As I wandered through the bustling night market in Kuala Lumpur, I was immediately enveloped by a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells. Vendors hawked sizzling satay skewers, woks crackling with fragrant char koay teow, and colorful stalls overflowing with fresh tropical fruits. The air was thick with the tantalizing aroma of spices and charcoal smoke.
I could have easily just gawked at the spectacle and moved on. But the true essence of travel, I’ve learned, lies in connecting with locals and immersing yourself in their way of life. So I struck up a conversation with a friendly auntie grilling skewers of meat over a scorching charcoal fire.