Monsoons of Malaysia

"Don't go to the East coast of Malaysia in February" they said. "It's monsoon season" they said.

As usual, Adeena didn't really have a plan for Malaysia.

I mean, it's one of those countries that you kind of just see what happens.

...(Or at least that's what she said)

First sights and sounds of Malaysia

The first visit to the wonderful lands of Malay, back in 2009, got her lost in the jungle for hours and when she finally escaped, she was forced to sing her first ever karaoke while Barney the purple dinosaur played in the background.

The second visit got her shipwrecked and marooned on a deserted island (2011).

The third had her attacked by a stray dog (2012).

This time she promised me it would be different.
In fact, being the responsible [near] adult that she is, she stopped right at the border (Jahor Bahru) to work out where to head next.

Overwhelmed with decisions, she wondered over to the local bus station and took the first bus out of town.

It just sop happened to be heading to the East Coast.

Where everyone had told us not to go.

The welcome party that came out to meet us.

And then despite the adverse weather warnings, we jumped on a boat and headed to Tiomen island.

It was an alright kind of place....

Did the weather close in and get us stranded without a ferry for almost a week???

Of course it did!

At least when the seas get rough, Adeena finds other ways to keep busy.

There's always something bizarre for her to lick

The best fruit shakes in Malaysia - we returned to The Take Away shop 6 times in a week!

I suppose there are worse places to get stranded.

When eventually we did head back to the main land, we decided on some jungle time...

But after being attacked by a kitten...

...And marveling at a restaurant's decor...

...And having the bus driver forget to kick us off the bus to take a connecting one inland....

We would up back at the beach, in Cherating, Malaysia's number 1 surf beach.

Unfortunately, due to my unfortunate genetic make up [fluffiness] I don't water well, and I don't surf.

At least Adeena left me in good hands.

Maznah, our guesthouse owner bearby sitting me for the day.

And then rather suddenly we realised that weeks had passed and we had to get to Kuala Lampur in a hurry... so we hitched off into the abyss.

Adeena's not very good with maps, so we ended up going in the wrong direction...

Fortunately it's not so difficult to write in Malay

And these fine gentlemen saved the day.

After three weeks of beach life, the city was a lot overwhelming

But we escaped to Pods, the Backpackers Home, where smiles, and comfy beds and good showers and free breakfast and a chill out roof and peaceful retreat welcomed us.

(Totally worth a visit whether you're passing through, or staying 3 months!)

In fact it was such a haven that I didn't mind being left behind to sip good coffee and chill out while Adeena last minute Malaysia-ed and made new friends.

PODS Cafe'

(no caption needed)

No, I suppose it really was the perfect trip. Maybe some times it's better not to listen to what people tell you to do and just follow your heart. There's some flipping excellent places out there!

Ted Talks

Well, it's about time Adeena finally let me say something! Jeepers!! - I get lugged around the freaking planet for four and a half years and dragged through all sorts of shit being tied to bicycles and motorbikes and yachts and then she goes and shares her side of the near death experience (because lets be honest, every adventure has a near death experience) seeing some positive light and being all optimistic about our failed suicide attempts that I tried to talk her out of... what the flip?

Central Coast, Australia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Somewhere, Vietnam

Martinique

Colon, Panama

No, I think the only reason she keeps me around is because nobody else is stupid enough to venture out with her. Don't get me wrong, she really is a lovely girl; but she's clearly flipping unlucky, or got terrible karma, or something!
I mean, how many people do you know who have been shipwrecked and marooned on a desert island, been attacked by both dogs and pirates, fallen into a volcano, had far too close for comfort unplanned encounters with sharks and lions and komodo dragons and molestorisers and a leopard and cassowaries, been involved in 8 motorbike and 9 bicycle crashes, lost their rigging and got stuck at sea for months...!? The answer I'm sure you'll agree is one: Adeena.
Actually, I'll be honest - the only reason I stick around is because I can't run away - my legs are stuffed!

You don't have to look hard to see how I've deteriorated over the years

No, I really don't get it! She's on this big mission to flightlessly travel from Australia to Spain and after 5 years and a month, she's 3944 km further away than she was when she started.
Yes, okay I'll give her credit - she's gotten close - she's dragged me through some 27 countries and we've been around the world once, but how do you just miss Spain? It's right in the middle!

And don't even get me started on accommodation!
Adeena's happy to sleep in a cave or on a beach, or in a weed plantation, or a cinema, or restaurant, or on a strangers floor - but that's only because I'm her freaking pillow. Give me a night at the Hilton for once?? Although they probably won't let her in - she doesn't have shoes.

A bar in Malaysia

On a stranger's floor in Lankawi when she lost me for 3 days.

This is not okay!

Yes this looks like an ideal setting, but after the sun disappeared, this transformed into a bed for the night.

Adeena's definition of luxury accommodation: camping

Yes she got me my own passport - but I know they're thinking it every time I walk through border control- "Wonder what he's laced with?" - Right? No normal grown up carries a teddy my size with them unless they're up to no good. Do you know what it's like to be scanned and dogged and constantly probed by weird men and hairy ladies in uniforms?
And on that note too - it's thanks to her that I've had so many run ins with the law and it's upholders.

Orange isn't even my colour!

Okay, it's not all bad.
I've seen and experienced some amazing things that most people can only dream of.
And being the cute furry co-gypsy has some perks

I'm not normally into men, but I'll tolerate this kind of thing

No, it's a hard life being the side-kick; but Adeena promises that this year will be different!
It's only January and she has already locked in 2 flights (which is a lot for someone who doesn't fly), a bicycle tour, a family reunion, and a shower.
She's even talking about finishing both her circumnavigation and this crazy mission to Spain.
It might actually be a good year.
No, stuff that, it's going to be freaking fantastic!