Sunday 25 January 2015

Time to head for the hills

It was time to head for the hills.

I left the glorious mayhem of Penang and spent three days in Ipoh. The city is surrounded by steep-sided hills, and temples hide in the caves. Huge gold Buddhas sit alongside Chinese gods. Thai gods are next to Hindu shrines. And I went from cave to cave, understanding little but marvelling at the colours that can shine in these dark places.

Then - two days in Cameron Highlands. I've been there before and so knew what to expect, though the town is better organised for its tourists now, with plenty of well-signed walking trails. But I took a tour - I needed a guide through the slipperiness of the mossy forest, named because it is so old and the trees so gnarled and covered with moss. The trees echoed with the chorus of monkeys from across the valley; and there was a damp smell from the moss and the mud and the trees.

But it's all been very active, and I need a few quiet days. So I've made it to Fraser's Hill - the journey was an event in itself. The narrow road winds uphill for mile after mile, the forest dense on each side, with occasional surprises like mudslides from the recent rains and temporary bridges that rattle as you cross them.

And now I'm here - in the clouds. There was a view from my balcony when I arrived, across a golf course and the valley beyond. But soon I could see nothing but ghostly trees. A growl of a car was muffled by mist. A solitary bird twittered. It was blissfully quiet - a lull before the deluge. Rain hammered on leaves and tarmac and tin roofs. The rain stopped. Night fell; I fell asleep to a chorus of rattling tree frogs, scratching insects, the cry of a solitary animal. I woke to bird song.

I have five days here. I shall walk - there are trails here, too. I shall look at birds, with little idea what I'm looking at but hey ho, the world is a better place for having birds in it. I shall read.

I shall gather myself for the pandemonium of Kuala Lumpur.

10 comments:

  1. It all seems so peaceful Jo. I'm looking at the map trying to find out where you are.

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    1. You'll have fun finding me, Anne - this is a small place, about 100Km north of Kuala Lumpur.

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  2. You are taking lots of pictures for us to rekindle our envy??? Please.

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    1. There will be plenty of pictures when I get home, promise!

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  3. I think I'd like a little of that tranquility right now. Enjoy x

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  4. I'm wafting tranquility westwards as best I can, Ros.

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  5. I so admire how your words can transport us to where you are, and can make us see and hear your surroundings. But I am REALLY looking forward to seeing those pictures! (LOTS of 'em!)

    Enjoy your glorious respite in the clouds.

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  6. I can't wait to read your post about KL. I have been there twice and IT IS MANIC! On the other hand your surroundings now (at the time of writing) sound peaceful and beautiful. Thanks for your latest comment. I have Americanah in my to-read list. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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