After navigating myself from the busy airport to "Chinatown," I looked around, with a big L on my forehead. Not-so-much representing loser...but representing Lost. haha. My friend Steve recommended 'The Red Dragon Hostel,' well of course, there is also a 'Dragon Hostel.' I checked it out, knew it wasn't quite right, and tooted around some more until I found it. It was more of a hostel-type place than I'd stayed in all trip. More hostel, less hotel...which is totally fine. Sleeping 1/4 basically four walls, bed and a fan. Communial showers, toilet, internet and tv room.
I thought I'd better get my butt to a travel agent to help me plan my few days in Kuala Lumpur. After getting some maps and talking with her, I felt a lot more confident about my surroundings and the goings-on.
I hit the ground running my first full day. Hop on- Hop off bus tour around the city. Reminded me of my experience in London, England. THe city is full of high rises and some really nice places to see. Butterfly conservatory, deer park, botanical garden, shopping areas, national memories, KL Tower (kinda like the CN TOwer. You can go up and over look the city). I got to see the Petronas Towers (the world famous twin towers).
In the evening I got some Malaysian Food, mostly rice and chicken dishes. But there was rice/anchovies and spicy sauce and egg wrapped up in a banana leaf. That was interesting.
I also spent an evening pampering myself with foot reflexology and candling my ear (ewwwy for stuff that comes out!).
I tried going into a bar solo...but turned around quickly as I felt a little intimidated by the loud music, dark and heaps of people. I would consider myself a pretty independent person, can go to the movies alone, restaurants alone, say move to another country alone...BUT, the bar scene, I wasn't having it. Ah well.
The following day met some really cool people from Austraila that I spent most of the day with. We went to the Batu Caves, this Hindu Temple outside of town inside of a cave! There are SOO many monkeys there too, wild monkeys, playing with each other and (in Aus terms), taking the piss out of humans (aka tricking humans by getting to close to us and scaring us a bit, or eyes wide open as we open our purses for hopes of snacks that we may be hording). ha ha.
Then up the Petronas Towers for another view of the city...where I randomly met a guy from Kitchener, Ontario...we talked about Oktoberfest Venues and other areas of K/W. Small world.
I spent some time alone....in a park, sun shining, looking up at the towers and reading...ah, serenity.
You've got to be careful about your attire too. Malaysia is mostly a Muslim practising country, so its respectful to cover your shoulders and your knees. I went into a Mosque, and they asked me to wear one of their robes and head dresses. It was neat.
Finally, back to the Airport...after lots of journaling, Ipod listening and reading...my flight arrived and I was back home safe and sound in SoKo on a sunny Saturday Morning. Strangely enough....I felt happy to return to my pseudo-home. Hearing hanguel (Korean), seeing Korean people, and being surrouding by my home away from home.
Sometimes leaving a big travel can leave you feeling "Post-travel depression," but I was able to return back to a land that still offers lots of excitment...and I STILL get stared at for having Yellow hair...so it's all good!
I have lots of travel plans in the future...the travel bug...he just getting bigger and bigger!!! He's a monster...I'm sure many would agree! haha
Jeju-Do next!!!
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