Jane or Tarzan?
Taman Negara, Malaysia
This is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. It is over 130 million years old, and has 10,000 plants, 150,000 insects, 25,000 invertebrates, 675 birds, 270 reptiles, 250 freshwater fish, and 200 mammals.
Greatest Moment: It was a boat that took us into the forest, as well as deep into its wild heart. Both days we spent in the forest we enjoyed a long, serene boat ride. The water is shallow, as it is the dry season, and our boat sits low to the stones that line the river floor. Our first day the boatman would have to fight against the current, and when the boat got stuck on the rocks he would jump out and push us past it. Jamie slept, in an awkward and puzzling position between two seats of the boat, and woke to the eye level water and monkeys jumping between trees.
Everything here is so undisturbed. The second day, our boats took us into the rainforest before it even seemed awake. No sound but the insects and the occasional splash of fish or lizard interrupted the groggy sunrise. We watched leaves fall from the leaning trees, and dragonflies that would then land on it to sail the gentle waves of the river’s current. We saw a wild otter scamper from the sound of our approach into the nearby sheltering roots. We stopped to see a 300 year old tree, and its roots threatened to enclose and engulf us with its magnificent size. Vines rooted themselves beside the tree, and you cannot see where they come from. Somewhere in the canopy of the jungle, or the branches hidden by its own leaves. It was sturdy and stable, as Kathy attempted to climb it. While it was a brief relationship, it was thrilling and quite wild!
“Tarzan or Jane?” Our German friend, Stefanie, asks.
“Today—Tarzan!”
Afterwards we swam in the river. Fish nibbled the moss that lined the rocks we sat on, and the cool water passed us in a slow, calm current. All was right in the world.
Worst Moment: We were leisurely planning our afternoon, and figured we can eat lunch before going on another hike to a canopy-walk that is claimed to be the longest in the world! So we went to the only restaurant on that side of the river, waited long for our meal, and then we casually walked to where we needed to go. Much to our dismay, we discovered the canopy-walk closed at 3pm, and we got there at 3:05!
We cannot tell you the disappointment! Our walk back to the river was in a pitiful attitude, and we both knew that we missed our chance, as the next day our bus left for Kuala Lumpur.
Lesson Learned: A great idea can manifest itself when the mind is open. From our time in the jungle, a once great idea has become an incredible one. We have in the past discussed writing and designing a child’s novel. It has had its place in our thoughts, but what with our careers, Jamie’s portfolio, Kathy’s own novel, and now our travels, it has stayed in the background. Something we always discussed but never pursued. Inspiration seems to occur daily here, and while in the jungle the idea of a child’s novel expanded in our mind and became a force that we did not set out to produce. With excitement and purpose, we have been brainstorming since!
Cultural Insight: Our boat ride did not just show us the many animals that lived in the jungle, but also the people that live in its remote and quiet location. Occasionally we would see broken down homes, or huts on the hilltop, that was accompanied by a small motor-less boat and kids splashing in the river. There were station-like floating houses that possible businesses ran out of, as the river is the main place for business, entertainment, livelihood, showers, food, and transport.
It was impossible to access the internet in the jungle. With that, our phone and computer stayed off and useless. If we can give any advice, it would be for those at home to do the same. Do not see the world through the screen, get information only from FOX news, or find laughter from youtube. Nature is where you will find most answers, most inspiration, and the most self-reflection. Not to mention simple relaxation and pure freedom.
