Day 6 Rainy day in KK

Last evening we noticed a large stage being set up on a green space next to the hotel. Aldrin told us that they were making preparations for Malaysia Day, a public holiday held on 16th September every year to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation on that date in 1963 when North Borneo, later renamed Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore united into a single state. Singapore subsequently left in 1965.

The setting up and sound check went on until around 2 a.m, so not much sleep as we had to be up for 5.45 to go bird watching!

Five of us plus Aldrin left by taxis at 6a.m in slight drizzle. The birding wasn't up to much,  Neil got a few good pics, I took photos of the sea! 

After around an hour the rain became torrential, the wind very strong, so we returned to the hotel, rather bedraggled and wet.

After a change of clothes we had breakfast. The stage looked quite flooded now. I bet that our room will be very expensive on Malaysia Day as we have an excellent view from our window.

We decided to visit the shopping centre, needed to buy a couple of ponchos and a waterproof cover for my phone!

By the time we arrived, a 5 minute walk, it was raining again. We did succeed with the shopping though.

We walked back to the hotel, another change of clothes and then had some lunch.

This afternoon was spent writing this, whilst Neil sorted out his photos, listening to the sound checks (as the base got louder and louder!) and packing up as we leave by minibus tomorrow for Kinabulu National Park, a journey of around 2 hours. 

Mid afternoon the weather cleared and we walked down to the waterfront for drinks and dinner.

Looking very hot as it was so humid! 

The beers went down very well. We went rogue and decided to go Italian as it's mostly rice and noodles here. 2 pizzas, 3 beers and a mocktail for £23

After dinner we wandered through the night market

Just as we were heading home the heavens opened and we had our 3rd soaking of the day

Our room looks like a Chinese laundry as we try to dry things off before leaving in the morning.

We'll have no WiFi for another day or so.

Unfortunately it's now stopped raining and the crew are continuing with their sound checks and rehearsals, ah well...