Well, I am in the Cameron Highlands right now. We left Penang early this morning. We had a traditional Chinese breakfast this morning of dim sum, a red bean steamed bun, and tea. It was amazing! Especially because I got to use chop sticks. I miss them. The SE Asian countries that we have visited do not use chopsticks at all- unless Chinese food. Here in Malaysia many of them eat with their hands due to the Indian and Muslim cultures. Words cannot express how much I love the food here. It's a good thing we have done so much walking/running here or I would come home with some nice saddle bags...but I still have a week left, so it is possible. I have had authentic Indian and Chinese food daily and have not paid more than $3 for a full meal and drink. Oh, how I love Malaysia. Can you feel the love?
I continuously have been blown away by the kindness here in Malaysia. During our stay at all of the guesthouses the staff has been incredibly nice. In Melaka, we stayed at a cute little family's home. They had a two year-old who was adorable and gets so much attention from all of the guests that come. The couple does everything themselves to keep costs down, so it is their full time job. We decided the couple has to be trust fund babies or wealthy because everything is so cheap. While we were watching a movie in the living room, the wife brought us a plate full of fruit. We also got free breakfast, water, and unlimited coffee/tea. We paid $6 a night. Heaven.
Last night in Georgetown, we were invited to go to a Buddhist temple celebration with the owner of the hostel. He took us next-door and we watched part of the ceremony. It was incredible, even though I had no idea what was going on. There was so much food, candles, chanting, and performing of rituals. They even had some variation of communion during the ceremony which is supposed to bring good luck. It was really interesting. Muslims make up the majority of the population here. I have never been surrounded by so many people of that culture, there clothes alone are very different. Brit and I stick out a lot with what we are wearing, especially that our hair isn't covered. Today I was wear a strapless dress and a little girl looked at me in shock, mouth opened wide. It could have been the freckles or the hair, but I decided to put a hoodie. ha.
People are very devoted to their religion and they seem to be in harmony with others of different beliefs, at least in the areas that I have been in. I'm sure it isn't the case everywhere. I have seen a few Christian churches, but not many. A few places have Christmas decorations or play Christmas music. It's wonderful.
The Cameron Highlands are very peaceful and quiet. I am surrounded by jungle. We are in this cute little town with not a whole lot to do in the evenings. Tomorrow I am heading on a jungle trek to a couple different areas with a group. Hopefully I will be able to see the world's largest flower, unless it decides to die before I get there. They bloom for 5-7 days and tomorrow is day 4 (I think). We will also go to a tea plantation. Yeah! I'm excited.
I'm wearing a hoodie and pants right now. It's much cooler than the other areas that we have been in thus far- at least at night. It's a nice break, but I'm not ready to be in the blustering cold of Korea and MN. Crap.
Ok, I have rambled long enough. The mosquito's are attacking. Must..go..inside... (I'm in an open-air cafe.)
Less than a week before we leave. :( We head to Kuala Lumpur on Tues afternoon and then to the airport on Friday morning for Korea. I can't wait to see my friends in Korea, but then it's goodbye... Sad. Home the 21st. WOW. :) YEAH!
I will tell Tarzan you said hi tomorrow in the Jungle. You can call me Jane.
xoxo
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