Fast Cars and Slow Women

If variety is the spice of life then our trip to Malaysia was as spicy as it comes: from Formula One to tranquil beaches, from 5 star hotels to street food, from hot sunshine to pouring rain, from crazy markets to peaceful temples, it was a delicious feast of new and interesting experiences.


Our trips are a constant reminder to me of how fascinating the world is. Although this was not my first visit to Asia, I am still in awe of the many differences to the UK. We started in Kuala Lumpur, planned so we could go to the Grand Prix: Husband is a huge F1 fan. I am a fan too but on a rather smaller scale (I tend to be a total girl in my driver choices: Jenson for being hot and Vettel for being lovely!) but I could not fail to be impressed by the occasion. The sheer excitement of being surrounded by people - or should I say men - who were so passionate about the invent was infectious. And the noise - oh so ‘Alpha Male’.

In between watching fast cars we explored the city, taking in local markets (we picked up a few rather nice 'designer' pieces), sampled local food, and looked in amazement at the Petronas Twin Towers.

We then took the train to Penang. The landscape in Penang is completely different: the architecture is colonial and there is a larger Chinese influence; the temples were breathtaking and so wonderfully calming.

Look how zen I look!

Our next and final stop was Langkawi. We got the ferry from Penang along with 300 back packers - I think we were the only people over 20 (although we didn't see any of these 'youngsters' once we were on the island). We had six nights there so it was a wonderful opportunity to combine sightseeing with some serious relaxing.

We trekked - okay, not quite. But there were 450 steps - to see a gorgeous waterfall, chatting to monkeys on route; we took the steepest and longest cable car in the world - which is quite scary for someone who is afraid of heights (no, not sure why I went in it either!); we had picture postcard moments on tranquil deserted beaches; and we saw some incredibly colourful wildlife.

So worth the trekking!

Yeah...what you looking at?

Yup...STEEP. But wow the views were amazing.

It's a hard life...

Hello!

As for the culinary part of our trip it deserves its own special mention. Let's just say foodie husband was impressed. We sampled blue rice, fish head curry, 'smelly' durian fruit, chose 'our' fish from fish tanks (yes, there was some guilt as 'my' crab was taken away but not enough to stop me from eating it), sampled street food, and marvelled at the colours and flavours of exotic fruits.

Street food madness in Kuala Lumpur

The VERY smelly durian fruit being prepared.

This was the choice at a seafood restaurant in Penang...!

Sorry...

And the rather large cherry on my gorgeous travelling cake was an upgrade to Business Class on the way home (have no idea why - we didn't even ask). And not just any old Business Class either but with the leader of the premiere division, Emirates. (Thank you Emirates. I love you and would always be happy to write amazing reviews in exchange for upgrades.) I did my best to adopt my cool 'yeah I always travel Business Class' persona, rather than skipping and squealing like an over excited puppy (and panicking about whether I had the right look going on and wondering if it would be showing my cattle class roots if I pulled out my Marian Keyes...) But come on. OH. MY. GOD.

I know....!

I was planning to sleep for the journey but there were so many cool things to play with and I couldn't bear the thought of missing out. (Yeah, totally cool me.) I'm not sure what my favourite part was: the amount of space (I reckon at least six Ryan Air seats worth); the fact my seat turned into a full on lie down bed (complete with mattress and massage function); the 5 star standard food, drink and service, including having my table set for me; the on board bar with champagne and canapes; the clean toilets (so clean I didn't have to hover!); George Clooney in front of me - yeah okay, you got me, he was in a film. But the way the experience was panning out, it so could have been. Sorry getting carried away. But you get my drift. Lush. Lush. Lush. It was the perfect end to a magical adventure.

Many of you ask me how I manage these trips. The simple answer is Husband. He makes it so easy for me - he plans and takes care of everything. I basically focus on turning up. And then I use pacing, relaxation, hypnotherapy, affirmations and glorious, glorious sleep.

This trip was a big deal for me, it was a psychological and physical milestone. The last time we did long haul was two and a half years ago - to Argentina - and it took me about four months to recover. Understandably this made me nervous about travelling long distance, which is why we have stayed 'local' in the last couple of years. But this time I KNOW I will not need this recovery time; my body is so much stronger and fitter than it was then. (Not to say I won't be having some quality time with my sofa for the next couple of days to recharge.)

And I am not embarrassed to say that I am crying as I write this. It is another baby step on the recovery road - one which I thoroughly enjoyed taking. Anyway, enough of this soppiness. Where next Husband? If only we could afford to go Business Class with Emirates we could do long haul EVERY TIME.