A Day to Stay in George Town
On November 22nd, greetings from George Town. I decided to stay one more night here, choosing to rest and focus on the tasks I needed to complete. At Tido Hostel, the fifth-floor community space is open until 10 p.m.—a true blessing for a traveler who also needs time to work.
Focus and Practical Matters
I spent the morning finishing up work and preparing to apply for my Indonesian visa. Somewhere along the way, I had heard a rumor that Japanese travelers might be exempt from the visa requirement. A part of me wanted to believe it, but of course, there was no sign of that being true. Since Indonesia is a destination I absolutely want to visit, applying early feels essential.
A Simple Meal Next Door
By 3 p.m., I realized I had been so focused that I hadn’t eaten. I stepped outside and was thankful to find that right next door to the hostel, there was a small curry-style shop run by Bangladeshi people.
Street places like this are unbeatable—delicious food, simple atmosphere, and affordable prices. For just 5 ringgit (around 173 yen), I could eat until I was full. It felt like a gift.
As I ate, the sky quickly shifted from clear blue to dark, and heavy rain began. At that moment, I felt glad I had chosen to stay indoors today. If I had gone out cycling or wandering too far, I would have been caught in the downpour and forced back early anyway.
Learning from the Rain
This season in Malaysia, much like in Thailand, is the rainy season. It isn’t the best time for bicycle travel, but there is something to be learned from it. By looking at the clouds, I’ve started to notice when rain might come. It’s like gaining a small, unusual skill—though not one I truly need, I smile at the thought of it.
Conversations That Cross Borders
Back at the hostel, I spent about an hour talking with an Australian traveler I had met on my first day here. Our conversation was easy and warm, and by the end, we had promised to meet again in Sydney.
This is what traveling gives: one by one, new people enter your life. Friends begin to appear across the world, and with each connection, my sense of the world expands. It’s a gift I carry with gratitude and excitement.
Closing the Day
Tonight, as I prepare to sleep, I feel that sense of anticipation for what comes next. The world feels wide open.
On my bed sits a small stuffed toy that a little girl once gave me during my journey. Traveling alone, I sometimes find myself attaching feelings to simple, lifeless things like this toy. It keeps me company in a quiet way.
With that thought, I close the day. Tomorrow is another step on this journey. Good night.
