“On a whim I hopped on my 10th flight in two weeks to Angkor Wat, Cambodia. I rang in the New Year alone, but I don’t feel alone at all. I have had a remarkable year Crossed off 10 new countries on the map, created new human bonds (and strengthened old ones) and have grown as a strong and independent person. Happy new year from me to you, may you find as much adventure as I have this year” December 31, 2015.
Colombo, Kandy, Kandalama | Sri Lanka
The hazy morning star illuminated all the faces pressed beside me. On every side, crowded within a dense cluster of bodies. And through the gaps of bodies, I gazed out onto a sliver of their routine. I became aware that I was not the only traveler, but an existential member on this singular journey. A journey that I would take with my parents from the Capital of Colombo, through Kandy and finally to a remote hotel called the Kandalama. I was tipped off by a mutual friend of a man named Geoffrey Bawa, a successful Sri Lankan Architect who built a hotel within the forest landscapes. One of my fondest memories of my dad was at this hotel. He woke my mom and I up in the middle of the darkest hour and yelled for us to come outside. A star buff himself, always setting up the lawn chairs in our driveway as kids during a celestial phenomenon, had suddenly found himself among the stars in the southern hemisphere for the first time. We spent hours that night on a dark long dirt driveway (a little too close for comfort of the hotel staff who knew the wild animals the lie behind the gates of the hotel) as he pointed out constellations I had never heard of before. The biggest smile on his face - the same one I have now while recollecting on this moment in time.
Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia
Malaysia stretches across the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia, most known for it's hot weather, cultural diversity, batik factories and formula one racing. Aside from the big move to Singapore, KL will always be my first solo place.
I took a morning bus ride out from Singapore on Friday morning. Skeptical about the long journey and means of travel, I was pleasantly surprised to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive. Covered in green landscapes and rolling mountains, the highways were sparse and spotted with small homes and communities. I did notice a great deal drainage designed to keep the rainy season at bay on the highway, a seemingly singular route connecting Malaysia to the Garden City. I found interesting as the rest of the landscape was fairly untouched.
Kuala Lumpur was a bustling place full of vibrant color and energy. Street parades, divine food, foamy Tiger beers and malay iced coffees were very much welcomed in the heat of a city summer. I was surprised to look at my photos after my trip to see how much color and vibrancy I had been captured.
The feeling I had getting back on the bus from (my first) solo trip spent in KL was a very happy one. One of triumph and solidified independence "I did it?!" I can do this. I can learn to be on my own. That was an incredible moment.