Kia Kaha KL: August 2010

Cloud Atlas is a novel by David Mitchell, published in 2004. It consists of 6 stories that are largely stand alone, however are connected. For these connections to become apparent, the reader must have some patience; 100 pages, I was on the brink of banishing it to my ‘Try again later’pile, the saving grace being uninterrupted R & R on a Lang Tengah (see earlier entry) that enabled the breakthrough. My perseverance was rewarded in large measure; however I draw well short of labelling this novel an outstanding piece of work. The breadth of writing styles is unquestionably its strength, ranging from 19th century literature, airport mystery novel style, and science fiction to name a few. Furthermore, Mitchell invents a futuristic English dialect born in a post apocalyptic world hundreds of years in the future. This was certainly no average read.

Mitchell has a fantastic imagination making for a super science fiction element and by the time I had reached the invented English dialect, I was hooked. Which is just as well. It was as comprehensible as an Irvine Welsh character with a speech impediment. This is a remarkable novel for its scope and breadth and you can only respect a writer who has pushed the boundaries this much. Mitchell has described the common themes of the 6 stories; ascent and descent as well as the predatory nature of individual and group. However, the structural connectivity between the stories is too shallow, too implausible, for the sum of its whole to be considered profound. Despite this, for those who enjoy a challenging, and at times brilliantly entertaining read, I highly recommend this novel.

I have been on many a ‘boys trip’, whether it be accompanied by good mates or the rugby team. This month I experienced a unique version of this time old tradition when Isaac and I spent a long weekend on the island of Pulau Lang Tengah on Malaysia’s east coast.

This expedition was a last minute arranged affair. Lina, was scheduled for a company trip in Bali during the same weekend (poor thing!), and the original plan was for us lads to hang out in KL. After carefully considering agendas for such a weekend, I did some thinking. A conservative estimate was that we had ridden the underwater walkway at the aquarium 3 times in the last month. Furthermore, the cleaning staff at the national planetarium is now on a first name basis with Isaac following multiple visits over the past year. A breath of fresh air was clearly

required - literally. My only requirement was that it needed to be vastly different from the urban jungle that is KL. Sand and waves would be nice, so after quickly crossing off Sunway Lagoon as an option, I settled on Lang Tengah.

The physical beauty of the Malaysian North-East Coast Islands is spectacular. Our resort was one of only several on this tiny island, nestled in a cove, flanked by rock, with acres of coral below the sea and beyond.

Predictably, there was no challenge in keeping Isaac amused during our 4 day stay. The Malaysian staff and fellow guests were more than happy to assist. Furthermore, after the first day, the staff had satisfied their curiosity as to why this Mat Salleh man was travelling alone with a child. My explanation still drew puzzled stares but presumably it became clear that no kidnapping was involved and therefore no need to call Interpol.

What I love about staying in beach resorts is that if you let yourself, it’s easy to slip into that delightful holiday dreamland state. Where whole books are devoured before lunch. Those same books that, at home, take dozens of before-bedtime sessions. Even the conformity of the regular mealtimes, the predictability of the natural surroundings; these quickly become your friends.

During these 4 days, the pattern of beach strolling at sunrise before breakfast becomes firmly established. Isaac soon sorted his regular haunts and hangouts during the day. Visiting the dive shop to watch the divers suiting up. Lounging poolside, checking on the new arrivals from around the world and what they had to offer. Loitering at the beach, encouraging romantic honeymoon couples to join him in sand castle making. At times I felt a bit like the security attachment, watching, ready to pounce when required; usually to save the other party from any unwanted pestering.

As for activities, the highlight was unquestionably the snorkelling. For those with children who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’ a million times, get the dive mask and snorkel on them as soon as you can, then enjoy the look on their face as they see it in real life for the first time; priceless.

Our accommodation was on the rustic side, the food uninspiring, and there were a few too many cigarette butts littering the ground, however I was not disappointed, simply because I knew what to expect. And, to be honest I like it a bit rough, and Isaac was certainly not concerned in the slightest. We came to the island to enjoy some time away from the city and to spend some quality boy’s time together. Mission accomplished.