(Matt used a picture similar to the one I was going to use, so I thought this pic showing I’m not the only one with big hair would be a good alternative )

We both really like it here on Pulau Perhentian Kecil (pulau=island, kecil=small).  Our little “chalet” is set on a hill back from the beach, slightly sheltered from the blustery winds by trees and the other buildings.  The room is basic but fits our basic needs with electricity throughout the evening, a mozzie net, bed, fan, and an attached cold water bathroom.  Perhaps the best part is our little balcony from which we can enjoy the passing breeze, floating butterflies, birds, jittery squirrels, and the occasional monitor lizard.  Our cabin:

Like I mentioned before, it gets a little windy here, and off of Long Beach (the side of the island where we are staying) there are huge waves rolling in all day with the passing weather systems, and it usually rains a little in the afternoon or evening.  Because of the waves, Matt has to walk across to the calmer side of the island where the dive shops are actually open.  While Matt spends his time learning to dive, I’ve been doing a variety of things from trip planning (KL, HCMC, Hanoi, Singapore), laundry, and, mostly, hanging out at the beach.  One of the more interesting things I did was help out with a beach clean-up.  The majority of the garbage seemed to be Styrofoam and plastic and glass bottles, however there were also more lightbulbs, single shoes, and syringes than I had expected to find.  The most unusual* find of the day was a plastic cup that had filled with water (the plastic covering over the top seemed to be intact except for a small hole) and containing a small crab and a fish!  They must have been n there for a while because I don’t know how else they would have been able to get inside except for if they were smaller.  Anyways, Perhentian has been really great, and really beautiful.  Hopefully I will be able to get through the ride back without panicking too much.

 

*wow.  Three “u”s.  are there many other words that have that many “u”s?