Hello.: Hiking

Favourite City of All Time : Kuala Lumpur

I look around as I drive by the magnificent city. I see how a city can be both futuristic and exotic. The urban texture of Kuala Lumpur is designed in a way that unites nature and the people reside in it rather than separating them. It's always one of the main reason as why I love KL apart from the city is the capital of my motherland, Malaysia.

Walking in the shade of the skyscrapers that dominate most of the city, I realise that even these tall buildings doesn't bother me - I find peace in their tranquil glory. I familiarize my senses with the hectic surroundings, welcoming any feeling that greeted me. It felt kinda surreal - coming home after such a long time.

Kuala Lumpur is also famous for the harmonious coexistence of the Malay, Chinese and Indian populations. I am proud to be one of them eventhough I no longer live in Malaysia. I am proud to tell my foreign friends and family that I am Malaysian, no matter where I am.

I parked my little purple car near to KLCC's LRT station. I decided to take the LRT to see lots of things in Kuala Lumpur because of the little time that I had. Ethan would love to be here, he always told me in his annoyingly excited voice back in New York - he undoubtedly wanted to go to Malaysia and eat lots of amazing delicacies and experienced the wonderful harmony between the people in Southeast Asia and their unique lifestyles.

Ethan is weird in his own style. Whatever.

I went for a walk in Chinatown, I smell the scent of incense from the Tao temple nearby. Some chanting immediately echoed in the air, I saw many tourists going in and out of the temple. I made a stop near a small stall, ordering Ice Tea in this hot weather.

"Very hot today, eh dik?"

I smiled. "Yes. But I just strolled around, uncle."

The old Indian uncle chuckled while making 'Teh Tarik' for another customer. Who in their right mind to order Teh Tarik under the scorching sun, I wonder.

When the humid and suffocating air starts overwhelming me, I went to another tourist spot, the beautiful Lake Garden, comprising Bird Park, Orchid Garden and Butterfly Park. With more than hundreds species of mesmerizing colours flying around, the park allow the visitors to experience a majestic forest atmosphere in the heart of the city.

"It's almost seven. I should find something to eat."

I leave behind the realm of birds and sit at one of the best restaurant that is really known for its naan cheese with a friend.

One of the best aspects of coming back home is tasting different cuisines which are abundant due to Kuala Lumpur's cultural and ethnic diversity. I ate various delicacies from Indian, Malay and Chinese cuisines for an affordable prices.

Normally in Malaysia, there are food kiosks or restaurants managed by Indian Muslims, called 'Mamak Shop' by the locals - visitors definitely should try their genuine dishes. Located at almost every corner, Mamak's speciality is Roti Canai (a type of Indian flatbread) which coincidentally is my all-time favourite.

I remember mornings and nights spent overseas when I was craving for Roti Canai so much that I drove for hundred of miles from Los Angeles to San Francisco because apparently I had no patience and hunger for Roti Canai clouded my mind immediately. The restaurant was closed in LA during that night so I dragged late Kak Rose and Ethan to go to San Francisco.

I was way crazy back then.

Same thing happened in Toronto but neah, not gonna write it here. Maybe next time though.

So yeah, Roti Canai is definitely Malaysian's favourite.

The next morning, I spent my day with my siblings in Gombak. My little brother was excited to hike Tabur Hill (West Side) but I was keen to go to Putrajaya to do some rock climbing. After the vote (yes, we voted), the three of us drove from Shah Alam to Gombak in the early morning.

"We came back to Malaysia for this, eh?"

"Live a little, sis. Hiking is fun, you should do it more often." Ariff chimed in while driving.

The trail was quite extreme and I was complaining, a lot. My body isn't fit like it used to be but the view was completely breathtaking. We took three hours to reach the top because we made stops in every ten minutes. Poor guy, haha.

"Maybe we should hike a hill with an easier trail, then." My little brother commented on his older sisters inability to hike as fast as he can.

"How about you shut up and gimme the water?"

Ariff and Ika exchanged their sly smiles.

"Yeah, if there is a next time."

As I pack my bag, I think that Kuala Lumpur is one of those cities where the beauty is in the details. I'm gonna miss the people, the cultures, the foods and definitely some of my family and friends.

It's so good catching up. Until the next time, KL.

02:43
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Kungsleden Trail, Abisko

Backpacking

It was sensory overload the first time our Arctic Circle train came to a stop in Abisko, a small town with a breathtaking view of the snow blanketed the town and their surrounding nature.

