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Gavin (35) I've worked as a computer Engineer since 1993 (oh the domain names I should have registered, back in the day) and looking very much forward to spending a whole year playing and adventuring with Tehya and Hanna.

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Tickets to Bali and Broken cameras!!!!

May 12th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

We have had a relaxing week since arriving here in Penang - on the whole it has been fun and chilled. view from the 60th floor of the Komtar Penang, MalaysiaWe visited the 60th floor of the Komtar to see the amazing views of Penang. We certainly weren’t disappointed with the views (cost 15RM each) but sad to see the dilapidated state of the Komtar tower. We have had various trips to the shopping mall at the Komtar to buy slush puppies, ginger beer and window shop!! Although we did spend a small fortune on three new pillows a few days ago. We have felt driven to distraction by always finding hard and uncomfortable or old smelly pillows at so many guest houses. A few days ago we came across a store that had a 50% reduction on their household goods. The pillows are amazing - we spent a grand total of about 75RM which is about 12 pounds on the pillows and three new pillow cases. We are delighted with them they are incredibly comfortable - and we have decided that they can travel in the board bag with the surf board thus eliminating the issue of carrying them. We are very excited as we have now bought our tickets to Indonesia and fly to Bali on the 20th of May. We went to the Indonesian Consulate today and picked up our application forms for a 60 day visa. Unfortunately they do not accept new applications after 12.00pm so we have had to bring them home and we will take them back to be completed tomorrow.

Tehya drinking her complimentary drink slowly with a very small spoon

On the bad luck side of things we have now broken both of the cameras that we bought away with us. The Olympus that Gavin bought me for my birthday decided that it was no longer water proof after all…… after going snorkeling three times it took on water and stopped working. It is possible to take photos with it the LCD screen does not function so you have no idea if it has focused or even taken a picture of what you wanted until you have plugged it into the laptop!!!!! Our emergency back up camera the unbranded 8 mega pixel decided to drop the button that allows you to take a photo - and is now lost for ever!!!!!!!! We think the heat must of melted the chemical that fixed it into place. So we are now camera less and very annoyed….. so no photos for the foreseeable future. We have been trying to get them fixed but all of the camera shops we have been to so far say it will take four weeks plus to send the Olympus away and get it repaired even with the world wide warranty - 0h and we don’t have a receipt or a warranty stamp…… frustration!!!!!!!
view from the restaurant on the 60th floor of the Komtar Penang, Malaysia

There Are 12 Responses So Far. »

  1. Comment by Terry on 12 May 2008:

    how much will another suitable camera cost,???seams a shame to be continuing your journeys without one,maybe some of us could club together to finance another one,i certainly would donate via paypal,as we enjoy your pics, what say the rest of anybody that reads this,you have my permission to forward this reply to see if we can help.
    i hope your journey to Bali goes well
    bye from terry

  2. Comment by Carol on 12 May 2008:

    Oh what a shame about your cameras. I will contribute as I so look forward to getting your photos. It is completely in my interests to make sure you get a replacement asap.Hope other people will help out. Sure they will. Good investment in the pillows. How are you travelling to Bali? The weather here at present is just wonderful. There is every imaginable type of spring flower in bloom on the cliffs. An array of yellows, blues and pinks. Counted 20 species today at Rinsey. Pretty good surf as well !!! Might even be tempted to get the wetsuit out tomorrow. Just need Tehya to teach me to snorkel. Guess she will when I see her next. Continue having a wonderful time. Can’t tell you how much I miss you. Mum xxx

  3. Comment by Paul & Florence on 13 May 2008:

    Your Nan & I will chip in with Terry and your Mum for another camera. Tell me if there is anyway we can help sending funds or putting in your account.
    Sorry we missed your calls. Been at home every time and in garden all morning. Volume turned to max. and computer on upstairs and downstairs!

    Take care and hope getting your Visa is pain less
    Nan + G/Dad

  4. Comment by becca on 13 May 2008:

    Oh No! Bet Edis broke your camera or has she got a flight back to the UK? (for everyone else reading this Edis is Tehyas bestest imaginary friend who is quite naughty).
    The weather here is so nice at the moment its a shame I’m stuck in a cave of an office missing it all. Doubt very much I could keep up with your tans.
    Tehya looks so cute in her outfits, I hope you get another camera as all i do is show everyone all your pictures.
    Anyway missing you and wishing you the best

    Loads of love sis xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  5. Comment by Terry on 13 May 2008:

    to help towards a new camera i have donated £100 via the paypal account i hope you receive it ok,hopefully some other donations however big or small from others will join me in getting you a new camera ,so come on folks dig deep to help such a worthy cause

  6. Comment by onefix on 15 May 2008:

    Wow!!! Many thanks T your a star. PM sent to your inbox

  7. Comment by Vashti on 16 May 2008:

    Hey Hanna!! Long time no see/hear! Its been 18 years since we last met! Finally picked yr your buzz from friends reunited (I haven’t checked my account for so long….) You look the same and I would spot you anywhere! You look great and Life looks interesting and fulfilling for you! Love the pics and yes, Im sure Tehya is a true vibrant individual just like her mum. I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to meet you all, maybe when you return I could pop down to Cornwall to catch up.

    I went to Malaysia (penang) 2 years ago and I would recommend a visit to Langkawi Island - very rural, stunning scenery, mangroves etc.

    Anyway, have a superb time and take care of yourselves!! I only use the pc at work but I’ll keep checking where you are and what you’re up too when I can.

    love and light
    Vashti xx

  8. Comment by Terry on 20 May 2008:

    bet you are glad you are were you are ,we are i month away from the summer solstice and we are still having frosts in the morning,at least in norfolk they are and other eastern areas cold here as well it was about 3C here this morning,so much for global warming,we could do with some here,i hear your are now in Bali,how was the journey over to there,keep having fun bye from Terry

  9. Comment by Tina on 21 May 2008:

    Hope you have arrived safely in Bali and found somewhere nice to stay. Look forward to your next posting on the website. The mail arriving for you seems to be reducing (thank goodness)will take you 12 months to open it all. We are all ok. I go to Bulgaria on Saturday to see progress on house - looking forward to the break.

  10. Comment by carol on 27 May 2008:

    Hello Gav Han and Tehya,
    The last words Terry wrote on your blog site were “Keep having fun” How typical of him and we must always remember those words. He always wished the best for everyone and especially you three on your adventures. He was so proud of you and followed your travels avidly. He will be sorely missed by many people. Certainly there will be a gap in the blogs now but do what he said and keep having fun and take loads of photos. Love Mum xxx

  11. Comment by becca on 28 May 2008:

    Hi Guys I’m putting a link on this site for you guys to use and every other traveller. Basically it is in response to the recent disasters in Burma and China, the foreign office has set up a useful tool where you can register your name and details before you trip away. This means in the event of a disaster they can quickly find out who is in the vicinity and let friends and family know you’re safe and sound. Which i think is very IMPORTANT so here you go: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/Locate/

    Ilove you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

  12. Comment by Megan and Sal on 3 June 2008:

    Hello Hanna,
    Hope you are all enjoying your travels! We do check your blog from time to time to see how your getting on and it looks great fun, Teyha looks like she’s enjoying herself (little monkey!). Just wanted to say hello and let you know that we’re thinking of you.
    Lots of Love Megs and Sal xxx

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