Into the Unknown Thursday's adventure into Malaysia began with a two-hour traverse of Singapore's immigration checkpoint. We learned that 45,000 people on motorcycles alone cross into Singapore each morning for the better jobs there. All of them were on the road at once about 7 p.m. returning to Johor Bahru, Malaysia! We wanted to get a photo, but our cab driver said it was illegal to use a camera at immigration sites!

Fortunately we were not in a hurry. The taxi eventually delivered us right to the door of our hotel, a place that looked pretty good online (and was affordable!). We stayed one night in Johor Bahru because our flight was at 7 a.m. on Friday, and we were very UN-sure of getting across the border very early in the morning.

Malaysia is officially a Muslim country, so in keeping with Ramadan, the hotel had a sumptuous buffet in the dining room. We arrived late enough so that almost all the guests had finished, and we were warmly welcomed and even given napkins ("serviettes"). In Singapore, also, you have to have your own tissues or wipes with you when you eat out except at the fanciest places. Sarah forgot several times about not using her left hand to eat (that is offensive to Muslims), but the grilled shrimp and chicken weren't cooperating with just a fork and a spoon!

Tummies satisfied, we headed to bed for a few hours of sleep. To be on the safe side, we arrived at the airport before 6 a.m. on Friday, ate granola bars, and boarded a B-737 bound for Kuching.  ¶ 9:30 PM