Backpacking...

It starts with a feeling. A desire for something else. Something bigger. You work hard, talk about it and plan it all out. Then you tell your friends and family the plan. (who might think you're crazy) They hit you with the redundant questions you've been asked from everyone. "Did you get a leave from your job?" "What about your house and your belongings?" "Are you rich?" You keep your head down and tell yourself that it will happen. Before you know it, you're walking the streets of Kuala Lumpur saying, "Holy Shit, we're in Kuala Lumpur!" You find yourself talking to food hawkers in French, so they stop bugging you in English. (Hawker - what a terrible name to describe a potentially beautiful food experience. It sounds to much like phlegm or mucus) Sure enough, there are days that you wish you could be back at home. You day dream about a warm summer day in your backyard with your beloved white cat. Or being over at your brothers house, playing with your niece and nephew while their mom and dad create something delicious for dinner. Yes, these are the things we think about. But you make a commitment and know that once its over, the path changes. Your future moves on to a new set of dreams and desires.  Those feelings of missing home do happen. But we have been on the road for over 2 months now, so it's to be expected. 2 months down, 10 to go!

BOH Tea Plantation for as far as you can see.

 

Sampling some tea.

After 7 wonderful days (one of our longest stops to date on this trip) we said a sad goodbye to George Town and made an unfortunate mistake of thinking a night in the city of Ipoh would be fun. From there we went to the Cameron Highlands. The fruit and veggie basket of Malaysia. Carved out of the oldest rainforest in the world, this mountainous range has  hundreds of fruit, vegetable and tea plantations. We had done our research and when we boarded the bus we weren't at all shocked or confused as to the reason each seat had multiple small black bags tucked away safe and sound for you to use. We were also thankful and grateful for popping those beloved small pink pills called Gravol only a half hour before. The drive was slow and windy but was no concern as it was absolutely gorgeous. A shock to the system was the arctic temperatures that ignited our bones as we departed the bus.  We had read that the temperatures were chilly but we hadn't mentally prepared. Shortly after settling into our room we were shaking the wrinkles out of the one sweater we each had. Wishing that we had some sort of long pants to possibly disguise the dreaded socks and sandals fiasco. We spent the days on a scooter exploring, hiking, relaxing and of course drinking tea and eating strawberries.

Dean in the tea plants.

One of thousands at a butterfly museum.

Kelly trying to find the way on the map?!

  After 4 almost hypothermic days (at night, near +15) we knew we were in desperate need of some hot sun and took the road less traveled to Palua Pangkor.  A small fishing island that is becoming Malaysia's top tour destination for Malaysian people. Still relatively untouched by foreign tourists, this island boasts of it's boat tours, jet skiing, snorkeling and a very laid back way of life.  We once again rented a scooter to explore the few sights on the island. One of which consisted of a Dutch fort built in the mid 1600's. The fort was built to house tin as the island was on a major shipping route. It was the center of much conflict and at one point had over 60 guards stationed to protect it. The fort is no larger than a house. This along with the other sights of the island, took a maximum of 2 hours to explore. We spent the rest of our 5 days here sleeping in, laying in hammocks strung out over some of the bluest waters we have seen and immersing ourselves into two wonderful books. At night we watched the sun set while eating our dinners of crab, prawns and fish. Inwardly, we reflected on the things we gave up and sacrificed and how hard we had worked during the last 4 years to get here. And boy is it good to be here. We also spent alot of time watching the many monkeys going through the motions of their day to day lives. One of their favorite past times is to sneak up on the tourists and get there little hands onto whatever the tourists may have. We are proud to say that we were run off the beach by a whole gang of 3 very small and cute looking monkeys.

The monkey's that ran us off the beach.

Asian Horn Bill Birds.

One of many sunset dinners.

From there we embarked on what was supposed to be a 3 hour bus ride to KL. It, of course, turned into a well over 6 hour ride. It was hot and midly uncomfortable. When the bus stopped in downtown KL and everyone got off, we stood out front, not knowing exactly which way to go. We happened upon two fantastic cab drivers who mixed speaking between Malay and English as they discussed which was the best way to take us to our destination.  We got dropped off in the right neighbourhood and with a list of places we wanted to stay at, we began scowering the area.  "All Booked." "No room." "Sorry, we're full." I guess next time we arrive in the big city on a friday night we best call ahead. The rooms we did find, were only good enough to leave a scaring image, or funky smell lodged in the back of your nose. There is a mental toughness that one needs to be able to backpack. But unlike the twenty somethings, we just wont subject ourselves to the lowest of lows. We finally found a room that is no larger then the smallest New York apartment. Clean, comfy Ikea bunk beds, no smells and a great bathroom, our new home.

View of the Petronas Towers with the smoke from Indonesia

Night time at the towers

View from the very bottom. Can't see the top!

 We have loved Kuala Lumpur! Not sure if it was it's dazzling lights, abundant food options, coffee shops or seeing a different sight at every corner.  We haven't seen nearly all that the city has to offer. Mostly because the smoke blowing in from the slash and burn in Indonesia has been a hindrance for Dean's throat and photos alike. We have seen lots though. Aquariums, souvenir shops, Chinatown, the famous and amazing Petronas Towers, movie theaters (with the oh so beloved popcorn) malls, malls, and more malls. We were both eager to start swapping out the old clothes in exchange for the new, so the air conditioned malls have been a great place to spend our afternoons. We know that we will be back here at least 1 more time if not more in the next few weeks. So those things that we missed, such as the Batu Caves will be seen soon enough.

At the aquarium.

 We FLY out tomorrow to the Perentian Islands. There north of here, boardering Thailand. With airfare as low as $50 each with return, it is to good to pass up on. We are eager and relaxed knowing that the next week and a bit brings white sand beaches and no long bus excursions!!!!

Busy 'hawker' food stall street.