Malaysia

Hmmm.

I spent about 7 days in Malaysia, no clue what I was doing there. It was- to be honest, a cheaper route than heading straight for the Philippines, and to add another stamp to the passport still feels slightly childlike in a happy immature way. :)

Landed in Kuala Lumpur, not even sure I was saying the name correctly, took the train to China Town and got lost en route to the hostel I booked, should have expected it to be 1000 degrees and unbearable in comparison to the Northern Vietnam I had just left. Met some new people at the hostel, had 2 over priced beers on the rooftop bar (of the hostel) and left for a walk through China Town.

It was not exactly what I had expected..just a bunch of vendors selling the exact same things..watches, shoes, wallets, t shirts, and fake Burkenstoks (which I totally got a pair). And the only street food to be found was a man in the middle roasting chestnuts, (which I totally got some as well). Found some above par Indian food and called it a first night.


Beach day followed. Note: find out if it is a completely Muslim beach before you take 5 buses and a taxi to arrive and be the only girl in a bikini.

Did some walking around (with heat pouring out of the sun), got Indian buffet food, and some tattoos the following day.

Then headed out to Penang, Malaysia with a friend I had met. We took the train, then a ferry, then walked to the first hostel that looked happy- Reggae House. Kittens playing on the first floor and an owner named 'Uncle' (who knew everything in the entire world, seriously) made this place feel perfect. We probably walked a fourth of the island that first day, posing with street art, eating street food, browsing the Little India markets, and getting lost. Penang lasted for a a few days and it was lovely. Ladies night was literally every night and we made it out to hike at the National Forest (and saw monkeys everywhere). It was a good mini trip and I smiled the whole way back to KL.


A friend, whom I met in Bangkok (from Scotland), and saw for dinner in Vietnam, flew in to KL for the weekend. Was a pretty happy wknd with brunches, a butterfly garden visit, rooftop bars and a jazz concert.



I headed out to the Philippines on very little sleep but satisfied with the wonders of what a little week can bring. Its funny when you are a traveler, you sort-of make plans, but the thing is, that things always come up. And whatever they are or may be- they are put in our way for reasons we can not explain..and we should just embrace life as it comes. These are the times when lessons are learned, clarity can surface, and magical times occur. Live, love, learn, smile like crazy, and enjoy it all.

cheers Malaysia....xo