I took my green backpack along with my other belongings, waiting for my crew to join me. I spotted Abisko Turistation STF from my spot, and took rest beside a trail of bronzed statues. It was the third day of our journey and my third time in Abisko. My ears rang with extremely cool wind and the hustle and bustle of my surrounding - people (read : tourists) were chatting while carrying their things, cameras hanging on their necks with some children in tow behind. The accomodation was only a hundred-meter away and I was relieved to see that everything went smoothly. The sun shone on the sky but the weather was still very cold.

I picked myself up from where I sat and head together with my friends to the hotel. Abisko is one of the town that didn't have any hostels, the nearest would be in Kiruna. I made reservation at the hotel that I used to stay once upon a time, but this time we didn't get the cabin, we only got dorms.

It's been four years since the last time I was here. I'd been in Cairo for almost six years now and found myself gallivanting around the world while managing my university life. I always questioned whether or not it was a privileged notion that travel could cure you of some rat race.

My dad once said, "Travel is a way of pilgrim, you know."

It only seemed fitting. In Abisko, I saw different kind of people, came from different backgrounds but there is a layer underneath all that - purpose. We might come for the same purpose or we may not be heading in the same direction.

"Hey, I was thinking of going hiking at Kungsleden Trail. Wanna come?"

That evening, the sun broke across the thick layer of clouds across the mountain. I drank my hot water from the tap, strapped on a pair of light brown boots and took out my winter coat. Sofe and Mira along with Kak Maya and Dinie were discussing while hovered over a map and Lil was busy preparing herself for the hike.

They pointed over the train station, right down below the rail after the tunnel. "That's where we're going."

I looked over from their shoulder and saw their plan. The trail didn't undergo any transformation, it was the same exactly years ago except for the weather - I came during summer for midnight sun season.

We started the hike with small talks. Kak Maya was right beside me, talking animatedly while playing with snow. "I don't think that this was going to be fun," She said. "But clearly I was wrong."

I smiled. When I looked ahead, I can't really see the mountain surround the trail because of the heavy snowstorm. We hiked in subzero temperature, it easily hit -20 degrees. The incline was steep but I push myself forward despite of my heart was beating very fast. I had cold and I was down with fever but being a stubborn girl I am, I marched on.

Downhill and through dense woods, my toes pressed against my sturdy brown boots but I did not stop. The five-inches snow felt good beneath my feet. I looked in front towards my companions.

Dinie was photographing the nature while Lil was making silly faces in front of his camera. Sofe was focused listening to what Mira had to say and Kak Maya stood here and there, modeling for Dinie's camera.

There were exceptional views in every direction : just ahead of us, smaller peaks, various small trails and in the distance, majestic mountains. It didn't take long before the trail headed towards boulder formations that were part of the backdrop at the beginning of our hike were right in front of us. And after a few short, steep stepbacks with some loose footing, the route gave way to amazing view of frozen lake and a series of huge boulders that stacked together along the way of the lake.

We hiked ahead until we scrambled upon an amazing clearing, welcoming us to the more spectacular view of our surrounding. We decided to took a commemorate picture of our first hike of the day here, behind the frozen lake and massive mountain on the back.

For hikers wanting to experience raw adventure and avoid crowds, the Kungsleden Trail at Abisko National Park of Abisko is one of the most enjoyable and epic treks. Spectacular geology and out-of-this-world views are the calling cards to this incredible place.

"We can hike ahead, the trail ran for many miles."

Every step we took, unbelievable panoramas unfold right before our eyes.

"This is way too beautiful." Sofe chimed in.

"Just like a winter wonderland, huh."

The rest agreed with my words, we were indeed in the winter wonderland. Abisko National Park (specifically Kungsleden trail) should be included in every adventurer's buckets list, the trail is easily one of the best ways to experience the raw and unspoiled glory of this most magnificent nature.

My nomadic heart was baffled at the sight of the beaut, believing that I had made the right decision of coming back here. Back in Cairo, some friends teased me and asked what I believe can be gained by traveling.

"Just be who you are. Depends on how wide your eyes can see, how deep your heart can feel."

The video is here.

20:25
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Aurora Borealis : Mission Accomplished

Backpacking

It was a very windy night. Lil and I had just gone back to the room after we descended from Aurora Sky Station, disappointed because the clouds were very thick and we only saw plenty of faint Aurora.

I was on my way to the kitchen with my laptop to arrange my trip to Ukraine when Lil and Dinie suddenly proposed to hunt the Northern Lights on the same night. It was almost two in the morning and since I was wide awake, I agreed.

