THE HOLIDAY THAT WASN’T, PART VII
6 MAY, 08.00 HOURS
Up on deck before breakfast to imagine the ship arriving at Pulau Redang Island (distance from Ko Mae Ko: 539.4 km; Duration: 20hour 40 minutes – probably longer in the Star Clipper).
Redang Island is an island in Kuala Nerus District, Terengganu, Malaysia. It is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
In contrast to the neighbouring Perhentian Islands, Redang has a more upmarket image, as almost all accommodation on the island is resort-based. The largest beach is Pasir Panjang on the east side, featuring half a dozen resorts. The beach is covered with soft white sand. Coral and fish can be seen just a few metres from the beach. The other beach resorts are located in Teluk Dalam on the north and Teluk Kalong to the south.
We’ve signed on for a short tour or the island, with a swim afterwards, as usual. I could get used to this life! We’ll probably have lunch somewhere scenic and be back on board mid afternoon as the ship will be sailing early in the evening.
On 6 May 2019, our bus tour headed for Kyoto. We were there for several hours, which gave me time to take the spectacular walkway of bright orange Tori, up to the gardens at the top of the hillside – and take a trip down memory lane…. 1998: Nagano’s Winter Olympic Games. John and I spent a few days there between Zeke’s snowboard giant slalom and Zali’s slalom, which was the second last event of the Games. GS wasn’t Zeke’s strongest discipline but he made a good show of it. Slalom however is Zali’s strongest suit and since she has been getting top results in World Cup we are in a state of nervous anticipation.
I smile as I run my hands over the smooth old wood of the orange columns, remembering that amazing time. I am content to be in Kyoto again and continue to relive that earlier time over a bowl of noodles and some Japanese beer.