Kuala Lumpur - how to make a grand entrance.

Season's greetings and Happy New Year!

I know I'm a little late on both, but still...

Anyway, about Malaysia. As you might expect, traveling to exotic and foreign locations can be an adventure in and of itself. This time around, we hopped aboard Air Asia, a solid airline with a relatively low cost.

There's not much to note about the flight, really. It's less than 2 hours from here to there, and the planes are much like your standard US carriers with perhaps slightly less legroom. Of note, there's no complimentary anything served aboard one of these hopper flights. Don't get me wrong, there's snacks - it will just cost you. Also, don't stick your knee out into the aisle. Not a good way to start a trip (no, I didn't do that. Stop snickering!).

Everyone is always looking for one of these. Well, here ya go!

KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport is fairly easy to navigate. You take a right at the stamp-your-passports, another right past the chocolate-loaded duty free store (expensive - don't bother), and look for a giant honking WAY OUT sign. - no yellow brick road or clicking your heels together this time around!

Twin towers way in the back. This is the view from the hotel lounge!

Worth noting is the massive differences you run into upon entering the country and on leaving the Airport. In a nutshell:

-Cash is everyone's friend. In Malaysia, they have a strong culture and a decent-looking economy. In other words, unlike Cambodia, they won't take those Washingtons and Franklins of yours. You'll need to hit the money changer on the way out. The Airport prices were a good bit different than the hotel/mall's, so change what you need and do the rest later.

-Transportation is great! ...but why is everyone on the wrong side of the road? Malaysia was colonized by the Brits. That means a strong core of people speaking English, funny spellings, and driving on the left. Being in Cambodia, my first impression was more like "Why is everyone only driving on one side?'

-Fare is fare. In Cambodia, haggle your ride ahead of time. It's all good. In Malaysia, skip it and go for a Metered cab. The Airport in particular will let you pay for the ride ahead of time. Just remember not to mix and match. It's illegal to haggle with metered drivers.

Look! Coins!

Currency in Malay (Malaysia in Khmai - easy isn't it?) is called the Ringitt. Yes, like ringing a bell Ringitt. It's about a 3-1 ratio (3 ringitt to a dollar) and they have coins (called Sen). Spending time in Cambodia, I had forgotten how cumbersome having a pocket full of metal could be. Still, it makes for great Aidan-treasure.

Why so much talk about money? Well, for starters, our hotel was in a mall. Specifically, Megacity Mall, which is connected to Gardens Mall, which may also be connected to other malls and possibly Oz.

...aaaand he heads right for the weapons.

So, needless to say, I spent Christmas living inside one of the world's largest shopping mall conglomerates. Yes, it was a blast, and no, I didn't get you anything. :)

There's a lot to say about this trip... sights we saw, people we met, the amount of Starbucks that was consumed, but it will wait till the next post. For now, these tips should help you along should you decide to follow in our footsteps and journey to Malay for a vacay or holiday.

Just remember to bring your good shoes. You'll do a whole lot of walking here.

The decorations were spectacular.

A wild ride in... Malaysia?!?

Well, we've arrived in Kuala Lumpur! So far, I've experienced such oddities as traffic laws, people who stand in line, and ravenous shoppers.

Sound familiar? :)

Malaysia, or at least KL, would be considered 1st world, hands down. This is a nice change from the hustle, bustle, and mooing we get in our little slice of 3rd world goodness. Don't get me wrong - I love living in Cambodia and already miss it a little. It is nice to have some new things to share though!

When I return, I'll give you the whole scoop... Or at least as much as I am able to learn in 4 days. Until then, Merry Christmas everyone!

Holidays in Cambodia

Su-sa-day Noel. Merry Christmas :)

Hello everyone! I imagine one of the burning questions on your mind might be 'Do they celebrate Christmas in Cambodia?!?'. We'll ignore the other burning questions (such as, 'why isn't he writing very often?!?') and skip right to this one.

Life in Cambodia is, if nothing else, educational. I've learned a lot being here, and continue to find out new things and see new places all the time. In particular, it is easy to study human nature, and the differences in cultures.

A lunch we held for the church - That's one of our 'Yay's, or grandmothers.

One thing remains constant between all places, it seems, and that is the love of a holiday. Granted, Cambodians seem to take an extraordinary amount of them, but who's counting (somewhere north of 30 if you count American holidays and royal birthdays of the king, king's parents, grandparents, etc.).

So, in short, yes. Cambodians do recognize Christmas. As for us, we celebrate with them... a lot.

As you can see in the above picture, we held a lunch at the church after giving everyone a free t-shirt (they're quite nice, and the Khmer love getting clothes for Christmas, or for any occasion, really). We fed them, and showed them love and appreciation.

What? No, that's not it...

An example of shoebox-like gifts.

For some of the children, we gave away gifts of toys, more clothes (See?), and other odds and ends like pens and paper. The children were excited to open them up and start playing.

The shepherds were keeping their sheep... and prodding them mercilessly whenever the chance arose. ;)

For the children of the village we brought them to the upper room (different day) and had a little party. We gave away bags of snacks and juice, put on a little play, and did a lucky draw. If you read Aidan's post, you'll see just how large the crowd was. We estimate at least 400... probably closer to 6.

Aly and some of the prizes.

I once did security at a concert. It was a lot like that. :)

Intrepid sailors!

For Sak Saum, we traveled to 'the island' (no, not that island). This is a pleasant place near Saang where it's quiet and breezes flow endlessly from the river. You have to take the ferry to get there, which provides a nice moment of relaxation as you bob along.

Follow the yellow brick... er... brown dirt road.

Many of the girls live on the island, so this is where we chose to meet up for a nice dinner.

Srey Neang. One of my English students. :)

We ate with them, and then they launched into some singing and dancing. Eric and Ginny presented them with some gifts (which I'll touch on in a later post), and we basically enjoyed their company before taking a walk back to the ferry.

Strange creatures abound on the island.

So, in a nutshell, there's been a lot of celebrating. There were other events too, such as having dinner with the staff and gift exchanges and such, but frankly, I didn't take any pictures. You'll have to take my word that it was awesome getting to hang out with everyone. :)

Jess did take this one riding around after leaving the restaurant.

What's next you ask? Presents for you, my readers! Hmm? No, I didn't buy anything, but I will be giving you a couple of special posts to look over.

Tomorrow we leave for Malaysia! Family time, good food, and another completely foreign culture to tell you all about!

...or at least as much as i can learn about in 4 days. Until I get back, Merry Christmas, and happy peeper toads! er... New year!

Peeper toads and a lucky draw!

Where's Waldo... er.. Aidan?

My daddy hasn't done the blog lately so I am taking over.

There he is!

I went to the children's Christmas program Saturday.


They had a lucky draw.

It was crazy!

I didn't win anything but my Ta got me sandals.

Tanned toes.

My family is going to Malaysia for Christmas.


In Malaysia the hotel we are going to stay in is inside a mall.


They have a Starbucks which makes my mom happy.


I like their cake pops and lemon pound cake.

Say it with me - peeeeeeeeeper toad!

Peeper toads are cool!