Conquering My Fears

My adventures in Malaysia just seem to be getting bigger and better everyday. On Thursday I conquered a fear that once paralyzed me and kept me from doing things I always dreamed of. Very high heights have certainly been something I tend to stay clear from, but in the past few years I've tried going outside my comfort zone and venture to the unknown.

Climbing up the mountain side in Juneau, Alaska in a sky car was quite a trying experience, but it made me want to change how I let heights affect me. The next year while on a cruise in the Caribbean with some of my best girlfriends, I decided to try zip-lining (or flying fox as it is also commonly known). I didn't do so well at first, even freaking out on the tester platform. However, I got up the nerve to actually do all the different levels and loved it! What an experience flying through the jungle in Belize!! :)

So since I'm on holiday in Malaysia, I decided to venture out once again. Why not?! You only live once! :) I didn't do anything too crazy, but something that is certainly new and exciting to me. I happened upon some adventure tours while searching for things to do while in Kuala Lumpur and one company particularly peaked my interest with their trekking and camping adventures. They got me hooked when I read about waterfall abseiling (a.k.a. repelling). Repelling down a wall is one thing, but having to do it from 4 stories up while a waterfall comes down next to you and sometimes on top of you is quite the trick.

I can't believe I did it! What a rush! My first time ever repelling and I choose to do it in the Malaysian jungle next to a waterfall. The sights were unbelievably beautiful! Lush green trees, tiny yellow butterflies, gorgeous blue skies, frogs and lizards racing me down the wall - amazing! :) The area was so peaceful and relaxing even though the hike was a bit of a trek. We had to hike down the side of the hill, hanging onto vines, bamboo, and trees to help guide us to the beginning of the abseil. Harnesses on, helmets on, smiles on - ready? Let's do this! What a blast!!

I was able to do the abseil 3 different times and after each decent we trekked through the river for about 10 min and up the side of the hill, climbing rocks and roots to get back to the starting point. While hiking back to the starting point, we could even hear the faint call of gibbons (monkeys) in the jungle! After the abseil, we were able to swim in some of the pools at the top of the waterfall. One of them was deep enough to dive into and it even had a natural waterslide! So much fun!!!

My guides for this trek were absolutely fantastic beyond words! They arranged a solo trip especially for me and even managed to coerce a friend into coming along to help reduce the cost of the excursion for me. Amos and Kevin are best friends that started OpenSky Unlimited. Check out their website to view pics of other abseils and trekking adventures! In addition to the phenomenal waterfall experience, they helped me explore more traditional Malaysian cuisine from a typical Indian breakfast of a simple pulled dough served with dahl to a traditional Chinese meal for lunch which included tofu, watercress, sweet and sour pork, and produce from local farmers. On our trek they included a little lesson on a bean that was growing on a farm nearby. This bean is unique and has four points - when cut it looks like an "X". These beans were even included in our meal - tasty!

Between the history lessons, talks about durian, and all the great laughs, I had a fabulously unforgettable day! :)


~A


P.S. Photos to come courtesy of my awesome guide, Kevin! :)

Elephants, Monkeys, and Snakes - Oh, my!!

Arriving in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday arvo was quite the shock. I knew it would be hot and humid, but I didn't realize how much! The heat is a nice change from the cooler, rainy weather in Perth. Although by midday I've been wishing for at least some air-con in my room. :) That's right people - no air-con! Oh well, at least I can duck into some public buildings or the trains to get some cooler air.

Before arriving in KL, I decided to stay at a small hostel near Chinatown. It's a quaint little place which such lovely staff and guests. I was even fortunate enough to make friends with some guests the first night and then spent the next day wandering around the city with them. I have a single room in the guesthouse that is probably no bigger than a closet - no joke! No worries though as I only need it for a place to sleep. The bathrooms are co-ed and communal, but at least there are private showers. :)

Sunday arvo and evening I spent much of the time walking around and getting my bearings where I would be staying the next week or so. And of course I had to go to Starbucks during my meandering. :) The city is a busy place with cars everywhere. Be careful, though, because cars do not stop for pedestrians and if you get hit, it's your fault. Good thing I usually try to cross in a group! hehe I had a fabulous dinner with some of my new friends at little place in Chinatown - delicious!

 Monday I spent the day with my two Italian friends, Stefania and Antonio. We leisurely made our way to the Batu Caves which houses a Hindu Temple. In addition to the temple itself, tourists are attracted to the caves because of the immense climb to the top - 274 stairs! There are also monkeys harassing passersby, so the climb is a bit humorous as well as frightening as you don't want to get attacked by a monkey! :) The caves are ginormous and absolutely breathtaking! From there we made our way to the Lake Gardens in search of the butterflies. We were very tired and hot by this time, but persevered and eventually found the butterflies with a little detour in the deer park. The Lake Gardens is a sunken garden of sorts with very steep declines to get into the park. Even though the sun was very hot, the sights were still quite beautiful! Check out the butterflies we got to see at the KL Butterfly Park! After a long day out we went for dinner and ventured through some markets before heading to bed for the night.

