For someone who considers herself an ambivert and often tries to escape crowded places, this Malaysia trip was something I had not expected. Whether it was talking to people from different countries and professions or simply finding a proper meal, every experience came with its own challenges. As a vegetarian, finding food became a huge task. Even a cup noodles without the smell of crab oil was difficult to spot. But, as every traveller learnt, a little adjustment goes a long way. Whether it was having bread and butter for lunch or eating a side dish that did not taste the way it was supposed to, I learnt to make do with what was available.
Looking back, even the little struggles have become part of the core memories I cherish. The entire five-day trip taught me something about travelling. Not every experience will be effortless. If you have to put up with the smell of durian for an entire day, you do. Not because it is part of the itinerary, but that is the whole idea of an experience.