Greetings from Malaysia. August has begun and so has the final stage of my year long trip around the world. I landed in Singapore, one of the wealthiest Asian countries in the world. I was automatically amazed at the appearance of the place. No trash on the ground, smiling and well-dressed people, and efficient transportation. I soon realized that Singapore is an island that has many ideas figured out. They studied and took advice from the Swiss government to create a transportation system that rivals ones in Europe. There are also fines of up to 500 dollars for littering. I thought to myself that it must have been a little challenging for many Indian immigrants, because in India, all trash goes in the grass.
I met my friend Trudee there and we travelled for 2 weeks through Malaysia, exploring a culture that is a mix of Chinese and Indian immigrants, as well as native Malay people. We immediately noticed the warmth and kindness of the local people who cared more about helping us than making money. In the higher altitude of the tropics we visited tea plantations, where we learned the process of making tea. Laborers climbed hills covered in topiary looking tea trees to cut the fresh green leafs off to dry and turn into marketable tea. The islands here are also home to excellent diving and snorkeling and the locals seem to have an eye for Eco- tourism and keeping their natural treasures fro the future.
Soon after, I was met by my friend Christian from Germany who inspired me to the take this year of my life to travel around the globe. After 6 years of not seeing him, we picked up where we left off and have explored the eastern peninsula of Malaysia. we plan to head north to Thailand, then through Laos and Cambodia, then it is time for me to return to the farm in Maryland in early October.
Thanks for checking in.
Thanks for checking in.
ps. click below to view my last location
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2.88104,104.15543&ll=2.88104,104.15543&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2.88104,104.15543&ll=2.88104,104.15543&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