Together, with some of Dinie's buddies, we embarked to hunt the Aurora. Praying that the Northern Lights will reveal herself beautifully tonight, we went over by the lake under the hill of STF Abisko Turiststation. Headlamps and torch lights in hands, we marched together in the dark, while withstanding -29 degrees temperatures.

Oh Aurora, the things that we just did for you.

"I hope that we get to see the Aurora again."

It's nearly an hour went by when the sky became clear and we clearly saw the Northern Lights.

"Hey look! It's the Aurora!"

"That's bloody fantastic! Beautiful!"

Along the way are hours of beautiful nothingness and awe-inspiring Northern Lights. There is really nothing out there except for this truly remarkable scenery of the Northern Lights while we were standing on the frozen lake.

The quiet was immersive and almost unbearable. I stood still, admiring the nature beauty and the shining stars.

"I didn't know suffering to get here was part of our vacation." Sofe suddenly chimed in, her teeth were chattering, her body was shaking while the wind continued to blew.

I couldn't help but smile at my friends as they were busy pointing to the sky, clearly immersed in excitement of a chance seeing the Aurora, their words fell on deaf ears.

"Thank you for taking us here, Nash."

I turned around and smiled. "No problem. At least, I've got another chance to repeat the adventure. It was fun, doing this with you guys."

Dinie laughed, nodding while setting up his camera to shoot the Northern Lights. Lil came over, helping Dinie to set everything up for our photo session.

Till we meet again, Aurora Borealis. It was a real pleasure meeting you.

18:51
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What I Did This Summer

Backpacking

Celebrating every birthdays since I was a teenager until my early 20s in a new place certainly did not start out intentionally. I spent my childhood in a few different places, thus many foreign places that I had been. Starting in my nineteenth birthday, I spent the day in Cairo with my first year medical school friends, thousand miles away from home. Fast forward two years, and I'd broken up with my high school boyfriend, quit my depressions over the unfortunate situation, waited for winter/summer breaks and purchased plane tickets to various places.

Since I was little, travelling has been a tradition, in the midst of writing journals and building a life around hospitals. I turned twenty in the midst of chaos in Jakarta and 21 while exploring the global city-state of Singapore. I was stranded in the middle of unknown places while en route to Kotor from Croatia to celebrate my 22nd, roadtripped around Europe up to Ibiza in 23 and watched the sun rise from a hot-air balloon in Cappadocia to begin as 24 year-old.

Originally, for my 24th birthday, I chose Sarajevo as my little sister wanted to be in Bosnia to visit the War Tunnel. But our schedule got messed up with overland reservations and we ended up going to Bosnia few days later. Between exams and classes and other obligations that seem to weigh, I had less time to get away this time.

Cappadocia lies in an area in central Turkey surrounded by inactive volcanoes. Volcanic activity over the ages has left humongous deposits that is easily shaped by wind and rain. The final result is the exquisite landscape with secret caves and chimneys.

Ancient Christian communities vastly settled in this part of Turkey, the evidences of their presence lies everywhere : in churches, monasteries and also cities. But, they have a long history of persecution, so the churches, monasteries and cities were built in hidden places mostly.

Noted for many surreal surroundings and beautiful panoramic views, it was forty-three degrees celsius outside and the scorching sun burned through our clothes, quite a hot summer indeed. I had been in Cappadocia few summers back, the weather was not that hot.

Unlike the rest of my previous birthdays- where I made new friends along the way or I brought along some of my girlfriends to join me- I decided to celebrate my 24th with my sister. There's a sense of pleasure that I get through travel with my sister or my brother that I just don't get with others. We love to wake up early and take a long walk on the sandy roads. We like to read when we get into the moods, completely immersed in the stories. My siblings and I prefers to wander around a new neighbourhood, turning down some foreign alleys while photographing the memories and peeking into new surroundings.

In Cappadocia, that's exactly what we did (my little brother didn't came along on this trip) in four excitable days. We tore through Haruki Murakami novels, we got a superb tan each, captured as many photographs that our cameras permitted, we hiked many hills overlooking the valleys, et cetera. We treated ourselves with great selection of food and two mango smoothies in hands.

What I love the most about my resolution to celebrate birthdays in a new country is that it ensures the palpable excitements that I will experience. I was really lucky for being able to travel to lots of places that the world has to offer. Whether it was a good or bad adventure, it was another proud, self-satisfying accomplishment for me. Then, the journey itself is the most perfect birthday gift to myself.