Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Chinese New Year is turning into a frenzy of activity. There are people everywhere. Lots of people in fancy clothing. Pretty chinese lantern decorations are up everywhere. The shops have all closed and everyone is having fun.

We went to breakfast this morning and there were drums beating, symbols smashing, people dancing, dragons dancing, there was a santa like chinese guy with a big black beard handing out red envelopes to people.

Its really good fun.

Early evening today we fly to Bangkok arriving there late evening. We hope to catch some of the festival parties there if we are not too tired.

Last night we stumbled apon a nightclub with a live band. We were drawn in by the funky music and bright lights, quite a contrast to the rainforest. The band were superb, young and fresh with 3 main singers that were all very talented. They were doing covers of popular modern music. We boogied the night away. The club was filled with shy chinese youngsters too afraid to dance. Sitting in small huddles, singing alone and clapping lots. We started dancing with a Chinese guy and all his mates started to laugh at him. But then they gave us free beer! Cool

Tomorrow we climb aboard our last flight and head for home.

This adventure really has been exciting and beautfil. We have been to some really special places. I feel very lucky indeed. And we managed to escape bad weather at a time when there has been plenty.

Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.

Love

Anna and Chris