Shane & Other Primates

The Josh Franco Update
We went to the zoo. We saw monkeys. Monkeys like bananas.

Quick update from Singapore airport courtesy of Free Internet.

We have spent the last couple of days in the big cities of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. They were quite the contrast to Bangkok because it seemed someone actually put some thought into designing them rather than them just happening through a series of unconnected events. It also helps that they had clean and convenient public transport. Singapore's had a bonus rap about courtesy before you get on which scored it major bonus points with me.

So Kuala Lumpur and the Equator Hostel were our first stop. Once we got over the shock of everyone looking a little bit like Shane we managed to go to Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, the world's 4th highest telecommunications tower and a strange, small underground zoo where a monkey aggravated a komodo dragon and a guinea pig lived happily side by side with turtles. We also went to the finals of The Malaysian Open Tennis Championship. Here Tiger Davydenko overcame Tiger Verdasco 6-4 7-5 in what was a really fast paced and competitive match. It really is one of those sports where you have to see it live to understand the speed of thought that is actually required to play at the top level. It was also quite shocking just how much better the singles players were than the doubles players. I think maybe Davydenko could have taken the doubles champs. Another highlight for me was when we saw a B-Boy crew break dancing outside a free Asian pop concert whilst the Asian N-Dubz were onstage. I wanted to battle them but Nic wisely advised me not to as when I embarassed them with my clearly superior moves they might pull a blade or a shooter.

After KL we trained it down to Singapore. We only really had one day in the city but we managed to do a quick tour of China Town (where Nic tried on dresses and I faked interest) and Castle Quay where I fulfilled my life long dream of eating at a Hooters restaurant. It wasn't too sexy (Though there was a waitress paying no interest to tables but instead just hula hooping) and it was 10 SGD for three courses and a drink. Apologies to Germaine Greer and Angela Carter but it was good eating. After this we headed to Singapore Zoo and the attached Night Safari. Even for a child raised on Durrell it was extremely impressive. The pygmy hippos were a favourite for both of us. Too dense to float and unable to swim they kind of tip-toe along the ocean / river floor like fat underwater trotting horse-pigs. The Night Safari was another experience entirely. Set in a different park it involved tram rides and shows with the nocturnal animals. The best part though was just walking around the paths and observing the animals in a more natural habitat. It was amazing the simple change from day to night had on their behaviour allowing them to be less inhibited (though not in a sexy way) and just act almost as if we weren't there watching them.

Today we are flying to Bali. We thought we were flying this morning but apparently the airline had contacted the travel agency in July to tell them the time had changed. This message was not passed to us. Here lies the folly of not phoning to confirm your flights. We have heard about the earthquakes and things in the neighbouring areas but it seems from what we can find on the internet that Bali hasn't been affected too much and should be safe (Don't worry Mum!) and we're looking forward to hitting the beaches again. Two weeks and then it's Australia but I'm sure I'll be hitting you kids up before then.

Be good.

Missing you,

Steve & Nic

xxxx