A Note on Durian

In Southeast Asia there is no middle ground. You either hate or love the large, spiked, ball-like fruits.

The flesh of the durian has a very distinctive odor - and nobody can agree on whether it's good or bad. Some people seem to regard the durian as having a pleasant fruity fragrance akin to pineapple. Others, however, find the durian's aroma revolting and describe it's smell closer to that of rotten garbage.

Penang's Night Markets

After two days of relaxing in the cool highlands, it's back on the road and to the humidity. I jumped on an early bus to Georgetown, Penang for 30rm ($9.25). Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage City because of it's delicious food, so I planned to make this my longest stop in Malaysia. It's also conveniently located about three hours away from the Thai boarder.   However, given the recent military coup and exodus of Thai intellectuals to places like Cambodia and Laos, I might spend longer than expected in Malaysia waiting and watching what happens. If anyone has any thoughts, please email me.

Drinking Malay Style: The 'Super' Beers

Yesterday, I left Kuala Lumpur for a much needed break in the Malaysian highlands. Hopping on a bus, I took a pleasant three-hour ride north to the small town of Tanah Rata. It's a cozy little place nestled high in the mountains amongst giant tea plantations and stunning orchid gardens. The dry weather is the perfect escape from the humid weather and crowded metropolitan hubbub of peninsular Malaysia. And with single rooms starting at 10rm ($3.15) a night, it's a steal.