Sun 10th June
Out on the bikes again, slightly saddle sore. Saw a road kill snake (nice!), a man gave us directions to a paddy field.
Left at the mosque, once there a man exiting waved and said,
"Hello where are you from?" Chatting away he said he's a retired policeman, 40611 was his badge number, and he has worked all over Malaysia. His wife was a ritered headmistress too. In his job He has met many people from all over the wolrd. We told him what we did for a living etc.
"Come to my house. Its a big place. You can take photos." So we did. We followed him and his son on their scooters through the country, again chatting along the way. We passed (banana?) plantaions, rode under overhanging palm trees - all jungle like. Out past the paddy fields that had already been harvested, so not much in the way of greenery there. Then we stopped at a remarkable house, it was up 5 foot off the ground on stilts ..the wood looked as good as new and there was a smaller house next to it  - for staff. The whole area had a nice garden surrounding the plot secured by a high iron fence and sliding gate. His brother-in law was a former Johor Minister for sports and culture The house was beautiful. Wood throughout, carved panelled doors - beautiful. 6 bedrooms, a large kitchen, lots and lots of of photos and pictures of his brother with various dignataries. We took photos and selfies and exchanged our address so he may write to us. He told us of stories of how strangers had helped his grown children on the road side. Something which moved him to tears. It obviously meant a lot to him, how complete strangers had helped his dearest without profit.

Back for the evening chatting and a few more beers with Lily, May and Jessica. Lily told us of how a Japanese customer looked at the black board strikes for the beer and said "I have never seen the host of the hostel drink more beer than the guests!" We all roared laughing. A few drinks later and Frank demonstrated his Irish dancing skills for the ladies, much to their amusement.

Unfortunately, Jessica and May had to go back to work that night and 'sign off' the project. We bid them to hurry back and join us again.
A Malaysian fella by the name of Kellem soon joined us, he had been to a friend's wedding. He told us about the 7 course dinner. Both he and Lily filled us in on a typical wedding day (starts at 5am for the bride!!).
We stayed up as long as we could to see the girls again but at around 1am they said they were there for the long haul. Oh dear.
Bedtime.

Mon 11th June
(9:45am 28°c real feel 35°c humidity 84%)
Breakfast, May was already up and Lily came in a little after 9:30. We sat on the floor by the sofa - just like home talking of fasting, food, Malay history/culture and St.Patricks day.
Then the goodbye, Lily was dropping us off, which was very kind and sweet of her and May asked if she could join us. Plenty of room in the car. More giggles. Over the Muar bridge and parked into the Bus Station. I didn't want to say goodbye. These women were like sisters to us now. Fellow "soul mates" as May said. Hugs exchanged, sad smiles and big waves. They went on their way and we on ours....to Johor Bahru.