TravelStream™ news feed for member arikandcharis on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/arikandcharis en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:59 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246467241/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246467241/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246467241/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:57:59 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Seoul, Korea Rep.

Our final days of the trip we spent enjoying the food of Kuala Lumpur, topping up our bags with knock off t-shirts and trinkets, and preparing mentally for returning home.  The final leg of the trip started with a walk through China Town, bags heavier than ever, then a skytrain trip, next a train, and then 3 flights - Kuala Lumpur to Seoul, Seoul to LA, and LA to Vancouver, Canada!  We lucked out on the Seoul to LA flight and snagged business class seating for an extra $40.  All you can eat, all you can drink, 7 course dinner, and a lay flat bed for the 13 hour flight...it's ironic that after almost a year of slumming it we're heading home in style.And now...It's all over.  We dreamed, we planned, we saved, we left.  Almost one year later and it's all over.  The planning, the trip, the end - it's all a blur, but one amazing blur.  Luckily the  experience has left us with amazing memories, a new perspective on the world, and big smiles on our faces.  As much as we'd like to try, we know words can't explain our feelings of the trip.  Months on the road, Christmas 13,000km from home, learning a new language, meeting thousands of new people, food food food, sunrise at Machu Pichu or the Taj Mahal, sunsets on the Galapagos and Islands in the Gulf of Thailand, mid-day rush in Hanoi,  Early morning partying in Buenos Aires, lazy days on Asian beaches, trekking in the Andes, Chilean wine, getting mugged in Rio, and thousands of other experiences that we will remember until we're gray.  In a way it feels like the trip has been our second bachelors degree.  The first, from Uvic, with focuses in writing, problem solving, and specific knowledge.  The second degree, a Bachelors in Travel / Human Studies, has focused on third world street smarts, human suffering, languages, negotiating, sun smarts, flora and fauna, colonization, war, and international cuisine.  The travel degree feels as important as the Bachelors.  In some ways, it feels the difference between knowledge and wisdom (in no way are we claiming to be wise, perhaps just less naive).  One provided us with more ability to negotiate our careers and the other has provided us with more ability to negotiate our lives. In a big way, we have to give props to Saint Augustine and his famous travel quote.  If life is a book, then those who do not travel read only a page.  It's a hard truth, because very few people take the chance, even fewer people have the chance.  In no way do we feel we've read a book, as many chapters come only with age and other experiences, but in some ways we at least feel we've made it through a few more chapters and perhaps see where the plot is going.           The last day of the trip has actually created as much nervousness and anticipation as the first day.  There are so many things we have to figure out, so many people we have to see, and so many habits we have to drop.  We assume re-assimilation will be easy, but as always, and especially on the road, there are no guarantees in life.  So, if we want it or not, this chapter of our book is over.  We're happy.  We're tired.  We're seasoned.  We're scared. We are coming home... 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466689/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466689/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466689/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:49:11 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Oh Malaysia is beautiful.  The jungle and beaches are so beautiful.  The culture is diverse.  And the people are smiley and friendly.  The old school culture is flanked by uber-modern infrastructure and services.  It is one of our favorite spots, but it will remain infamous in our minds as our final destination as well...Best of MalaysiaPerhitian Islands - Only the Galapagos can compete with this amazing place.Meleka - A Colonial town like no other, with awesome history and living artifactsKuala Lumpur - Young, modern, bold, and full of culture.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466273/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466273/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246466273/tpod.html Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:42:11 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia

