A Quieter Market Stroll
On December 13th, I woke up around noon in Kuala Lumpur and decided to wander through Chow Kit Market again. In the mornings, the market is overflowing with people, but by midday it feels almost calm.
This time, I went upstairs, where several Chinese restaurants were clustered together. A dish called "Curry Ramen" caught my eye—how could I resist? For just 9 RM (about 315 yen), I had a steaming bowl with just the right level of spiciness. It was warming, satisfying, and perfect before continuing my walk.
Talking with Fishmongers
After lunch, I wandered to the seafood section. The variety of fish amazed me, though I couldn't identify any of the species. Prices were surprisingly low: about 15 RM (526 yen) per kilogram.
As I watched one vendor cut and clean fish, we started talking. He told me he was from Indonesia, here in Malaysia for work. Like others I had met the day before, he explained that wages here were two to three times higher than back home. For Indonesians, visiting Malaysia doesn't require a visa, and even for work the process is much easier than in other countries.
Many of the workers were from Sumatra, since travel from Dumai to Port Klang takes only a few hours by ferry. Listening to their stories gave me new insights and ideas. Each conversation opened doors, making me want to see more places—like visiting the regions they proudly came from.
Fruit for the Journey Home
Before leaving, I stopped by a stall recommended by the fishmongers. I bought a small mix of different fruits for 10 RM (about 350 yen). It was fun to try a variety, though in the end, only the mandarin oranges suited my taste. Still, it was another small lesson—sometimes discovery means finding out what doesn't fit as much as what does.
A Night at the Shisha Bar
That evening, curiosity led me north of my hotel, where I had seen rows of shisha bars the night before. When I had asked about the price, the man at the door told me, "18 RM (about 450 yen)." I was shocked. In Japan, shisha usually costs at least three times that amount, not including drinks.
I hadn't gone the previous night, but tonight felt right. The bar was run by a man from Pakistan who worked at a reception desk during the day and managed this shisha restaurant at night. As we talked, I told him that maybe one day I would travel to Pakistan. He smiled and said, "When you come, I'll be there to help you."
Hearing those words filled me with gratitude. Meeting someone in a foreign land who offers friendship, guidance, or even just a promise of support is something I treasure.
