Take Off

Tuesday I embark on the trip of my dreams: 3 weeks romping through the colorful countries of India and Nepal. The camera battery is charged, lens cleaned, and my anticipation is chomping at the bit for it to finally all take place. For months I've been planning, making sure to cross all t's and dot each and every i.

Today I received an email from Expedia.

On March 2nd we are flying from Udaipur to Delhi, then onto Kathmandu. As most everyone knows, here in the East dates are written 'day - month - year' rather than the US format of 'month - day - year.' Somewhere between booking the ticket at 2AM and being sleep deprived from a darn cold, I giddily confirmed a flight for 02/03/2010.

Expedia is a US site.

My supposed March flight to Delhi actually took off 8 days ago because I don't know how to write dates anymore. I've nearly sabatoged my trip [flights and hotels are all overbooked for high season] or caused a major road trip because I transposed 02/03/2010 and 03/02/2010. Let's hope the rest is smooth sailing!

Son of a Gun

Never in my wildest dreams would I have envisioned driving through rush hour traffic, in Kuala Lumpur, dodging motorists, and cranking the radio because this song was playing loud and proud. Brenda Lee, did you ever imagine 45 years later you'd make one little Cajun the happiest girl in all of Malaysia?

Another Knee Slapper

My friend asked the hotel receptionist in Penang, "I was wondering if there is a prayer service tonight for Christmas?"

Receptionist responded, "You mean like the buffet?"

Margaritaville

My friend dined in one of the nicer KL restaurants and returned howling over her margarita story. This is positively priceless:

Rachael: This margarita doesn't taste right, and there is no salt on the glass. What is in it?
Bartender: Ma'am, the tequila is finish already so I use the Hennessey.
Rachael: Hennessey?! You used brandy instead of tequila?
Barman: Yes ma'am. Is OK?
Rachael: I'll have a Tiger Beer please.

Even better are the series of candid photos that happen to document the revelation.

It's a New Dawn

2009 is a year many want to erase altogether, but for us it was a time that will forever be etched into our hearts. We packed our bags and made Malaysia home—with no more than a month's notice. In nine short months my eyes have opened wider, heart is more understanding, the travel bug bit harder, and my soul has been vastly enriched. I pray 2010 brings nothing but the best to everyone near and far, and we're sending out one heck of a virtual HAPPY NEW YEAR from our neck of the woods!

[photo via Getty Images.]

I did it.

I tried the infamous durian, supposed King of Fruits. And I will never, ever forget our first encounter with one another. Nor will we likely meet again. Let's start by saying Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Food actually spit out durian on his show. The man who can put down raw camel and unquestionable cuts of "meat" couldn’t eat this fruit.


Regardless of the constant babble about its pungent smell, I actually don't mind it. I thought I was safe. And with a supportive, cheering team around me I gave it a shot—though my face shows suspicion from the get-go.



So I may have launched into a doubled-over gagging frenzy, but my durian accomplices weren't any better. Although managing to remain upright must count for something.

Federal Mosque

The striking Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan up close and personal, with a peek of the inside here.


Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan
Jalan Khidmat Usaha, off Jalan Duta
50480 Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia
(03) 6201 8791

Sweet Home Alabama

We recently visited the Federal Mosque, Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, and were led on a sweeping tour through the complex. I'm sure it's no coincidence that said tour ends in an air conditioned room full of Muslim paraphernalia—of which you're offered plenty. Either I look to be from Alabama [close, but no cigar] or the guide mistook my name for Gambino. Honest mistake, really.

Malaysia Truly Asia

Today marks 7 months since our move across the world. Sometimes when I open my eyes, I have to pinch myself. I can't believe I live in Malaysia. And oddly enough, I don't always feel like I live in the jungle.

Off to the Races

When we got an invitation to join friends for the MotoGP, let's just say I didn't jump on the couch pumping my fist in the air. I'm pretty much up for anything, but sitting in the Malaysian heat, in the middle of the afternoon, on a Sunday, watching amped up scooters race in circles...well, that didn't exactly get my motor running. But I went. Begrudgingly.



I'm currently taking a basic photography course and our first homework assignment was to take action-packed pics using the shutter speed setting. Thus my only enthusiasm for joining the guys [and one other up-for-anything gal] and heading to the tracks.



We had an absolute ball cheering on the bikes and being a part of such a rowdy crowd. Bike enthusiasts sure know how to have a fun-filled Sunday! And when I pulled out my homework sheet for clarification, I even had all of our friends interested in testing out their own camera's capabilities.



It was a perfect reminder to not judge an activity before giving it a try...and when you have fantastically fun company, pretty much any adventure will be one for the books!



Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Sepang International Circuit