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