Postcards from Malaysia

I'm home after an incredible two weeks in Malaysia and I still can't quite believe it has happened. It was my first time to Asia and south-east Asia is a region I've wanted to visit since I was 17. I was determined to take a gap year there but it never quite materialised. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn't a gap year when I was younger. The older I'm getting the more I thought that I had missed my chance. That the ship had sailed for the chance for me to travel and see the world. But after this trip I realised that that type of travelling wasn't really for me. I feel like now I'm older I appreciate the world so much more than I would have back then. And also I've figured out I can only do sharing bathrooms and sleeping in rooms with no windows for no more than one night!

So Malaysia eh? What an utterly incredible country. It was so unlike anywhere else I have ever been before and I spent the entire 14 days just wandering around in awe, unable to believe just what I was seeing. I feel like it was a great introduction into south-east Asia. It is quite westernised in some parts but yet also quite unfamiliar so it wasn't too much of a culture shock. I'm really glad I decided to come here first before I explore more of the region. I feel like now I'm ready to explore more of the other countries.

We spent the first week doing a road trip with our friends and covered so much ground. Our friend drove over 1200km over six days so I feel like we literally saw the whole of the country. We visited Malacca, Ipoh, Fraser's Hill, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumper and spend time in their city of Seramban. It was mayhem but so much fun.

After they went back to school, Connor and I headed north and explored Georgetown and Langkawi. I really did feel we was away for months and I can't quite believe it was only two weeks.

I can't wait to write about it, I've got a lot to say! The food was absolutely insane, in fact I'm still dreaming about the Laksa now and dying to recreate it home in my kitchen. The culture blew my mind. Experiencing Chinese New Year really was one of the best things I've done. It was slightly annoying that everything we wanted to do was shut but it was so cool to experience it that I'd do it all over again. The scenery and architecture was stunning and my camera roll is filled to the brim with images of temples.

If you've ever had the slightly thought of visiting Malaysia then book those flights. It's a country you definitely have to see!