After all the sweat and leeches in the jungle we were all looking forward to the Perhitian Islands.  One bus, one boat, and we arrived in relative paradise.The two Perhitian Islands are as beautiful as anywhere we've been.  Add to that they haven't (yet) been overdeveloped like Langkawi, Phi Phi, Phuket, or Ko Tao.  That means small beachfront chalets, a handful of restaurants, no cars, no roads, and life in the slow lane.  We landed on these Islands, as always, sweaty with backpacks and two day old clothes that had been through the jungle.  That arrival feeling is another of the awkward moments in the backpacking world.  The people already there look at you with both empathy and happiness.  Empathy for the feeling of arriving in a strange place, where all these other travelers have already set-up camp and are enjoying the good life, but then happiness for the fact that they aren't lugging a 15kg bag in the hot sun to find a crash pad.  It's a weird but necessary part of travel.  Eventually (6 tries) we found a place to stay.  Dinner our first night was a beach BBQ of Marlin, Squid, and Prawns.The next week we switched between eating, sun tanning, swimming, Frisbee, and snorkeling.  One day we booked a snorkeling tour where we saw black tip reef sharks, massive green turtles, bump head parrot fish, and a stingy ray.  The water was really warm, we could snorkel right outside our beach hut, and the clarity was awesome.One day a French girl snaps on the young men working at our hotel and starts throwing fists and trashing the reception.  The poor little desk man could only retaliate with an electric fly swatter.  Charis was the only one at the hotel so she tried to intervene while the hotel staff were yelling "you are just a crazy French girl".  Charis was able to get the girl back into her room to cool down, to which the hotel staff cheered for Charis. Spending time with Neil and Jay, and also getting to know Neil's girlfriend was great.  Not only were Neil and Jay groomsmen at our wedding, but they made the effort to meet up with us on the other side of the world.  There are few things in life as valuable as good friendship.  "insert every other cliche about friendship here"  Jay / Neil - Thanks again, can't wait for the next trip, stay safe on the rest of your Asian Tour!We also started to accept that this whirlwind tour is going to end, and it's going to end very soon.  We've thought about what we'll do when we're home and also to plan for the trip east in August.And then, all of a sudden it was just the two of us again.  In a strange way it felt very normal to be back on the road just the two of us, almost like going home.  It makes sense considering the road has been our home for so long...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094668/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094668/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094668/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:48:10 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

This time in Kuala Lumpur we were meeting another old friend.&nbsp; Arik met Neil at the Airport.&nbsp; A short train ride later and we were back together, Peachland's finest, 14,000km from home. In the morning we grabbed a bus north with one goal in mind - da Beach on Langkawi Island. Our first few days on the Island we didn't do much.&nbsp; Enjoyed some great Indian and Malay food.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Usually we spent the day at the beach swimming and body surfing.&nbsp; Neil picked up a brutal sun burn and Jay developed a 3-a-day sunglasses habit.&nbsp; The first 4 pairs were lost body surfing (who woulda thunk?).&nbsp; The next ones broke while goofing off somewhere.&nbsp; Then a few more in the water or just left on the beach.&nbsp; In one 48 hour period Jay went through 6 pairs of sunglasses.&nbsp; The best part is that he would re-buy new glasses from the same shop.&nbsp; And eventually he started buying in bulk to save a few ringits.&nbsp; Nights we roamed around, playing cards, and catching up on each others travels.&nbsp; Neil had been working in Egypt's oil fields and had more than an interesting time there.&nbsp; Jay was partying and working his way through New Zealand and Australia on the backpacker trail.&nbsp; Good friends, great food, tropical beaches, no schedule - living the good life...&nbsp; One day we took a boat trip to see some islands, a monkey beach, feed wild eagles, and swim at a beautiful remote beach.&nbsp; One island had a freshwater lake, complete with foot tickling catfish.&nbsp; Another island was just beautiful beaches.&nbsp; The only downside of the trip was that 200 other people were on the same schedule.Another day we rented some scooters to tour the island and see some other beaches and waterfalls.&nbsp; The first incident went something like this:Jay: Now remember to stay leftArik: Jay, I've been in Asia for 3 months man.<i>Neil gets on scooter takes two turns, crosses into the wrong lane, almost gets take out by a convertible and then lays down his hog for 10m...Neil is now referred to only as Two Turns Thiesmann.&nbsp; Luckily he survived the crash and is down only a few layers of skin on his arm, toes, and leg.During the rest of the ride (where Neil was able to keep left) we saw some beautiful beaches, took a ride up a mountain in a cable car, stopped at a golf driving range, and chilled out at some natural water slides.&nbsp; Another good day.Charis turned 26 on the island as well.&nbsp; Not just one, but three handsome men took her for a big seafood dinner: prawns, fish, calamari, and ice cream.One morning we volunteered with a local cafe owner to clean up the beach.&nbsp; Unfortunately many Asian people litter everything and anything, everywhere.&nbsp; On the beach, in the water, on the streets.&nbsp; The cafe owner, us Canucks, and 4 other occidental travelers were the only volunteers.&nbsp; In a couple hours we picked and scooped almost 40 bags of garbage...sick. Langkawi has some awesome beaches, delicious seafood, authentic Indian food, and cheap beer (40cents).&nbsp; Unfortunately some genius in the village decided to put sewage vents every 5ft.&nbsp; Think raw sewage, plus 90% humidity, plus high 30's heat.&nbsp; Accidentally walking over a vent would give a hot shot of poo-ey air.... pee-eeewww!Now tanned, salty, and full of tax free beer we're heading back to KL to meet up with Tamara (Neil's girlfriend) and to see more of the city.&nbsp;
