Monday, 26 June 2017

Day 1- The Island

So after the fireworks and chanting finished about 11pm last night, I got a great night sleep. Woke up about 5 am but that was probably due to my body clock being out of sync after the flights. I got showered and packed and at around 9 there was a knock at my door inviting me for breakfast. The family that run the inn, invited all their families and friends round for food to celebrate the end of Ramadan.  Everyone was so friendly towards me. Never did I think I'd have squid for breakfast but it was good. I kept getting offered different food that all tasted amazing. Malaysian satay chicken trumps any satay chicken I've had before. A few members of the family wanted photos with me and they liked my grandad shirt as they said I fitted in with the traditional style clothing. One younger lad had been to the UK he studied Mechanical engineering at Glasgow university. I told him I studied at Plymouth he knew where it was but he thought it was pronounced very differently. I really enjoyed my stay at Sofea Travel Inn and look forward to returning. They sorted me out a taxi to take me to the Jetty at 10 which arrived on time. One thing I must say about the Malaysian people they appreciate what they have. Anyway while in the taxi, I saw lots of mixed housing mainly basic hut like buildings but some more modern stone buildings. As we drove I saw many cows and other farm animals. Looking closer l saw many were attached to ropes in these fields. The cows had rings in their noses and rope attached to that. The taxi was nice and air conditioned and the driver and his family in the front were very friendly. Lots of little mosques could be seen as we drove to Kuala Besut. As we got closer, off to my left I could see the islands. I got dropped off and walked towards the sea. I saw what I thought was the company I would get the boat with "Safe Park parking" and thought that was it. I mentioned ecoteer and the guy said I was in the wrong place. He said he would take me and went round a corner and pulled out a mo-ped. He got on and told me to pass him my 18.5kg hold luggage and he put it on his lap. He then told me to get on the back with my rucksack. Was amazed the mo-ped was still rideable. He dropped me off at the correct office and I went in to get my boat ticket. I had about a half hour wait then I got on the boat. It was so cool, bouncing cross the sea. It was about an hour journey and when I arrived at the Jetty I was greeted by Maisy. Maisy was also a volunteer coordinator who had been here since March. She had graduated and worked on  several different turtle projects. I was taken into the village to see where I would be staying and got reunited with Dan. I was introduced to everyone else, they were really friendly. I dumped my stuff and settled in. Me and Dan then went down to the beach to get some lunch.  There was lots of cafe type food places all together and we ordered food at one on the end. We both had sweet and sour chicken with rice. It was different to what I get at home but still good. After dinner Dan showed me where the shops were and then I went to test how good the sea water was. It did not disappoint, was like walking into a warm bath. We headed back up to the house and there was an issue with one of the volunteers. Her flight was late and during her connection to Kota Bharu her luggage went missing. Maisy sorted her out and the lost volunteer came to the island and her luggage was going to arrive later this week. At 4:00pm we went out with the Community project so I can learn Water Safety and Awareness. Basically I was taught what I needed to do when I check new volunteers can swim and snorkel confidently and how to wear a life jacket. We went for a swim then headed to the Jetty for a Jetty jump. This was the initiation, a group jump off the Jetty.  It turned out two of the volunteers at the community project were from Plymouth. We headed back to the house and we chilled there for a bit, before I headed out with my camera. I got a few shots down by the Jetty then headed back as I knew dinner was almost ready. Dinner consisted of noodles with vegetables and eggs. At first I was sceptical but it wasn't too bad. After dinner I had my welcome presentation and we watched a movie and went to bed. Successful first day on the island.

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