Just came back from Malaysia. Had last visited it in 1984. Was a student then. Remember many things:
Gorgeous ornate boats lining the coast at Kota Bharu.
Zipping between rice fields on a scooter and an ornate reclining Buddha.
Our youth and our many excitements - new country, new people, and promise of a new love.
The silk of a chinese jade sea - floating face up - effortlessly.
My first bikini in red batik.
Strange colorful kites, amazing Indian food, many domes of masjids, my first duty free shopping. Bought many chinese silk sarees for family in India.
Went to Malaysia again with my daughter. Headed immediately to Pulau Perhentian Kecil - just off Kota Bharu. Reached by a speed boat - dense jungles framing limpid, dazzling, clear turquoise waters ; could see rocks and corals from above and also large parrot fish. Five days and nights; lots of snorkeling. Shallow turquoise became clear lapis - gold bits floated in and out of colorful reefs, also schools of brilliant fish, sharks, turtles, eels, wall of sword fish - meter long. Water so dense with salt - couldn't dive in - stayed afloat staring at all the wonder within.
I returned - floating and light, stained blue by the sea, and bits of gold in my eyes.
Gorgeous ornate boats lining the coast at Kota Bharu.
Zipping between rice fields on a scooter and an ornate reclining Buddha.
Our youth and our many excitements - new country, new people, and promise of a new love.
The silk of a chinese jade sea - floating face up - effortlessly.
My first bikini in red batik.
Strange colorful kites, amazing Indian food, many domes of masjids, my first duty free shopping. Bought many chinese silk sarees for family in India.
Went to Malaysia again with my daughter. Headed immediately to Pulau Perhentian Kecil - just off Kota Bharu. Reached by a speed boat - dense jungles framing limpid, dazzling, clear turquoise waters ; could see rocks and corals from above and also large parrot fish. Five days and nights; lots of snorkeling. Shallow turquoise became clear lapis - gold bits floated in and out of colorful reefs, also schools of brilliant fish, sharks, turtles, eels, wall of sword fish - meter long. Water so dense with salt - couldn't dive in - stayed afloat staring at all the wonder within.
I returned - floating and light, stained blue by the sea, and bits of gold in my eyes.
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