This is it. Don't get scared now.: Crossing the mountain pass to Taiping: Day #12

A few themes going on right now. The point of no return. Or cool George Bush's book: Decision Points.

Our goal when we started this trip was to go as far north as we could - hopefully to the border of Thailand. That area of the country is more mountainous and looked fun. But I also wanted to make it to church on Sunday. That left us with a tight window of 2 days to ride to the border and make it to Georgetown covering more distance than usual with hard terrain and we had rain in the forecast.

Long story short, we axed our plans to go to Thailand and chose an enjoyable, easier ride. Looking back, if we hadn't done the rest day in Singapore, or taken and extra day in KL, or just rode a bit more at the beginning of our trip we could have easily done it. Now I'm mad.

This used to be a water tower for the city but they decorated it up after it started to tilt.

Crossing a muddy river.

Holly had been wanting to eat some roti for days and we finally stopped at a shop that sold them on the side of the road. Very dense tortillas. They were all good.

One of the less desirable places to stop for lunch. Since it was New Year's Day a lot of places were closed and timing was just right where we couldn't find a park so we ate our lunch on the curb and later a laundromat.

Look at the Asian boy. He's the best ever.

This place was all neat. If you're in Ipoh go here.

Built (but unfinished) over 100 years ago by a British person with the last name of Kellie who was doing business in Malaysia.

He planned to construct an elevator in it for all 4 floors. It would have been Malaysia's first elevator.

I wish our exhibits in the States granted such freedom. But crooked lawyers and people who granted them power have ruined everything.

They like to play.

One of the many secret stair cases.

The Malaysian flag almost looks like an American one.

It rained on us right before we got here that gave everything a shimmering look.

See you can walk out to the edge without a care in the world.

Those mountains were calling my name!! That's what we were missing out since we changed plans. I have to come back here.

KFC!

Few mementos to remember our experience.

Nice sunrise greeted us this morning.

Finally a decent, clear river!

Almost every sign says awas which means danger. There was never any danger on the trip though.

Holly got us breakfast. Yum!

While stopping at the gas station we were swarmed with people asking us questions about our ride. This guy gave us durian and that other little yellow fruit in the yellow bag. It reminded me of lychee.

They love their eggs.

He likes to look.

A nice park under the largest tree in the whole world.

Relaxing.

Another decadent mezzanine to tempt us with. See how neat it is?

Our first real mountain pass. And right before this I got soaked by a truck that passed by at the opportune moment when there was a large puddle next to me. The water was so warm.