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246095462/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246095462/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246095462/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:29:19 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Arik, Charis, and Jay headed back for some water park fun while Neil headed to the airport to meet Tamara.&nbsp; Arik figured the man made wave would be an easier wave for Neil and Jay to test their patience on.&nbsp; Surfing is not easy and we'll just leave it at that...That night all five of us headed to China Town for some dinner.&nbsp; The food set-up is as follows.&nbsp; One kitchen serves two restaurants.&nbsp; One is the inside of the restaurant where locals eat and prices are low.&nbsp; The "patio" area in front of the restaurant is packed with menu hawkers trying to real in tourists willing to pay a higher price (unknown to us).&nbsp; KL's China Town has oodles of atmosphere, so even if the prices were a bit inflated on the street it was a great dinner.&nbsp; The biggest scam is that they put cold hand towels and peanuts on the table, then charge you 2 bucks if you use them...&nbsp; There was also one really annoying flashlight seller who strolls the restaurants of China town.&nbsp; No means nothing to him, and even if you've said no 6 times, he sees no harm in trying again.&nbsp; Persistent!&nbsp; Annoying!In the AM we took a bus out to the Batu Caves, which is a series of massive caves where Hindus come to stab themselves with metal hooks in a strange worshiping celebration every January.&nbsp; Being June there wasn't any stabbing, but we did see a family drape their small baby in snakes.&nbsp; Yup a baby draped with snakes.&nbsp; There were also some really freaky monkeys at the temple.&nbsp; They were ready to attack at the sight of any food.&nbsp; One old timer started running towards Arik trying to get his can of pop.&nbsp; Arik swung his backpack at the monkey, who whipped out his massive pair of fangs and prepared to attack.&nbsp; Arik's version is that the monkey backed down, but technically Arik was the one who quickly walked down the stairs.We decided to try some Indian food for lunch.&nbsp; We had a craving.&nbsp; We also wanted to show off and share our knowledge of Indian cuisine to our friends.&nbsp; We finally made it to Paraneeth Restaurant in Little India where we gorged ourselves on Dal, Roti, Dosas, Pakora, and sweets.&nbsp; Those Indians know how to cook!&nbsp; At sunset we took a ride up the Menara Tower, which is smaller than the Petronas Towers but has a 100m higher viewing deck.&nbsp; The view was amazing, especially of the near by Petronas towers.&nbsp; Once the sun was down we walked over to the Petronas Towers for the night view.&nbsp; If you ever find yourself in Kuala Lumpur we have to recommend seeing the towers at night.&nbsp; The next morning we woke up early to get in line for tickets to the Petronas Tower's Sky Bridge, which connects the two towers.&nbsp; We arrived to find 400 other people already there, but we were still able to get some free tickets to the bridge for later in the day.&nbsp; The Sky Bridge itself was pretty unimpressive, the views pretty average, and the effort to go through security and several line ups was a pain.&nbsp; The one thing we did learn is that the towers are built and laid out based on common Islamic building design.The last night in town we did some market shopping and then had some more Chinese Food at the open air restaurants of China Town.&nbsp; Like clockwork the little old flashlight salesman was back again.&nbsp; Jay tried to explain the logic in not trying to sell a flashlight to someone who has said no 6 times already.&nbsp; No avail he was back again 10 mins later.&nbsp; Ahh the joys of travel.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246096329/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246096329/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246096329/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:55:44 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

