Leechee laughs: August 2013

"Not all those who wander are lost"

- J.R.R. Tolkien

These words are a beautiful way to summarize my time in Korea as well as my love for travel.

Actually, if my life were a book (and it would be a fantasy novel),

this season of my life would be more than aptly captured by this quote.

I do love my wandering, because although I am literally lost most of the time,

I am happy and content and at peace right where I am.

Wandering through languages, food and culture - it's what my dreams are made of.

Malaysia: the country of food

In the crazy space that is my head,

each country develops it's own picture of wonderfulness.

Each picture is unique and beautiful,

and completely biased by my own experience of the culture and surroundings.

Korea's picture is more like a mural.

Equal parts weird and wonderful. Filled with love, friends and my home away from home.

Large and intricate and full of kimchi.

Thailand is a landscape of beautiful beaches all shared in friendship.

Spain, Italy, France and Turkey are small snapshots of a bigger insane collage

(these are busy, alive with interesting people, lost passports and endless fun and laughter).

Each image is beyond special in their own way.

Malaysia is food. A glorious artwork of food intertwined with rich culture.

When I left for Malaysia a few weeks ago I completely underestimated the food element of my trip.

If you like food, eating and variety - Malaysia is your place.

(If you're trying to diet then maybe come back later)

Side Note : This innocent picture of fried chicken hides lamb curry underneath it.

Here is a brief summary of my short

but brilliant visit to Malaysia.

The Food - I honestly can't remember most of what I ate...

It's all a blur of happiness and food comas.

Malaysia's cuisine is made up of a mishmash of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian dishes.

I loved the curried samoosas, assorted (amazing) curries, rolled roti stuffed with lamb,

fried savoury rices

and chicken (steamed, fried, roasted, marinated in soy sauce TRY ALL OF IT).

Penang's Little India in GeorgeTown and local restaurants are a must if you're visiting.

The Sights

In Penang, GeorgeTown is a lovely area that is accessible by foot.

Walking the streets of Penang is a lovely way to experience the culture of Malaysia.

A trip up Penang Hill is a wonderful way to end the day with a cappuccino while enjoying the sunset.

Add to that a national park that's actually a topical jungle in disguise,
along with some gorgeous beach time and you have the background of my food artwork.

Penang Hill, view from the train.

Batu Ferringi Beach

My visit to Kuala Lumpur was much shorter but jammed full of sight-seeing.
Beautiful Batu Caves are a must. As well as the Twin Towers.
I was really surprised at how diverse and beautiful the city actually is.
Was not expecting any of it. Well done KL, well done.

And if you've come this far you might as well eat the heck out of KL while you're at it.