Hot pots in Kuala Lumpur

I still feel like I’m in a dream. 

The people around me don’t feel real and I certainly don’t recognize anyone. Guess that is a fun part about traveling to foreign lands.

Yet something also feels strangely familiar, like I’m on the right path.

I make it to my next destination, Kuala Lumpur. I don’t even know how I decided here – I suppose I let the bus schedule dictate my next destination while I get used to this new continent. I still can’t get over the signs so far. I am shocked to see everything looks as if I landed in the middle east. I suppose it really is a melting pot of cultures out here.

One thing I can tell you is the food here is excellent. I don’t quite know what I am ordering and often just point to what the previous person got. Seems to be a small language barrier or something. However my first experience with a hot pot was simply amazing.

I was walking around the crowded markets when an American man started talking to me at one fo the stalls. he was clearly on his own journey of self-discovery and seized the opportunity to make a new friend. They were from Ohio or something, and traveling on a similar shoe-string route. After walking around many vendor stalls, he asked me if I would like to find some grub with him. Always inattentive to my quiet little stomach, I quickly said yes.

The cart was so small, yet engineered to stack many, many various kitchen items. The food was hidden in multiple coolers on the ground so I couldn’t quite see what we were ordering. My new friend had clearly been here before, and ushered us to a local stool and make-shift table. Within minutes of sitting a woman appeared with a pot of water. She lit a nearby propane stove and it resembled camping outdoors. By the time the water came to a boil, everything we ordered came out in various plates. 

I happily used my chop sticks to dunk the tiny, raw morsels into the scalding hot water. Within seconds it was cooked and ready for the taking. What a delightfully, efficient and playful way to eat a $2 lunch.

The next day was spent wondering the Batu caves by myself. The entrance alone was the largest staircase I have ever encountered.

I was not only impressed by the grand shiba statue at the gate, but how few people were around to actually visit this spot. All the people at the hostel were raving about this must-visit park.

Half way up this crazy staircase I was amused to see the local monkeys were begging and stealing peoples food. One monkey was even drinking from a small bottle! I made sure to keep my purse nearby and a close eye on these guys. 

Once inside the caves I was impressed by the acoustics and history of previous life. It was all worth the trip and I felt relief to be one of so few people that day. It felt special to get to see this place with such little crowds surrounding me.

Next stop – slowly making my way to Thailand !