Touchdown!

I decided I should see some other parts of Asia before heading back to the US this summer, because a) in my three years in China I hadn't been to any other Asian countries b) lots of friends had done it and loved it c) The "Malaysia Truly Asia" ads are effective. So last Monday I hopped a train from Shanghai to Hangzhou for the cheapest flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Air Asia - head and shoulders cheaper than anyone else but doesn't fly out of Shanghai) and arrived KL around 7:30 pm.

Me at West Lake in HZ during my 4 hour "layover" between train and plane. Also, on a sidenote, my first trip to Hangzhou. Kind of Silly. Facial expression due to some hesitation about leaving friends and comfortable life in Shanghai and diving into a 4 week solo


The map section on the plane into Kuala Lumpur shows you what direction Mecca is. Cool.

Arrived Pondok Lodge around 9 after a loooong taxi ride from the airport- it's far out of town - should have taken the monorail - and got settled in. It's a "guesthouse", which is my plan of accomodation throughout the trip, so it's pretty funky but cute and in a very good location. Also has AC which I have to admit is nice.

Sleep a little late the next day and basically waste the day trying to find a travel agent, sim card, and bus ticket. It is so hard trying to get things done in a foreign country! Arg! And they even speak English here! Travel agent was to help me arrange a trip to Mulu park in Borneo but she was pretty useless on that regard and could not find any cheap tickets, though I found some later online but after I'd already left KL. Still debating Borneo. Despite a somewhat ridiculous day, I thoroughly enjoyed the following:

First meal in SE Asia - I forget what it's called, I keep thinking it's aloo gobi, will someone who knows please identify? and mango lassi (which was absurdly good) and garlic naan

Didgery doo (sp?) concert. Just missed getting an LP in the background who had painted himself thoroughly in silver, and silver top hat and three piece suit, sitting on a silver chair and pretending he was a statue. Arg!!!!!