Greetings from Bangkok!

I had a great time in Kuala Lumpur. I experienced the terrific blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other cultures that the city has to offer. I had a great time in Chinatown (open-air street markets!). The first night was so crowded and i was not used to people grabbing me and pulling me into their stalls. I left without a purchase - but was determined to go back on saturday night to get a bargain - and I most certainly did. It was great fun to bargain - in fact that is all people were doing. It was great fun. I then sat down for a $3 authentic Chinese meal - unbelieveable really.

I spent the day saturday exploring the city, seeing Mosques, their Independence Sqaure (Malaysia is celebrating 50 years of freedom in 2007). The city is amazing - and I have NEVER seen so much shopping outlets in my entire life. As a local told me, it seems to be the favorite was to pass time in KL. I beleive it! It is great fun and quite cheap. It was exhilirating being amongst the throngs of locals doing as they do. After an hour or so, I did not even think about how much i must have stood out.

Sunday morning was a tour to the worlds largest pewter factory and an amazing and moving visit to the batu caves holy site (Hindu temple). It was incredible to see - a 400 million year old cave that required any visitor who wanted to see inside a climb of 270 steps (yes I said 270!) Inside was incredible. temples, people making their pilgrimages from all over, and monkeys nipping at your leg for food - it had it all!

I left KL Monday morning for Bagkok and that is where I write this entry. I thought my life was going to end on the cab ride into my hotel - I may have even wet myself. I have NEVER been that scared (or excited actually) in my entire life. I have not experienced anything like that. Lanes were for 2 cars, the "shoulder" was another lane, motorcycles weaving in and out of what is the most traffic I hav ever seen. It was overwhleming at first.

Upon arrival at the road tomy hotel, i was told that I wold have to walk down the road - I loved this. This taxi driver was not about to brave the thousands of people on Khaosan Road. This was an amazing places for ALL the senses. I dropped my bags and took to the streets. i bargained with a vendor for a "Save Tibet" shirt ($2) and then off to a great vegetarian restaurant tha I heard about froma guy in Sydney. Friends - let me tell you - you have not had Thai foo duntil you have eaten it in Thailand. It was some of the best food I have had in a very long time (again - $2). This part of the world is so inexpensive.

So I will go for now. I am quite taken that I was in Malaysia this morning and now in thailand. Life is such an interesting journey. More before I leave for my trip through Camodia and Vietnam. Thanks for reading!

Jeff