Day in the Life of a Traveller Sarah Wednesday, April 09, 2014

One thing I love about travelling is meeting other travellers from all over the world, from all walks of life, and that everyone is super friendly in sharing their background and travel stories. Currently in my dorm I've met someone from Chile (who use to live in Edmonton!-shoutout because meeting someone who knows where I'm from is ridiculously rare), another from London and one from an island close to London, and finally one from Switerzerland. I was bless to be able to join some of them in doing some exploring yesterday and it's always nice to have company when you are on your own. They've all have been travelling longer than I have so it's nice to hear their travelling tips, make a bucket list of where they've been to that I want to go, and build a connection that may evolve into a friendship for keeps.

We decided on checking out Batu Caves and the journey there could've have taken longer. It's about an hour ish away from central KL depending where you are staying, but thankfully the KTM Komuter (underground subway) goes directly there (it's the last stop). However, from where we're staying, we needed to get to KL Sentral via monorail (train) which was easily accessible as it's around the corner from our hostel to transfer onto the KTM. Here's a note about the monorail, there are always delays and it's not very effcient as you never know when it will stop running and you've guessed right, this happened to us so we had to figure out a plan B. Good thing is that Malaysia is very tourist friendly and they actually offer a free 'GO KL' (green line) bus to KL Sentral as well as other main stops, which we were able to catch nearby (sort of like hop on/hop off buses elsewhere). Though, an alternative can also be taking the taxi which can be luxuriously cheap-but only if you take a taxi by meter or am willing to bargain with a taxi driver that doesn't use their meter. Reason being is that taxi drivers know they don't earn as much by meter vs. quoting you a ridiculously high price-so be assertive and say no if the driver won't budge! Another bonus to travelling with others is splitting costs, so this drives a cheap taxi price down even further when you split it with three others like we did.

We made a stop at Chinatown for lunch and went to Chinatown Food Paradise that had good reviews. Here you will find a various food stalls selling different types of Chinese food and there's even vegetarian options. It's sort of like a semi indoor foodcourt. I settled on dumplings because it's my go to staple no matter which country I'm in and what better place than having it in the heart of Chinese food heaven? Also, we saw a vacant table and took it without realizing that it was vacant because the table was affliated to a juice stall, but regardless their drinks we're less than $2 CAD and freshly thirst quenching so it wasn't a big deal.

So finally, we arrived at Batu Caves and the commute was so worth it! The exterior of the caves are so picture worthy and there are also a lot of hindu-esque designs, structures, and items around the area. I assume because Islam and Hinduism is so imbedded into the Malay culture here that believers tend to deck out whatever they can with symbols from these religions. After going up 272 steps (which wasn't bad  at all), we got to the entrance of the caves and it was so amazing. God's creation is just so beautiful and intricately astounding. The interior also had displays of Hinduism, but I was just so drawn to the natural makeup of this place. You definitely got to see it in person to believe it, pictures don't do it justice! I think this place has been a highlight so far of my time in Malaysia.

On the way down, you have to make sure you're not monkeying around-literally. There are monkey moms, monkey families, monkey babies (sooooo cute!) all ready to snatch any plastic bag you have because they are so accustom to people feeding them or giving them food that when they see plastic bags they don't stop bothering you until they get what they want-they aren't afraid of humans!! I saw a lady who had a water bottle in her plastic bag being bothered by one of these monkeys and she almost broke out in tears. It was funny to observers, but she eventually dropped her plastic bag and when the monkey realized it wasn't food inside, it quickly left. One of my roomies told the lady to keep the plastic bag and water bottle in her bag, but shortly after we saw her holding it in her hand again-some people just never learn.


That evening we headed to Sky Bar in the Trader's Hotel downtown KL as not only was it Ladies Night (meaning free cocktails!), but we heard you also get a free view of the Petronas Towers. If we had booked ahead of time, we would've been able to snatch a bomb window seat view of the towers right across from where we were. Despite this, it was still stunning and there's even a swimming pool in the middle of this classy bar. Food was western style snacks and obviously higher priced than local food, but when you convert it it's still fairly affordable as an atmosphere like this in North America would probably cost you a fortune.

I feel so spoiled by the lifestyle here, I think I only spent like $20 US for all of this yesterday including commute.

P.S. Photos to come later-I need to find a computer!

K to the U to the L Sarah Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Hello Kuala Lumpur!

You are so hot! I haven't been in such humid weather in Asia since Taiwan almost five years ago.

