Finally A Plan

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We have spent a long time debating our next move - the crossing into Thailand. We have learned a lot from our research of the border area and the deep routed problems that exist. Governments around the world advise not to use the area especially the popular train route from the border at Padang Basar to Hat Yai. In December 2022 there were 2 bombs that killed a number of people.

We have decided that we will take the ocean route via Langkawi to Koh Lipe.  Flying was another option we considered but didn't take us exactly where we really wanted to be.

Most of the day disappeared before we went out to eat. We made it across the road to our friend's restaurant to try chicken chop. 2 plates ordered with pepper sauce and a tomoto sauce, both delicious.

We chatted to our friend, who was joined by his friend's throughout the night. He kindly left the restaurant to take us on a tour of the town and to see the sultan's palace. We couldn't see much beyond the massive gates but we imagined the beautiful building beyond. It was also a chance to have a ride in the Toyota Vellfire. Jet black with a transformer look about it and with arm chairs for seats. Super luxurious!

We returned to the restaurant so he could oversee the night's business. We chatted, more friend's arrives ... we even had a satay cooking lesson and prepared the food for our table!

By 2am again, we had chatted with so many local people. Owners of Petronas petrol stations, construction contractors, computer consultants, radio DJs ... Even the chief of police was at the restaurant!

Lovely people that just keep giving! We returned to our humble hotel with an invitation for lunch and dinner tomorrow, wow! We will never forget the kindness shown to us in Alor Setar.


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