Spent new years with a group of locals that we met. Fireworks at a Wild Wild West theme park. Probably the strangest new year’s I have ever had.

When we arrived in Malacca after a hot ride we were told be another local that the noodles down the road from our hotel were great. He was correct. Four bowls later we were all stuffed.

This morning we woke up to the sound of our air conditioner going full force and cars racing by on the street below our hotel room. We woke up thinking we had a pretty easy day to look forward to. We packed up quickly and headed out for a 5 km ride to the local train station in Kulai. When we arrived, we were asked if our bikes folded up? I explained that they did but not easily. The train master said “fold them up or no ride the train”. We spent a quick 30 minutes dismantling the bikes into three awkward pieces each, 8 panniers and a bag of bottles. This created quite a scene at the small train platform. Lots of locals were gathering to watch the crazy westerners.

When the train arrived it was action stations. The 4 of us and three train attendants madly trying to get all of our stuff on the train.  We got it all on but we filled up one of the door wells so nobody could use that exit. The other passengers on the train did not seem to mind.  The trip was uneventful except that in the chaos I had not been able to have my morning coffee. I had been thinking about giving up coffee during this trip so I just went with it. The headache was not so bad but I did want to scream at Allister on about 3 occasions.Totally my overreaction to him being perfect. 

When the train arrived at Tampin, we unloaded all of our stuff onto the platform. It was quite easy putting the bikes back together on the platform and before we knew it we were on our way again.

When we arrived at the area that our accommodation was in we realised that our map was not detailed enough to find the house we needed. Allister was happy to just cycle around until he stumbled across it but I decided to ask a local. Luckily we met some really nice ladies who walked us to our house. They have invited us out tonight to see the fire works with them but it will be very late and the boys are already arguing so I am not sure if they will go. Allister seems keen but he will be asleep on the couch by 7pm.

Easy 30km ride to Malacca tomorrow with the plan to stay two nights.

Today we decided to go to the Artscience museum to see the Escher’s World of Wonder. The boys really enjoyed the interactive displays. Science class covered for the week. 

Bazaar Christmas moment on Jetstar. Hosties handed out Christmas hats and grey balloons.  We have flown on Christmas day many times.  This has never happened before.  

I wanted this trip to be a bonding experience that would strengthen us as a family. Clearing out 12 years of junk and cleaning up the house has already been a bonding experience. There was some raised voices and nashing of teeth but in the end we all worked well together.  

I would like to give a hugh thankyou to the peolpe who turned up at the last minute to help. Belinda who brought her ute, Jules who lifted heavy stuff with Allister, James who helped with tip shop stuff, Nanny M who roasted pork, Keir who cleaned my dishes, Marnie who made me laugh just when I needed it and Maz for absolutely everything. 

One and a half bikes packed and ready to go.

Our cycling friends having a coffee after a morning ride. Great group of people. Thanks for all of your support and advice. 

I have had a few people asking me about the bikes. Here is a picture of them resting after a big ride in Bali.  They were made by Bike Friday and they are designed for travelling. The seat and handlebar posts are telescopic and the frame can be broken down into three parts for ease of packing. The 20 inch wheels and low bike frame create an overall, low centre of gravity. This results in the bike being very stable, especially when they are fully loaded with panniers.