12-21-08

Finally, after several helpful interactions with the locals, I arrived at my destination. An email from Sleepy Sam’s, my hosting hostel, said that behind a door code I would find directions on what to do. Behind the door code I found nothing. I was, however, too excited to be flustered so I set my bags inside and began to wait. I am becoming quite accustomed to waiting. Around two hours later a small Malaysian showed up and explained that she misinterpreted my email. When I said I was arriving at 1 on the morning of the 21st she decided that I didn’t need a bed until that night. Oh well… what can be done now? In this situation, my accommodations were occupied and I thought “fuck it, I’m out!” So I left my bags behind to the safety of my hostel. This city is extremely clean. Stepping off the train at first mornings light I found someone around nearly every block sweeping and tending to the landscape. Their passion for cleanliness did not decline, but persevered throughout the days heat. I quickly passed an Indian who was working a cliché looking café and I decided that some morning coffee would serve well towards the day’s activities. It was only 60 cents for a delicious, though overly sweetened, cup of extremely potent Joe. It was just the pick me up I needed to walk around all day. Quickly I found myself surrounded by the unfamiliar, hearing languages I do not know, in a culture I do not yet understand. I love it; this is EXACTLY what I came here to do! So I wandered aimlessly for hours through packed malls and past street vendors lined up like an overly crowded farmers markets. I continued trekking around and knocked off a couple more musts from my to-do list. I got my ears lowered, ate some local food, and yes I did get lost. The only rule of thumb was I had to be back by 5 to get my room key. I gave myself two hours to find my way back to the hostel, which unfortunately was way too much time. Right after I got my key and received my instructions I went back out to the streets to pick up where I had left off. I think I could continue eating and exploring this place for the rest of my life. It’s a blast and now it’s time for bed… Goodnight!