Australia - U.K., 2004-5

Impossible to generalise in such a multicultural population, but we did meet some interesting characters and some special people who gave us a glimpse into the Malasian way of life.Impossible to generalise in such a multicultural population, but we did meet some interesting characters and some special people who gave us a glimpse into the Malasian way of life.The business end of entering Malaysia alerted us to the friendliness of this nation. At the customs office we were sat down and offered all sorts of sweets and nibbles - after all, it was Hari Raya.

How different can riding in Malaysia be? Tarred roads, riding on the left-hand side of the road... There are many similarities, but the differences became obvious to us the minute our tyres hit the road. How different can riding in Malaysia be? Tarred roads, riding on the left-hand side of the road... There are many similarities, but the differences became obvious to us the minute our tyres hit the road. The notion of personal space is very culturally-determined. I know I really like my space and can sometimes feel "crowded" in Asia.

The special people we met were kind enough to explain a few things that were puzzling to us, looking at Malaysian life as outsiders.The special people we met were kind enough to explain a few things that were puzzling to us, looking at Malaysian life as outsiders.A curious thing happened when it started to rain in Malaysia... head-covering became an urgent concern! A drop of rain and one hand was automatically raised and placed on top of the head. One baby had the "good fortune" of having inventive parents who tied a plastic bag over her head.

Once the locals, particularly the taxi drivers, find out you are from Australia they are more than willing to offer you all they know about your fair country!Once the locals, particularly the taxi drivers, find out you are from Australia they are more than willing to offer you all they know about your fair country!Once you say you are from Australia, the floodgate is open "Sydney?" "Melbourne?" they ask and it's incredible the number of people who have relatives and friends studying somewhere downunder!

Discovering the types of food you could get in Malaysia was an adventure we both enjoyed!Discovering the types of food you could get in Malaysia was an adventure we both enjoyed! Food seems to be available anytime... anywhere! Stalls just spring up, especially at night, selling all sorts of tummy tucker!

The Nasi Lemak was something I had to try...a breakfast dish consisting of rice, peanuts, crunchy dried fish, cucumber and a curry sauce. To a Western stomach, this was not the stuff of my dreams...but it's something that has to be tried!