Wednesday 11th August 2004 - Day 332/365 - George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Listened to the Malaysian house band completely obliterate 'We've only just begun' by The Carpenters. Those who were at the Officers Mess, Keogh Barracks on the 29th May 1999 will realize the significance of the song. Despite it all I still love the song. I think it has some of the best, most poignant lyrics. This version however was so bad that Dad had to take his hearing aids out.

We've only just begun to live
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way
We've only just begun

Before the rising sun we fly
So many roads to choose
We start our walking
And learn to run
And yes!
We've only just begun

(*) Sharin' horizons that are new to us
Watchin' the signs along the way
Talkin' it over just the two of us
Workin' together day to day, together

(**) And when the evening comes we smile
So much of life ahead
We'll find a place where there's room to grow
And yes!
We've only just begun

Repeat (*)

Repeat (**)



I think I've missed a trick with Malaysia. I find it dirty and smelly and all together rather unpleasant. The food, for the most part, I wouldn't even feed to a dog I hated, mainly because he'd be eating himself. The food that appears edible, on closer inspection is gammy cuts of meat, origin unknown. No wonder they are all skinny as rakes. I guess we're spoilt in the western world.

I don't find it any cheaper than anywhere else, unless, of course, malay labour has been used.