At the yoga centre we are expected to work five days a week and today was my first day off. Whenever I have been out walking I had seen signposts for an archaeological museum just 5 miles down the road and as the communal bike has just been repaired it seemed an ideal time to visit the museum and enjoy a bike ride. The meeting after breakfast dragged on a bit but about 9.30 I was away with the early morning sun bright but not yet too hot. After 4 miles or so I hadn't seen any more signposts so called in to what turned out to be a police training centre and asked the way. An extremely courteous young man was very helpful with directions and then wanted to talk about the poor result of the English football team in the recent championships which lead to discussions on the differences between Malaysia and England and how long was I here for etc etc. After fifteen minutes or so we 9shook hands and I was off again with virtually every third vehicle coming from the other direction hooting or waving or calling out greetings which tends to put a smile on your face which probably encourages other vehicle drivers to respond etc etc. As instructed by the policeman I soon saw the signpost on the right but decided a cup of local coffee was called for which was a bit disappointing as the Chinese owner served black rather than the white which is with condensed milk and extremely good. I watched the world go by and then continued. One of the things I have always liked about travelling in remote places in foreign lands is the interesting traditions which go on which you might not see in the more tourist areas and today it was the fruits on a tree wrapped in newspaper (see photo below) I concluded it was to protect the fruit from birds in thr early stages. I arrived at the museum (which was free) and apeared to be the only visitor there. The museum itself was really interesting but what was even more interesting was the reconstruction of 6th century Hindu temples which had been discovered on.this site. As I hope the photos will show it was all very beautiful and with the sounds of the water falling down the rocks, the birds singing and the circadia's holding fourth in their thousands it must have been a very tranquil place to pray and meditate.
I left at half twelve but then called into a small place selling honey made from bees which don't sting and after a free tasting bought a 250 g jar for £10 which is very expensive but if every health benefit that the proprietor mentions turns out to be true I will live to be a hundred and never another illness so it will be a good investment!!
I continued on and came to the corner where I had my morning coffee and saw a chap waving me over so as I.needed lunch anyway I decided to go over and join him. I think he was Indian but as he didn't speak a word of English and I have only just mastered selamat datang (welcome) our conversation was going to be a bit limited, however when he heard.me order noodles he pulled a face and suggested by gestures that I should have what he was eating which I agreed to as it looked very good and turned out to be bulgur wheat mixed with wok fried.small pieces of pork, prawns and vegetables topped with a garnish of finely chopped chives and accompanied with a small bowl of green chillies onto which you poured a little soy sauce. It was absolutely delicious and with a cup of tea which unfortunately had been made with condensed milk the bill came to £1.20 so I wasn't going to complain. I cycled home feeling very content but stopped off at a roadside stall and bought a kilo of Mangoesteens mentioned in a previous post ... If you ever get the chance try them you will not be disappointed!
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