Malaysia Truly Asiaaaaa!

Hello!! It's been a while...I have so much to tell you!
So last I wrote, were were in Siahnookville, the coast of Cambodia, in torrential downpours. The rain didn't stop the whole time we were there! On our last day there, we went to a not for profit organization called the Starfish Project, where we enjoyed the rain in a cafe type atmosphere, sipping tea, reading books and getting massages. It was very peaceful and the massage was amazing...a little rough (Thai Style massage, where they do a lot of stretching/pulling of your limbs), but relaxing.

On the 2nd, we returned to Phnom Pehn, where we said goodbye to Julie's friend Laura. We hung out in Phnom Pehn for a few days, basically trying to get out of the country. All of the airlines websites were down, and they don't do phone bookings. We ended up having to go to the airport and book our ticket...which was an adventure in itself...we decided to pass up a Tuk Tuk (motor bike attached to a buggy) for a Motto (motorbike)...so Our driver, Julie and I squished onto the bike and made the 8 KM hike to the airport.

We flew to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on the 3rd. The city was far more developed than I was expecting....but I have really only seen Cambodia up until this point, which is the poorest country in South East Asia. Kuala Lumpur at night is beautiful, with many lights up and down the streets and on all of the buildings and skyscrapers. We stayed in ChinaTown for 3 nights, only a 10 minute sky train ride from downtown. In Kuala Lumpur we went to the Lake Gardens, and experienced the Bird Park and the huge Orchid Gardens. The Bird Park was amazing! So many different birds...like Ostriches, Pelicans, Toucans, Parrots, Flamingos, Owls...many endangered species.
We also spent a day walking around downtown Kuala Lumpur, seeing the Petrona towers (largest Skyscrapers in the world) but were unable to go up them, because the tours for the day were closed. We did go up the Menara Tower (4th tallest communication tower), where we could see all of the city and beyond.
Malaysia is a combination of Chinese, Indian and Muslim Cultures...so their is many choices for food! one night, Julie and I went to an Indian cuisine, and I ordered noodles (thinking it was a safe bet). I took my first bite and thought I was going to die...it was the spiciest food I've ever eaten...people were laughing at me in the restaurant, b/c they could tell I couldn't handle the spiciness....but, with a lot of water, I was able to eat about 1/4 of my meal!!!

We are now in Cameron Highlands, it is much cooler here than anywhere else we've been...set high in the Mountains, it is Tea Country, with thousands of Acres of tea Plantations. It is absolutely gorgeous...
Julie and I went on a few solo hikes through the thick forest/jungles...and had the best experience!! We saw a troop of Monkeys, jumping from tree to tree. There were probably 10 of them...they were quite big, grey, long tailed and black faces. So great!
Today (October 9th) we went on a country side tour to visit a tea plantation and tea factory, a huge rose/flower garden, honey bee farm, strawberry fields (where I had the most heavenly home made, fresh strawberry ice-cream!), and butterfly farm. The butterfly farm had unexpected surprises, like snakes, frogs, tarantulas, ginormous beetles and scorpions....and the guide (with Julie's help) MADE ME hold a scorpion...I almost peed my pants. The picture Julie took of me is hilarious...I am utterly terrified!

Tomorrow we are on our way to Malaysia's biggest National Park...Taman Negara. We are going to do a 3 day, 2 night Jungle Exploration....ahhhhh! I guess if I wasn't traveling with Julie, I probably wouldn't be experiencing the 'animal side' of South East Asia....I'm actually really excited!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...Julie and I shared a large plate of French Fries...jealous?
Email me to let me know how your doing and what you're up to! meaghandodgson@gmail.com
Also, if you want to see Julie's blog, it is: www.juliesasianadventures.blogspot.com