Day 57 April 8th (Wednesday)
We docked at Port Kelong, Malaysia at 7am . (On the shores of the Strait of Mallaca)
We had to get up early so we could have a bite to eat before we disembarked for our tour of Kuala Lumpur (means muddy estuary). It was very interesting to experience the procedure for getting off the ship and the buses were waiting. The tour guide spoke very good English and was part comedian. He knew his history so offered lots of info for us.
Our first stop was in front of the Palace of the King of Malaysa where it is guarded similiar to Buckingham Palace. Malaysia was born after gaining independance from England in 1957 but it took until 1963 for the 13 States to become the country it is today. Nine of the states have sultans and every 5 years a King similiar to the Queen is picked to rule. At the end of the 5 years another sultan is picked but the Prime Minister rules the country much like the British System.
Kuala Lumpur was rich in tin and is still rich in rubber. They use the palms for palm oil for cosmetics, wine and numerous sundries.
The currency here is the ringgit sometimes called the Malaysian Dollar (MYR) and there are 100 sen to the ringgit .
We then stopped at the National Museum and unfortunately we only had 30 minutes to explore this place (this is never enough time for me as I like to read everything). However our guide took us through it pointing the most interesting points which was very interesting.
We also stopped in front of the National Mosque for a photo shoot. Across the street was the building housing the R.R. offices. And across from that was the old railway station. From here we went to the Central Market which was very busy, well organized, clean and packed full of great treasures. We tried to barter for a shawl but it was still too steep. We were both hungry so we had a bit to eat and the carrot cake was delicious. From here we went to Chinatown and unfortunately for us it didn't hold a candle to the one in Singapore. However we managed to get a new suitcase as one of ours was broken. We bartered and as long as it gets us home that is all I care about (it will probably last forever). There was a lot of junk at this place and people were following you or stepping out in front of you wanting you to buy something . We spent a half an hour here and it was too long for us and it was very hot. We finally found the bus and then stopped at Independence Square. The original was destroyed by fire and had to be rebuilt to look like the original. There is a cricket field in front of the bldgs.
It was after 1:30pm before we got to the restaurant and it was a good thing we had stopped before as we just could not eat the food. It seemed that everything was either deep fried or swimming in sauces.
After lunch we stopped to view the Petronas Towers which were built on the old race track turf comprising of 100 acres of prime land. We finally headed back to the ship as we were tired and hot. Once back at the ship we were given ice cold towels and a drink of cold water. Then we had to go through security and a scanner in order to board the ship. Had to do laundry so it was a late dinner and early to bed.

Day 58 April 9th (Thursday)
We anchored at Penang, Malaysia on time. There had been a violent thunder storm that woke me early this morning and the clap of thunder rattled our window. We had to turn our clocks back one hour so we didn't have to rush (there is 2 and 1/2 hours difference in time so we are doing it in incriments). It appears that it has stopped raining and our tour doesn't go until this afternoon.
It is a good job that I looked at our tickets as we had to get the tender over to the mainland to start our tour. Consequently we didn't get any lunch as we had to leave immediately . It has been raining off and on all day. The buses were waiting and we drove through George Town toward the Botanical Gardens and I was hoping that we didn't have to tour them in the rain. However we were just looking for the Macabres (Rhesus) monkeys and we saw one but it wasn't at the gardens. We went to the Batik Factory to see how the cotton and silks are painted. The fabrics are stamped with a wax edge so the colours don't run and after many processes the fabrics are ready to be made into clothing. It was very interesting but once again I didn't buy anything.
We went to the wet market (the fish are still alive in the water and not frozen) and it has stopped raining. We neede something to eat so we got a couple of bananas and oranges and devoured them on the spot. The market was clean with lovely fruits and vegetables.
Back on the bus and we then headed to a clan village of several generations of the Chew family. The houses were on stilts and built longways with a little temple for praying as you walked in the door. Here the government does not help the people as if they don't work they don't eat . We noticed that there were TV's so they have some money. In this state there is a Governor and not a sultan. This was really an interesting place to visit and the stories about the clans are varied and intriguing.
We then drove to Fort Cormwallis for a photo op. All the bldgs that were built by the British and now are part of the Heritage Trust so can't be changed, sold or torn down and also built by slave labour.
We got the tender back to the ship and went through security again to get back on board. This is the only sto that we are anchored. Had to have a snack just to tied us over. After dinner we spent a quiet evening.   

Day 59 April 10th (Good Friday)
Had to turn the clocks back an hour so we were well rested from yesterday.
We are at sea and once we got into the Indian Ocean we experienced some rough water. The ship was really rocking. Inclement weather.

Day 60 April 11th (Saturday)
Turned the clock back 30 minutes again and we are still at sea. The seas are still very rough and Eric has a full blown cold.
Inclement weather.

Day 61 April 12th (Easter Sunday)
We are still at sea and the seas are not quite so rough. The ship has developed engine trouble according to the captain thus slowing down and this will delay our arrival into Cochin, India.
We had a swim today in the salt water pool and Eric still feels awful so has spent most of the day sleeping.  

PS, I'm much better as this portion is sent, BUT guess who's not feeling the best now