First trek in months - we were excited.&nbsp; Even more so for the chance to see some wild life in the Malaysian Jungles.&nbsp; And then even more so to do a trek with good friends.&nbsp; After landing in the half horse town of Kuala Tahan we started to amass supplies for the trek.&nbsp; Food - check.&nbsp; Sleeping mats - check.&nbsp; Flashlights - check.&nbsp; Bug Spray - double check!Day one was an hour long canoe ride up river before the hiking started.&nbsp; Then it was a pretty hard, but short, 1 hour trek to our home for the night, a raised jungle hut with wooden bunk beds.&nbsp; Neil and Jay got their first taste of trekking in the tropical rain forest, making Arik feel good that he wasn't the only one sweating a river.&nbsp; We walked between huge trees, dense jungle, and trickling streams.&nbsp; We were the first hikers to arrive at the hut, so we set-up our beds made some food and just relaxed.&nbsp; Pretty soon other people started to filter in.&nbsp; The hut had 16 beds and all were booked for the night.&nbsp; There were the outback proud Aussies who tried to be the hardest, toughest, and wisest jungle adventurers.&nbsp; Too bad they didn't understand that lighting a fire alerts animals to human's and therefore we saw none of the animals we came to spy on that night.&nbsp; Then there were a few sets of french travelers, which unfortunately for the french aren't always the best ambassadors for their country.&nbsp; One girl setup her sleeping mat on top of Jay's bed and then tried to claim she didn't see his bags on the bunk.&nbsp; Another set threw their Styrofoam out the window and later stole 2 bottles of Neil's water. C'est Bon!At night we did get to see one jungle animal.&nbsp; The spectacular jungle rat, which we found inside our food bag.&nbsp; Broom in hand Arik gave him a little jab to scare him off.&nbsp; Jay wasn't satisfied with this, since the rat had gotten into his food as well.&nbsp; So he grabbed the broom and in typical Jay fashion said, "Arik, I'm going to do what you should have already done".&nbsp; He cocked back the broom in his hand and then looked deep into the sad beady eyes of the rat before putting down the broom and admitting he can't do it either.&nbsp; Neil jumped up and grabbed the broom to start swinging - ironically only after the rat had ran outside...&nbsp; Rat - 1.&nbsp; Canadian Tough Guys - 0.The next morning was going to be a long one.&nbsp; 8km in mid-day heat.&nbsp; We started early with the plan to make lots of stops along the way.&nbsp; There were a few river crossings, one of which we picked up our first new friend, Mr. Leech.&nbsp; Over the course of the day we would pick-up quite a few of these little guys, sucking away at our blood.&nbsp; We sweat buckets of water and stopped anywhere we could to swim and cool off.&nbsp; By the time we made it to the second nights hut we decided rather than drag out the time in the stinky hut, we would be better off to hike the extra 3km today, so we could get on a bus in the morning which would give us an extra day of maxing and relaxing on the East Coast Beaches.&nbsp; Before getting back into town we interrupted a massive wild boar mother with at least ten little babies.&nbsp; The mother didn't see us until we were almost between her and the piglets, which for us isn't a good thing. Jay, the Aussie, was quick to pull out his Leatherman.&nbsp; Then Jay carved Neil and pointed stick and gave a short briefing on how to spear a boar.&nbsp; "OK Neil, now if you spear the boar, make sure you spear it good, because otherwise it might keep attacking us and we don't want that".&nbsp; The last stop of the day was a wide section of the river where we cooled off and relaxed.&nbsp; 11km done!It was really great to squeeze in another trek on the trip, especially since we've been doing lots of eating and little moving in the last few months.&nbsp; While we agree the idea of hiking for 10km a day with all your food and gear on your back isn't the best idea of a vacation, once we're in the jungle or out in the forest there is almost no where else we'd rather be.&nbsp; Of course the best part of a trek is still the end of the day or the end of the trek.&nbsp;&nbsp;
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094336/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094336/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1246094336/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:20:58 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Malaysia

After a fun and really expensive time in Singapore we hit the border to Malaysia.&nbsp; Unknown to us, crossing the border from Sinapore to Malaysia on a Saturday afternoon is a bad idea.&nbsp; The Lonely Planet Singapore writer liked it to "a descent into hell".&nbsp; Oops!&nbsp; Add to the normal craziness Jay was detained at the Singapore exit check-point.&nbsp; Apparently Immigration Departue cards are of little value to Lundins and therefore he was trying to exit the country without one.&nbsp; After that it was a mile long mosh-pit-esque bus line-up to cross the bridge.&nbsp; On the bridge traffic was moving at a snails pace and at the Malaysia immigration office it was a complete zoo.&nbsp; A lady standing in front of Arik seemed to be waiting for her husband.&nbsp; When she reached the front of the line she asked Arik to hold her place while she gets her husband.&nbsp; Being a polite Canuck Arik agreed.&nbsp; Then her husband, their five kids, one aunt, four nephews, grandma, an uncle, some random guy, and six cousins all pulled up to cut the line.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After 3 more hours we arrived in Mersing but missed the last ferry to Pulau Tioman, the final destination.