Rosie’s Diary
22/05/10 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, East Malaysia
Today was an early start….we were all up at 6am to meet at Kuching airport for a 7am check-in and breakfast of delicious ‘kaya’ (coconut jam) on toast. The flight to Kota Kinabalu (aka KK) was interesting in that we landed en route in Miri to pick up some more passengers and then onward to our final destination. The plane was small and propeller powered.
The Rotarians here are all lovely and chilled. I think East Malaysia is more laid back in general. We were greeted on arrival with balloons and beaded necklaces and then a delicious banana leaf Indian lunch. This afternoon was siesta time (yay!) and my hosts, Jeyan and Lily Marimuttu have been wonderful and incredibly hospitable. And it reminds me of what a pleasure it is to stay with local people and enjoy their homes.
This evening we’ve indulged in yet more seafood (have you noticed the gastronomy theme yet?!), but here in KK by the coast is the best fish you’ll find in Malaysia and possibly in the world. And as is typical in Asia, we were invited to go and choose our fish/lobster/crab of choice (which were all merrily swimming away in tanks of water…by the kitchen!) before ordering. It’s strange to look your meal in the eye whilst it’s still alive….and I’m not sure I like it. Time to become a proper vegetarian methinks.
21/05/10 Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia
Last day in Kuching, East Malaysia…..my, this week has flown by. We arrived on Sunday and it’s hard to believe that our time here is almost up and that we’ll be off to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah so soon.
Reflecting back, our week here has been wonderful. The kind people of Kuching have treated us gently and given us lots of teatime siestas which we were really in need of. But at the same time, we’ve been busy too meeting at The Little Café most mornings for a local breakfast (beehive cake, sugar cane pancakes, tea terak to name but a few delicacies). And then on to places of regional interest such as the Sarawak Cultural Village, a Land Dayak ‘Bidayu’ (indigenous tribe) village, the fantastic Sarawak Textile Museum and the Tung *** Foundation (of Iban weaving). The museums have been a particular pleasure and it amused me when one of the curators I met told me that she had studied for her postgraduate at Leicester University, UK, which is famous for its high calibre course in Museum Studies – it’s a small world eh?!
All the Rotary Clubs here have been super and conducted their meetings in a welcoming and informal way which we’ve all appreciated at this stage in the trip. We’ve serenaded both Kuching Jaya and Kuching Central clubs with post-meeting karaoke on 2 occasions already and rumour has it, there’ll be more karaoke tonight at our farewell bash – oh Lordy!
Despite all the fun, I’ll be sad to say goodbye to my host family: John and Wee Ping Chan and their clan, Tim, Zachary, Kimberley and Gregory and their 2 soppy Labradors who greet us all home every evening with licks and snouts into whichever bag you happen to be carrying. Time has flown and I would have loved the chance to spend a little more time with them. But this is the nature of GSE: you meet lots of great people, exchange a little conversation and hope to meet again in the future to do it all again but a lot more –s-l-o-w-l-y—- next time!
This is Rosie Grieve signing off for tonight with the best of intentions to update my blog daily from now on……!
16/05/10 Singapore
Hello again folks, sorry it’s been so long! It’s taken me some time to adjust to the marathon pace of this trip and my bedtime has taken precedence over blog-updating most nights….til now that is 
Firstly: we’re having an AWESOME time. I’ll update y’all on Melaka (Malay spelling) and Johor Bahru in time, but just to let you know that we’ve just spent the past 3.5 days in sunny Singapore which was a real treat. Singapore comes highly recommended by us all!
Our main hosts there were the fabulous June and Jewel who both ensured we were whisked around the city in complete style. Once we’d traveled over the causeway from Malaysia and through immigration, they greeted us at the Fullerton Hotel where we enjoyed a deluxe breakfast inc. bacon and eggs (although not for me being of the vegetarian persuasion). From there we wandered the financial district near the river where public art sat comfortably aside the skyscrapers, as well as the Asian Civilisation Museum across the bridge opposite. All fab-tastic and photos to follow…
The cleanliness and general savvy organised efficiency of Singapore has been really impressive. The food blimming AMAZING….in fact: Stop Press: this trip has so far been a gastronomic extravaganza!! no exaggeration whatsoever.
And my last few words on Singapore (for tonight that is) is the welcome discovery of an abundance of art and culture. It seems to be everywhere you stumble. I was happy to visit the Singapore Art Museum (which used to be a boys school) and meet a freelance curator at the Jendela Visual Arts Space before our short time in Singapore was up.
Before I turn in for the night…we bid Jewel, June, Lilian, Pei Mei, Lit Herng, Hector and Chanda goodbye today before flying to East Malaysia. We’ve all arrived safetly in Kuching which is in the Sarawak region and I’m doublely (sp?) happy to have a lovely host family. As well as 4 super kids, John and Wee Ping have 12 dogs (6 of which are labrador puppies – yay!!!), Coy Carp and turtles, so I’m in heaven
Bonne nuit everyone xxx
5/5/10 Melaka, Peninsular Malaysia
Phew! ….Well…..crikey……we’ve arrived here in Malaysia, Malacca in fact and it’s all a bit overwhelming – but in a very good way
The flight was great and very smooth. I’m not a great flyer and took the liberty of necking a few diazepams to keep everything chilled, and what with a generous selection of films, the 12 hour journey flew by. And then there’s that point when the plane doors open and the heat hits you….! Wow, it’s great to be here in Malaysia xxx
I’m staying with a lovely couple, Charles and Venetia Chiam. And this morning for breakfast enjoyed a feast of coconut rice, anchovies, green vegies and a lotus paste cake – it’s a welcome change from the muesli and yoghurt I scoff religiously back in Blighty.
That’s all for now. Off to have a short siesta and then onto a night market for supper -
“Adios amigos” – I must learn how to say that in Malay!
lynne marshall said
Hi Rosie,
Hope you are having a great time. I have spoke to Barry Picken today and he is definitely going to pick you up at the airport. If you miss your connection then you can ring him on 01902 757997 or ring me if you prefer. Enjoy yourself.
Lynne
John Mottram said
Greetings from Islamabad. Well done team and well done Rosie, I told you that you would enjoy the experience
malaysinggse said
Greeting John!
It’s been a hectic trip to date so apologies for my lack of contact. How are things in Islamabad? And yes, I did say (shout) ‘helloooooooooooo’ when we flew over Pakistan during the flight here
We’ve had a great time so far…thanks again to you and Linda for being so kind, generous and gee-ing me along,
All the very best to you,
Rosie x
Jewel said
Hi Rosie,
It’s great to see your initiative and enthusiasm in your vocation. Lit Herng & I are looking forward to hosting you in KL after the GSE trip has ended.
Cheers!
malaysinggse said
Hey Jewel,
Looking forward to seeing you and Lit Herng again once I’m finished orangutan spotting in Sabah! Thanks again for being a star. Will let you know my flight details late Wednesday as we’re in the mountains at the moment returning back to KK then,
Hasta pronto
Mrs. Charles Chiam said
Hi Rosie,
How are you and where are you now? I happen to be clicking on my internet and the whole GSE Team programme suddenly pop up. My hubby Charles must have been checking this out. This is the first time I am reading this website and am thrilled to read about your adventures in our District 3310.
Do write if you find the time. I notice the others have ”found” some ”local” national costume. Did you find an opportunity to wear your ”Baju Kurung” back home? Please do tell me about it.
Regards,
Venetia Chiam