Looking Back: Langkawi
Palm fronds lined the beachfront trails on the island of Langkawi...
Langkawi, Malaysia (September 21, 2004) — Where the manicured fingers of the beach fan out across the asphalt, we tourists sing our cicada songs—seventeen years in the dark earth of our jobs. In one brilliant summer, we discover our world and wheel in the blue swarm of sky, burying our mandibles in every place blessed by wind. We sing during the heat of the day in all-inclusive harmony. But we hold out for a room upgrade with the recycled air bubbling in our blood: the promise of air-conditioned transfer to the hereafter and a welcome drink. Deep in the longboat shade, the specter of a grin surfaces like a dead fish.
We’ve started a new category on our blog called ‘Looking Back’ that will include an occasional entry from our journals that date back to 2001 when we first began writing about living and travelling abroad. We’ll present these paired with a photo in the form of a verbal postcard. Together, these postcards provide an (in)formal and often (in)coherent narrative of the trips we’ve taken!
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Category: Looking Back
About the Author (Author Profile)
For nearly ten years now, Daniel of Two Go Round-The-World has explored how travel captures our imagination and engages our deepest emotions. One half of the duo that maintains the widely read Two Go Round-The-World blog, Daniel treats his subjects not only as works of art but also as symbols of the cultural and political forces that inspire them. His latest book, The Physics of Flocking, gathers his favourite writing featured over the past two years on Two Go Round-The-World in columns like 'Looking Back' and 'The Whole Picture'—along with new reflections.Subscribe
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- Recommended Reads: February 28, 2010 | SoloFriendly.com | February 28, 2010
That is true poetry, Daniel. Beautiful. I love it!
Thanks for the kind words, Gray. Appreciated!
I remember Langkawi as a peaceful, happy place. Very mellow. We rented a car and drove around the Island. So much to do – I remember hiking up to see this massive waterfall and being surrounded by little monkeys (who had no fear of humans) and visiting the location where they filmed ‘Anna and the King’. Had such a great time…want to go back…
Won’t be too long now. At the time of this reply, just 1 year, 2 months and 24 days. But, hey, who’s counting?
Good idea, made me interested in reading the complete original post.
Love the writing!
Thanks, Jen — appreciated the kind comments!
So poetic and beautifully written. Amazing how one summer can change everything isn’t it?!
Ahh, I love this series – amazing how you feel when reflecting, isn’t it?
Agreed, Andy! Reflection provides an opportunity for us to open hearts and minds to the experiences of others — and to acknowledge the wisdom of the world around us!
love your “looking back” series. We found also that Langkawi is such a peaceful place to unwind.
5 years ago, I went on exchange to Malaysia staying in Penang. We took a weekend trip to Langkawi and loved it. Thank you for the memories.
Glad it took you back — we were there around the same time — end of summer 2004!