Entry 1- Malasia, truly asia.
So where did I leave off? Oh yes Cambodia. Ahh what a time. Enough to drink in the atmosphere and culture. Quite a contrast to Malaysia though.
My journey through Malaysia began in Kuala Lumpar, the capital, where I was dosed with food as soon as I met my host family. Pretty much the first question they asked was if I had eaten yet. They are a warm humble family, originally from china but now consider themselves as Malaysians and quite possible some of the most selflessly giving people I’ve had the chance to meet.
We went straight from the airport to a cheap but friendly road side resturant comanly known as “momo” dining. It is run by the Malays originating from India or other more western Asia countries. These open food stations you can find anywhere in Malaysia but the best ones are hidden away someplace in the city that only locals know of.
Its definitely fair to say that Malaysians can find any time of day to eat food- there is always an excuse. Of course there is the acceptable breakfast, lunch and dinner… and then supper- small meal an hour or so after dinner- and brunch -a favourite- and Of course the occasional snack.
This being said there wasn’t a day that I actually felt hunger or a need to eat. I was either recovering from the last meal or preparing myself for the next. I felt fullness to another level there.
One of the bussiest feeding times is actually the early hours of morning before the sun is up, when the city comes to life with people joining to feast. The momo resturants are full of chatter and life interlocked with the sizzling sound of cooking and smokey air.
I found myself wrapped up in this atmosphere several times with a group of guys that adopted me, exposing me to the Malaysia night life.
But more of that later.
I stayed in kl for the few days leading up to Chinese New Year untill I met up with my new aunty alison with hugs and kisses and together – after a lot more delicious food- flew over to Sarawak the other half of Malaysia.
Entry 2 – Me and Aunty Alison
For those of you who don’t know Alison is a very close family friend from home that has been in my life since I came into this world. She’s told me alot about her life in Malaysia and although she tried to describe the people and foods and sights – I’m afraid- her descriptions just didn’t cut it. The only way to know about this country is to experince it for yourself.
And experience it I did.
Orangutans, stormy seas and jungle trekking in tack with gorgeous arrays of different foods was just the outlook of it.
The other time was spent hopping from Alison’s one dear friend to another, hearing tales from their past of the journeys they shared and hopes for the future.
And laughter. So much laughter!
Stories and smiles is something I utterly love in the conversation here.
And they are always sharing wisdom.
I see now why aunty sees this place as home.
I was blessed to see another side to my good friend. She immediately absorbed the beauty of the land and people surounding us and shone with it. The warm spirit of the people we met was infectious and I hope to carry it with me.
Entry 3 – Mulu to Miri
Both be and alison were excites beyond words when we boarded the tiny 60 seater plane to the jungle. Yes the jungle!
As i looked down from the almost claustrophobic plane it stretched as far as the eye could see so that the horizone every way you looked was a dense green mass, bumpy against the skyline. Rivers meandred across the space looping out of sight beneath the canopy to appear again a mile later.
I could see small wooden river boats drifting along.
The runway came into view, just a small stretch of concrete in a field with the mountains rising up behind.
Pictures don’t do it justice.
We were ecstatic to be there!
We spent a day exploring caves- one of which is the biggest in the world! And followed this by trekking right into the thick of the jungle with our own personal tribal guide. He was born and raised in a tiny village and has since explored the jungles and mountains of his homeland. A real honest to god jungle man!
Not only did he stay with us for three days on boat rides along the river beaten tracks in the jungle and up steep mountain climbs he carried all our food for three days cooking every meal. And it was amazing especially considering we were in the jungle!
Sneaky picture of our as we purred up river and he looked out for the on coming rapids. He would have to push us through with his staff. Otherwise we’d get out and push the boat.
One of the best meals I’ve had on my trip through asia and cooked by a tribal jungle trekker. Quite impressive.
One day I set off at 6.30am just before sunrise on one of the most physically challenging treks. It is considered a great achievement to complete the 3k climb up the mountain followed by clambering up 16 laders that take you to the impressive peak called The Pinaccles.
The previous night- at base camp- people had been warning me against the climb, whilst eyeing me up assessing wether I had the physical capability to reach the top, where so many failed. I was starting to feel a bit apprehensive.
So we set off and the route was gradually getting steeper and steeper. We began hauling ourselves up by tree roots and scrambling over rocks. Before reaching the laders a group passed us on the way down shaking there heads saying they took a look at the laders and knew it wasn’t going to happen.
My heart beat faster.
But I persisted. And the laders where a total blast! The whole upward climb was actually one of the most exhilarating part of my jungle experience.
We reached the top with good time and had the world to ourselves
Incredible view
Going down was harder. But still managed it with only a few bumps and bruises. And was met by the stunning base camp.
We slept to the symphony of jungle cackling and the chattering of the river.
Was terrible to tear myself away.
Next on the agenda was the city of Miri. Where alisons good friend Dr Phillip lives. We spent a night in the marriot hotel – oooooh eeee – and then I spent a week with Philip observing in the hospital he works in.
I shadowed the nurses and experienced the bustling life of a hospital. Very interesting.
Whilst with Philip I was immediately adopted by his family memebers and friends, one of which was an amazingly energetic chinese woman that took me mekan angin. The very very broken english that she spoke was often lost in her accent and laughter so successfully communicating with each other was thin. But shes still became my Malaysian mum- people honestly thought I was her daughter even though she is chinese. Strange.
A lot of new years open houses. More food. Waterfalls. More food. And Karaoke!
I was determined to experince the karaoke night life. It was a blast! Though I wasn’t nearly drunk enough to sing my heart out everyone else made up for me. It was a funny night. Just 10 of us in a rented room. Kinda shady lookin but with the lights of and the glow of the tv screens it was magic.
And when we had finished me dinned on pigs intestines, fried chicken feet and noodle soup in the early hours of morning.
Perfect end to my stay in Miri.
Entry 4- Bye bye Malaysia.
I spent another night in Kl and then bought a sleeper train ticket from there up through the south of Thailand.
It took a good 39 1/2 hours but was something I had to do. And now I’m back in Thailand. Nearly finished by round trip through asia and its beyond me how quickly its gone.
Before you know it I’ll be back.
At first you’ll be happy to see me and then my overly hippy mindset and annoying Gap Year phrases such as ‘oh that reminds me of the time I rode behind an elephant’ will drive you insane! And I’m looking forward to it. 🙂
Stopped off to visit a temple.
Malaysian Phrase book- the heart to Malaysia conversation
Tirimakasai- Thank You
Sama sama- your welcome
Mekan – food (most important word in Malaysian dictionary)
Goyong kaki- Literally to swing your legs around meaning to hang out
Juru selamat- Specialist of Safety – or as we know him Jesus – just beautiful.
And my favourite phrase:
Mekan angin – Literally meaning to consume the air.
It’s used to describe the action of travelling around, relaxing or holidaying somewhere.
And some pictures
I’ve of the amazing food. Such a mixture so many flavours.
I get hungry just looking at it!
Last few island sunsets
Beautiful temple garden in Bangkok
Thailand 2K13-14 