April 27th-28th

Cherating is the first place we have stayed at where there are a lot of backpackers and somehow it gives a totally different atmosphere to the place. Most backpackers ignored us anyway as anyone over 40years old is not visible.
We watched a local farmer use a gibbon to climb up his coconut trees to collect his coconuts. As a spectacle it was interesting although we did not really approve of using an animal in this way.
During our time at Cherating we experienced three tropical rain storms which have to be experienced to be believed. However the locals took it all in their stride as it was over as quickly as it started. Our start was delayed this morning by the third downpour but we finally got on the road at 6.30am.
We quickly cycled into Terregganu state, and thus a new Sultanate. Malaysia has the worlds only revolving monarchy. The nine state sultans each take it in turn to be the king for five years.
Today we actually saw two western women cyclists the first foreigners on bikes we have seen.
We are now in Paka having completed 40 plus miles and find we are getting fitter and therefore able to cover these distances more easily than last week. We are staying at a very nice beach resort hotel and have a chalet next to the beach and Jeff has already had a swim but not in his trunks as he left them at the last place we stayed. Actually he accused me of deliberately not packing them as they were a " BLOODY DISGRACE " with too much hanging out if you know what I mean. However he has managed to swim but in his shorts , much more respectable and the women now look at him rather than look away when he was in his skimpy trunks!!!!
Jeff has asked me to tell you all about my breakfast as he feels I must share this with you all (???) As usual we stopped at a hawkers stall of which there are many at the side of the road. I wanted an omelette so I pointed to an egg and asked for it to be cooked. A moment later I was handed a metal cup with very hot water and an egg in it along with a cup and saucer and spoon. Now readers what would you have done with this scenario? Wrong - you like me assumed the egg was already hard boiled and was merely in the hot water to keep warm. After a decent interval I assumed the egg would have been warm enough so I cracked it open. Or rather I started to until I realized it was not cooked. The lady of the stall rushed over and took the egg from my hand and emptied the contents into the cup giving me the teaspoon to eat it with! There were smiles and nods all around the stall as if to say the poor sap did not know how to eat an egg.
We are off to walk along the beach and await our next unexpected adventure in this wonderful place.