It's so cool to be in a place that is so different from home

Monkeys are scary… They are cute from a distance but up close they chase you, take food/items out of your hand, hiss if you don’t comply, and will go as far as jumping on your backpack to get what they want… yes all of these happened to my friends on this trip 😟.

Today we were headed to the Batu Caves, a cool Hindu temple located inside a cave in Kuala Lumpur. There was a massive rainbow staircase and golden sculpture at the entrance. The backdrop was a cliff covered in lush greenery. The monkeys swarmed everywhere so we all had to keep ourselves on the highest guard (especially the staircase).

The air was very humid and the smog was still thick. It felt like I was in an oven all day, even in the shade. I am a Floridian and it was still very hot for me. So I can’t imagine what it was like for the others…😱. Luckily I was able to cool off with a popsicle.

Then a group went out to explore the city since we had free time. I walked in markets, indoor malls, and the streets. It was definitely a little overwhelming keeping track of where I was 😬.

Later went on a 40 minute walk to the city center to see the Petronas Twin Towers. Massive structures covered in chrome panels that is surrounded by a park with water fountains. And just below a huge mall with every designer store imaginable. We saw the REAL designer goods unlike the fakes at the street market (but if I’m being honest, the ones at the markets looked JUST as good 😂).

We considered going to the top but Malaysia has made us real cheapskates so we quickly turned away when we found out it was $30 (got so used to paying under $5 for most things). The street traffic was chaotic (pedestrians DON’T exist here) but it was kind of a fun adrenaline rush.

It’s so cool to be in a place that is so different from home or anywhere I’ve ever been for that matter. Even the other students at the school going to Australia, Africa, and Central America, we get to go to such fascinating places.

After the hectic day I winded down with some beef ramen, a chocolate covered banana, and a cute street cat with a deformed tail 🥹.

And yes I lost my lychee (it fell out) 😢.