An International Affair

I've had quite the multi-cultural experience while visiting Kuala Lumpur. Not only have I been immersed into a city filled with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, but I have spent my days with Norwegians, Germans, Australians, Dutch, Polish, and Italians (just to name a few). Staying in a hostel really opens one's eyes to the world. Similarities between travelers are inevitable, but finding friends is an even greater treat. :)

While visiting Melaka for a simple day trip over the weekend, I managed to find a travel buddy - a Norwegian/Californian. How nice it is to meet another single traveler to spend some time with! Chris and I met by happening to take the same boat cruise in Melaka. Since we were both traveling alone, we decided to venture around together. Melaka is a very clean little city about 2 1/2 hours south of KL. It's interesting wandering around because not only do you see Asian influences but also those of Dutch and Portuguese. Melaka is situated right by the water with a river running right through it to the sea. The Dutch and Portuguese used Melaka as a port city, so touring around you can see remnants or replicas of various buildings or ships. We had some very yummy food while walking around - some pork dumplings of sorts and crispy potato on a stick. I also picked up a pair of the most wicked pants ever! I love them. :)

Sunday was a day of relaxing with a little Starbucks treat and attempting some shopping. After some successful bargain hunting, Chris and I made our way back to the hostel to rest up for a bit. However on the way back we had a slight change of plans when we randomly made friends with some other travelers on the street. We all aren't exactly sure how we met, but it was fun hanging out with some new people. So with 2 Germans, a Norwegian, and an American, we made our way to Chinatown. After some haggling with shop keepers and my persuasive nagging to try some different foods, we made our way back to the hostels for a little R&R before heading out for the evening. Our goal was to see some live cultural dance that was within walking distance in the shopping district, but it was certainly a less than stellar event and we made our way to the bars. A few nice cold beers is a great way to end a hot day in Kl. :)

Malte, me, Chris, Andreas

After a short visit to Batu Caves with our new little group, we trained back to the city in search of Central Market. This market was originally a wet market used for trade, but was almost torn down in the 70s/80s. However, some local conservationists fought to save the building because of the character and integrity it brought to the city. It was saved from demolition and was turned into a market for shopping. I originally thought the market would be more like a flea market with vendors and stalls. However, I was quite mistaken as the whole building has been revamped and is completely air-conditioned. The market is set up more like a mall with proper stores and kiosks, but all have a very multi-cultural influence - everything from a Little India shop to a glass blower. The day concluded with some great fun and laughter with my new friends - even met an Aussie from Perth. haha :)

I'm amazed by all the wonderful people I've met while visiting KL and the stories they have to share. The world is such a big place, but even being in a completely foreign place by myself, I've come to start to feel at home. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly and I'm so thankful for the friends I've made along the way. Just this tiny taste of traveling alone and hearing stories from all these amazing people, I've really got an itch to get out there and experience even more of the world! :)

~A