sarawak is very subtly different from the food in Singapore and JB. Bong took me around the city of Kutching showing me the sights one of which is the parliament building all lit up. Then I came back to my house for the next 6 days and met his wife and 2 sons.

15/5/10-The Long Bar at Raffles is just awesome. We had a great time and the Singapore Sling is lovely. Everyone got into the spirit of things and peanuts were flying everywhere. I think everyone got carried away tho as I ended up wearing a lot of peanut shells!!! I also found shells in my bag when I got home!! Thanks Jewel We started today with a breakfast presentation. I hadn’t had much sleep so was a little weird…… this resulted in some very strange photos with me trying to look like a rapper!! I don’t think anyone noticed Ha Ha. After this it was Raffles then a whole day of cultural things and shopping. It was an oresome day with none stop food. North Indian food eaten out of a banana leaf at 1.30pm, 3pm Dim Sum, 6.30 dinner was cooked by Mand and Rosie’s host which was just divine. Then my host picked me June, Jewel and her fiance up and we went to the waterfront and to the Arab quarter. Thanks June for arranging all of our Singapore itinerary it’s been brilliant. I’m just packing as tomorrow we fly off to Kutching which is in East Malaysia. Hopefully I will get internet access!!

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14/5/10-Today started with a visit to the Singapore Police Centre. We were given a tour which was very detailed and interesting. The we gave a presentation to RC of Singapore East. Our guides June Jonet and Jewel said it was off to look at architecture which translates into shopping!!!! I couldn’t help myself and had to have a Starbucks caramel frappuccino!! Next on the agenda was a premier of a short film “The Gangster” this was about secret society’s in the 1970′s. The film was excellent and if they get the budget to make a full length feature film I will be going to that!!

13/5/10-We arrived in Singapore today and met June Jonet at the Conrad Hotel. She had sorted a breakfast at the hotel. I opted for a full English which was gorgeous after so much Asian food. Not that I’m complaining about the Asian food of course.  After this we spent a little time taking in the culture of Singapore. It’s a beautiful city with an amazing skyline. There are buildings going up everywhere. We did another presentation which was to the RC of Marina City. I really enjoyed this one for some reason We went on to the Esplanade theatre then traveled to RFSV and had a presentation about their work. Mand also gave a small presentation about her job, which went down very well with long discussions afterwards. The day ended with a very strange meeting where we were given a presentation from Dennis Wee………..:-(……………………:-{…………………that’s all I’ll say about that. It was then back to our new host for sleep. Well so I thought, I didn’t go to sleep but went shopping with Jimmy my host to Mustafa’s which is a local huge department store. We then proceeded to go for food (again) and back home for 2am. I just need to mention for those that know me. The cars here Ferrari’s Porsches,Maserati’s etc are stunning and I seem to have taken a lot of pictures of them. So far my running total of photos is around 1200 but not all of them are cars.

12/5/10-Today we started the day with breakfast in a cafe where we were joined by Rosie and her host. I was introduced to my mistress a few days ago and met her again in this cafe. She is so sweet and beautiful and is great company at any meal. She is definitely going to come home with me in one shape or another. After this we headed back to Johor Bahru (JB) and went straight to the Jaro rehabilitation centre. This was a fantastic place giving work to disabled people. The rebound old books and made gifts out of wicker. I have bought two rebound photo albums for all my pictures. Lunch was here as well it was like a take away meal but a million times better as it was served on a banana leaf so very authentic. The next visit touched my heart as we went to a children’s community home called Berkat. They ran this home like a normal family home that you and me would understand. They had a mother and father with lots of helpers. The children were aged from 4 months to 12 years old but they are trying to get this changed to 18 years old. The children had chores to do like washing up and getting breakfast and worked off a rota. Their clothing ( school uniforms) were immaculate and the children very well-mannered. We met Jennifer and Natasha. Raymond who runs the home explained that the children can sometimes get bullied at school so he goes into school and councils these youngsters. If they are part of a gang he will help them aswell. After a short rest and swim (me only Ha Ha) we went to the Rotary Club of Johor Straits View. Here we did our presentation and had another meal. The presentation went very well. I think we are all getting into the swing of it now. Oh yes I mention earlier my mistress Kaya………………. well rest assured Mand ( Thats my Mand not GSE Mand ) it’s just a great food. It’s a spread which is made with coconut, sugar and eggs spread on hot toast with butter. OH MY GOD its gorgeous and I want to eat it every day. Lets hope I can find the ingredients in the UK.

