Mason's Southeast Asia Adventures: Thank You Grows!

   The last 10 days have been spent in luxury. We have been visiting my cousins on my dad's side, the Grow Family (Shawn and Glen and their children Sawyer, Corbitt, Sorell, and Caleb) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they live. They have been the friendliest, most generous hosts we could ever imagine, and it has been so much fun to spend time with their whole family.
   Our day to day activities varied, but always included a refreshing dip in their pool and lots and lots of all the foods we have been missing in our travels (like cheese!) Other activities have included baseball games and practices with their kids, movies, and city tours! It has been a real treat.
   On our city tours we investigated the many cultures of Malaysia. There is a large population of Chinese and Indians here so naturally we visited China Town and Little India. Both were very touristy and were highlighted by authentic meals (we got to eat with our hands at the indian stall!) We also visited Batu Caves, which is the site of a Hindu temple right outside KL. There were roves of vicious monkeys waiting to steal anything they could on the long 272 stair stairway up to the caves, and plenty of vendors to really set the mood. The caves were beautiful, and a huge Gold hindu statue guarded the entrance. Definitely worth the trip.
   Another highlight of our trip included a great jungle hike with Glen, Uncle Tom, and Marsha (Shawn's uncle and his wife who were visiting). The morning mist was hanging in the canopy and we found the leech population to be very friendly. Glen kicked up a triangle headed snake which I have yet to identify and on top of that we saw a Giant Blue Forest Scorpion which was about 7" long! It was surprisingly beautiful, an iridescent blue, and poised to strike. We are now well rested, clean, and packed for our next adventure which has changed drastically. Thanks to Glen and Shawn, instead of heading back to Northern Thailand to a new farm, we will be traveling south to Bali to teach at a local orphanage for three weeks!! Shawn and Glen are friends of the founder and have helped us set up this opportunity to live in the guesthouse while teaching and helping with the day to day activities. It should be an amazing time. Hope your all well and ready for spring, miss you. Love, Mason