&nbsp; Pualau Tioman has been considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world.&nbsp; In addition, it is one of the few tax free zones of Malaysia where beer can be purchased on a backpacker budget.&nbsp; We had to spend the night in Mersing, which actually wasn't bad, excluding bed bugs at the hostel which we presume Jay brought from Oz.On Tioman we plopped down at a $9 beach side hut, walked the beach, ate lots of Chinese Malay food and just lived.&nbsp; Nothing too crazy to write about - but a good time was had.&nbsp; Before we knew it our Island time was up, back to KL to meet Mr. T!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1245728579/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1245728579/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1245728579/tpod.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:43:54 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2 weeks to go!The end is near. In just two short weeks we will be making our return trip to Canada after over 300 days on the road.&nbsp; We toured South America, tasted Portugal and Morocco, survived India, loved Nepal, and experienced the culture and beaches of South East Asia.&nbsp; Sometimes we call each other crazy for going on this trip.&nbsp; Other times we just sit there in awe of the things we've seen and the emotions we've felt.&nbsp; We always remember how fortunate we are for being able to take this time.&nbsp; To be really honest, we can't believe in a few days it will be over.The 11 months has gone by so slowly, but now it feels as if it happened so fast.&nbsp; The really amazing experiences remain crystal clear in our memories, while the hours of travel, waiting, eating, frustration, confusion, arguing, and planning experiences that are required for travel have started to melt into the background.&nbsp; We've started to keep a close eye on our accounts, as they dwindle, and also plan for financing a professoinal degree.&nbsp; We're trying to pay better attention to news from home and making sure to let friends know we'll be around, before we're gone again.&nbsp; Strangely. we keep in less contact with our parents, most likely because we know how quickly time will pass until we're home and can talk face to face (there is no substitute for that).We're also going through a whirlwind of emotions related to going home.&nbsp; How will it feel to see friends and family after so many months?&nbsp; How will we feel assimilating back into Canadian society?&nbsp; Will Arik have to shave, get a haircut, and start wearing underwear?&nbsp; Have we changed for the better or for the worse?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will the lake be warm enough for swimming in Kelowna? Can we effectively communicate how great this trip has been?&nbsp; Will we remember the people we met along the road?&nbsp; Will we see anyone again?&nbsp; Will we remember the life lessons?&nbsp; What will we miss about travel?&nbsp; What will we better appreciate at home?&nbsp; Did we make the right choice?&nbsp; Did we make the wrong choice?&nbsp; What's up with the economy?&nbsp; Will we be able to find work?&nbsp; What will life in Ontario by like?&nbsp; When we'll have the chance to do it again!?!?!We can't wait for home cooking, a clean bed, a clean bathroom, proper lineups, real chicken wings, dry heat of the Okanagan, Canadian Wine, a steak, and seeing friends and family.&nbsp; Until then, we have 2 more weeks to cram in the last bits of fun and adventure before a long flight over the Pacific.&nbsp; Let's get er done!&nbsp;
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1244260800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1244260800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1244260800/tpod.html Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:17:44 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Singapore, Singapore

After a short visit in Melacca we were headed to Singapore.&nbsp; Partially to see the city, but mainly to meet Jay, an old friend from home.&nbsp; Like when Steph met us in Delhi we asked Jay to be a guest blogger for this little travel blog of ours.&nbsp; Always something to say, he of course agreed.&nbsp; The following entry was written by Jay and we take no responsibility for his words or actions....Jay's EntryAfter six months of backpacking around searching for beaches, beer, and babes I thought it'd be fun to meet up with Charis and Arik - because after all, there are only so many crocs, kangaroos, and Vegemite one man can handle.&nbsp; Of course I had to bring with me my fishing rod, boomerang, and didgeridoo. On my flight to Singapore there was a slight hiccup in security, but nothing that couldn't be solved with a couple swine flu swabs.&nbsp; Soon enough, and swine flu free, I spotted Arik's flowing mane (and from quite a distance I might add).A couple subway stops later we arrived at the Inn Crowd Hostel in Singapore's Little India.&nbsp; I dropped off my bags at the hostel we jumped on the subway to central Singapore for some Satay and Tiger Jugs at a food stall market.&nbsp; The Satay Seller was actually pretty pushy.&nbsp; First he recommended a special platter.