Malaysia

I spent the past few days in Malaysia, a country I wouldn't have been able to
point out on a map before this trip. Turns out it's pretty huge. First we were
in Penang, a smaller city with lots of temples, churches, mosques, etc. I guess
there's a little something for everyone there. It had tons of shopping and a lot
of American establishments as well. So far I've been able to find a Starbucks in pretty much every big Asian city. The ship was docked a bit far from the center of town so we took a trishaw back to the port. It was basically a bicycle with a scoop in the front for two people to sit. I have to admit I was a little frustrated that it was moving so slowly. I'd been used to riding around in tuk tuks and those things really fly. But they are also motorized and this guy was pedaling the two of us around, so I guess I should've been pretty impressed. Anyway it was a nice way to see the city.

The next day, Jonathan and I took a trip into Kuala Lumpur. I wasn't sure what to expect but the city was massive. It's also home to the "twin towers" which were the tallest buildings in the world before Dubai went up. The cab driver took us to the open market and we had some awesome food. We were feeling
brave and decided to try stingray. I'm glad we got it on the side because it was really not my favorite and I didn't want to go hungry. It had tons of little
bones in it and the sauce it was covered in was basically liquid fire, which is also not my fav. I'm glad I tried it though. Then we found our way over to Chinatown. I think it's funny that they have a Chinatown in Malaysia. To me it seems a little redundant but I'm sure for them it all makes sense. They were selling the same crap they sell in Chinatown in NYC only honestly, everything was cheaper at home. Everyone here is trying to rip you off. The only thing you can buy dirt cheap in Asia is FOOD. If I have five dollars, I can seriously get a feast. Some of my most recent bills for lunch have been, $3.89, $1.40, and $6.00. I don't eat light either. We are talking appetizers, bottled water, and a huge entree involving some kind of rice or noodle with veggies or shrimp. I will be eating like a king here.

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