Malaysia

I did not know much about this jem of a county...but so far so good. We have hit 4 cities in Malaysia all have a little something special and different but most of them have one thing in common, the food!  Oh my, oh my. Between Malaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and the Cameron Highlands I have had some tasty little treats. Some of my favorites....

-BBQ duck and rice

-roasted chicken with a side of the tastiest bean sprouts I have every had

-a fresh strawberry icey

-trail mix with beans, pumpkin seeds, juicy raisins..and other random things

- CORN!!! Steamed corn...it was so good I did not even need butter or salt or pepper!!!

-Fresh veggie soup
- satay...fish wrapped in chili peppers,chicken,veggies..all dipped and cooked in some kind of peanut sauce...mouth watering

The best part is we have not even hit the city yet that is most popular for their food!  We head to Penang tomorrow for more food and exploring before heading up into the South of Thailand. 

Malaysia has not only had great food, but also friendly people,great internet cafes, clean and budget friendly lodging and beautiful views...even when you are on the highway!

Shame on me for not being 100 percent excited about coming to Malaysia but it has been a great time..hiking in the morning....like always we are just go, go ,go !

A Border Story

As I was crossing the border from Singapore to Malaysia the border crossing officer and I had a nice little chat.  The three of us had learned about some of the current events that had taken place over in the US of A the day before. So I was ready for the conversation that was about to take place. She looked at my American passport and said...

"American. America is celebrating."
With a small smile on my face and nervousness in my eyes as my mind is thinking is this a trick question...."Yes. We just heard the news last night"
"It may have taken a long time, but the bad people will always fall" 
"Yes, yes they do." 
 
Then we went back to regular scheduled programing of asking me about how long I plan on staying in the country and stamping away.  I was nice of her, but I mean I was not sure if that was small talk I should be having over here. yikes.

Singapore

Love. Love. Love.  This city was so clean and so functional.  We did a few walking tours, drank a $19 dollar Stella and just explored this city.  Zach, Erin and I played in the botanical gardens and walked down Singapore's shopping street which is Michigan Ave on steroids.  Our buddy James, we met in Bali, took us out to get some great food and to a night safari. The Singapore zoo opens its doors at night, runs a tram, lights some torches and calls it a Safari! Best idea.

Little boy says into the dark path while on his way from one exhibit to the other: Heeeellloooo, are there any animals awake?!?!?!
Rachel: Noooooo!!!! They are all sleeping!!!!
Little boy: oh. oh, ok.....well thank you for answering me.... 

I was the voice of the zoo for 15 seconds, but this little guy was so cute I felt bad I told him they were sleeping.  I mean sure lots of animals were awake but doing things children are not ready to see yet unless their parents are ready to give them the birds and bee talk.

Lets see what else about Singapore. They have these places where we can get super cheap food called Hawker Centers. It is sort of like a food court but cheaper and really good food. Oh, Oh, just when I thought I was out of India...turns out lots of hostels are in Little India of Singapore...so there I was again back in India. I must say it was missing a lot of the real India.....

When I win the lottery I plan on going back to Singapore to go shopping, drink all the $19 Stellas I can get my paws on and stay at a swanky hotel with the beautiful people.

Bali Shots

 Take me back here. Please????????Pretty Please????

 Roofball.  This pool is in the middle of our Villa. Spoiled.

 Group shot...afternoon beers beachside

 Twinkle cocktails and vodka sodas....poolside/beachside drinks...wait till you see the pool pics and sunset pics....to come....

This was a realsnake...Brad was making sure it did not touch me...I tried to do a solo shot but the second it touched my back I screamed, cried a little, and ran away.

non stop action

I have just been go, go go, go!!! We have been in Singapore for two days....off to Malaysia tomorrow. I feel so behind on stories! I hope to be able to dedicate some time here in the next few days. The rest of Bali was amazing. I really wanted to miss my flight to Singapore and stay a few extra days! shucks!! However, I am glad I made it to Singapore it has been a great 2 days here....we have been on the go since we landed and I could not be happier with how much of the city we covered. Tomorrow we embark on country number 6...I can't wait to see what it has is store for us!
xo Rach

Baliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Paradise.You know it is going to be a good week when you get picked up my your personal driver who has a cold beer.  I swam in the clearest water I have ever seen yesterday. We are living the life here in bali. We got a cook and a driver and a private pool.  We also have a solid group of people here and a fridge stocked with beer and vodka sodas. Bali should be on everyone's to do list.

My dreams came true tonight...

Picture this. Rooftop, flat screen, under the stars, watching Octopussy. In India. Yes. Octopussy, the 1983 James Bond movie. I am pretty sure my life is complete. 

We got into Udaipur bright and early this morning,  I must say this is a great little city.  It is also known as the City of Lakes...it is very romantical. There is some great architecture and the city is surrounded by mountains and old fort walls.  Sure, there are still cows and a monkey or two running around but it is alot cleaner a little quieter then the other cities we have explored. Udaipur is actually making me have a little twinge of jealousy that Brian gets to stay and do more exploring in the south. It's true, I feel like I am getting into the groove of India.  If you would have asked me that 7 days ago I would have laughed and said, hell no, I will be ready to leave!!!  How the tables have turned. Or at least made a little shift.

Why Octopussy? Well many parts of the film were shot right here in Udaipur and other parts of India. So when we go do some sight seeing and touristy things tomorrow...we will be able to say..hey this is where James Bond was standing last night!! hahaha. Oh, and I saw about 4 signs at 4 different places highlighting the fact that they had a rooftop bar showing Octopussy at 7PM.  I guess it is kinda there thing here.....

Tomorrow we tour and play in grand palaces in Udaipur.  In the evening we will celebrate the end of a great India trip with a few Kingfishers, watching the sunset over the lake and mountains...