Anyhow I couldn't have been more happy to announce that I've arrived safe and sound in the capital of  Malaysia. It's been quite a gong show navigating to my hostel as initially I had planned to taxi from where the airport shuttle bus dropped me off at KL Sentral, a station that connects to the monorail (about an hour away from the airport depending on traffic), However, the taxi driver quoted me a price that was way too high so I stood my ground and decided to navigate the train with my luggage myself (this is when I became really thankful for my lighter packing and wished it was even lighter). I honestly had no clue where I was heading at one point, but thanks to a nice Malay lady (whom I asked on the street and she just happened to be heading towards the same direction) who helped me to get to the direction I needed to be in, I was able to be on the right track while engaging in conversation.

Malaysia is a really interesting "Asian" country. It seems to be a mix mash of  Indians, Chinese, and 'Malaysians' whom are a descent of the two former ethnicities. It's an eye opener to see such diversity on the street and the sound of English, Indian, Mandarin, Malay, and even Cantonese on the streets.  I find myself enjoying people watching a lot. It's just so bizarre and cool at the same time. It also never occurred to me that Malays were mix races either and I'm already able to distinguish the distinctive traits of the makeup of this country. It's not a surprise that people identify me under the 'Chinese' group, but when I reply in English to their Mandarin inquiries they are surprised and don't know what else to say (and neither do I).

After settling in, I was recommended to find grub at a hawker food stall street known as Jalan Alor just a five minute walk from where I'm staying. I think my equivalent of cherry blossoms in Seoul would be lanterns strung over the streets here (they're so pretty). Line ups of food carts, stalls, and people trying to reel you into their business are abundant on both sides. Also, durian smells to be a popular fruit here, even before I stepped foot onto the main food street, it took over my senses (I didn't mind it, but not a big fan either). From fresh made juice, grilled meat to noodle dishes made to order, the options were endless and overwhelming. I settled on satay skewers and I was shocked that I was getting TEN skewers (chicken/lamb/beef) for only $3 ish CAD. I knew I didn't and couldn't finish them as I wanted to try other food and also because I had seen a homeless man outside of my hostel that I had made a mental note of.

Afterwards I headed to Lot 10 mall which is across the street from where I'm staying. There is a food court in the basement that was recommended to me to be even more indecisive about. Though I actually felt it was a more approachable place to choose and eat from as I was able  to walk around and take a close look at menus before deciding on 'yee meen' cooked and served in an individualized clay pot.

After a satisfied dinner, I decided to roam around and see if any shopping could've been done and ended up wandering around Sungei Wang Mall to get to Times Square, which is adjacent to one another, but there are only certain floors and respectively bridges that can take you from one to the other. Like the hawker streets, store workers are also standing towards the front of the store to try to sell you stuff if you go near- so if you're not interested, don't look!

All in all it's been a great start and I can't wait to eat my way through Malay and see more of this manifold of a country!


P.S. Photos will be posted later as I'm not able to do so on my mini ipad.

Family Style Sarah Monday, April 07, 2014

I've been blessed to stay at my friend's house these past few days, and respectively with her family. Not just any family, but a Korean speaking family which has been challenging, but tremendous help towards forcing me to improve and bring my Korean back. I think if I ever did any type of cultural exchange again, I would probably choose home stay over dorms as it really enhances one's learning and experience.

Residential Apartment Buildings

I'm also reminded of how much I appreciate living in an apartment and being content with what space I have. Funny how my friend's mom commented on how big my luggage was when I first arrived when I had struggled to keep it at its minimal. I've also never stayed outside of Seoul before as last time in Korea, I was living in the heart of the city and my dorms was near the buzz of nightlife and student areas. Cars were abundant, people (or shall I say couples) everywhere, and it was constantly a feeling of go go go. This time around, living farther from this scene and in a residential area has proved to be a realistic example of living in Korea. I actually like seeing more families, being in a calmer environment, and enjoying the ambiance of "home" away from home feel.

My Family away from Home

Homemade Breakfast Everyday

Today, I was planning to head to the Yeoido Cherry Blossom Festival on my own, but my friend's mom decided to join me last minute (unfortunately my friend has been busy with school). I know more Korean than she knows English so this proved to be quite the test of conversation. However, I love Korean mannerisms, so despite having to nod my head without understanding at times or be in agreement even though I was uncertain, it was still a very fun (and interesting) experience. 

I absolutely love cherry blossoms, can't you tell? I feel I've been mentioning them since my arrival, but in all honestly there's just something so special and beautiful about them. Perhaps it's my favorite colour being baby pink, or learning about Japan in grade two and wishing I could see Sakura flowers since then, but my happiness couldn't have been more satisfied. Timing was also a blessing as they bloomed right before my arrival since the temperature was unexpectedly higher than normal. Then it just had to dip leaving me with minimal warm clothes. My friend's mom was also very kind and wouldn't let me pay for anything, so I felt very pampered with her generosity and time besides all the other things she's provided since my arrival.
 

Tomorrow night I won't have this privilege for a while as I will be hopping on a plane and heading South! Where to you're wondering? Well let's just keep that a surprise until I get there.

