WSGT Gratitude Writing Contest Winners

 I recently received an Honourable Mention in the We Said Go Travel Gratitude writing contest. I am delighted with this result and you can read the full article about my time in Kuala Lumpur at the link below:The sky was filled with crimson paper lanterns, swaying in the hot, sticky breeze of Kuala Lumpur. Beads of sweat formed on occasional tourists passing by in their khaki shorts as Malaysians and Chinese people, as old as the earth, hunkered by their stalls. I admired the golden writing on those lanterns high above me; we had arrived in Chinatown.My senses were overwhelmed as I weaved through the crowds, hemmed in between tall buildings that surrounding the main concourse. The city smog from Indonesia’s palm oil plantation burning was thick above us and set to linger at this time of year. It was a sad reminder of the many ways in which destroying the environment also destroys our health. I was, as were no doubt many others, thankful for the ready availability of surgical masks to breathe more easily. I ducked under multi-coloured umbrellas; more reminiscent of popular European beach destinations than the grubby and pungent alleyways of the city.https://wesaidgotravel.com/contests/kuala-lumpurs-son/ 

Deepavali Colour

The skies may be dark with thunder and the streets covered in deep puddles of rain, but the atmosphere today in Kuala Lumpur has been one of colour and light. As the city prepares for Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Light, the Pavilion mall is being decorated with window displays and intricate artwork made from tiny, colourful beads. It was a beautiful sight to behold and Nicholas and I spent an afternoon exploring the artwork and two local temples in Chinatown.

Sadly my ancient iPhone didn't do either temple justice with its photographic ability (or lack thereof...) but hopefully the images give an impression of the colour that can to be found in Kuala Lumpur away from the main city hustle and bustle.  

Nesting in Kuala Lumpur

After a long and noodle soup-fuelled three days of flights I have made it from Fiji to Kuala Lumpur (via Melbourne, Auckland, Hong Kong and Singapore). I lost sight of which airport was which during the 18,000Km of flights but enjoyed exploring each airport during layovers and in a haze of sleepiness and hunger. Noodle soup and our colourful new travel cushions certainly kept us entertained.Kuala Lumpur is known to be a foodie heaven and it has already exceeded expectations with its endless variety of Asian foods from many countries, all at street food prices. I have enjoyed sushi lunches, more noodle soup than I can shake a chopstick at and avoided the pungent durians at all costs. A highlight so far has been our exploration of KL's China Town, which was typically decked out with giant red lanterns and a myriad of covered and open-air market stalls and alleys. The sights, sounds and smells of the alleys and bubbling Chinese pots of fish being stirred by ancient Chinese women were overwhelming at times and yet fascinating. Having already filled ourselves on local samosas we had little room for more food but will definitely return another day. We contented ourselves instead with exploring the bustling market stalls and admired local fruits, knock off goods, a street performer undertaking a very long headstand which turned his face purple and an endless array of flower bouquets containing teddy bears. An eclectic mix!As I am also approaching a move to New Zealand in mid-December I have taken to stocking up on some basic goods essential to a writer's life....my favourite pink Muji pens and a new journal. I have missed those simple items during my three years of being on the move and, as someone kindly pointed out, I am definitely 'nesting'. It feels great to be travelling and even better to be preparing to make a home.