Durian

I had an adventure of a lifetime on Tuesday. My day was filled with driving through the countryside and stopping in small towns. I was able to try local fruits such as durian and jackfruit - both of which are like nothing I have ever tasted before. Durian has a very distinct odor, but has sweet flesh with almost a garlic taste - strange, huh? :) Jackfruit is very mild and has a more typical tropical taste. I also had a wonderful Southern Indian meal for lunch which was served on a banana leave. Such good curry! :)


Then it was off to visit animals while stopping off to learn about rubber trees and palm oil. First stop was Deerland where I was able to feed deer up close, hold a snake (yuck!), and pet a Malaysian Sun Bear. Yes, I touched a bear. :) Finally off to see the elephants! I was able to feed the elephants and take a short ride. The highlight of the day though was playing in the river with the elephants. :) After a quick shower it was off to visit monkeys and the oldest lighthouse in Malaysia that overlooks the Melaka Straight. Such a view! While visiting the lighthouse, I was able to feed Silver Leaf monkeys. So cute and friendly!! Before finishing off my day with millions of fireflies, I had a wonderful fresh seafood meal on the river - sweet and sour fish, fried rice, and some of the best prawns ever! It was finally dark enough for the firefly tour. I wish I was able to get some pictures or video, but I'm fairly certain I won't forget that sight. While silently cruising along the river, I saw what looked like flickering Christmas lights in the trees. But these were certainly not your typical Christmas lights! :) What a long day it was, but definitely well worth it!!

View from dinner :)

Best pancake ever!

Oh and I can certainly not forget about one of the best pancakes of my life! The sights and smells at this little roadside market were incredible and unforgettable! I must recreate this. :)


~A

Half a Year and Half a World Away

I thought I would try something new and update with a video. Hope you all enjoy!!  ~A

Winter Weather is Certainly Wetter

My head has kind of been playing games with me lately. It's now July, but it's not hot out. It's winter, but there's no snow. I don't know if I can keep up with the backwards seasons and weather patterns! Although, I must say it's kind of fun experiencing a different type of winter since I've been bombarded with snow and bitter cold my whole life. Rain has become a welcome daily occurrence for the past few weeks. However, I'm missing the constant sunshine like during the summer months.

This past week has been filled with lots of fun and much needed relaxation after a somewhat crazy previous week. After helping Paul move out of house, I learned that my car was in an accident. However, I was not even in the car nor was my car even moving. I had the luck of someone backing into my parked car. The issue has now become somewhat of a sore spot, but hopefully will be cleared up within the coming weeks. In addition to that, I learned that my good friend, Caitlin, would be leaving on July 8th. Kind of a bummer weekend it was, but all's well that ends. :) Luckily this week seemed to make up for all the downers.

Wednesday evening was a blast! I went out with a couple friends to listen to some live music. However, the bar was kind of a dive and the patrons were less than appealing! haha In spite of the seedy appearance of the bar, it was a fantastic evening and we had so much fun chatting and dancing! :) Thursday followed with an adventure day with the kiddos. We went to the natural history museum in the city to visit the dinosaurs and snakes! It was fun taking the kids around and seeing what fascinated them the most. There was a large butterfly exhibit that I'm sure we all could have spent hours just examining the thousands of different butterflies.

My much needed chill out day came to me on Friday. The day before, I had joined the Melville Rec. Center so I could go to the gym and such. So on Friday, I decided to go to yoga. :) Oh, how I've missed yoga! I'm certainly feeling the effects of the class even now two days later, but I'm so glad I went and I will most definitely be going back! To continue my chill out day, I went to the movies. I'm not usually much for going to movies alone, but it was so fun. I went to see Bridesmaids which evidently is set in Milwaukee. I didn't know this prior to seeing the movie, so when the opening credits came on, I got kind of teary eyed. I started seeing home - the Milwaukee Public Market, the Calatrava, Lake Michigan, and the Hoan Bridge. It was so strange seeing home again and remembering all the places I had been only 6 months ago. The images made me kind of homesick, but it just reminds how much where I come from means to me. (By the way - the movie was hilarious!! :))

My new hair :)

This weekend was a time to celebrate the friendship Caitlin and I have made and wish her well on her new venture in Sydney. And what better way to celebrate than to completely change my look and dye my hair?! I was quite nervous about it all, but Caitlin was a great stylist. :)

After a delightful weekend, I start another week. Tomorrow will be a little bit special for me though as I will be spending another 4th of July away from home and out of the country. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such a wonderful life and allowing me to grow up in a country that is booming with freedom. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve to keep that freedom alive! Happy Independence Day to all my lovely American friends and family! Enjoy the fireworks for me this year!! :)

That's all from my little corner of the world. Happy 4th everyone! Be safe, have fun, and I miss you all!!


~A