Off to the island...

We took an overnight bus from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing on the west coast. From there, we took a ferry to Pulau Tioman, a popular weekend island spot for Malays and Singaporeans. We were there during the week, so it was mostly young tourists like ourselves. Actually, we met a few follow foreigners that were on their "Korean school" week vacation like ourselves.



Fishing boat in Mersing...all the boats were brightly colored



ABC beach...it doesn't get more peaceful than this! We spent three days snorkeling and trekking around the island...it was a much needed reprieve from the buzz of our lives in Seoul.



Just hanging out at the local beach bar...it was a hut on the beach that sold cheap beer and had a bonfire every night.



Our server's shirt..."American By Birth, Southern by the Grace of God!"



Jungle trekking from ABC beach to Juara beach...that is Aaron down at the bottom if you can see him...the trees were enormous...the air was hot and wet...the snakes were small but plentiful...the lizards were gigantic and skittish...



Fruit bats...these guys were pretty loud and pretty f...ing big!



ABC beach...there were several of these run down boats scattered along the beach



Sail boats of Tioman



Our beach...a few steps from the door of our chalet



A local restaurant/"resort" area with a long, cheap happy hour



Our chalet...$20 a night...not TOO shabby!

After Tioman, we took the bus ride of our lives into Singapore. There were many moments we were not sure we would get there in one piece. We were literally holding onto the seats in front of us, so we did not fall out of our seats. The luggage was falling off the overhead storage shelves and knocking a few travelers in the head. In the end, we made it to our destination in one piece!

and Bears...

Honey...hand licking good...



Pepsi...uh...stomache? licking good...

Hindu gods, elephants, and deer, oh my!

Batu Caves outside of Kuala Lumpur



Wild monkeys surround you as you climb the 272 steps to a temple cave with a Hindu shrine.



Kuala Gandah, elephant sanctuary, where we fed, rode, and played with Asian elephants


Baby elephant who got its foot caught in a trap, so it has a stump foot

I could not stop feeding this baby; its trunk felt like a little finger searching in my hand for its next peanut!



Crazy f*#!*ing deer!

Kuala Lumpur, Money River

Petronas Towers

We just returned from our summer vacation trip to Malaysia and Singapore. We had a much needed relaxing vacation, but it was not without its little adventures! Here are some pictures of the city sites.



Chinatown Market (Jalan Petaling)



Sultan Abdul Samad Building across from Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square)



Jamek Mosque



Our Chinese inspired Malaysian cuisine...pineapple rice and lemon grass chicken...delicious!

"A musuem without walls"

We recently went on a weekend trip with some friends of ours to Gyeongju. This city is often referred to as a museum without walls. It was the center of the Silla dynasty and is littered with temples and tombs.



We rented bicycles and rode through rice paddies and toured the sites! Something about riding a bike makes you feel like a kid again, but the saddle ass reminds you of your progressing years!





Tombs of Silla Kings



Stone Buddhas at Namsan mountain park

We had beautiful weather, and the clear skies and fresh air were a much needed reprieve from the Seoul city suffocation. Living in the city is great and convenient and easy to get around with minimal Korean language skills, but it is refreshing to see the softer, greener, cleaner Korea!

Hanging with Christy

We made another noreabang convert! Despite her apprehension, Christy relaxed (with the help of our friend, the devil, soju and let loose in the karaoke style private singing room!



Do I see a little white girl overbite Christy?



Chillin Itaewon style...Aaron and the sista slinging them back at a bar in "little America"



We loved our time with Christy, and we miss her already! She is proof that moms still know how to party :) We love you sis!

Korean Visas and Japanese Temples

Aaron and I had to venture to Fukouka, Japan to renew our Korean visas. While we were there, we were able to take in a few sites and have a few adventures including drinking beer we purchased at a vending machine!

Tallest wooden Buddha at 10 meters in Tocho-ji temple



Amazing Italian restaurant with a "unique Japanese" setting.



Kushida Jinja Temple



Daizafu, a ancient Japan capital of the province where almost the entire city is an archaeological site. We rented bikes and rode around the entire city. It was a gorgeous day made more perfect with a platter of sushi some warm saki and cold Asahi!