Penang's guilt-ridden beaches reek of sewage and saltwater. We add to what took away its old world charm. We parasail, boat ride, jet ski and turn back into the hotel. We walk down it's atypical night market, sift through the bobbing blue-and-white beads, we tuck in stir-fried prawns and nasi tossed with fried-egg, chicken bits and chopped veggies. We also sink in George Town, old Chinese houses, cars that ride into ferries and the sparkling Gurney's Plaza.

Genting's tryst with modernity still retains it's natural charm. The skyway looks over lush greenery, as you walk... you glide through clouds...in the morning, the clouds urge you out of bed. A measly theme park opens into a sparkling mall...a classic holiday hotspot for all things young and restless.

Kuala Lampur takes you into a mixed world of the bold and the conservative.. yellow heels meet night-black head scarves. We shop, swim in the icy cold water, use the efficient mono-rail, stare at the queer people that make up the city...and yearn for home.

And, we return. With many stories, bags of nice-smelling shoes, clothes and the bobbing blue beads.

We are home. Back to the real city, with real people. No matter how you look at it, and what it takes out of you...this is home. And, we're back.
Thank God.