Dear All,

I have made it to Mersing, on the east coast of Malaysia, and I have found a bed for the night... Omar's Backpacker's Hostel. Oh yes folks, I have arrived. Tomorrow I head to Tioman Island, where I'm staying in a chalet on the beach that sounds a lot like Mocha's place, but the chances are it contains a great deal more ks and hs and in now way resembles a coffee and chocolate confection.

The bus journey was great. Only five hours, and once my heart had returned to my chest (it was in my mouth going across the border) I really enjoyed taking in the sights around. We passed mile after mile of palm oil plantations, jungle, paddy fields, murky looking water, roadside shacks... the contrast with Singapore was stalk and I grew increasingly excited. I was pretty much the only westerner on the bus, so Barbara's waving and photograph taking as I boarded didn't make me look like too much of a loser in front of all the other backpackers. The bus slowed rounding a corner to allow a group of monkeys to scatter off the road, which made a bit of a change from sheep or cows.

Right, signing off for a little while now as I don't think I'll get internet access in Tioman. Will let you all know how it goes.

Love

Pxx