Through the clearing, cream oxen and water buffalo are set against the background of verdurous muted shades of banana trees and giant ferns. Coconut palms foster the stilted, wooden huts, with neat small gardens, where there are tubs of orchids, fixed onto wooden pillars. A refreshing breeze comes in through the window. Incessant rubber estates, specked with kampongs and a sighting of a paddy field. The next town, open air barbers snipping away in tandem.
Businessmen type under a tree.
Soon Kuala Lumpur overshadows. By air to Penang Island. Next morning the bus to Georgetown, then into a trishaw. The hood is very tattered, and gives the driver little shelter. We trundle along.