A Morning in the Heart of Kuala Lumpur
December 2nd, greetings from "The OHANA," a guesthouse in the very center of Kuala Lumpur. It had been a comfortable place to stay, especially with the open community space where travelers naturally connected.
Today carried two big missions: send my belongings to a friend's house, and then make my way to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Starting from the very center of Malaysia's busiest city was no easy task. The traffic here is relentless, far heavier than in many other parts of the country. Cycling 10 kilometers in the city feels ten times more exhausting than the same distance in the countryside. The constant awareness, the uphill climbs, and the noise all pressed down on me at once.
Finding a Box and a Helping Hand
As I pedaled on, I suddenly realized I didn't have a box to pack my belongings for shipment. Without one, sending the parcel would be complicated. That thought lingered as I scanned the roadside. Then I spotted a small produce shop, where workers were breaking down piles of cardboard boxes.
I asked, and they kindly offered me what I needed. They even helped load it onto my bike. On top of that, I bought some bananas, dragon fruit, and mangoes. The sweetness of the fruit cut through my fatigue, and the generosity of the shop owner—who spoke warmly about Japan—lifted my spirits even more. Encounters like this remind me why I'm grateful every day for the people I meet.
Sending My Belongings and the Long Walk to the Train
With the box secured, I made it to the delivery point and sent off my luggage. One mission complete. From there, I walked for nearly an hour to reach the nearest station, my bicycle rolling beside me.
At the station, I was relieved to find that credit cards were accepted. It may seem like a small thing, but in each country, learning how to use public transport is its own challenge. I often catch myself wondering, "How does this work here?" Each time, I feel the same mix of nerves and excitement. Travel isn't about things being easy—it's about overcoming these little obstacles, which make the journey meaningful.
The Airport, Simple Meals, and New Friends
After two hours on the train, I finally reached Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Hungry, I ordered a plate of nasi lemak and four pieces of chicken. The meal filled me up, but compared to the delicious street food I had enjoyed across Malaysia, the flavor felt ordinary. Perhaps airport meals simply can't compete with the rich taste of local kitchens.
As I sipped my coffee, I noticed an Italian man struggling to find a power outlet. I lent him mine, and soon we were deep in conversation. When I told him I was cycling around the world, he looked at me with admiration and said, "That's incredible! Keep going. My nephew is a world champion cyclist." Hearing that left me stunned. Before we parted, he warmly invited me to visit Italy someday as a special guest. That single moment of kindness opened a new possibility in my journey.
Not long after, a Korean man beside us also asked to use my outlet. We laughed at how popular one plug could be. In return, he shared his dream of building a hot spring and sauna for cyclists in Korea. "Come visit when you're there," he said with a smile. These conversations reminded me how the world expands, little by little, through each genuine exchange.
Farewell to Kuala Lumpur
The hours passed, and soon it was time to board. I chose the very last row of the plane. I prefer not having anyone behind me—it feels more peaceful that way.
As the aircraft lifted into the night sky, I looked down one last time at Malaysia. My heart was full of gratitude—for the fruit seller who gave me a box, the strangers who shared their dreams, and the countless small moments that made Kuala Lumpur unforgettable.
Now it was time to return briefly to Japan, before continuing the journey around the world by bicycle.
