This week we flew in from Cairns Oz to squeaky clean Singapore. It gives you the feel of the orient without all the grubby bits. We stayed in little India, ate and shopped in China town, which was great because we could join in the celebrations of chinese new year. Went to the famous raffles hotel and I had to have the must have - singapore sling, whilst 'will of steal' brian stuck to the lemonade. After this we headed north on the train, through jungle scenery and shanty towns and into Malaysia, first stop the city of Kuala Lumpar - home to the amazing petronus twin tower, the architecture in the city is great, though the lifestyle is mad - dodging the traffic to cross the roads, exotic smells from all the street sellers and having noodles or rice for breaky! Big culture shock - though welcomed......

After all the madness we were roasting hot and our ears drums were ringing from all the traffic, so we headed for the hills literally - to the cameron highlands tea plantations. Owned by a Scottish guy, we get everywhere, even out to Malaysia. Went on a tour of the tea plantations, factory and tasted the teas, visited rose gardens, strawberry plantations and bee/honey farms.

Then it was goodbye to Malaysia and onto the border town of hat yai in Thialand, by getting 2 buses, a taxi and a jam packed train - the joys of real travelling. The border crossing was like something out of a movie midnight express - guards shouting orders to you in Thia to get off the train, check passports, back on the train - all really chaotic! but all quite innocent and a laugh - afterwards that is.............

Now its off to the Thia islands for some chilling..................