Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Hello all! Updates on my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We found out we had two days off of work for International Women's Day so right away we tried to see where we could fly to cheaply! The final selection: Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

Shae, Leigh and I headed out last Thursday and wound up in an amazing, contrasting, bustling but pretty relaxed city! After a quick flight from Phnom Penh, we arrived at our charming guesthouse. It was really more like a house with guest rooms and it made the experience so wonderful! We shopped and explored the city. To have malls! And Starbucks! It was nice to treat ourselves to the comforts of home.

Friday we headed out early to explore Chinatown, which looked a lot like any Chinatown and a lot like any market, but was enjoyable all the same. We also saw the twin Petronas Towers, which used to be the tallest structures in the world, apparently. And now, of course, a massive mall is situated between them. Needless to say, we explored the area closely ;)

Friday night we met up with a friend of Shae's who is Malaysian and lives in KL (Kuala Lumpur). She took us out and showed us some good nightlife! They have amazing clubs and bars in KL! It was so much fun to be in a big, busy, exciting city at night.

After a late night and sleeping in late, we trudged over to the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur. It was quite the experience. We had to wear the robe and full head covering to enter the grounds. At first we felt silly, and then just unbearably warm in the hot, humid climate. Then we sort of accepted we were wearing it. The I guess interesting part of wearing the clothing was taking it off as we were leaving the mosque. In my jeans and tank top, I suddenly felt entirely exposed. It was a strange and jarring feeling.

We cut over to the National Mosque for another round of sweating in borrowed robes and headdresses. The architecture inside the prayer room (which we could see but could not go inside) was stunning. Then we met our friend from Cambodia who is studying abroad in Malaysia for dinner. Korean BBQ! KL has amazinggggg food!!!!

And today, Monday, we left. It was a fabulous trip full of already priceless memories. I would for sure go back to Malaysia. The people were friendly, the city was easy and fairly clean, and we had a blast. I could not have asked for a better trip.

Through all the trials of living here in Cambodia, and through all the times I have questioned choices I have made and my surroundings, I have to say, I truly feel like I am living a fantasy dream life. In what life but a dream life is one able to send one's self around the world by plane on a whim because of a work holiday? No stress, no obligations, no doubts, just get on the plane. What life is that? I guess it is mine. And even in this awful heat and tiring job, I know deep down I can't complain. I am 22 and am seeing the world.

One month until Burma with Mom!!! Really, is this my life?! Happy right now. Tired but happy.

Until next time homies :)