Like i said last week, very big posts are on the way. Needed to be included in the mix are my trips to Penang, Malaysia and my trips home, as well as my epic journey slated for this weekend (lets just say that if all goes well i will be the highest man in Japan around 4 in the morning, and one of the first to see the sun in the land of the rising sun) Let me also direct everyones attention to the photo section. OOdles of photos have been added, from malaysia, to nikko, to home, and BBQ by the river. Ch-Ch-Ch-Check it out.
It's tough to even remember the exact date anymore, since so much has happened since then, but around June 26th or so I traveled to Penang, Malaysia (the pearl of the Orient) with my old roommate Ben, his girlfriend erica, and two other residents of Bell Wistaria, Jill and Tier.
As I said previously, this whole trip with airfare and accomodation in a five star hotel was less than 400 bucks! And it rocked! We started the first day by traveling the grueling two and a half hours to the airport. (let it be known that i hate having the airport so darn far away) We boarded our boeing 777 malaysia airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur and were off! I will take this second to plug malaysia airlines... Nothing but professonal service, great food, and get this... on demand TV, movies, and an audio jukebox. awesome.
We arrived in KL, changed planes and reached penang around 7 at night. It was pretty smokey outside, but we later found out that it was due to several brushfires in indonesia. During the 70 minute drive to our hotel we listened intently to our japanese tour guide, nodding in approval and understanding even though we couldnt really get a thing he said. When we reached the hotel we knew that the full day of travel had been worth it: An open lobby direct from the street to the beach, palm trees, about 5 pools, tiki torches, and malaysia women serving us drinks as we sat down. yum (once again, check out the hotel Shangri-La golden sands penang). After throwing our things in the room we made the first of many trips to the hawkers food market across the street. Get ready for weight gain and asian food bliss...
A hawker food market is a large collection of stalls that serve a variety of asian dishes. since penang is very close to China, indonesia, vietnam, and thailand, all of these foods are popular. Think the state fair serving up local texas dishes, but now make the food healthier, less greasy, better tasting, and cheaper (at the end of the night i was stuffed to the brim with food, and had boutght a round of drinks for all five of us for less than about 9 bucks total) we ate there every night. hehe he heh.
The next day brought what we weere there for... relaxation. I sunbathed, had a massage, drank, sunbathed again and walked along the beach among the calls of 'hey buddy! do you want to get high? We can get you high parasailing!' before i continue please realize that drug trafficing in malaysia is punishable by death.
On tuesday we ventured out of the resort area to see the largest buddhist temple in malaysia, Kek Lok Si. Its amazing! In the photos look for the tall white pagoda. We were there for almost an hour and i didnt see half of that place! huge, intricate and gorgeous. I recommend to you. After the temple we took a train ride to the highest point in penang, penang hill. We didnt have much time there, but once again, the views from the top were breathtaking. You could see the whole island, and the lush jungle that makes the whole place deep green. On our way back to the hotel I also spied several wild monkeys swinging and walking on the powerlines, AWESOME!!!
Dinner was at the hawker place... again. We also stopped by and bought countless trinkets and goods from the many vendors. I won't say what exactly i bought, but again, it was cheap, and now ive seen several movies that are yet to be mentioned in japan.
Our last day was more of the previous two, we relaxed, ate, shopped, got sunburned. We then left penang and malaysia that night. A great trip, and way cheap. for the three days spent in malaysia i spent less than 200 bucks, food, beer, transport, 2 massages, souvenirs and sightseeing included. I wish i could go back, but i have other asian places to discover.
Thtas it for today. i hope you enjoyed the update. Next time is will talk about my move, and my trip home... Be sure to check out the photos!
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