I’ll admit there’s not much up there at the moment, but sometime soon I’ll sit down and go through the masses of photos I’ve got sat here on my laptop hard drive and upload some more.

Robert.

**UPDATE**

I’ve added a flickr link to the sidebar of the site too, just to make it official.

Recently there’s been a spate of vandalism on the island targeted specifically at the president. Huge political billboards sporting his face have had a few alterations made to them. Childish stuff, like adding a pair of comedy glasses and moustache. I managed to snap a picture of one just down the road from me yesterday.

**PHOTO REMOVED BY REQUEST**

Something tells me Mr. Panay isn’t going to like this at all.

(Edit – Looks like I was right)

From what I can gather it’s causing quite the problem,  as no one seems to really know how to dispose of the thing. Personally, I think it’s a pretty safe bet it’ll still be there in the two or three months, just rotting. Either that or they’ll try this old approach. It really wouldn’t surprise me.

Robert.

Back from my little holiday getaway, refreshed and re-energised. I think I’m really getting the hang of things now and am far better at dealing with local life now that i’ve picked up a little more of the native language. I’ve bought myself a car – a clapped out old Hamaya Oldman.  Here’s the old fella:

It’s not much, but starts most times I turn the key and has already taken me on several decent journeys. Now I can finally start to explore the island further and maybe even head into the areas that taxi drivers won’t take me. I’ve been warned to be careful on the roads though, as the military don’t take too kindly to foreigners, and it’s not uncommon to be stopped whilst driving and searched. I figure I’ve got nothing to hide though, so as long as I keep my wits about me, I should be fine.

Robert.

Happy Christmas everyone!

Robert.

I’ve been thinking a little more again about purchasing a car. I met a guy in a bar last night who gave me his number as he’s a little Hamaya for sale, so I might give him a look up. It sounded like a decent enough deal for what I’m after and would give me the chance to get away North for the holidays… Right now i’m figuring just being in a colder area might make me feel a little more in sync with the world i’m used to.

Ho hum. Thinking of you all back home.

Robert.

Currently reading:

When You Are Engulfed In Flames – David Sedaris

The Culture of Control – David Garland

Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson (Thanks Sophie!)

Finding anything else printed in English in this place is a near impossible task.

Robert.

Yesterday I managed just that. If anything it was a welcome break from the glaring heat and dusty roads/beaches/apartments I’ve been surrounded by over the past two months. So I decided to take a bus (a bad move I can tell you) and a long ride to the other side of the island for a couple of days ski-ing at the resort.

First of all, I’m sure ski-ing with others is far more enjoyable than doing it by yourself, especially if you’ve never done it before. The views were nothing short of spectacular. On the right day you can see the whole of Panau from up in the mountains thanks to the thin air and it’s breathtaking.

I’ve taken plenty of photos during my stay, I’ll look into setting up some way of sharing them online soon.

Robert.

To the North-East you’ve the Berawan Besar Mountains where it snows without fail and without remorse. Naturally, this area pays host to Panau’s premier ski-resort and several pistes. Go further south however (and really only a couple of hours away by car) and you’ve got the most unforgiving of desert plains – you could easily forget you were on same island! All this and surrounded by the most unspoilt and beautiful beaches and greeny-blue sea make Panau a miniature island paradise.

That is, until the rain comes. And it chooses to do so regularly without warning. Freak storms are common place on Panau – especially in the North-West – and while they never really last all that long, when they hit they hit hard. It’s not uncommon to see the locals wandering around town in colurfull shirts and shorts, with a umbrella safely tucked under the arm in the blazing sun.

For the most part, though this is totally bearable and I’ve stopped trying to avoid getting wet now. When it comes, you’ve just got to accept it and dive in… knowing that in a few minutes you’ll be dry again.

Robert.

There’s not a lot to choose from here, with most locals opting for a bowl of Char kway teow or ‘Rice-cake strips’ for pretty much any snack or meal. So for lack of anything else (anything else that looks remotely edible, that is) that’s exactly what I’ve been eating. It’s basically noodle stir-fry with prawns and cockles, chilli and depending on where you go… sometimes an egg.

Aside from that it’s just strange branded ‘only on Panau’ goods found in the supermarkets. I swear I saw a vending machine the other day selling the well known “1337 Chips”!

So if you’re thinking of getting away, with fine cuisine in mind, you might want to reconsider venturing to Panau.

Robert.