The last thing I wanted to do for my day exploring Kuching was to cross to the north side of the river. This can only be done by small boats that carry passengers across. On the north side the distinctive State Parliament and original Astana buildings are visible. There is also Fort Margherita a colonial outpost hidden by all the trees

I thought I could take a boat and walk across to all three. I took one heading for the Astana which was already filled with locals. The boat was submerged almost to water level and was rocking so much and was starting to tip as more passengers entered so we had to balance ourselves out so as not to sink.

The boat was heading to the Astana and charged 1Rm (.35 cents). The Astana was a gated and locked compound as was the State Parliament. I asked some guards who said there was no public access. They also said to goto Fort Margherita I had to take a ferry back.

I didnt want to take a ferry back, then come back again, then go back again finally. Besides the Fort will probably be closed by this time as it was almost 6pm. I waited for a ferry to take me back.

This time as I was the only passenger I had to pay 2Rm (.65 cents) which was fine since there was nothing to do on the north side. There is a State Mosque and State Library but it was too far to walk in this heat

Back in town I had to wait for the fast to end just before 7pm. When I went to the food court they had laid out extra tables in the mall and they were all taken or reserved. I decided to walk around and come back later when some tables may have opened up after the fast had ended

I ended up finding some sandals in a sports shop on sale for 30Rm ($10) and they actually had my size. Afterwards I came back to the food court and was able to find a table. I ordered a black pepper chicken for 8M ($2.60) which came with a drink,

I thought it was coke but later found after drinking it a few times its something else. Meanwhile back at the hostel a Russian couple had snuck into the shower together. Naughty!