Last Day in South East Asia!!!

Before turning in for the night, I witnessed one of the most live religious ceremonies of my life. It was held in a Chinese temple around the corner from the hostel with the TAO religion. OK, so in the gathering, 2 men in the religious group were randomly chosen by the "spirits" and put into a trance. One then physically put a metal rod through his chin and the other one physically cut his tongue and then proceeded to lick certain posters that were placed around the room. A procession was held before that around Chinatown where men hosited a temple to the Gods. I don't know exactly what the ceremony was for..I think it was one of the God's birthday but anyway, the cutting of the tongue was very painful to watch for me and I left after that....what an experience!

I was lucky and got a ride back to KL in a car from the owner of the hostel who had to go there to check on his house that he rents in the city. That saved me from slogging away on the buses:) and public transportation system which I appreciated. After getting back to the hostel, I headed out on a public bus to the shopping district of the city. I accidentally missed my stop so got the scenic route of the city stopping at local suburbs to pick up people wanting to go into the city. The mall was a really good one I have to say and it was perfect to wander around in as big rain spell came down on the city for an hour. I met up with my friend from KL at her work place in town to go to dinner together. We went to a local favorite restaurant of hers that featured traditional Malay, Western and Chinese foods. I was spoiled with having her treat me to dinner and provide such a wonderful experience of KL for me!

I reallllly loved Malaysia! Like I said, I don't know if its because of the wonderful fusion of cultures, people or food. Perhaps, its knowing that I can speak Chinese Hakka to people in the country, or maybe because I was fortunate to get a true 'local experience' with my friends from KL. She said I haven't really experience Malaysia unless I have been to the East (Sabah and Sarawak)...So, with that said, MALAYSIA---I'LL BE BACK!

Wow! So I've made it to my very last day in South East Asia....4 countries in 42 days...and I still feel like I just dipped my toes in these wonderful lands. Every country is so unique and special and I've reflected a lot on different parts of my trip. I have come up with words for some of the (major) cities that I believe describe it. Here are a few of them...

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam - Edgey

Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Rugged

Bangkok, Thailand - Electrifying

Kuala Lumpur - Flair

I found Chiang Mai in Thailand very liveable and loved the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia too. I can't say I have a favorite only that this part of the world has so much CULTURE! So its been a thrill for an ex-geography teacher...the temples, religions, mosques, people, price of food hahaha....I hope my writings have all lured you into wanting to come to this part of the world....Bangladesh bound tomorrow! I think it will be my biggest culture shock that's for sure but I'm excited to celebrate the Bengali New Year and stay with long time HPA friend!

P.S. Thank you for all the fun comments about my new hair digs...we'll see how well I can maintain it all for you when I get back to the Big Island :)