Err…. back home, safe and sound and well. Will need some time to dig through the photos, as the good wife shot 3.5 GB worth of images. Photographic evidence of our trip through Sabah (Northern Borneo) will follow as soon as available, but here’s a teaser (click the thumbnail for larger view).

For now, maybe this for a first impression:

We found Borneo much easier and comfortable to travel than we expected.

Absolutely everyone was extremely friendly and helpful, and almost everyone spoke English. There was no begging and no hard selling, so we could browse the local markets and buy without the stress of being hassled by sellers or beggars. Food was excellent in restaurants and road-side kitchens alike, with prices ranging from 20 pence (bowl of noodle soup for lunch in simple eatery) to £7 (full set menu including plenty of beer in nice restaurant). Road traffic is moderate, hygiene standards seem reasonable, accommodation was OK, mosquitos fewer than expected (even when staying riverside), and we hardly got any rain inspite the rainy season. Rice and Rendang for breakfast, just by kind of place.

So, a very good holiday through and through. A little short with only 12 days, but since every day was packed with activities, there was no time at all to think about work, and we easily managed to “switch off.”