The excursion at Koto Kinabalu first visited a zoo, which,
whilst not up to the standard of, say, Chester Zoo, exceeded (admittedly low)
expectations. TSH and Diva saw tigers, sun bears, elephants, orangutans and
proboscis monkeys. The second call was to the Sabah Heritage museum, which is
in part an outdoor museum with reconstructed traditional houses. There were
demonstrations of a traditional bamboo pipe instrument (which sounded a bit
like Scottish or Irish folk music) and of a blowpipe, which is presumably a
traditional weapon. An excellent excursion.
Both locations were also visited by many groups of local
young people. If anybody thinks that putting the young women in headscarves
they will become demure, they have got it all wrong. They are extremely polite
and pleasant but they are willing to approach any stranger, male or female, for
a friendly chat. TSH and Diva had their photo taken by one young woman, whilst
her friend posed with them.
KK looks much more developed than the last time TSH and Diva
visited. There are lots of new buildings, new roads under construction and
fewer of the ‘huts on stilts’ houses. There was an impressive welcoming party
on the pier, with drums, dancing and necklaces.
The replacement port for Manila is Subic Bay but it is not
clear that there are any appealing excursions, even though Silver Shadow will
be there for 1 ½ days. Some of the crew have been able to divert their friends
and family to Subic Bay but for others it is too far. But there is now general
excitement about visiting their home country.
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