11/5/10- Hello peeps, I’ve been offline for 24 hours as we’ve been to Pontian and I didn’t have internet access. The journey only took about an hour and as usual we were greeted with big smiles The first stop was at a dialysis centre that the Rotary Club of Pontian had raised funds for!!! The centre worked in the usual 4 hour shifts with the facility to treat around 20 patients. They also had a physiotherapy department which my Host Bella (Mum while I’m here) had help set up. She came here twice a week for many years to help with the physio which is a long way (1hr) when its volunteer work. After this we went to see the mangroves on the coast. This was a very interesting trip and we walked through the mangroves to the very tip of Malaysia. From here we could see Singapore and the guide told us that the authorities over there where watching all the time for people trying to get into Singapore illegally!! He said don’t try swimming over there!! Ha Ha  After the mangroves we had our usual 25 coarse meal with the restaurant site on a pier. We watched small fishing boats coming and going out of the bay. We then went to a costume jewellery factory which I have to say interested the girls a lot. I enjoyed seeing the production line which is all done by hand. It seems here everything is done by hand and is very cheap, maybe, with all our technology we’ve got it wrong? The meeting was at Lim’s house who was a past president of Pontian Rotary. Lim is a developer and his house was majestic. It had its own swimming pool etc etc. There were about 20-25 People there and they all came with their own food for us all to eat. I think I’ve found my heaven in this country as there aren’t many foods I won’t eat and the selection was magnificent. I overdosed on a particular pudding which I can never remember the name of (ask Rosie she always remembers it) it was terrific. I’m hopefully being emailed the recipe!!!

9/5/10-I’m getting asked to put more pictures on so here are a few!!

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9/5/10-Today was a free and easy day. My host told me to sleep in and to my amazement didn’t wake up till 9am. For those of you who know me well will realise that I don’t sleep in after about 7.30-8am. I had a coffee then they insisted I go out and sit by the pool for a few hours. I was a very good boy though and stuck to a regimental training scheme and swam 2 lengths!!! I did 1 length got out had a sleep then did another length. Very regimented and strict as I wanted to do the 2 lengths together but when you have a plan you have to stick to it. Today is Mothers day in Malaysia and my Host’s daughter came over from Singapore and we went out for lunch. It was a buffet Chinese which was great.  Then back home to meet all the GSE team to sit by the pool and sunbathe swim read etc. We had just sat down when it started raining We all dashed under shelter by the pool then the thunder started. This went on with torrential rain until early evening. It was then time for……… You’ve got it dinner time and another superb Chinese restaurant which specialised in seafood.

8/5/10- Today we met at the Yamaha music centre where we had a quick talk with Wei Wong about the pianos and tuning etc. We then moved on to a printers where I was totally enthralled. I know this might sound weird but it was fascinating watching the machines do there various jobs. There’s allot more to printing than you think! They also fold, staple and punch holes in anything the print. They make everything from food tin labels to the handbook that comes with your phone.  We had our lunch which was Dim Sum and I have been waiting for this as its one of my favourite foods. The meal was gorgeous and I ate so much I didn’t need to eat again that day!!!We then went to the Sultans Palace and walked all round which was amazing. It’s hard to put into words what you’ve actually seen but it was big rooms lots of furniture lots and lots of china some from his personal yacht “Pantie” lots of school ground laughing and he’s also into cars and bikes with a collection of over 400 cars and 153 bikes. We also had a walk around the cultural area of Johor Bahru. The day ended with another meal that of course I ate loads of. It was a Chinese seafood restaurant that was simply superb.

7/5/10- Ye Ha, I’ve got internet access:-) The journey from Malaka to Johor Bahru passed very quickly. I spent most of the journey listening to my audio book and sleeping. We arrived early so sat around in a cafe waiting for our hosts to turn up and the unimaginable happened…… Tracy had her bag stolen!!! We didn’t see who did it but I hope the thief falls under a bus. Unfortunately it had Tracy’s Laptop, purse and camera in it but not her passport. She has been very strong after as we had to do a presentation tonight and she did brilliantly. The food yet again was gorgeous. Yamaha music centre tomorrow Yey.

 6/5/10-This could be my last post for a while as we move on tomorrow to Johor Bahru and my new host might not have internet access. Today has been a very hot and long day. We have walked around Malaka’s cultural area all day and the heat was oppressive. After this we went for a 2hr full body massage which was amazing even when she climbed onto my back and proceeded to massage me with her knees. Luckily for me they weren’t knobbly!!! This was organised by the local Rotract club where Sree is president. Wee,Eugene,Eddie & Sze where the main members we spent time with and they have been really good. Especial thanks go to these new mates for making me try Durian which tastes like absolute Shite!!! Someone once said ” It tastes like the best chocolate in the world eaten in the worst toilet in the world” and my god was he right. The food tonight was north Indian served with the best nann bread ever.

Before I start I would like to apologise about my spelling to all the people reading my blog. It’s been a real eye opener that when you haven’t had much sleep the brain just won’t wurk and the maw yuo tri to wurk it owt the les yuo kan spell!!

