Monday July 26th -Kuala Lumpur

Today we woke up early so that we could make the most of our day and catch the free breakfast at the hostel.We decided to check out the Batu Caves, which are located about 45 minutes by city bus from where we are staying.As we were waiting at the very poorly marked bus stop, a fellow backpacker from our hostel decided to join us.His name was Ron, an Asian-American from LA who is currently teaching English in Japan, but taking a break and exploring Malaysia and the surrounding area before heading home.The Batu Caves were cool--- not so cool = climbing 272 stairs in the mid-day humidity!We were nice and sweaty by the time we reached the top!Monkeys were the local residents of the caves, and a random rooster.These guys maul tourists for any food they may be carrying, and will give anything a shot at being eaten; it's actually quite entertaining!After entering the cave, we wandered around admiring the gigantic gold statue out front and the lovely gardens and ponds.

It was then back on the city bus.We stopped in Chinatown because we were starving!After scouting out all the different options for lunch, we opted for a stall in an alcove in the market district.It was another vegetarian venue, so I wasn't afraid of trying anything (no seafood or chicken feet for me!)It was similar to a buffet, you fill your plate with whatever you fancy and then they charge you based on what you take (although we didn't know this at the time!)When in Malaysia, it doesn't matter!I LOADED my plate up, eager to try it all!Ron's plate cost 12RM ($3.88 CAN), 7RM ($2.27 CAN) for me, and 4RM ($1.29 CAN) for Jenn's!Talk about a deal eh?And it was all exceptional!

After a quick stop at the hostel to grab some more money, we headed back to the Chinatown markets and Central Markets (which is an indoor market).It was time for souvenirs and deals!The markets were full of all kinds of knock-offs, from Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton handbags to "The Sport Face" backpacks and real Tiffany's necklaces!I love the atmosphere of markets, all the hustle and bustle, but I can only handle so much before I begin to get irritated as clearly I stick out like a sore thumb as "the tourist", and it gets tiring telling every-other stall that "no, I don't want your fake designer purse…. I'm not even a purse kinda girl!"

Once we were all shopped out, Jenn and I decided to reward ourselves with a fish foot spa.Now, I know I did this is Bali, but these fish were double the size!Jenn had never done it so we HAD to!I don't think I have ever laughed so much.It is incredibly tickly at first, but after the first couple minutes your feet actually get used to being nibbled at (believe it or not… and if you don't then I guess you better try it for yourself!)

After renewing our tired feet, we ventured off for dinner.Now brace yourself for this one… I ate at McDonalds.Yes, yes.. I know 1) I haven't eaten there since elementary school when I was playing rep and that's where the team would stop and 2) What am I doing eating McDonalds when I'm in Malaysia?!Jenn has a tradition and likes to check out the different menus at McDonalds when she travels; so I couldn't let her break this tradition!

It was then time to grab some drinks at the hostel and begin packing up for our flight to Penang (an island off the North-west coast of Malaysia) early the next morning.