April

Another trip to Malaysia. Another day in a tropical sauna. To say Malaysia is warm, is to state the obvious, being basically on the equator. Daytime temps are typically in the 32 to 42C range, and nighttime's as "cool" as 25C. Humidity ranges from 90% to 50%. It's the one thing I dread about an otherwise lovely country.

It doesn't just rain in Malaysia, it pours in huge buckets. We hired a van to take us from the airport in KL to Ipoh, a few hours away. Our welcoming storm.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/rain.jpg">

After a good nights rest, we checked out Mom's new toy. An Alfa 156 GTA. 250hp from one of the best motors ever made according to many magazine writers. Too bad it's discontinued due to stricter European emissions.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-3.jpg">

One of the earliest homes for the V6 was in the GTV-6.

Gorgeous firey pearl paint. A bit like Audi Misano red, but with a more pronounced pearl effect.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-5.jpg">

The business office of the GTA. Lovely deep winged Recaros and simple gauges.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-4.jpg">

Seeing it in pictures doesn't prepare you for the impact it has in person. Here on our way to KL for F1.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-7.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gta-8.jpg">

What's it like to drive? Well, it's not like any front driver you've ever met. Let off the gas in the corner and the tail steps out smartly. Fling it power-on just so around a bend, and the tail comes out. The closest thing to rwd in a fwd car.

The steering is pin-sharp with no dead area around center. Incredibly precise and talkative. However, the turning radius is simply massive.

The power is available everywhere. There no holes in the delivery, with a perfectly matched gearbox and unfussy clutch. And the lovely rolling "R" soundtrack just gets more intense as the revs climb. The shifter is a bit vague, but not so much you'd muff a shift.

What's not to like? The suspension travel is limited, and it's pretty easy to hit the bump stops. The stock wheels are around 33lbs, so you can feel lots of unsprung weight being kept in check - not always successfully. On smooth surfaces the car handles incredibly. On rippled pavement it gets unhappy. The Toyo T1R tires do compliment the car perfectly - being quiet and grippy.

We were hoping to catch the Malaysian F1, but even well in advance, the air conditioned booth seats were sold out. Well, probably not sold out at that time, but the cronies tied into the system tied up the seats for last minute scalping opportunities. That and lots of government and corporate accounts snapped up availability even though several we met admitted they felt F1 was boring. It was merely a social obligation for them to be there. Arrrgggghhhhh!

To avoid the crowds, everyone agreed that Friday practice was probably best. The GTA wearing North American Ferrari club stickers.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-5.jpg">

The facility is spectacular.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-1.jpg">

The noise is incredible! Even 100 meters away, the sounds were incredibly loud! A partially empty soda can would hum and vibrate in your hand. People say the grandstands are much louder still!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-8.jpg">

Each model car sounded different too. Hondas rough and growly. Ferraris smooth and waily.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-4.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-6.jpg">

The traction control makes a very loud stuttering sound much like a backfire. You could tell how smooth drivers were, by the lines they took and how much the TC needed to work.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-7.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-9.jpg">

The whole country gets F1 fever, and the malls in KL were packed full of tourists and F1 displays.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/F1-mall.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/honda-mall.jpg">

Ferrari was hawking it's cologne. Alas it was rather vile stuff, making Hubby smell like a Guido (my apologies to Guidos out there) who now required liberal applications of gold chains and hair grease to with the reek.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/ferrari-mall.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/KL-building-frenzy.jpg">

What we found especially amusing is that there are rich people and then there are rich people. The merely rich, were doing their best to look like the insanely I-don't-give-a-F-rich - but it was easy to tell them apart. First rate people watching in any case.

Since car registration is based on engine displacement, you see cars that would never fly in the US.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/displacement-deficit.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/small-displacement.jpg">

Tired of traffic jams and crowds, we turned the GTA's nose north again to Ipoh.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highway.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highway-2.jpg">

Anybody a fan of Initial D? This guy clearly was!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Initial-D-fan.jpg">

Cool electronic air pump for tires. Set your desired pressure, and the pump automatically raises or lowers the pressure as needed. Fairly accurate best we could tell from cross-checking.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/air-tire.jpg">

At first this bus appears to have signage written by a dyslexic cellphone SMS junkie, but that is how Malaysians spell when at home. Rather confusing at first.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/spelling-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/spelling-bad.jpg">

The buses have faces.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Bus-or-bas.jpg">

Yes, they have the Colonel in Malaysia - but with a twist.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/funny-sign.jpg">

Once settled back in Ipoh, we decided to go see what has changed in the Golf Club behind Hubby's parents' home.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-club-drive.jpg">

This must be BD's house;-) Right across from the fairway, it probably cost about a million ringget (3.5 ringget per 1 USD) to build.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-house.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-play.jpg">

Another cool house.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-house-2.jpg">

Very European example here.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-house-construction.jpg">

