Neilson Family "Showcase"

Well Chris is finally mobile enough to make traveling possible, so we finally took our first proper vacation here in Malaysia.  We visited the gorgeous Tanjong Jara Resort in a small town called Dungun, just south of Kuala Terengganu on the east coast of peninsular Malaysia (not to be confused with East Malaysia, which is on the island of Borneo that is part Malaysian and part Indonesian - time to get out your maps folks!!).  As we soaked in the beachfront pool one afternoon, we observed that it was quite unbelievable that we were here, in a place we never imagined visiting.  We agreed that this was one of those trips you read about in a magazine or saw as a prize on the Price is Right.  So with a nod to Johnny Olson (okay, okay- I watched a lot of Price is Right when I was a kid and I remember Bob Barker and Johnny more than I recall Rod Ready and Drew Carey)...

"Neilson Family, your showcase begins with new swimsuits and snorkeling gear for the entire family" (see Barker's Beauty Brenna below)

"You and two guests will be escorted to an offshore marine sanctuary, where you will spend the day observing fabulous sea corals, hawksbill turtles, spotted rays, and schools of rainbow parrotfish, yellow boxfish and more before feasting on a lunch of grilled snapper, tiger prawns and fresh fruit on Tenggol Island, MALAYSIA!!"

"Your trip includes a 5-night stay at the fabulous Tanjong Jara Resort in Dungun, Malaysia.  Experience all that Malaysia has to offer at this 5-star resort and spa, including Chef Ann's culinary talents.  Choose your daily fare from the Nelayan "Western" style beachfront cafe or Di Atas Sungei  for your choice of Asian delights.  Relax poolside and watch the waves crash along a private beach. 

"Join local naturalists for an eco-river cruise to spot native fauna and flora such as monitor lizards, long-tailed macaques and exotic birds.  Stroll through a fishing village to sample "kampung life" and find local produce such as rambutan, jackfruit and more.  Experience the wonder of batik and take home your own colorful creation."

"Experience the local market and watch artisans and craftsmen as they go about their daily work.  Visit a batik factory, a songket weaver, boat builder and a brass foundry.  Spend copiously on handmade batik sarongs for your friends and family.  Stop for delicious nasi briyani (fragrant rice) and fried chicken with "soursop" to wash it all down...mmm...delicious.  Then relax your weary muscles with a visit to the world-class spa."

"Spend your afternoons relaxing in a beach hut, at the pool or snoozing on your front porch as the cooling monsoon rains fall.  Lose badly to your spouse and 8-year old daughter at Uno as you watch the sunlight fade.  Tanjong Jara Resort, Unmistakably Malay.  And this, Neilson Family, is your "Showcase".  Would you like to bid or pass?

We'll bid please....and it looks like we won!!  

"This is Bob Barker signing off.  Don't forget to help control the pet population; have your pet spayed or neutered!"