April

Welcome to Malinglish! ;-) Note the anchovy and durian flavoured "sneks" - sure to create havoc with your breath!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/snek.jpg">

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But I get ahead of myself - first we had to get there. The Hong Kong airport always presents interesting views.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/hongkongescalator.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/hongkongmorning.jpg">

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We arrived in the middle of election fever. Flags and banners everywhere! Cars and bikes adorned with stickers.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/electionfever.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/electionflags.jpg">

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Back to Ipoh, our usual headquarters. Ipoh is very pretty, with lots of limestone hills, waterfalls, and varied vegetation. The town itself has a core of Colonial buildings in various states of repair.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Ipoh.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Ipohhills.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Ipohlimestonehills.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/templecaves.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Ipohroad.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Ipohstreets.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/colonialhouseIpoh.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/oldtown.jpg">

Many signs are written using English letters, but with a Malay style of pronunciation.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/taxistand.jpg">

Typical mall - note the unusual goods that can be had;-)

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/parksonmall.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/shopinthemall.jpg">

Back at the house, my favourite spot....

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/patio.jpg">

And Nannie the cat.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/nannie.jpg">

Sunsets can be very pretty. The echoing Muslim call to prayer at the same time adds to the atmosphere.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/ipohevening.jpg">

Village life is relaxed. This chap was wearing a long sarong and cap, just tootling down the road on his way to get some satay no doubt.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/kampunglife.jpg">

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Hubby was caught in a flood. Fortunately he managed to turn around the line of cars before too many got stuck and he would have been trapped.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/prefloodclouds.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/flood.jpg">

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Various amusing pictures.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/germanrice.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/lowpowerBMW.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/stylishrider.jpg">

FIL's newest addition. Over 300,000 km. Steering inputs are a mere suggestion of where you might need to go - very disconcerting!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/trooper.jpg">

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And of course we play with Alfas.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/alfafleet.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Alfaporch.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/GTAathome.jpg">

Our friend's 230hp GTV6. The original had 154hp.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/GTV6-24v-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/GTV6-24v-body.jpg">

Goodies found at the repair shop.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/alfashop.jpg">

Spotted this on somebody's porch. Yummy combo!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Alfa-nut.jpg">

We finally put the SSR wheels on the 155. It took finding a set of 4x100 wheels, having them machined for 4x98, and then spacer/centering rings made.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/SSR-1.jpg">

As it's a tropical country, rust is always present. We brought over a Dremel to help make things fit.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/SSR-rust.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/SSRtestfit.jpg">



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The Meru Valley Golf Club is nearby, so we like to go and look at the homes inside the walls.

We checked out some developments, but found the workmanship extremely shoddy.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/clubdevelopment.jpg">

The individual homes tend to be higher quality.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/drivewayclub.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/mansionclub.jpg">

This house is simply massive, and looks more appropriate for a Nordic country than a tropical one!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/nordichouse.jpg">

A funky wedding cake house.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/weddingcakehouse.jpg">

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We set off to visit the family palm oil mill. It's way off the beaten track.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/openhighway.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/plantations.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/ruraltrafficjam.jpg">

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Here oil palm fruits are processed for oil. They are sterilized, the pods separated from the husk, pressed, and shipped for final processing at another factory. The husks fire the boilers, the pressed pods are converted to fertilizer, and the palm kernels are sold to other processors. Very smelly!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Malmajufactory.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/factory-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/factory-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/factory-3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/factory-4.jpg">

This clay slurry grinds the excess material off the kernels, then the kernels are washed and sent onwards.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/palmkernalcleaner.jpg">

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We almost always make a trip to Penang. This time was no exception. Penang is a very old trading port with incredible history behind it.

They are widening the bridge to handle the ever increasing traffic.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penang-bridge.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penangbridge.jpg">

Thankfully they are recognizing their heritage and preserving at least some of the buildings. Others have gone too far, and it is not possible to rescue them. The tropical heat and moisture quickly take a toll if things are not maintained.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penang-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penang-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penang-4.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penang-6.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penangeoldschool.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penangsign.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penangstreets.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/penangtrishaw.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/oldschool.jpg">

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Having never visited Singapore, I was long over-due in seeing what all the fuss was about. What a contrast to Malaysia! Everything is clean, orderly, and in good repair. However, it is blindingly expensive, crowded and a bit stifling after a while.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singapore-roads.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporedowntown.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeferriswheel.jpg">

The Royal Plaza on Scott is a very nice hotel. Rooms are small but they have all the amenities. As everywhere in Singapore, the staff is very friendly and outgoing.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeroyalplaza.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeroyalplazaglass.jpg">

We booked a Mercedes Vito van and toured around in comfort. Boon, the driver, regaled us with all kinds of stories and offered all kinds of insider tips.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeballoon.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singapore.jpg">

The ethnic portions of town are well preserved if small.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporechinatown.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singpaorelittleindia.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeoverlook.jpg">

The parks are manicured to within an inch of their lives. Hefty fines ensure nobody so much as plucks a leaf. In fact the locals like to say, "Singapore is a fine country.....they fine you for this and they fine you for that." ;-)

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporepark.jpg">

Both Audi and F1! I saw several new TTs, and a bunch of B7 A4s. A light smattering of A6. Saw two Maserati Gran Sports, but no A8s. Our course countless BMW and Mercedes. Cars are extremely expensive (think several times over what we pay). You can get 10 year loans!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/maser.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeaudiF1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeweddingpug.jpg">

So while others might go shopping for electronics or handbags, we went Alfa parts shopping. Good deals on badges, trims, and some rubber parts.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporealfaparts.jpg">

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And no trip would be complete without a visit to the Alfa dealer!

The current 159. A handsome car overall, even if the rear is a bit generic. Interior design and materials not quite up to Audi standards.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/Alfa159.jpg">

The Brera. Having seen the show car at Pebble Beach some years ago, the production version is pudgy and a bit clumsy by comparison.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/alfabrera.jpg">

You'll need sunglasses to drive this one!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/alfa147interior.jpg">

My fav! 156 GTA Sportwagon. Sadly cannot convince the inlaws that the wagon is much sexier than the sedan

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/alfagtasportwagon.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/elise.jpg">

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And with that, we went to the airport for 22 hours of flying back home. The furniture in the airport is very cool. Saw an A380 too!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures/Malaysia2008/singaporeairport.jpg">

wnut

then again i'm sure they don't send just the legal department after you when you default.

enjoyed the pictures, cringed at the anchovy and durian sneks.

Tgr_Clw

Awesome. Thank you for posting April.

April

the great taxi service, and efficient public transport, I'm not sure why people even bother with cars if they live nearby.

It's highly amusing to see them obey all road signs and traffic signals. I'm used to taking my life into my hands when crossing a road in Asia.

So is Sniffy preparing for a big Easter celebration?

JimmyC83

great read/visuals...durian is gross! im shocked you like that stuff!

April

I despise the stuff. Utterly revolting! Gag!

Audi-Sav

Nicely done.

Sia Bani

Very cool! Thanks for the read. Made me feel like I was there with you guys.

Boggy

but some of them turn into major ***** onces they cross the border &gt;

jbchinoca

as well as my baanker who will get there Friday so he can view the race as well as vote. Some of the homes look like expats, particularly the yellow one which looks like it belongs in 'Frisco. Thte humidity at the south end of the continent is insane. So glad my wife's family is from Northern China. That I can tolerate when retirement comes. Are you Malay? How did you wind up with property in Malaysia is why I ask.
Great pics.