4/6/10

managed to be up by 10, unusual. looking at flight prices and possible destinations. I can go to melaka but not too interesting, fly to Jakarta for less than 300Rm, pretty good or go to Cameron Highlands which are supposed to be real nice.

some one should have told me about public holidays!

Despite the directions by one of the guesthouse (Le Village, very back-packerish, could have easily stayed much longer, small cheap room, kitchen! and lots of places to mingle) staff I got to the bus station. It turned out to be a terminal where lots of companies operated out of so had to walk around and got a trip for 30 Rm to Tanah Rata.

The road was amazing, superb windy, good quality and superb scenerry, seemingly more so than I have seen for a while. The driving  also appears to be fairly good here.

The bus left around 3 despite the 2 p.m schedule, I was listening to stuff on my laptop so not over concerned.

practically everyone got collected by a minibus from Father's guesthouse who promised to bring anyone who didnt like the place back to the station. The place was quite nice but pretty full and I didnt want to take the last dorm bed. On return to town centre I realised problems with accomodation, it is public holiday for 2 weeks from tomorrow and the prices are stupid. I met a big French guy who helped me out visit various guesthouses and eventually gave me his own room and moved into something bigger in Twin Pines. My "room" is wedge shaped, the ceiling slopes down and away from the top of the door as you enter. the only place you can actually stand up is by the door! price 12RM!!! I am sure it will go up tomorrow, that is why the receptionist is being sly and non-commital about availability tomorrow. I was quoted from 80-150 for tonight and 200 for tomorrow ($60) for 2 star places.

As Martin (the French man) is moving his things I catch a glimpse of his fins and something clicks, we both stayed in Lekjon at lake Toba! it is a very small world. we have a wonder round town to get some refreshments and good chat. He has lived in India for 8 years now but has to leave for 2 months after every 6 months in the country due to regulations.

In the morning I hope to do a trek which was the reason for coming here and then if I cant get reasonable accomodation will leave for Ipoh or even back to KL with the intention of flying to Sarawak.

I hope I can change this pattern of staying in boring places for longer than necessary, such as I did in KL.

In my rush this morning I left my flipflops on the guesthouse steps (you take your shoes off before going into common areas, as is the case in most of SE Asia), and dropped and lost my Egyptian shawl on the bus. I bought a Pashmina in the market here for 12 RM, doesnt dry my body too well due to being silk and Pashmina, it is dark blue, grey and black with subtle pattern.