No Looking Back Now Sarah Saturday, April 05, 2014

I can't believe I'm back in Korea. I can't believe I'm back in Korea. I can't believe I'm back in Korea.

You read that right. No typos, no mistakes, no uncertainty?

I honestly can't believe I'm back in Korea. The past two days this mantra has been on repeat as I walked down memory lane, caught up with old and new friendships, and questioned my purpose of being here. During my first day, I felt very distant from my memories, I didn't feel that closeness I felt when I was missing those memories. Many things have changed, places come and go, people move, and I definitely know I'm not here to relive those memories because every experience is different.

To be honest, I felt like a downer yesterday as I wandered the University I exchanged at and nearby area. I kept meditating on the fact that nothing was the same and that made me feel my existence here was meaningless. I'm sure being jet lagged, tired, and alone for the most part had to do with it, but that feeling didn't sit well with me. Though, I kept reminding myself to not be quick to jump to conclusions and to take everything in at a slower pace. If God had brought me back, He surely will make it clear the reason for it-and change is not always a bad thing right?

It means I've grown up, I'm different than I was two years ago, and my reason now for coming is not the reason I came two years ago, but my reason now wouldn't have existed if my reason then never became a reality.

Sinchon

However, I'm super thankful for today. I was able to catch up with some of my closest exchange buddies from two years ago, eat well, shop well, and even get our hairs done on a whim. We couldn't believe that all 3 of us were seriously in Seoul. Together. Spending time as if time never separated us. It's crazy how we've all met and how we've all been brought back now.

Funny story of today, so I had only plan on a trim-only a bang trim in fact, but I convinced myself to get all of my hair cut as it was so affordable, and also to do a conditioning treatment as my friend was getting a perm so I needed time to kill anyways. The lady asked if I wanted my hair styled (or so I thought as this is a common 'free' service in Korea), but I didn't have that plan in mind so she brought me a album of photos to choose from what look I wanted. I had no clue so I just chose something very simple and natural, just with a little bit of wave at the bottom of my ends (told you this was spontaneous). Then she told me the price and I wasn't paying attention so it sounded right at first, but when she was starting to get the product ready to condition, I was wondering why it sounded higher then it should. After putting what seemed like endless products in my hair, she started rolling it, and I thought to myself, this doesn't seem right.. styling is always done at the end, when your hair is dry. When my friend finally looked at me, she asked if I had changed my mind to do a perm and it was then that I realize the lady had put me in a perm as I looked back at my friend with the same hair rolls in her head. Oh KALUMBA. I didn't want a perm at all, but at least it turned out alright, and for this price I could probably get like four more perms compared to Canada's price.

I love Cherry Blossoms so much!

Also, if you know what Kakao Talk is (basically an app that's a loophole to texting and calling for free as long as you have wifi anywhere in the world), it's super popular in Korea, pretty much all Koreans use it to message people vs. texting. So popular that they opened a pop up store in the basement Sinchon's UPLEX mall and the hype couldn't have justified Koreans love for this app more. There are life/giant size models of the sticker characters outside (similar to emoticons), in, and around the pop up store so Koreans-young and old, girls and boys, ladies and gentleman, seniors or not are constantly taking selfies and group photos of these Kakao characters. Not only that, but overpriced merchandise are constantly needing to be replenish so the store is stocked up daily. Didn't know an app could have so much attention drawn to it, only in Korea haha.

Tomorrow is church day, here comes more reunions, smiles, and maybe even some tears. *sigh why am I so emotional these days?

P.S. Sorry for the lack of travel photos lately as 1. I've been attached to Instagram and 2. I haven't done much that is too new to showcase

Keep Phollowing!

Landed Sarah Thursday, April 03, 2014

After almost 24 hours of travelling including flight changes, delays, commute and early mornings, I'm finally in Korea and its currently 4am here. I don't know if I'm exactly jetlag as I woke up feeling the need to go to the washroom haha.

My flight from YEG-SFO (2 hours) then SFO-YEG (10 hours + 1 delay) went exceptionally well. Though its spring break, the leg to Korea was pretty quiet and I even had the seat next to me empty so that was nice. I also felt like I got a lot done: watched 2.5 movies, crash course of korean notes, updated my resume, drafted a blog, journaled, prayed, went to the washroom inbetween dozing on and off and wondered if I would ever get to watch Frozen and I did!

It's been a while (or maybe even a first) since I've been on a long haul  plane wth no personal movie screen and only one big one in the front of my seating section, but I actually didn't mind that since I dislike it when my eyes are buzzed out from staring at a screen less than a ruler away. Overall, United Airlines wasn't that bad at all and I didn't mind their plane food minus this dry bun of a snack sandwich I got- absolutely nothing could've saved its case.

