The original Survivor Season One was filmed on Borneo island. Not near where we were, but our visit provided some insight. I had my own immunity challenge in Kota Kinabula. Survive the Sunday Market, quite hard with my aforementioned social bubble. This market, aka tarps and tables setup on a street, was a sight to see, well smell really. It was so dang crowded and hot, I was about to have a melt down. All while trying to snag a good deal; I am Sandy's child. I had to keep moving, feel like I wasn't stuck. Had to keep looking back for Sandy, catch her eye and wait in my little one foot space. (Once back on board, the pool was stop number two, only after stop one for food. I completely dunked myself; fyi that never happens.)

We also passed the central market, mostly their open air food market. 99% of the food I couldn't even tell you what it was, no idea. But the smell, oh my the smell. So not only was I trying to figure out how I would use this food, but the real question was which one smelled so dang bad. I have never loved Wal-Mart so much and will now forever defend them against the anti-Wal-mart hippies. I would like to see them try shop in these markets. A day and two showers later, I was still catching wiffs of KK. I just couldn't shake it.

The residents of KK were all wearing jeans and polyester. I was melting away in the heat and my cotton skirt. I don't know how they did it. Plus the head scarfs, no thank you. 

It was all a sight to see. Very eye-opening. Mount Kinabula was off to our north. Nice view from the ship. The harbor was a very pretty turquoise color (look past all the trash in the water) with a couple of islands around. The island closest to the ship had a fishing village on stilts. 

Back on the ship...Started a new book today. The Host by Stephanie Meyer. No Cullens or vampires, but still very good, can't put it down. These cocktail parties have confirmed that I am a lightweight. After two cocktails, and of course "second drink," I felt like the toy punching bags with the weight at the bottom. Dinner was interesting. I think Cunard is using better alcohol than Tunica.

Hong Kong is just around the corner. I've got my wallet out and ready to spend. Going to see Stanley market and Temple Street night market. This is where my luggage space disappears. My navigation skills are ready to be put to the test. I didn't get the nickname "Nav" for no reason.

crj