Epilogue: Singapore-Malaysia

Dang.

It's over. The thing about biking trips I've noticed by now is the pattern: It goes slow the first few days then super fast then

 you're done and closing up shop before you even realize it. Then you're depressed because it's over and you have to go back to your job.

Holly and I were hosting some Warmshowers guests the other day and they asked us "why Malaysia?" I asked myself that, too. It's not a country that you see featured on IG with all the reels. It's still developing. And it's extremely humid. I don't want to be like those loser traveler enthusiasts and influencers that say it's an underrated place to go but it does have it's charm. And while I hate the hose bidets for the most part I did find them handy and missing them when we got back to Japan. They were great for cleaning the Bean's poopy underwear and bum. And since the White Dragon will be at that stage soon, I want a bathroom with both Japanese and southeast Asian bidets. 

My left hand is still quite numb. This is normal after doing biking trips for me, but I think this will last a long time as it seems there is more extensive nerve damage than previous trips. Hopefully by our next trip I will have obtained the coveted butterfly handlebars or something similar. Also, this was the first trip I got blisters on my bums. That was annoying and painful. 

Since the kids are older they would fight a bit over each others toys and I had to occasionally yell at them. Then after I yelled I'd quietly be pedaling and think about how I'm a terrible dad. Biking gives you a chance to think about stuff in real time. 

This trip we had no flats nor broken spokes! Our rebuilt wheels paid off. We only had one flat on the trailer an that was because we let the tire get too thin and it got flat from friction rather than a puncture. So does that count. I give my resounding, "No!"

And the question you're all dying to know, How long did we ride for? We biked exactly 1,100 km or 683 miles, over 17 days. Which was about the distance of our Taiwan trip. Makes you think huh?

I don't know what our next trip is. There are a few factors at play now: (future) kids, school, desire, going back to my mission - Paraguay, We have biking trips in the wood works as always but not firm dates yet.

And like I always disclose for each trip; we spent roughly $3,700. Ironic for being in a 3rd world country. But flights ate up nearly half that cost.

Georgetown II: Day #16 - 17

 We're going to get our money's worth and circle the island for fun before we leave. 

See what I'm saying about Hong Kong?

This was a diamond hidden in the rough. 

I should have known the Japanese did serious war crimes during WW2 in this Southeast Asian country as well.

That bunker went back pretty far.

I'm exploring alone because now there are stairs so Holly took the trailer back to go feed the kids like a good wife. 

I know.

These shells are huge. 

Little organ inside the barracks.

Little biking inspiration. But really, how would riding be back in the Olden Days on very rough roads on uncomfortable frames without any gears?

Some of the barracks from the outside. 

I came back to Holly and the kids with tales from war.

These were nasty.

I saw some from afar but not close up.

Last few action shots before shutting it down.

Look at all those bananas for sale.

We had some decent climbs today with great views!

Look how great Holly is.

This lake was just about the most refreshing thing I've seen in weeks. There's just something about a lake/reservoir that the ocean doesn't quite capture. 

We stopped at a butterfly farm. It was all neat. 

The children loved it.

They like the koi fish.

Joaquim's fluorescent shirt we didn't realize had that ability until under the lights. 

They like to play.

We're staying at a Warmshowers host and he lives in one of the rich sky rises.

They're looking for his evil cat. 

Great host!

See, it's decadent in Georgetown.

One of the previous malls we went to didn't have a working massage chair but this one did!

Man I'm gunna miss these waffles. They're so good. This had pistachio filling, but the Nutella and even plain ol' butter were so good, as well.

Now it's time for the best soft play ever!!! I've been teasing you about it for days.

This was actually pricey but you can stay all day with the option to come and go. We even took showers in the bathroom using the handheld hose bidet. The bathrooms were so spotless and clean that it didn't feel nasty at all.

Jumping on the tramp.

Love these pits to play in and dig.

Fun for adults and kids!

Man I loved it.

Nice full kitchen with loads of toys to play with.

Hungry!

The ball pit was exceptionally deep to actually fully bury yourself in. It also had various throwing games. 

And clothes to dress up the kids! We naturally chose the Chinese costumes because I have Chinese kids thank you very much.

Finally Blogger embeds gifs at least, everything else on this site is so out of date. 

Getting the bikes packed up was a bit of a hassle so we paid Giant to do it then I hauled them across the street so we could play.

We took two Grabs to get to the airport.

Tired kids. And not pictured are the tired parents during the Red Eye flight home to Okinawa. 

Georgetown I: Day #14 - 15

Georgetown is like a mini Hong Kong. Tall buildings and wealthy people unlike the rest of Malaysia outside KL.  I wasn't expecting it to be as built up as it was. In fact it seems to be growing quite fast with plans to build a train in the coming year. We had barely missed the one day a year where you can bike across the bridge. Dang the luck. Also, the traffic and drivers seemed a tad less courteous than we have been experiencing. Plus, loads of expats live here. The worst. 

I'm looking forward to taking a breather. 

We're waiting till the light turns green. Sweetest children.

Just indulge with me in the colorful buildings.

Green mosque!

And a pointy mosque.

2nd best soft play we've found. This even featured huge Lego blocks that I want. 

What is that in the middle? A mix of a hand cart and bicycle?

We barely made it in time!!

The way to get around with the kids on foot.

This Hawkers was so good we ate here two nights in a row.

The Bean likes to put her shoes inside Mama's. Cute little OCD girl.

Made it to church! 

Look at this rich Buddhist temple.

I had to give Domino's a second chance to redeem itself from the lackluster performance we had in KL. This was an improvement from the last but still a disappointment overall. 

Love meeting my heroes irl. Optimus Prime.

Can't forget Bumblebee.

These mosques are getting decadent. 

Between the fence posts you can see the rich tombs of the dead.

We're on our way to the most impressive Buddhist temple ever.

The White Dragon is feeling right at home.

You could use this as one of your IG backgrounds when you're asking/answering silly questions on your Stories. 

Rich.

Confucius said this one.

I love this.

He's in his element.

And people have the audacity to hate religion.

My students were confused why they had swastikas on them.

The Chinese love gold. 

Giant Buddha. 

They like to play.

I love that scrunched up face when she looks at something. 

I want more kids. There I said it.

One of the many gift shops inside. 

Pagodas (center) are my favorite. 

Real monks coming towards us. 

She likes going downhill.

The next dozen pics are at the upside museum. So much fun!

Too much fun!