LUCKY ME in Langkawi.

 

     We were here for only 3 days and the sizzling weather brought amazing sunrises and sunsets. My first time seeing such brilliant oranges and reds at sunset. We were one of a small crowd taking in the dinner view at Coco's Bistro, a quaint eatery run by an Irishman and his Malaysian wife. 

     Lucky we made a reservation as it is a smallish place with no frills right on the beach. 

The menu was not extensive but delicious. Food was incredible value for money with the max meal at RM 50.  We ate under spiraling coconut trees

and a broad swing to seat 3 persons provided some "entertaiment" between courses.

      For starters we had freshly fried prawn fritters with large fresh prawns in a crunchy batter for RM16. Most prawn fritters come with lots of fritter and teeny prawns one can hardly taste, so these were a delicious surprise. I ate four fritters, hubby had two but he insisted and I did not put up much of a fight. I reckon he was trying to make up for making me walk 4km the day before.  

I ordered fish and chips and GizmoMan had the Irish stew with garlic bread.

 I am a creature of habit. I often order fish and chips or pasta when eating out. BORING and PREDICTABLE! Both dishes were just good, and my stomach increased from mini to maxi.

It was a fitting end for out last night in Langkawi. 

COCONUTS IN LANGKAWI

and then home to a hectic two weeks of happenings. Gismo Man had some meetings in Langkawi so I went for some chilling on the beach. When we returned home, Savvy Girl was admitted to the hospital for some tests and procedures. She is recovering now and life has returned to a normal pace. 

We flew out on a hot morning. I admit I was a bit spooked looking out as I had not been on a turboprop aircraft for a very looong time.

 I had quite forgotten these aircrafts are still in operation. I was glad Inspector Singh accompanied me on this trip and kept me well entertained. 

After checking into the hotel, Gismo Man decided we should walk to the popular beach, Pantai Cenang. I am a walker but the beach was 4.4km away and it was in the afternoon sun. 

Oh NO, there was NIL negotiation with him! With the UV index at extreme, he lead the way while I melted behind like a candle. I can understand why husbands are sometimes murdered by their wives.

After an hour of squeezing sweat from my bandana and cussing why we could not take a taxi, we arrived. Pantai Cenang was crowded with sun worshippers on jet skis and many took to the sky parasailing.

 The sun was still high but was preparing to settle for the day. 

We order a small dinner of fish, kang kong and one bowl of rice to be shared. My stomach had not recovered from that arduous walk. I mean my legs did the walking but the whole body is connected, right? 🤣 😂

The setting sun did not deter the parasailing activities. In fact, more went up as I imagine it must be fantastic to be with the glowing sky.

But the sun must set and it did around 7.30pm. Incredible how a blazing bright sky turns golden at dusk and then closes to beautiful peaceful hues of blue.

My first day in Langkawi.

 If you all must know, we took a taxi back to the hotel!

TUA DE LANGKAWI

Tis was not the Tour de Langkawi but the Tua de Langkawi.  "Tua" in Bahasa Malaysia means old. And aptly so, as everyone was well over 60 years! It started as a class reunion for Sahoca College, Class of 73 in Kedah. It was at least 40+ years since the group were in school together. I was invited to join although I did not study with them.

We were happily relaxing in the resort when some robust able-bodies declared, "Hey, we have bicycles here, why don't we just cycle  to the Beach." I could instantaneously feel the rush of …NOT adrenaline...but trepidation surging through the group. But did we admit that the most strenuous exercise some of us do was hanging up the laundry or changing a light bulb. NOOO, our pride got in the way, and everyone gave a resounding, "What a great idea!" Not all joined in the Tua de Langkawi. But I am never one to decline a challenge, although I had never been on a bicycle seat for well over 30 years. 

So Tua de Langkawi had an official wave off for 14 of us into the paddy fields for a warm up. A significant start as the Tour de France originated primarily from a field in France. Then came the real deal up the hills of Langkawi. I had to get off and push my bike. Oh, my weak pathetic lungs, my bronchioles were over worked. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide was not going as well as expected.

    To add more pain to my already tormented body, the fitter bodies breezed passed me ringing their bells and giving the thumbs up. They were peddling like they were doing a Sunday ride, laughing and ribbing each other. These athletes frequently participate in cycling expeditions around the world. I was huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf trying to blow the straw house down. But, I remained strong. With rests at many bus stops and coconut water quenchers by the road side stall, I peddled on with a smile, albeit a strained one.

When I saw the scenery change from coconut tress to casuarina, I knew the end was near. I puffed up by chest (or breasts to be more precise), put on a victory smile and rang my bell as I cycled into the cheers and whistles. Then, when no one was looking, I struggled, staggered and collapsed onto the beach. Thankfully not beneath my bike. 

A buffet picnic on “menkuang” (screw pine leaves) mats was already laid out for us. 

Tour de France is a 3,500 km race over 23 days. Tua de Langkawi was gruelling, 30km in one morning. 

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.