Also I hope my Korean comes back quick! I'm living with an exchange friend right now and her parents only know Korean, which is really making me work hard to recall the knowledge inside of me. I also forgot how curious Koreans are in foreigners...this adjussi (older man) kept insisting to help and get me to the right stop on my shuttle bus at the airport. Guess he figured a Chinese Canadian girl would run into problems...though I haven't at all- its been all blessings so far! 

Minimalistic Challenge Sarah Tuesday, April 01, 2014

I can't believe I am taking off tomorrow. I should be use to this jet setting lifestyle I attempt annually, but there are always surprises...and forgetfulness.

I tend to start physically packing a week before I fly out, but with all the planning I've been doing, I actually made a list and test trial back in February to see if I was capable of just having carry on only-call me crazy I know! Reason being is, I plan to country hop from Korea, so my materialistic and hoarding self had to change. Having said that, it's not like I don't plan to shop or retain memories through unique gems I find along the way, but I always Always ALWAYS overpack.

Having read multiple blogs and helpful tips since the preparations of this trip began, I knew I had to really cut back on what I was going to bring. The most helpful and wonderful website/blog I stumbled on, must've been this one. When I discovered it, I was honestly in awe that it was a merge of fashion and travel started by an fashionista who quit her corporate job to travel the world. She inspired me to pack with intention and thought while mixing up style with function.

Trust me when I say it wasn't easy. I'm the type who use to pack an outfit per day for my trips, and now cutting my wardrobe down to what I think is minimalistic is very drastic for me and explains my initial attempt back in February. This past week I kept filtering my list and asked myself the following questions while battle a case of What Ifs:

Will I wear this often enough to pack it? (don't just pack because you think you will 'miss' or  'maybe-need' the item!-I'm a victim of this)
 Is it durable for the length of time I'm traveling? (won't wrinkle, can wear multiple times before wash, stain-invincible, washer/dryer easy... no fancy treatment needed)
Can I buy this even if I didn't bring it reasonably? (things can be relatively cheap in Asia!)
As for shoes-is it comfy? will it match casual and dressy outfits? (don't bring a pair you will only wear once or twice aka heels)

One of the best takeaways from my readings was to only bring 3 pairs of shoes: 1 for walking/trekking (runners/closed toe), 1 for casual adventures (flats), & 1 for getting wet in (flipflops/ thong sandals). Shoes add up in weight, and having quality shoes is so important as it would be a waste to bring it half way across the world to throw it (I chucked out 2 pairs in NYC due to the wear and tear of walking & rain).

However, I know that I couldn't just be radical and go from a daily outfit gal to living off basically nothing, so in the end I decided against carry on and instead just a 24" luggage that I could check in. This would save me money and time if I did have to ship my purchases back home and allow me more ease in my packing choices. I know I'm the type to get sick of what I wear eventually so most clothing packing lists didn't catered to this nor my typical shopping choices either. Knowing that I usually purchase more tops then bottoms, I packed more shorts vs. tops. I also pack enough undies for a week and a half, which is when I usually do laundry as undies are one of those that you can't wear multiple times.

Packing has been a challenge, but definitely a learning experience of realizing how much I can actually live off of. My parents were even surprised and commented how 'little' I had packed. Usually I take advantage of the two free check in luggage allowance, carry on rolly, and personal baggage, but nope not this time. Imagine me lugging all these things from country to country-that would just be utterly ridiculous!

So my tip for packing: do what's best for your needs, but critically think about your travel style and really think each item through to maximize the potential of your wardrobe! You won't regret =) and who wouldn't love a new pair of shoes from an exotic place vs. having to say no because your luggage is full of unnecessary footwear?

Alright, I've got an early flight to catch, so later readers!

Until Korea! 

Welcome Back! Sarah Sunday, March 02, 2014

Hello there!

If you've dropped by for the first time, or revisiting, I welcome you as I welcome myself back from traveling blog hiatus! Which means...

I HAVE AN UPCOMING TRIP!

In exactly a month, I will be boarding a flight and heading back to my second home, my Seoul. It's an understatement to exclaim how excited I am for this to happen and what's in store for me. I've been very hush hush about details of my trip as a lot of plans have been up in the air, and in fact, still are, but I'm learning to place my utmost trust in God knowing that everything is already as intended in His books.

These past few months of staying put has taught me a lot at home and I'm looking forward to where this Spring is going to take me. My heart has been on the brim with joy daydreaming and planing the places I will go, people I will see, and adventures to be experienced. I have been praying for certain destinations since last September so I couldn't be more ecstatic for this to all happen in a month and counting.

I will be releasing more details as my plans inch closer, so be on the lookout.

Did I mention I was excited?!

I'm still in the works of updating this blog before I fly out, so don't be surprise to see Phollow Me There change some more.