That’s all, folks...
Yes our journey is coming to an end and what an epic adventure we’ve had.
When we left you last, we were headed to Malaysia. With Trap’s 6-month passport deadline looming, and the monsoon season in full flood in Malaysia, we decided to head home a little early. We spent five days in Kuala Lumpur, however I was sick for two of them, so really only had a couple of days to shop 😱. We then flew on to Singapore with 6 nights to relax (‘coz we haven’t done enough of that 😂) and complete our shopping. With a 92kg baggage allowance home to Wellington there is no need to hold back anymore! To be honest we sent souvenirs back in the motorhome and posted some too along with our clothes, so I have kinda lost track of what we have actually bought 🥴. Oh well it will be a nice surprise when we unpack everything…
It was a little weird to be in a big city again and staying in an apartment in Kuala Lumpur where residents live made us start to feel like we weren’t ‘touristing’ anymore – we were on the cusp of heading back to real life. KL was busy as you’d expect, malls large as you’d expect and weather typically tropical – 31 degrees and sun one minute, next minute torrential downpour, thunder, and lightning. The mall next door had a floor dedicated to Anime stores which was a bit of an eye opener – both the stores and the people wandering around dressed like what I assume is their favourite character. The interactive Pokémon stage was easily the busiest part of the mall, packed with adults and children getting up on stage to have their photo taken with three dancing Pokémons – they were all the yellow ones for those in the know – don’t know what they're called. Christmas is in full swing, with Christmas carols blaring from the speakers and shops having 40-70% off sales!! So, it kinda feels like being at home (minus the Pokémon stuff).
Singapore is similarly dressed to kill in Christmas baubles – and having spent many years living here, it feels a bit like my second home. Things are familiar, comfortable. Heading off to Holland Village then down Orchard Road to peruse the shops, I was actually very restrained 😇. As Trap had already been there before and we had done the touristy thing, we just wandered around and decided to pass on the $70+ each Raffles Singapore slings! After checking out the Bugis St Markets and getting my nails done, we visited an iconic local Irish Pub – Muddy Murphys before we moved to the Tanglin Club (courtesy of Ma & Pa’s membership) for the last three nights of our trip. We had a great stay there, wiling the days away in the pool and making friends at the bar. We've been dancing the nights away to live music at the club’s Terrace Bar and even Trap was dragged up by one of the local women. A fantastic way to end the trip. And because I couldn’t get away without another embarrassing video of me dancing, you can check it out below!
As we reflect on what has been a phenomenal experience, I thought I’d highlight a few numbers: We have taken 23 flights, visited 19 countries, travelled over 90,000 kms by plane, train, bus, ferry, car, motorhome, minivan, songthaew, taxi and foot.
We have seen some of the great wonders of the world, visited some of the top global tourist sites, viewed incredible scenery, met some amazing people, eaten some good (and not so good) food and drunk our way through four continents.
It has been both eye-opening and frustrating at times, beautiful, overwhelming, inspirational, exhausting and exhilarating. Knowing what we know now, would we recommend doing it? YES. Would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Lao Tzu.
So, signing off for the final time, adiós, cheers, mar sin leat, slàn, hwyl fawr, au revoir, ciao, αντίο, güle güle, mae alsalama, lā k̀xn, selamat tinggal, zàijiàn, till next time…
J&T xx
“No road is long with good company.” Turkish Proverb
“For walk where we will, we tread upon some story.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
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