&nbsp; We didn't want that so we ordered our own mix of skewers.&nbsp; He didn't write our order down, but returned to re-sell us the special platter.&nbsp; We called his bluff, but eventually gave in to his special platter.&nbsp; Asia - 1, Jay - 0.&nbsp; For dessert I found my new love - shaved ice, mango juice, and condensed milk...mmmmm condensed milkyness.... The first night was great, just catching up with old friends.&nbsp; So far so good.In the morning I hung out at a boring and clean mall while Arik and Charis did some errands.&nbsp; In the afternoon we went to checkout the Merlion while Arik repeatedly mocked Zoolander saying "Mer-Lion, Dad, Mer-lion" (apparently you have to see Zoolander to understand).&nbsp; We heard rumors of a Canadian Brew pub so we decide to check-it out.&nbsp; After a long hike though the Singapore CBD we arrived at the brew pub.&nbsp; We looked at the menu which was ridiculously expensive and decided to just get a pint.&nbsp; Luckily while walking to the brew pub, I'd spotted a fine Hooters establishment across the river.&nbsp;&nbsp; It's all about the wings, really.&nbsp; Final stop of the day one was supposed to be the museum but by the time we got there it was closed..always time tomorrow when you're traveling...Since they wouldn't let us into the Museum we decided to see Terminator Salvation.&nbsp; The movie was so horrible I wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.&nbsp; Back at the hostel we had an interesting night [CENSORED] ...and then I says to the guy... [CENSORED] but they weren't too happy at 4am, that's for sure!&nbsp; The next morning we checked out the Museum of Asia Civilizations.&nbsp; We arrived just in time to catch a tour through the special exhibit on some old Emperor dude which was incredibly boring.&nbsp; However, the danish volunteer tour guide was entertaining because she kept saying weird stuff about her dreaming of different ways the emperor used the artifacts.&nbsp; Kinda Weird.Arik was still obsessed with the Mer-lion so we had to go back for more pictures - sometimes I wonder if he's half Japanese.Our final big outing in Singapore was the Zoo.&nbsp; At the ticket counter the cashier asked me for $40 and I almost passed out.&nbsp; She re-assured me this was the deluxe tour with a limo and champagne, but I never did see the bubly or the stretch.&nbsp; Asia - 2,&nbsp; Jay - 0.&nbsp; Inside the zoo were some pretty cool animals.&nbsp; The enclosures were all natural and open which made the zoo feel more like a safari or jungle walk.&nbsp; The White Tigers and Orangutans were kicka**.&nbsp; After the zoo was the "night zoo" which is called the night safari.&nbsp; Arik and Charis keep telling me how cool India is, but at the night safari I met my first real Indian person.&nbsp; The guy behind me kept rubbing his massive belly on me and stepping on my feet while he tried to jump the line.&nbsp; I decided then and there that I will never visit India.Singapore is clean, organized and has some awesome food - but man it was not cheap.&nbsp; A beer in a restaurant for $10!&nbsp; A hostel bed for $20!&nbsp; This was not the reason I came to Asia.&nbsp; Next stop - Tax Free Island, yes please!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1243742400/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1243742400/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/arikandcharis/1/1243742400/tpod.html Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:50:02 -0400 Our Quarter Life Circle-Sailing of the World

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia

Admittedly we knew little about Malaysia and "KL" before we arrived in the sprawling modern metropolis.&nbsp; We knew Malaysia was a Muslim country, that KL had the seconds tallest building in the world, and we knew the country has nice beaches - but we knew little else.Our flight into town landed and after the usual travel formalities - immigration, swine flu quarantine, taxi - we were checking into our hostel.&nbsp; Deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur provides a little foreshadowing on the countries culture.&nbsp; Travelers can choose between the old china town, the lively little India, or the modern business district (we went with China town).We only spent a day in town and weren't planning to visit any of the major sights because we'll be back twice to meet old friends and then return again for the final leg of our big trip - the flight home *cringe*.&nbsp; So with the goal of seeing no major sights we headed to a massive wave pool and water park.&nbsp; Sunway Lagoon happens to have the largest man-made surf wave (up to 8 ft) pumped out over the fake sand beach.&nbsp; Arik rented a board for some shredding in the chlorine, but said it still couldn't compare to the real thing..At night we ate some dinner and shopped at the busy, aromatic, and claustrophobic China Town Market.&nbsp; During our one day in town we were able to see the diversity of Malaysia, which was a nice change from the relatively homogeneous populations of India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.&nbsp; The Indian, Chinese, and Malay people in Malaysia create a mosaic of faces, food, culture, and smells. Not too much&nbsp; else to talk about, but we will be back.
]]>