Internet in the Jungle?

We're in the oldest jungle in the world so the Malays say - Teman Negara. I have to admit it is quite fabulous. We are staying just across the river - somewhat rustic, and yet, there is internet? I wasn't going to update until we returned to KL, but knew my mom would worry so here I am. I'll blame it on her. Anyways, I'll make this short and give you the full scoop upon reaching our final destination (Kuala Lumpur) - sniffle sniffle - tomorrow. All good things must come to an end, and I know we have been quite lucky and blessed beyond all belief to be here!

So back to Teman Negara - yesterday, was somewhat of a wasted travel day. We ended up flying to KL and then taking a series of buses to Jerantut to spend the night. Our room last night cost us each $3.50. That is correct - I must tell you however that it was NO E&O. We went from the top-end to pretty skanky (please scuse my language) - We didn't really sleep last night - We'll add video of the place later... ha ha ha ha - It's good... And then got up bright and early this morning to get a van to this other town (name escapes me) where we caught a boat down the river to get to this park. The boat ride was a little under 3 hours and well worth it. It was fantastic - Jungle everywhere. I kept hearing "in the jungle, the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight" except there aren't lions here - there are tigers however (which are rarely if ever spotted). We got here and stuffed ourselves with more Malay food (soo good) and a chocolate banana icey thing - Yum! We then crossed the river in a boat taxi and entered the park.

From there we did a jungle trek and ended up at this elevated canopy walk. You walk on little planks through the trees - It was awesome - (pictures to come soon). We had a great time. We ended up on another trail but after running into a Singaporian boy scout leader aborted the hike after learning it traveled (for quite some time) to some high peak somewhere... (note to self: next time purchase 3 Ringett trail map)... Anyways, hiked around a bit more and then stopped for a Tiger beer (even though we didn't see one).

Now I am itching to get out of this hot little internet cafe and head back to our little jungle chalet. We'll probably do some kind of night jungle expedition with one of the tour groups or our hotel tonight and tomorrow morning it's off to Kuala Lumpur to soak in the sights before leaving on Friday!!

I would like to add, that I have never met more friendly people than here in Malaysia. The Malays have been so excited to teach us Malay words and tell us about Malaysia and practice their English - moreso than even the Thais and Vietnamese (also very very friendly). Last night at dinner at some roadside shack we got into conversation with a Malay man who wanted to date Condaleeza Rice (??). Apparently he was also a fan of George Bush - I guess it's no crime to be uninformed here :D We just smiled.

All right - Better run. We'll try to get more pics up from KL tomorrow or Thursday. Ciao Ciao!