Hubby's parents are considering this plot of land inside the club. Not sure why, but like most Asians, they are fond of owning property.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-club-land-view.jpg">

It has a nice view.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/golf-club-land.jpg">

Speaking of property, technically we now own a condo in Malaysia. It's meant for family traveling between Penang, and Ipoh. Not that it is far, being about 90 minutes travel time between them, but, but... but.... oh heck, I don't know why Mom wanted it!?!? It's set on a large lake with the main highway nearby, but nothing else around. Oh well, I hope somebody uses it.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/condo-bukit-mera.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/condo-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/condo-outside.jpg">

Random shots from around Ipoh. It's always a shock to drive on the other side of the road and face intersections where all the rules are reversed. Of course being Asia, rules of the road are pretty much whatever you can get away with

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Ipoh-highway.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Ipoh-traffic.jpg">

Entering a roundabout. Big scrum.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/roundabout-fountain.jpg">

The city lies scattered around the limestone hills. Sadly those hills are being cut down to make cement and stone for homes that nobody occupies. It seems that contractors build homes ***** nilly with money from the bank, then allow the development to go belly up, having made their money on the building of the homes themselves. You can see many developments that sit empty. It doesn't take long for the jungle to take over. But the hills once gone, will never return.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Ipoh-hills.jpg">

Shop houses in old town.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Ipoh-shops.jpg">

Many of the schools look rather grand. I hear that standards have slipped over the years, but overall many young Malays I've encountered speak passable English if nothing else.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Ipoh-school.jpg">

Sundry family Alfas - soon to be expanded with brother-in-law's 156.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-garage.jpg">

Ayah's (Dad's) beloved GTV 6. Fresh repaint in a colour much like Ferrari Scuderia (orange red).

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/gtv-6hood.jpg">

Since we have so many Alfas, we spend a lot of time fiddling with them, or having the mechanic fiddle with them for us.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-shop-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-shop-5.jpg">

Results from a broken cam belt

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-shop-2.jpg">

More carnage

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-shop-3.jpg">

Like most shops, they work on anything and everything.
Car owner, "Can you fix this?"
Shop owner, "Boleh laaa...." (can do)

Can you guess what it is?

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfa-shop-4.jpg">

Because Ipoh is considered a hotbed of Alfa ownership, there are two highly regarded shops. The second is housed in a rather ramshackle shed, but always has a treasure trove of cars.

A variety of vintage Alfas.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-5.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-6.jpg">

Like the other shop, they work on anything and everything.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/supra-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-7.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-3.jpg">

A rusty old Alfa Sud. Boxer 4 cylinder hung out in front of the front axle (where have we heard of that?, but it's light weight overall meant it was a fwd handling revelation. Pity they rusted so quickly.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-4.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-9.jpg">

Alfa Spiders are rare because the weather in Malaysia isn't very conducive to convertibles.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-8.jpg">

Tired old 33.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/alfashop-10.jpg">

Me, melting despite the fan and pop.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/yours-truely.jpg">

While driving around, we spotted a number of C4 A6 Audis, B7 A4s, and a single solitary C5 A6 and C6 A6.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Audi-C5.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/B7-A4.jpg">

Spotted in the parking lot at Tesco market. I think the rear wing is rear just a shade awning

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/vanlet-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/vanlet-2.jpg">

Speaking of rice, I couldn't resist picking up a set of LED light bars. Not sure what to do with them just yet, but I'm open to ideas.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/led-lights.jpg">

Like the 6 million dollar man, Malaysians won't let their Mercedes trucks die. Although this one looks rather flambéed it will no doubt be back on the road in no time.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/mercedes-truck.jpg">

An incredibly rare MR2.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/MR2.jpg">

The Proton Satria Neo looks rather a lot like an Audi A3.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/satria-neo-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/satria-neo.jpg">

In our tootling around, we drove through many kampungs (village/bourough). Some are neat and tidy. Others barely more than shanty towns. Here's one just outside Ipoh.

The usual street.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-1.jpg">

An older house still in use. More modern homes made of concrete and brick are common as well.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-house.jpg">

People usually don't live too far from work. And since Ipoh was once a mining town, they have a tradition of fairly heavy industry. Workshops that can fix almost anything abound.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-workshops.jpg">

Logs going somewhere.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/logs.jpg">

Although the state religion is Islam, Malaysia's former colony status means they accommodate most other religions. All of the houses of worship below were within a mile or so from the other.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-church.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-mosque.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/kampung-temple.jpg">

So needing some relief from the unrelenting heat, we headed for the hills, like the British and many before us. Fortunately the new highway up into the Cameron Highlands has been completed. Although too steep for lorries (trucks), and still suffering from landslides here and there, it is a vast improvement over the old, very twisty, narrow, potholed, and just plain scary old road.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-1.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-road-3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-switchbacks.jpg">

