Malaysia, Merang to Kijal
We woke up several times last night from the sounds of nature -- first the sounds of the blowing rain beating on the windows, then the roar of the waves breaking on the beach. Comfortable! Pleasant! Soothing!
Because of the time change coming into Malaysia, it doesn't get light until 7. Because of that, breakfast didn't start until 7. And in spite of that, we were on the road at 7:30.
The route today went down some highways and also some quiet back roads. The countryside hasn't changed. Still lots of coconut palms, standing water and weathered houses.
And the people are still very friendly -- lots of waves, smiles, thumbs up, hellos and good mornings . . . and lots of giggles as they see the tandem.
At 42K, the State of Terrenganu had a reception for us. There was a large tent fly set up on one side of the road with about fifty chairs (for the dignitaries) under it. On the other side were four large tent flys with a hundred chairs (for the riders) set up looking across the street at the other group. Also under those flys were refreshments.
At 10 o'clock, we were welcomed by some officials of the state. They were very impressed with our efforts and achievements, they wished us well on our travels through Terrenganu, and they wanted to see us come back next year without our bikes. Then the governor came across the street (in the pouring down rain) to greet us personally. Very nice!
Because of the heavy downpour, we opted to hitch a ride on our bus from there. Since we were wet, and the bus was air conditioned, we just about froze on the ride to checkpoint.
At checkpoint, we picked up the rest of the riders who were on our bus. The rain had set in as a steady, heavy downpour, so the riders there were really soaking wet.
We drove from there to our overnight hotel, the Awana Kijal Golf and Beach Resort -- truly a five star resort. We walked into a big, beautiful, SPACIOUS lobby with a HUGE atrium.
We walked around the atrium area. There was every amenity anyone could want in a resort -- lounges, restaurants and cafes all over, game rooms for children and adults, pubs, business center, lots and lots of decks, club house for golf and tennis, etc.
We walked around the complex. It is surrounded by a beautiful golf course, a driving range, several nice tennis courts, and a large, magnificent swimming pool that included an area for lap swimming with lane lines, an area for lounging and lazing, and an entirely separate but connected shallow area for kids, including a water-oriented playground. (Lisa went swimming as David went to the driving range.
When we finally got in our room, it was MAGNIFICENT! One of the nicest rooms we've ever stayed in ANYwhere.
To the left of the entry is a large, light and airy bathroom. In one corner is a very large shower room. In the other is a similarly large room with a toilet. Opposite the sink is a large, louvered, double-sided wardrobe.
The living area is beautifully decorated. Light oak tables and desk with black marble tops and green marble legs. A mirror over the desk with a green filigreed frame and partially covered with wide spaced louvered shutters and a portrait light on the wall above it. Next to the desk, is the refrigerator in an oak cabinet with a large screen, stereo TV on top.
Opposite is a very large and comfortable king-size bed under a beautiful, padded, oak framed, green headboard. The bed is, of course, bounded by two, marble topped, oak night stands with very smart reading lamps atop.
And in the corner, next to the windows overlooking the tennis courts and the golf course, under a large mirror, is a large, hourglass-shaped bathtub. The tub is framed in marble tile and set in a slightly sunken marble basin.
What a place! Too bad we don't have a layover day HERE!
The dinner was laid out in the Ballroom. As we approached the wide stairway leading up to the ballroom, we were greeted by several of the staff who bid us welcome. Every few steps, on each side, there were ladies in fancy, traditional dress who sprinkled flower and herb seeds on us. At the top of the stairs were more greeters, backed up by traditional dancers and musicians. We felt like celebreties!
Malaysia is really trying to promote tourism, which is why we're geting the royal treatment.
Dinner was well-presented and really good. Lots of good foods.
After dinner, the hotel marketing manager gave out prizes to various riders. Truheart, Racer Bob and Walte were given trophies for being the first three in on the long ride today. Then Anita and Elbert were honored as the oldest woman and man on the ride.
Then a very special award was given to a rider, who shall remain anonymous in this journal, who rode her FIRST CENTURY! (that's 100 miles in one day, for anyone who may have forgotten)
Anyway, this rider is one who appears to be a bit overweight. She had had trouble with the biking early in the trip, for which she went home to get medical advice and to train more.
She rejoined the trip in D.C. She got on her bike every day and rode as long as she could. But, because of recurring back pain, it was very difficult for herto ride the whole day.
Several months ago, she was only able to ride about 20 miles before she had to sag, but she just kept on trying. Well, TODAY SHE DID THE WHOLE THING -- 100+ MILES -- AND SHE RECEIVED A WELL-DESERVED STANDING OVATION from all the riders for her achievement. It was a great moment.
Love to all,
David and Lisa
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