South Thailand and Malaysia

We arrived in Malaysia today and while we're digesting a rather nice Chinese meal, we thought we'd give a bit of an update from the past few days. We went elephant trekking shortly after our last update. The setting was just outside of Ao Nang, right in amongst a jungle backdrop, at the foot of a sheer mountain side. We went in groups of two, stepping barefoot on to the hairy back of the elephants before settling into the seats and holding on tight.

The trek took us through a small stream, through the jungle with monkeys jumping about over our heads. They stopped and allowed some people to drive, which Kev declined at first but then later decided to do. They don't take much driving to be honest, just tickle their head and it turns, then shout at them until they move. Ours - Baan Ban - was a bit stubborn but we made it back to camp.

After getting off the elephants we got the opportunity to feed them, and then they let us take photos as the elephants bathed themselves. Great stuff and we got some good pics from the day but this internet cafe has the PCs locked so we can't upload them just yet unfortunately.

That evening, we ended up at a half-moon party on the beach, with fire dancers and several beers so in the morning, as a hangover cure, we went for a massage. Kev had the full Thai massage and Charlotte a foot massage, both for an hour. The full Thai basically consists of a little Thai lady beating you to death in various ways, the foot is slapping and punching your legs. Despite that, they were both extremely nice.

That afternoon it was a long coach ride to an overnight stop in Satun, which was a bit of a grubby little place. Most of us in the tour group managed to invade and possibly destroy a Thai karaoke night to entertain ourselves.

This morning it was back on a coach first thing to cross the Thai-Malaysia border and head down to Penang, a small island state just off the west coast linked to the mainland by a fairly spectacular bridge. We checked-in to the hotel and then set off for Penang hill, first attempting to use the local buses but only getting as far as the bus station round the corner, and then jumping into a taxi. Penang hill is the highest point on the island, some 800m above sea level, so the views are spectacular. To get there you take a near vertical cable train. The aim was to watch the sunset but we couldn't get to the west side of the hill, so had to make do with some monkeys messing about in the trees instead.

After coming back down a little disappointed, we found this great little Chinese restaurant and that's where we are right now. Tonight it's back to George Town where we're staying, and possibly to a bar or two. The group is heading to one called Slippery Sinoritas which sounds... err... nice.

One more thing, we've been meaning to mention that Charl feels rather tall over this side of the world.

We'll get photos up asap. Bye!

PS) Keep the comments coming, we're missing you all!