Off to Malaysia

We spent the last few days in the south of Thailand, on Koh Lanta. The island below Krabi lies in the Adaman Sea in the Indian Ocean and is predominantly populated by Muslims. Tourism only takes place here sporadically, so things are mostly quiet and gentle. The last snorkeling trip was really exciting again because we of course swam in the direction where no one else wanted to go, completely underestimated the current and, so to speak, reached the boat with the last of our strength. Of course there were beautiful fish too, but unfortunately it has been far too warm for the corals here for some time.

It was more relaxing to meet a very cheerful family from Germany on the small beach who had just come from Malaysia and gave us lots of tips. They had no more cash and we had far too much shortly before leaving the country, so we quickly exchanged money for contact details and found that even we fully comprehensive insurance freaks can trust. Yes, of course Katrin from former Dresden transferred the money to us. Trust is great, everything else makes no sense. I think we're starting to believe that if we just do nonsense in the world, we'll be reborn as earthworms. We try hard, it should be a butterfly after all.

For us these are the last days in Thailand because our visa is expiring. As Germans, we hardly know the feeling of asking for an entry permit in a country or of leaving when the visa expires. We are used to being able to move freely and being welcome everywhere. We have learned to really appreciate this luxury. To be mobile in Southeast Asia, you have to keep an eye on the formalities as well as the rainy seasons.

Now we're moving on to Malaysia, where we want to meet family later (Huhu). Our first stop is the city of Alor Setar in the very northwest of Malaysia, where we wait for the ferry to Langkawi and are really surprised: street art, a loving tour of the mosque, delicious food and sooo friendly people.

Country number 5 in Southeast Asia promises to be good...

Kathleen