5/5/10-Ahhhhhh a lie in!!! I’m not going into detail about our first visit today as the girls all took a lot of notes (Swats )  But suffice to say when you think it’s been hot then you stand out in it all morning………. Hello sunburn!!! After this trip we went to a typically Malaysian restaurant where they served us lovely chicken done in a strange batter like consistency with all sorts of flavourings. It came with a drink and was incredibly tasty. I think we should try and bring it to the UK so if anyone would like to come in on the deal I’m up for it. Oh by the way it had a strange name so maybe we can think about rebranding it as I’m sure it would never work with a name like that. Oh yes the mane was KFC not sure what it stands for but I think I’m onto a winner;-) It was onto the Palm oil mill where we had a fascinating tour around the factory. The best bit being a sign that read SAFETY FIRST above a bank of electrical circuits and the someone had opened part of the bank up cut a wire and taped a join onto it so they could run an extension. Afterwards we did our 2nd presentation which went well and guess what ended in us having a meal.

4/5/10-”My God”, (thats what all the locals start their conversation with) What a couple of days. I think I’ve worked it out that I’ve just done two twenty hour days. But what amazing days!!! Yesterday to the main government building in Melaka to meet the Mayor. After the presentation given by one of his staff we were taken up to the roof terrace for breakfast which included curry sandwiches! Then it was on to the Buddhist Missionary. This place took your breath away. The work they do is unimaginable and its worldwide. We met some of the children being schooled there and they were having a cookery lesson. It was a very special moment as the children accepted us and then let us eat the food they had cooked.

After this we wnet to the petronas Towers and walked across the skybridge. WOW it was really amazing and the fact that not many people can do it made it all the more special. As usuall the day ended with a meal:-)

2/5/10- HELLO Malaysia!!! This place is superb. The people, food and scenery are just breath taking and thats after just one day:-) I’m staying with Dr Ravi and his wife who are the most lovely people making me very welcome in there beautiful home. I have my own room with en suite and air conditioning. They are cooking a traditional Indian dinner tonight YEY!! Tomorrow the work starts with our first presentation.

29/4/10-Blimey its all come round so quickley. All my family have been fantastic with lots of phone calls from them and friends wishing me luck. I think Mandy (my wife not team member ) is feeling fairly grim she now has a very bad chest infection and has got an inhaler along with the rest of her pills. Thanks to everyone for saying they’ll look out for her, but especially to Karen who’s moving in on Tuesday and staying the month to help out. Friends like that a few and far between Thank you to Graham for taking me to the airport and for all the info on Malaysia. Finally thank you Alex for looking after Mandy ( your mum ) be good, work hard and try not to spend all your life on facebook. 

 28/4/10- YEY the packing is finished and all the office work done. This means I’m ready for the trip!! All I’ve got to do tomorrow is food shopping for the family and spend some time in the garden relaxing. Wow can’t believe its almost here.

27/4/10- Well after a manic weekend celerbrating my 40th Birthday and a party that went from 5pm Saturday to 10pm Sunday I’m finally getting the packing sorted. I’ve already packed once but was over weight so having a re think on what to take. I’m taking so many gadgets that I ‘m going to have to decide which ones to leave behind    I’ve just finished putting all the stuff I need on my computer and I’m thinking its time for bed. Only three more sleeps before the big day. WHOOP WHOOP

22/4/10- All the team and my mum came to our house for a curry tonight. Rich decided he didn’t like the curry but needed four helpings to make this decision Ha ha!!  It was great to see everyone and we are all getting a little nervous about our immanent departure. The girls talked about what to pack i.e. 54 pairs of sandals 28 pairs of trousers 30 dresses etc etc I’m taking two of everything… a wash and a wear!! Mum thinks everyone’s really nice and that we make a very good team. We go on the 30th April which is a week Friday OH MY GOD…….

17/4/10- Went to Rich’s play tonight Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. It was brilliant and we ( me & Tracy ) really enjoyed it. The Maccy D’s wasn’t bad either!!! Rich was awesome along with the rest of the cast. It was very funny, believable and professional. Well done Rich.

12/4/10- 18 days untill we go!!!!!!! Things are getting hectic now but I think I’m getting through all the work that needs doing before I go. The presentations are all sorted we just need to keep practising them and we are giving the last one at Wolverhamton on 19 April a week today.

17/2/10- We had a team meeting last night to run through our presentations. We all did well but certainly need to practise some more. It is really interesting to hear everyone’s stories and to see how hard everyone is working to make this a memorable trip. The meeting was held at Rosie’s house where 17 people live and is an Eco community. The house is a very imposing and dates back nearly 200 years. The meeting room is a big room with a fire and a piano. (Couldn’t help myself, had to play it!!) and Rosie supplied the tea and coffee. The next time we meet will be for the meal to meet partners, can’t wait!!

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  • About District 3310
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  • About Rosie
  • About Tracy
  • About Mand
  • GSE TEAM PHOTOS
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  • Mand’s Diary
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