Highpoints: Malaysia

We returned last night from a spectacular trip to Malaysia.  At first we were a little wary of taking another large trip right on the heels of our Christmas trip.  Did we really need another vacation a mere 15 days after returning from one?  Wasn't that a little gluttonous?  Was there really too much of a good thing?  Well, it took us about .2 days before we settled back into the routine of vacation:  sleeping in, eating too much, drinking copious amounts of coffee, taking naps, swimming in pools, and walking, walking, walking our way through unknown cities.  We decided that another vacation was just what we needed to help us make it through the rest of the 2011-2012 school year! 

The trip went too fast and before we knew it, we were at our last meal, enjoying our end of travel tradition that we have taken from our Camp Orkila days:  HighPoints.  Here are some things we will always cherish from our Malaysia trip:

• The amount of chicken wings consumed on this trip was greater than 1) Adam had since his college frat days and 2) the number of chicken wings on the Ferndale Soper Farm Chickens, themselves.
• Sidewalks were accessible to pedestrians and foot traffic.  Yes, not every major city in SE Asia looks at sidewalks as just another lane of traffic.
• Palm trees are not simply like the ones you are taught to draw as a child.  Rather, a palm tree can come in many shapes, sizes, and may or may not actually bear coconuts.  (**Important note to all our fellow "Survivor" fans -- if you want to know which palm leaves would be best for shelter building, we will let you know).
• Dressing alike, even if the outfits come numerous days apart, is never a good idea.
• Muslim women are hardcore.  Never before had we seen so many women covered head to toe which is pretty amazing in 98 degree heat.
• A smile is the best method to breaking down barriers and to connect with those that you may think have nothing in common with you.  

Even though it was another amazing trip, we were also so glad to come back to our little apartment in Saigon.  When we walked in the door, we had the overwhelming feeling that we had come home.

Other highpoints include:  old buildings and architecture ....

... food that comes to you via truck ....

.... cool religious traditions that we don't know the first thing about ....

... venturing into the largest Mosque in Malaysia ...

... modern fast food chains in old mansions ....

... milk coffees ....

... helpful signs ...

... dollar coffee in a can ...

... and BEING the statue!