What This? (A Taste of Malaysia)

I had heard the food in Malaysia was fantastic. My primary goal was to try as many exotic foods as possible. Which is why my first meal was at the California Pizza Kitchen in Suria KLCC.



CPK in Malaysia tastes exactly like CPK in Los Angeles. I was shocked. You'd think that there'd be some variation on the Thai BBQ Chicken Pizza. Sadly, no.

The next day, while wandering KLCC (again), I found a breakfast place tucked away on the ground level of the mall. On display were several multi-colored pastries, each one crying out to me to choose them. I wanted to. I hadn't eaten all day. I waved to the woman at the counter, pointed to a neon-green pastry and asked, "What this?" I don't know why I spoke to her in broken English. It was a habit I picked up during my trip; asking questions, leaving out verbs, pointing a lot.

"Bingka," The woman answered. "Very sweet. Good!" I pointed at more dishes. "What this? What that one? Is good, yes?" She must have thought I was a monkey.

I picked two more dishes and a packet of rice, egg and anchovies wrapped in a banana leaf. I only chose it because other patrons were grabbing two at a time and giving me the stinkeye while I was took a whiff of the anchovies. I found out that the packet was a dish called nasi lemak, a Malaysian staple.



My entire meal cost $2 US. And it was fantastic.

If only I had found this before CPK...

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Bonus Tip: When you're in Malaysia, make sure to grab some Hainan Chicken Rice.



If this doesn't hit the spot, check your taste buds.

Sidetracked Again

Now that the Olympics are through I have three days to get ready for OREGON!



I'll be spending Labor Day weekend in the greater Portland area. I've been there twice before, but never in the summer. I hear it's not as cold.

Though I'll be spending most of the time with family, there's only one place I want to go. And I really, really, really hope I can go there.

Olympic Distractions

I have a quite a bit more to write about my Thailand/Malaysia trip. But like many people around the world, I've been distracted.

The Olympic Games have a place on this blog, no question. At the least, these two weeks serve as the ultimate travelogue? When those aerial shots of the Forbidden City come up, how does your heart not skip a beat?

I actually thought about going to Beijing during the Olympics, but you know? I think I like watching the games from my living room in HD. And then I can see it online. For a total of 3,600 hours. If I were in Beijing, I'd either be missing out on the action, or the sights. Tough call. I'd choose the sights.

I don't post anything in the next week, please understand.

Malaysia: On the Tube

There wasn't a lot for me to do in KL.

My hotel was close to Suria KLCC, and if you're into shopping malls, that's a good thing.

So while there is plenty to see during the day, Kuala Lumpur's nightlife was lacking. I spent each night in the hotel, unwinding in front of tube. This may seem like a waste of vacation. And you may be right. But by this time, I was craving the comforts of home.



At 9 PM every night, one of the channels broadcasts live from an unnamed mosque. It's not exactly the 700 Club, but the call to prayer is mesmerizing. For about a minute.



Malaysia has its own version of So You Think You Can Dance? Does it compare to the US version? Hardly. All are decent enough dancers, but not a Katee nor Joshua to be found. However, there is no Malaysian Nigel nor Mary, and that's a good thing.



This is Edleen Ismail. She co-anchors the Malaysian version of SportsCenter on ESPN. If there is ANY way ESPN can move her stateside, I would be ever so grateful. If not, I may contemplate moving.

I doubt I will. I love American TV too much. However, if a Malaysian version of The Office comes on the air, then maybe. Just maybe.

Petrosains

If you asked me what the highlight of my stay in Kuala Lumpur was, I could say standing on the Skybridge between the Petronas Towers and catching a bird's-eye view of the city. But I wouldn't be honest with you.



My favorite part of KL lies inside the monstrous Suria KLCC shopping center on the top floor. Petrosains is an interactive science and discovery center. It's exhibits are geared toward children and anyone with a thirst for knowledge. Admission will cost you $4 US. It's a steal.



The great thing about Petrosains is that you get to be hands-on with all the exhibits. Ever wonder what it's like in the middle of a hurricane? Just step inside the Hurricane Booth! I'll let you in on a secret. It's a little windy.



There's a section of games that you can play to teach you principles of physics, geology and chemistry. One interesting game is MindBall. You and another person put on a headband which is attached to a machine with a ball inside. By using your brainpower, you can control the ball's movement. The first to push the ball across the other's goal line wins. It's a fascinating game. Too bad the kids playing wouldn't let me in. They were vicious.

Besides learning about science, you also get to know more about Petronas. The oil company's presence is felt throughout the exhibit. The bottom line: Petronas is awesome, and don't you forget it!

You can go on a simulated helicopter ride to one of Petronas' oil derricks in the middle of the ocean!



From there, you can experience what life is like on the derricks. I'll let you in on a secret. It's a little desolate. And the mannequins don't make it less so. But at least they eat well.

Remember, when you're in KL, make sure to check out Petrosains. It's a bargain, it will keep you cool from the Malaysian humidity and you might actually learn something.

