After our godawful dinner last night, we were pleased this morning to find a shack down by the bus station which had some unpromising looking trays of curried fish heads and the like which, when you lifted the lid, smelled delicious. And proved so to be: a nice plate of rice, chicken and veg, enough for both of us, with coffee and tea, and all for the grand total of eight ringits – about £1.30.
Then off to the terminal to catch the Langkawi ferry, along with several hundred Malays. At the top of the gangplank we were directed to the below decks compartment – a grim, tightly packed hold, with small portholes about every five or six rows of seats, with no legroom and a pervading sense of menace. Stupid really – what was likely to go wrong. But you couldn’t help wondering what you could do if… (answer, nothing).
Now we’ve arrived at our hotel – basic, but clean, and fine, and with a very nice man to run it – and gone out for a walk on the beach. Which looks nice. But unfortunately comes complete with a big lump of rock sticking out of the sand, on which V’s managed to stub her toe. Blood everywhere!
Oh well, back to the hotel, which fortunately comes equipped with a nice verandah with comfy padded chairs, where we’re watching the world go by while waiting for our Thai restaurant table, booked for 7.30. Ginger beef and chicken with cashews – my mouth is watering already. And V’s just reminded me this is a duty free island, so affordable beer is also back on the menu – huzzah!