Wizard of Malaysia

If I were Dorothy, granted I'd look cuter in those red shoes, my yellow brick road would begin in Malaysia, grace Cambodia and end in China. All the while trying not to click my heels in fit of a culture shock. I realized that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore, but Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was nothing I imagined the city to be. The streets were filled with the same quick-paced pedestrians, honking horns and random antics found in the Big Apple. Except Kuala Lumpur Sentral train system is more reliable. For just one ringgit, my mate and I traveled to the Matahari Lodge by Komuter train. Stands lined a nearby street flaunting rich colors of yarn, yummy local food and native music. And if that wasn’t enough for the senses, the stands led right to the Central Market.

I'd even ditch poor lil' ToTo for an elephant—I fell in love with the docile animal while bathing with them at the Elephant Sanctuary in Kuala Gandah. We had the opportunity to feed, ride and wash rescued elephants. Actually, I became acquainted with many animals during the day’s tour having fed sweet potatoes to deer, carrots to rabbits and Oreos to a honey bear at the Deer Sanctuary. In all, I learned that elephants love sugarcane juice and Oreos are not only America's favorite cookie! 

Speaking of animals, I had my bout with monkeys at the Batu Caves. As I climbed the 272 steps to see one of the largest Hindu shrines outside of India, they jumped around taunting tourists and stealing snacks right from their pockets! Then there were the penko fish. Despite being countless miles away from New York, we managed to run through (Berjaya) Times Square. The 7.5 million square foot building featured just about every kind of store you could think of, including the Fish Foot Spa. The penko fish nibbled away at my feet until they were as soft as a baby’s bottom! A really peculiar sensation, but an experience worth having no less.

The last of our journey was spent at the theme park…also inside Berjaya Times Square. Three days felt like so much more while exploring Kuala Lumpur, but the city is so full of adventure and culture. Enough to break out into song like the Munchkins! Check out some of the photos below—click to enlarge!

[Around the way.]

[Batu Caves x Naughty Monkeys.]

[Deer Park...and a whole lot more than deer.]

[Elephant Sanctuary.]

[Times Square x Penko Fish Foot Spa.]

Next stop, Cambodia. x

*This entry is dedicated to Bernie, Andrea and Jared—Thank you for your encouragement and support in continuing this blog.