Posts

Saying Goodbye to Malaysia

Image
Wow this is really it... It’s time to say goodbye Malaysia after a month and a half together 😣 During my time here I have learned so incredibly much about the country, culture, Islam, myself, how to speak a bit of Malay, and the way of life here. I’ve gone through heartache and pure joy 💓 I am so endlessly grateful that I got the opportunity to volunteer my time with Meow Island Malaysia, all the time I got to spend with old friends and new friends, hiking and camping the oldest jungle in the world, hitchhiked almost the entirety of my travels here, all but a few nights staying with my friends and other locals, the food is incredible and the people are even more fantastic. Thank you so much everyone for all you’ve done for me, for bringing me into your homes, the fun adventures, sharing meals with me, and doing all you can to ensure I’m comfortable and happy. You’ve giving me an unforgettable, heartwarming experience. I will be back again for a third round without a doubt. You’r

Switching to Hitchhiking

Image
Inshaallah After speaking to a few other travelers both female and male that have been hitchhiking I have decided to make the switch. My first time was Jerantut to Kuala Lumpur which only took me 10 minutes before a kind Chinese family picked me up and took me very close to my Homestay.  Today my friends sent me from Kepong, Malaysia to Rawang where we thought I’d have the best luck. A local gentleman pulled over and said this wasn’t the best spot and took me to the reststop on the highway where I instantly found a couple headed to Ipoh. They were so kind and friendly. We had nice conversation and I soaked up the drive. They dropped me near the freeway and said our goodbyes in Ipoh.  I stood near the freeway entrance when yet again another local pulled up saying I was in a bad spot and took me to the bus station. He insisted I should take the bus thinking I’d have no luck but I still walked my way back to the freeway which I didn’t even hit when a kind gentleman pulled ov

Volunteering at Meow Island Malaysia

Image
(Medicine for Violets ears & getting love from 1 of her friends) July 1st, 2018 I arrived in Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia to do my first ever workaway project. I would be spending the next week in a half at a non-profit animal shelter called Meow Island. Meow Island is owned by a very kind and caring man named Luke who does all that he can to make a better life for the sick and injured street cats by taking them into his shelter. To be honest I did not really know what to expect or if this was going to be a good fit for me. (The kittens becoming more active) Upon arrival 1 of the 3 arrivals picked me up from the bus station. I had enough time to set my bags down before he was taking me all over the place showing me things, telling me a bunch of information, and introducing me to the others. It was rather overwhelming to be honest since I had just spent half the day traveling. Next thing I know just him and I were in the shelter and he was training me on the PM duties. Once th

Heterometrus spinifer/Giant Forest Scorpion

Image
After the rain stopped the other day we had a little visitor outside the Meow Island shelters homestay. Heterometrus spinifer: common name Giant Forest Scorpion. Not lethal to humans. You can find them under cool damp places such as logs and brush. Currently they are not being observed but that doesn't mean we shouldn't watch out for their conservation. People love to make them pets but that is apart of the illegal pet trade. Having them as pets which put their population at risk. To help these little critters out keep them in the wild not as pets. If you like what you see give me a follow for more fun facts, travel tips and adventures. Lets keep things exotic, Finding Me Wherever I May Be

Off to See the Fireflies

Image
Getting There From Kuala Lumpur Eddie and I took bus 100 to Kuala Selagnor Bus Terminal which was about an hour ride costing 6 Ringgit each. The town itself is super laid back and quiet right where the Selagnor River opens up into Strait of Malacca. Where to Stay Having time to kill before checkin we went to frolic in the forest of Taman Alam Kuala Selangor Nature Park where we discovered you can book cute A Frames for just 30 Ringgit a night! This included 2 twin beds, a fan, and a shared restroom. Thankfully our original booking had free cancellation because camping in an ecopark sounded way cooler than a classic hotel room which would have been 40 Ringgit.  What To Do Taman Alam Kuala Selagnor Nature Park This lovely Ecopark has a 3 km trail that loops around taking you through 3 different habitats; forest, wetlands, and mangrove habitat. You'll find crab eating monkeys but beware they are aggressive 2 gained up and tried to attack me wh

Why I Fell in Love With the Philippines

Image
There is so much we don’t know and so much we take for granted. There is no way to sum up the Philippines cause each city, province, island, etc is so diverse from food, dialect, culture, etc. Some of the things I’ve learned is that no matter what you got you must make the most of it. Love the ones you have around you and cherish your time here. I find when I complain now about the insignificant things I feel like a brat. I have been spoiled even when times were rough. The thing is, we all have rough times but how we choose to deal with though times is what really matters. Here poverty is real and it’s not just being pushed in the shadows like it’s done in many first world countries. It’s there front and center but you don’t here anyone really complaining. They take care of everything they have and I mean everything. From their homes no matter what that may be, it is kept tidy, swept and a sense of coziness. Belongings are well taken care of and appreciated. My eyes swell with tears