Phuket Impressions

I wasn't there for long, but here are my impressions of Phuket:

- The airport is far from the beaches. Also, the transportation system is jacked. A taxi ride to your hotel will cost you a grip. There are, however, the minibuses that can take you for cheaper, but you make a stop at a travel agency and you're asked to purchase a tour. If you're ok with this, then by all means take the minibus. Personally, I rather not be disturbed.

- Patong Beach has a lot going on. A LOT. Winding streets are filled with noisy tourists. With tourists come bars, massage parlors and souvenir stands. Again, if you're OK with this, book your lodging in Patong. Otherwise, stay far, far away.

- Karon Beach is quiet. It caters to families and, apparently, the Swedish. The nearby streets are still complete with girlie bars and massage places, but the whole vibe is chill. I loved Karon Beach.

- Two days isn't nearly enough to "see" Phuket. There's Kata Beach, and Phuket Town. There's James Bond Island, which is intriguing just on the name alone. Had I the extra day, I would have taken a stab at snorkeling, riding a scooter, or I would have been completely daring and laid out on the beach for an extra day.


*Ahhh, good tiimes*

Phuket, I will return. I won't let you down next time. Promise.

Walking Chiang Mai

Before I embark on a trip, I get a guidebook. Lonely Planet gets a lot of flack, but I like their guides. They have thorough histories of each country, plenty of food and lodging options, and they have detailed walking tours. I love walking tours. You can go at your own pace and you allow yourself to be immersed in the culture.

The Trusty Lonely Planet Guidebook has a walking tour of Chiang Mai's Old Temples, but I found it lacking. So to anybody on the LP staff that may be reading this, I humbly submit to you my own Walking Tour of Chiang Mai.

Get up at 7 AM. Stop whining. You'll have to trust me. Pack a huge bottle of water and a map. Skip the bacon and eggs from your hotel breakfast buffet. Your meal is waiting for you outside.



Start at Pratu Chang Pheuak, the North Gate. Along the way, stroll through one of many morning markets. Absorb the sounds; The barbeque skewers sizzling, the old ladies yelling, the tuk-tuks honking at you to get out of the middle of the road. Buy a few pork skewers with rice. Maybe some beef balls, or two. Find a shady spot under a tree by the moat. Take a picture of the North Gate. Take a moment and sit by the moat as you eat breakfast.



Cross the gate, mind the traffic, and head south. Follow the signs to the statue of the Three Kings. Along the way, take note of the Wats, or temples. Go inside one, and ask one of the monks, "Wat's the name of this one?" The monk will laugh awkwardly and not answer you. Persist. When he gets annoyed, ask him "Wat's the matter, homie?" Run away, and quickly. Those monks are fast.

Stand at the base of the Three Kings. Count the number of kings. If the number is not three, check the map. You're in the wrong city.



Head east toward Pratu Suan Doak, the West Gate. Take a picture. Make sure you're clear of traffic. Curse the city planners for not making Chiang Mai pedestrian-friendly. Don't take too long, though, you'll make a scene. Once you've collected yourself, head south along the moat. Note the partial castle wall to your left as you walk. How cool is that? Have you seen a city where a wall surrounds the entire central area? Take a moment and ponder this as you come to where the west and south walls converge.

Hang a left. On your left is Bunk Hat Park. Enter the park for a few minutes' rest. Note the peaceful scene, as locals relax, and families enjoy the day. Find a spot by the pond and gaze at the school of fish running rampant. You'll love the park so much, you'll be tempted to stay here for an hour. Fight it. We're not done!

Exit the park and make your way to Pratu Chiang Mai, the South Gate. You'll pass more street food vendors. You'll see more pork-on-a-stick, balls of questionable meats, and pre-made curries. You'll pass a cart of crickets. Note the bemused expression on the cricket lady's face as she can't believe you'd actually eat any. Now note her horror as your pop five in your mouth without flinching. Spit 'em all out when she's not looking.

Find the gate and take a picture. Don't worry if you can't get close up to it, it's not your fault the tuk-tuks hate you. Scamper back across the gate and head north to the center of the old city. Stop for a iced coffee sold by the road. Marvel at how such a wonderful drink can come out of a baggie.



Make a right on Ratchadamnoen Road. Take it to the final gate, Pratu Tha Phae. You'll come across a boisterous market, with live music, more street food, funny souvenirs and the like. Take a picture of the gate, just so you can show your friends you've been to all four. Head east down Tha Phae road. Ask where the Night Bazaar is. What, you'd think I'd actually tell you? Where's the fun in that? You might need to know some Thai at this point, so make sure you memorize some phrases. If you don't know, don't panic. Use gestures. Thais are smart, they'll understand you.

Keep walking. Walk some more. Do you see the Night Bazaar? Here's a clue. It's near the Pornping Hotel. You can't miss it.

Once you've made it to the Night Bazaar, head right for Let's Relax. Order the 3-hour package with the foot, arm and Thai Herbal massage. Oh, calm down, it's only 30 bucks.

As the masseuse bends your body in ways you didn't think possible, laughing at you while you screech in agonizing pain, rejoice! You've walked Chiang Mai and are being rewarded handsomely.

Just mind that herbal compress. That crap burns.

For more pictures of Central Chiang Mai, go to my flickr page here.