Where have the cows gone?

I am in a whole new world.

A world devoid of cows, monkeys, and begging barefoot children. A world where modern amenities are at your fingertips and everyone does not seem out to get you, to rip you off for all you're worth. In just one short 3 1/2 hour plane ride I was whisked in the utmost comfort from the backwards land of India to the orderly streets of Kuala Lumpur.

I arrived early yesterday morning, hopped on a spotlessly clean and efficient train that briskly zipped me through the city and into the central train station, where I then effortlessly jumped in a cab and got dropped off in front of my hostel. No rickshaw drivers trying to convince me to go to another hotel (a ploy so they can get commission), no taxi drivers following me and fighting for my business, no half dressed begging man asking me for a couple rupees. It was all so easy.

Since yesterday I have been enjoying the easiness of this city, spending my time walking around and watching the bustling city go by, and eating a ton of good street food. My hostel is located in the Chinatown area, and I couldn't ask for a better location. Awesome and cheap food is at my fingertips, and at night a huge market comes alive with tons of people, restaurants, and every type of shopping imaginable. It's great fun to just wander around for hours with no direction or goal in mind.

Although this city is not as expensive as some, it is definitely a huge change from China, Nepal, and India. I have to be careful with my money, and am on a pretty tight budget for food. Plus, everytime I turn around there's a ton of shopping markets with goods that are begging to be bought! Today I went down to the train station and booked a ticket leaving tomorrow evening to a city 8 hours north called Butterworth. From there I'll take a short ferry across the water to an island called Penang. There is a city on this island called Georgetown that's supposed to be pretty nice, and that's where I'll spend the next couple days until I cross the border into Thailand.

Although it's a relief to be in the comfort of a more Westernized city, I definitely miss the craziness of Nepal and India, and of course I miss China more than anything. Despite the pain and hassles that cannot be avoided, there is a certain magic and unexplainable feeling that these countries bring about, and it is not something that I will ever forget.

For now, I'm counting down the days till I see my sister. I cannot wait, and I know our 2 weeks in Thailand together will be amazing!

It's hard to believe that I'm coming to the end of my trip. The end of this long, solo journey that has been more than I could have ever imagined.

I'll be home soon -- I miss you all. Much love.