Big and (not so) bad Alfa 155 V6. One of only a few in the country.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-155.jpg">

Ah, the weather is so much more civilized, at around 24C during the day, and 18 at night. Yes, they play golf here too.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-golf.jpg">

We stayed at the hotel Equatorial. Senator suite - which sounds much more grand than it is, but it's 10 floors up, which is what we wanted. What a great view!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-hotel-3.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-hotel-2.jpg">

Greenhouses and vast terraces cover the land where they grow all sorts of things that can't grow below. Roses, corn, and self-pick strawberries are popular here.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-hotel.jpg">

The Cameron Highlands must have more old Rovers than any other place on the planet. Easily half if not more vehicles up there were Rovers. Short wheelbase, long wheelbase, hard top and soft, passenger, and cargo varieties of every vintage imaginable. Mostly battered and tattered.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-rover.jpg">

Kids playing soccer.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-soccer.jpg">

For those of you who requested post cards, I sent them from here.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-street.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-town.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-rain.jpg">

The view from the parking lot of another Hotel - Strawberry Park. It looked nice, but reports are that the staffing suffers issues. It's a very twisty and narrow road to get there.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highlands-view.jpg">

After a restful night in the Cameron Highlands, we headed back to get ready for a trip to Penang. It's an old British (among others) trading town. You've seen more detailed descriptions in previous travelogues, and this visit was brief - if not as brief as planned.

One of the historic houses in old Penang.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Penang-house.jpg">

The Alfa being an Italian car, blew the main fuse that controlled the a/c and engine fan. So not only did Hubby have his popsicle princess in danger of melting, but his car was going to overheat too! With some skillful piloting, he weaseled his way into a gas station parking lot. Alas the mechanics on duty didn't have a big fat 40 amp fuse. So off he set for a shop down the street. They didn't have one, but after a phone call and a 20 minute wait, the fuse arrived via scooter from across town. Meanwhile, Mom and I bought soda pop at the station to justify our presence in the semi-air conditioned building.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Penang-busy.jpg">

Soon after we were blasting our way back off the island.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Penang-straits.jpg">

Crossing the main bridge between the island and mainland. The small islands form and vanish quickly.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Penang-straits-2.jpg">

On the other side in an area known as Butterworth, off to visit Grandma.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Penang-straits-3.jpg">

After a short visit, we headed back to Ipoh. Speeding tickets are a a fact of life. You can pay them via your cell phone using text messaging. They don't result in any points on your record though. Here's us taking a picture of the speed camera guy.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/speed-camera.jpg">

Heading over the pass back into Ipoh. A great sunset.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/highway-sunset.jpg">

Hunting for some authentic souvenirs, we went to Kuala Kangsar, a town whose main claim to fame is that it is the official residence of the state's Sultan. Not that he lives there any more as the place has turned into a bit of a backwater. Hubby went to boarding school in town there.

Entrance to the palace.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/KK-palace-entrance.jpg">

The ceremonial mosque.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/KK-ceremonial-mosque.jpg">

The old palace.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/KK-original-palance.jpg">

Thankfully it rained some more. A huge storm!

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/rain-2.jpg">

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/badge-rain.jpg">

In the evening, we went to the old train station. It dates back to then the British ruled the place. It has a hotel, and quite a number of food hawkers come there to feed travellers.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/train-station.jpg">

Arches in front of the station.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/arches-train-station.jpg">

The court house across the street.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/court-house.jpg">

The family affliction.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/italians-1.jpg">

Our friend's newly acquired Ferrari 348. We lobbied hard against him getting it, since the chance to use it will be limited by speed mountains, high curbs, steep driveways, and wheel bending potholes. But the siren call won out.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Italians-7.jpg">

Me melting again, but trying not to look it.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/Italians-6.jpg">

Finally it was time to pack up and head home.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/fly-home.jpg">

Over the Golden Gate.

<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/verdegrrl/.Pictures//Malaysia-07/fly-sf.jpg">

Edd W

Amazing photo's and depth of information - thanks April.

OCDboy

Awesome...thank for taking the time to share all that info.

Chaddy

Wow. You would be a great tour guide!

Reifle

Just beautiful -everything!

ZCD2.7T

Unbelievable Super-Mega-Grande-Venti-Mit-Chocolat-Uber-Post! Thanks - very cool!

Boston Driver

..and no...that is NOT my house, although that would not be a bad place to live, eh? I especially like the picture of you next to your friend's Ferrari, looks like your family's Alfa's are just waiting in the shadows until you to move away so they can pounce on the Ferrari!!!

acie

My company has a site in KL. I've never been fortunate enough to visit, but I've worked with some incredibly nice folks over the years.

All Wheel Driver

Thanx... I just had a great visit to Malaysia. (I caught Grand Prix on TV though)

eltonsi

Please post this in the Alfa forum, not enough Audi content! Nice pics April