From urban frenzy to koi ponds and high tea

We were picked up late morning to head up to the Cameron Highlands, the tea growing country, by way of the longest highway in Malaysia and winding roads in the mountains. But first, we stopped at the Batu Caves.

Kuala Lumpur, thank you for your organized chaos, melding of cultures and introduction to delicious Malaysian food.

These caves, which had Hindu temples carved inside, are considered spiritual. So much so that this time every year, the Hindi take a pilgrimage from Kuala Lumpur to the Caves, barefoot and after fasting. At the base, under a freeway, many will shave their heads and add a yellow powder to their scalps. Onlookers can buy bright flower necklaces to leave as offerings at the temples. This weekend will apparently be a incredibly crowded as thousands will descend; we were lucky to catch a few taking the journey early.

There are about 272 steps up to the top. The noises of the worshippers chanting, the pigeons flapping wings echoing through the stalactites, and the monkeys fighting in the trees were a wonderful distraction from my hair getting larger in the oppressive heat. (Oh god!, the hair thing….AGAIN!)

I (Patrick) was again amazed at the devotion of the Hindu followers. Babies not able to walk were shaven and yellow, their parents dutifully walking them up the mountainside. People praying in front of alters while tourists (inappropriately wearing shoes) buzzed about, it was inspiring.

After a quick stop at the gas station for a cold beverage, we began our 3 hour ascent to the Cameron Highlands. We wizzed past durian trees, palms, and more construction until we hit the narrow two-lane road that would take us up to the tea region. You know the output on an EKG ?, that’s what the roads looked like on a map. Our driver gave us directions for food (duh, this country is obsessed), sites to see, and the best tea to taste. We stopped by the Cameron Highlands Tea House for views and flavored tea selections (fam- bringing some back to Seattle!).

We got to our hotel, the Cameron Highlands Resort at 3:45, which is about 3 hours past when I should have had lunch. Maintaining my cool, I insisted we eat immediately and we grabbed the Afternoon Tea at the hotel. This region feels very British, with sprawling plantations and tiny sandwiches.