Last night we ate at the hotel as one meal was included in our hotel stay. The local meal is called the steamboat, and reminds us of Shabu Shabu or Phó. We picked a broth, meat, vegetables, sauces and noodles, and slowly cooked our dinner by hot pot. As we ate the flavors became richer, which meant we couldn’t stop eating. I am now obsessed and convinced I can learn how to do this at home. Synthesized American hits played on repeat throughout the meal, causing us to wonder if we were trapped somewhere between heaven (the food) and hell (the music). Regardless, we plan to return tonight (and I may try to hack into the music system).
In the morning we woke early to eat breakfast (I got a lot of vegetables in as this is a heavy agricultural region) and met our guide for the morning hike. We found both guides through the front desk at the hotel, and were well taken care of. A car dropped us off between a locals home and an upcoming housing development; we were guided to something that almost looked like a trail. The experience filled all the senses: our guide was a naturalist who had us smelling various leaves and barks, tasting sour flowers and cinnamon, showing us the varieties of trees and flora, and had us listening for the different bird calls (while also pulling up photos of the bright and elusive creatures).
In all we think the hike was about a 4K (we did Route 10), which took us above Tana Rata and almost into the clouds. Auntie had one large fall (Auntie would like to disagree as he tripped over a rattan branch and thus wished Patrick a good face fall), but don’t worry, I caught him (like the hero I am). (And Auntie would like to say, “what poppycock” as he did not have anything to catch. I was fine on my own while being mocked for a misstep. Patrick needs to worship her elders!)
After a long lunch at the hotel we were greeted by another local guide who piled us into a Land Rover and up to the ‘BOH’ Tea Garden. The scenery was breathtakingly green. He provided so much history, I can’t even repeat it all, except to say that this plantation has workers that have been loyal to the British family in charge for many years; even during and afterWWII, when the family had to evacuate and didn’t come back for many years. The workers kept the plantation running, and when the family returned they graciously returned the land.
We went to the observation deck where we were one of two western groups, and I was one of three women without a head scarf. I sipped a peach ice tea, Auntie a hot tea, and we split a piece of strawberry cheesecake. I had to pee, but they only had those hole-in-the-ground toilets and I get stage fright. So, what better way to explore with a full bladder than to take a 30-minute car ride up a super bumpy road!
We headed up to the Mossy Forest. At the top, in the clouds, we paid about $6/each to walk through the forest. I planned ahead and brought no rain gear, just a hat, but was able to borrow an umbrella as we followed the trail into the clouds and through the forest (Good planning Patrick! Aren’t you from Seattle?) We learned later from our guide that this forest is probably the oldest rain forest in the world, but a total hidden gem. We promised to tell our friends and family that it was horrible and to never go if you end up in the Cameron Highlands region, to avoid overcrowding.
In all, the Cameron Highlands feels like a great place to retire. (Auntie: What the EFF? The rest has been deleted… Patrick needs a lesson. )
Travels with my Auntie 
Ha! Auntie has a fall. Where have I heard that story before 😉
Thank goodness for our intrepid hero Patrick.
And, LOVED the comment asking who is Annie. Hilarious
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