Addendum; the post post-conference tour for Jenny, Anne, Jane, Dianne and Kerryn

When we all went our various ways this group set off for Langkawi after a day of lazing around at the Walawwa.
With only a few hours sleep on the plane we did a whirlwind tour of Singapore as I had never set foot outside the Airport.

First stop was Raffles for a  drink at the Long Bar - no Singapore Slings for us, but every other tourist in town seemed to be drinking them.

We were treated to an unexpected dragon dance when a new business opened nearby. Two white dragons accompanied by very loud drummers announced the opening of a restaurant. A wander around the shops ( where a Crumpler store was spotted) before heading to the Mandarin Hotel,  Chatterbox restaurant known for its chicken rice. Absolutely delicious.  Kerryn and I attempted to keep ourselves awake with an iced coffee - the first coffee for weeks! -but it was a futile attempt as we all dozed off in the taxi to the airport, much to the amusement of the taxidriver.

After just over an hour of flying we landed in Langkawi, Malaysia and were soon ensconced at Bon Ton Heritage Resort.  

This is no ordinary resort hotel - the villas are traditional wooden houses which were transported to this site when they were at risk of being  demolished. No two are the same and they are constructed entirely of wooden panels, some intricately carved, and have palm fronds for rooves.  They have been fitted out with all mod cons, although our air conditioner gave up the ghost when two geckos crawled inside! Our shower water simply runs through the gaps in the wooden floorboards and on to the ground below.

The food is some of the best on the island and we have enjoyed far too much of it. Superb local dishes such as Laksa, lobster and Nasi Lemak , have been complemented by fabulous desserts, and an interesting array of complimentary cocktails eg crushed strawberries,  vodka, chili, basil, soda and lime. Our favorite was the frozen  Lime Margaritas. Heaven!

Breakfast is delivered to the villa and stored in the fridge so we can have it at our leisure on our verandah. It includes a plate of cake: yesterday we had honey joys and rice bubble and peanut slice - not so surprising as one of the owners is an Australian!

As I am writing this sitting on a lounge bed by the pool early in the morning, a cat has just jumped on the table next to me to check me out. Bon Ton is not only a hotel but has aclinic that looks after many stray cats and dogs, spaying and adopting many of the cats. Consequently every one of the Villas has its own cat who attempts to get inside every time a door is opened.  You can also take the dogs for a walk , but we have all declined that offer.

In fact we have worked very hard to do absolutely nothing for the entire time we have been here, which is quite an achievement for busy women who are on the go constantly at home. We've barely ventured outside of the walls. We've wandered around in our sarongs and bathers for days.

So far we've managed to avoid any of the following activities available in Langkawi: parasailing (fat chance!), jet skiing, watching monkeys swim, visiting the mangroves, riding the cable car, feeding eagles, trudging to the waterfalls, visiting the crocodile farm and so on.

Yesterday, in a fit of enthusiasm, we walked to the local town,  booked some massages and treatments for today, bought some more bits and pieces and had a drink overlooking the white sandy beach lined with identical resorts. The beaches of Langkawi are stunning: beautiful pristine blue waters, palm trees and lots of blinding white sand. Because of that they are lined with endless resorts and lounge chairs,  and the buzz of jet skis and speed boats fills the air.

We were happy to return to our secluded quiet pool!  

After 5 nights here we will have completely 'chilled out' before catching the plane back to civilisation tomorrow night. The end of a marvelous trip never to be forgotten,

your relaxed correspondent

Dianne