Made it smoothly! Good travel connections!
Travel dream come true! I made it. It was a great trip. And I’m reminded of the constant need to remain flexible. For example, I wrote an update post yesterday but it didn’t save so, I’m starting over! Flexible…in good ways and challenging ways. The seat next to me was empty for my 18-hour flight to Singapore. Nice small consolation. The man sitting next to me, Chew, and I had a great conversation. I’d planned to try and stay awake until 3:00 am to adjust for time changes. Talking with him, that was no problem!
Now, my third full day here, I’m feeling solidly realigned into my travel mode! I looked for a video of the Star Trek transporter, the “Scotty! Beam me up” version. That is what my body feels like! Now, into a new world, hearing different languages around every corner, immersed in the smells and aromas, my “normal” life at home seems worlds away. Before leaving, that’s how the travel world felt. Now, it’s as I’ve been transported and converted into this travel person! Both worlds are great. This one, at the moment, it much warmer than the other one!
Continuing…the most frequent question I get. “Are you traveling alone?” New answer: “No! I’m traveling with everyone!” Glen at morning coffee, a young woman studying medical physics, Chew from San Diego, a young man from Virginia taking a medical study course abroad in Singapore, Eddy from Jakarta…the ever-expanding sphere of new friends. Some I’ve just met. Some I am about to!
I’m at the beginning and already have settled into a nice travel rhythm. New foods, new places, lots of walking and exploring and experiencing new aspects of Kuala Lumpur.
Bookends: beginning here. Ending with my Balinese family before heading home.
In between, Sumatra, jungles, Chiang Mai cooking schools, wandering Laos for 30 days, then off to Bali. I feel so blessed to have such expansive experiences!
Welcome!
Months of travel planning now seem like a distant foggy memory. Suddenly, I’m immersed in the experience! A long journey indeed! But very comfortable and flowing. And made more so by knowing how to meditate and simply stay present. Having an empty seat beside me talking with Chew gave me more room to stretch my legs. Deciding to take an extra hour getting through both Kuala Lumpur terminals to have some questions answered. Taking a direct train to KL Sentra was a great idea. Following arrival, I showered and headed over for acupuncture for jet lag and my knee. That evening, it was an extreme struggle to stay awake until a decent hour. I made it to 7:00! And I slept for 12 hours! Friday was a lovely range of experiences!
Coffee and such!
Click here to see more: Gloria Jean’s!
The first stop on the LRT from here is KL Sentral mall. I have a favorite inside/outside coffee shop there and have breakfast and coffee there. I met Glen there! Her hands were shaking when she lifted her tray. I offered to help, but she sat it back down to see if the shaking subsided. It didn’t so I carried it to her table. That’s how I met Glen! She has been traveling living out of a pack/bag that weighs 13 kilos for 18 years! That’s about 28 pounds. She spends 5 months a year in Nepal then 6 weeks wherever she goes. And that is her life! What a lovely connection!
Tiny but meaningful moments!
Near my table, a young woman asked me if she could use my code. She is a student studying medical physics, the intersection between physics and energy where it meets medicine and science. Interesting! We had a nice conversation but my code wouldn’t get her more internet time. She had used up her 2 hours. Without the Internet, she continued making notes and working away. I took my coffee over to join Glen and dropped my tray to the staff. I asked if I could purchase more time for her. They gave me a pass to get back online at no charge. I handed it to her and she looked up with a surprised look, like “What is this”? Then, she smiled and thanked me. It’s always the little things!
More trvel connections later!
I learned of a local confectionary and bakery not far from me. The reviews were amazing! And, I learned they are moving to a different location. When I leave here, food and dining options are much more limited! So I’m treating myself while here. There are so many “reasons” to justify that choice. Pick one that works for you!
It was near the River Walk location I know. While familiar with the location, I was completely caught off guard by the 30-minute wait to get in for takeaway! I bought an amazing toasted almond croissant!
Sitting on a retaining wall watching the street being prepared for filming a drink commercial involving racing cars, police cruisers, etc, a young man sat near me and asked if I knew what was going on. Not a clue! A passing staff member told him. We spent time having a great conversation! Aware of the rigors and demands ahead, he chose an exchange training program in Singapore. On weekends, he explores SE Asia aware that when he gets into future training, he won’t have time! Then, he will head back to the US for work. A lovely connection!
Exploreing and exercising!
Yesterday, the heat index reached 97° and that was late afternoon. Knowing it would heat up during the day and, that birds were more active in the morning, I was waiting at 6:45 to be picked up to go to the botanical garden. Located very near the bird park, it provided a perfect opportunity to practice what I’ve been learning about new photography techniques.
Being Saturday, the park, which is free, became totally packed! Walkers, runners, clubs, groups, tai chi, dance, families, it was an awesome experience. I don’t remember the last time I was in a part full of so many laughing groups of people. Family picnics, graduation gatherings, groups in uniform, it was so pleasant to hear all the laughter and fun taking place.
And, it was a great test of my knee to see how it would hold up. When I left, I hadn’t planned to be walking for the next 6 hours. But, it was great. And my acupuncture session added a treatment for balancing my knee. Perfect!
Even though I have been here many times, I love learning about new aspects of Kuala Lumpur!
The bakery opened at 9:00 am today, Sunday here. I was writing and took a break to go have breakfast. The line was even longer!! Two lines, one for dining in and another for takeaway. I went inside to ask some questions, they have no menus! All ordering is based on a QR code and they have no WiFi!? A young man told me I needed to know what I wanted before I got inside. He guided me to a table and showed me how the QR code worked. I know that but couldn’t connect. Back outside, I waited in line for just under an hour. When I was seated, he was standing near by, brought over his phone and made my order for me. He took my money up and paid. Awesome! Later, I wanted to try one of their Cronuts, a croissant dough version of a donut! I asked a different man for help and he did the same thing. Food and staff were awesome! What a treat!!
You can learn more by looking on social media for: KLCG Confectionery & Bakery!
Click on the link and it will take you to their facebook page.
Seeing and playing! Images from yesterday's walk!
Travel day!
