Back on the road!

We're all hot and sticky and tired and loaded with our buys.

Our first stop after leaving the house was an herb garden, where we got to see durians and jambus and bananas in their "natural habitat".

My stupid camera batteries went dead and it took a long time for me to remember that my phone has a camera function too. :P

After the herbs, we visited a coconut handicraft workshop, where an array of objects were being fashioned out of coconut shells. I bought a single coconut rose and was crazy enough to buy a coconut pot full of bright yellow coconut sunflowers.

I wonder how I'll get them to Singapore safely.

Next, the bus took us to where colourful snacks and wooden ornaments were being sold. Outside, we were treated to a song and dance item by a band. After the song, all 20 of us joined the young dancers and tried to mimic their moves (with varying amounts of success).

Then a large rectangular table was brought out and we got to watch traditional top-spinning demonstrations. Some tried their hand at top-spinning - mostly we had to dodge flying tops.

Lastly, the "highlight" of our trip: everyone packed into the back of two unique modified "lorries".

As bright red dragonflies danced in the humid air, we rode through pineapple and banana plantations - whilst the sun remained as merciless as ever.

Finally we alighted at another house, where a band was playing popular Malay songs. They played throughout our meal of mee bandung, which seemed to me like a mixture of mee siam and mee rebus.

The sun was shining right on my back, so I was glad when we all got up and went into the shade to watch bahulu (which look and taste like kueh bulu) being prepared the traditional way - on burning coconut husks.

Then a representative from each country had to give a short thank-you speech (I hid behind one of the many Malaysia flags hanging around). After that we were presented with goodie bags containing a packet of snacks and a model wooden drum-cum-pen holder.

And now...another three-hour ride awaits us. Like half the bus is asleep already. The list of cultural performances (for our last day here) was passed around just now. Singapore is going to sing! Probably Singapura, if I can remember the lyrics...

Singapura, oh Singapura,
Sunny island set in the sea.
Singapura, oh Singapura,
Pretty flowers bloom for you and me.
Come along join the song in merry singing,
Blend our voices,
Join in the chorus!
Singapura, oh Singapura,
Pretty flowers bloom for you and me.