'Down time’, swimming in the pool here-worth the 20 minute walk to town to have the bliss of floating in the cool blue waters or resting in the shady lush gardens-and exploring the town.
The Sarawak museum complex has a fascinating display of the complex history of the state, plus a longhouse living museum section, an eclectic mix of buildings including an aquarium, natural history collection, and an excellent café with the biggest mango shake I’ve had since I left England! All free (bar the very cheap café) and the perfect way to pass an exceptionally wet Thursday morning. Unusually the rain was accompanied by strong winds-I was cold for the first time since I left England-not such a pleasant experience!
Like true Englishers abroad we walked back to the hotel clad in our (not) rainproof ponchos, paddling up the ankle deep awash pavements-time for a swim, hehe…
By the late afternoon the sun reappeared and we got to grips with the small ferries which ply the riverbanks, hopping over to see the setting sun from the opposite bank. Paul has a favourite riverfront café where he is working his way through the menu of rice with assorted meats/seafoods whilst I watch the buskers, browse the street stalls, and on Thursday join in with the crowds in a pray march/vigil/ dance (the Hindu one) to honour the Malaysian Airways plane disaster, such a major event here.
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| Sunset over the river - Thursday |
Friday the rain passed and the heat was back with a vengeance. Off we set for the orchid park. An absolute gem-once we’d found it! Alas, we crossed the river in the wrong place, only a few hundred yards wrong, but taking the road off believing it wound round to the aforementioned we found ourselves in the middle of deserted nowhere, heading rapidly away from the river and stranded in the midst of market gardens. Thankfully a work lorry appeared like an oasis; I flagged it down, and in the back we hopped, bless them!!
The two workmen had little English and were unsure of the exact location of our destination, but insisted on driving around until we found it-miles away; we’d never have got there on foot without their kindness!!
The orchids were splendid; we spent hours there in the impeccably kept grounds, drinking in the glorious colours. Totally alone in the quiet acres of wondrous flowers, humming birds, butterflies…superb.
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a selection of Orchids
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| and not an orchid! |
A cool off in the pool and a stunning sunset-Borneo’s rain produces amazing flora/scenery, a feast for the eyes.
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| Friday sunset |
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