Dajia Hao,

Let’s jump in the deep end.

I have always believed in the theory of evolution but it has to be a free kick for goal, into the wind, for the Creationists when you consider that people living here don’t have heads shaped like umbrellas.

Hang on .. our Indonesian maid has just thrown her full support behind Charles Darwin and reminded me that it never usually rains like this.

Rare sighting of a wild albino Proboscus Monkey at Titi Kerawang

We drove to Titi Kerawang waterfall for a swim.

The Big Tit, as I call it, is usually dried to a trickle but now it’s a raging torrent.

The serene rock-pool we’ve bathed in over the years now resembles a giant washing machine. I jumped in and clung to a jungle vine as the river literally exploded all around me.

Yes, it’s the Wet Season.

When it rains for more than 3 days in a row the locals call it the wet season.

When it rains for 3 weeks in a row… it’s just crap.

Lotus Bud is losing her tan and her sense of humour.

Having the use of a car this year has enabled us to get out more in the rain.

We do miss the freedom of the bike but motor cyclists in Penang are known as TMCs ( Temporary Malaysian Citizens ) for good reason.

Stats:

Road deaths per annum ( 2007 ) in Malaysia – 6,282 ( can you believe that ? ), 3,963 were motor cyclists or pillion riders.

It’s Ramadan now and the Moslems have to fast.

I think some of the young Malays have completely misinterpreted the word’s of Allah and thought he meant for them to drive fast. We have witnessed incredible acts of stupidity on the roads that utterly defy logic and will almost certainly grant them an early entre to paradise. Penang has a lot of ambulances.

On friday night we attended a benefit dinner for the Little Penang Street Market. This is a concept created by several of our friends to promote Penang Heritage and local trades.

The dinner was a formal affair held in the Grand Ballroom of the G-Hotel on Gurney Drive. It’s affectionately known as the G-Spot and I must confess to having some trouble finding it.

The evening’s highlight was a world fusion band from KL called AkashA.

Great band, worth the Google search.

Our days here are full, despite the ubiquitous rain.

So many friends, festivals, parties, markets, the incredible city of George Town, amazing food, vibrant culture, etc etc …. oh and Durian.

It breaks our hearts every year to leave.

We have less than a week left. If it wasn’t for our wonderful family and friends ( and my beautiful little dog Ska, who turned 15 last month ) we would probably stay here.

The fact is, Melbourne is a great place to call home and we are learning to appreciate it more each year.

Appu, Manjula & Pooja at our apartment

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Tobin’s Tai Chi Academy next Wednesday.

On the 18th of October we get to catch up with the great group of people we had the pleasure of travelling through China with last year.

I so want to finish this post by writing “Go Lions!” …… but I won’t. Too many injuries I believe.

We don’t really have an Indonesian maid.