Sultan's Cup with Bev and Steph - by Bev Gray - Part 1

My journal book was purchased at the Taipei Airport. The book chapters have Chinese calligraphy and translucent landscapes that can only be achieved with watercolors and light handed brushstrokes. The first page translation: "Everyday is a Good Day"~Zen of yun men. And, today is- as I am on my way to the Sultans Cup with Steph Teeter.

This is my third trip to Malaysia. Previously I was invited to compete at the Melaka International Endurance event. This years' invitation was an email from CheMat Din of the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables. The Kings' stables. The Sultans' Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge will host over 80 local and international riders. It is a 120k (75 mile) course over much of the same area as the 2008 World Endurance Championship. The Malaysia King, an avid and accomplished endurance rider will lead the start. He official title: Yang di -Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin. There must be a respectful "short-cut" in official introductions. Steph and I will be riding qualified horses from the Royal stables (RTES). The airline journey was an endurance event in itself! Beginning on a 7:00pm flight from Salt Lake City, November 1 and ending November 3rd at 3:00pm in the Terengganu airport. Whew!

I flew Malaysian airlines which is one of my favorite. As with the entire country the staff is very polite, cheerful and hospitable. Steph flew China Airlines and our flight times were a few minutes different. I expected to look out my window and wave across the 747 skyway at her. The Kuala Lumpur airport is very modern and efficient with duty free shops lining the concourses with walls of rich chocolates, jewelry, electronics, liquor and other trinkets that I didn't need at this time. Clearing customs here is very uncomplicated, fast and courteous. I caught up with Steph at the Gate to our Terengganu flight. We wonder if someone will meet us there. Yes, there is a USA sign and representatives in sea blue 2010 Sultans Cup polo shirts. The traditional handshake with a touch back to the heart. Sincere. Hey, where is my luggage? The errant suitcase was tracked down and will arrive at the hotel in the evening. But, I couldn't go for the long awaited swim in the "horizon line" pool. (the edge of the pool continues to visually flow into the china sea.) Since I didn't have my swimsuit, I booked a massage. The spa was surrounded by singing birds, dense trees, colorful shrubs,and a rainbow waterfall of sweet smelling flowers. Oh, ahh the massage unlocked those tight back muscles that 3 days of travel had molded to the shape of an airline seat. The Sutra Beach Resort is on the ocean and it was a good nights sleep with the serenade of waves.

I love the smell of the ocean and the taste of salt in the breeze. The humidity is so thick it is dripping off the mossy red tiled roof. It also fogs my glasses and curls my hair to tight Shirley Temple ringlets. When Steph wakes up we will go for a ride.

Update to come.....