It’s a beautiful Sunday just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Bright, hot, maybe 90 degrees. There is much to see and do, as my group, led by Joe, our fearless guide from Tourism Malaysia, is scheduled to lead us on a tour of Kuala Lumpur beginning shortly. I am now seated at the back of a tour bus, dutifully plugging my thoughts onto the laptop before the coffee wears off, my battery dies or the food coma sets in. Incidentally, the biggest surprise of the morning was the best item at the breakfast buffet: French Toast. Seriously. I came all the way to Malaysia, a nation that proudly blends Thai, Chinese, Indonesian and Indian cultures among others, and I enjoyed the French-freaking toast. I am a disgrace.

It’s a strange feeling, being on the other side of the earth. I phoned home last night and, to my friends and family, I’m already living in tomorrow. (We’re 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.)

Some people have asked me about my itinerary—you know, what I’ll be doing, where I’m golfing, etc. The truth is, a lot of it appears to still be up in the air. I mean, an itinerary was sent to me before I departed, but after arriving, things began changing almost on the fly. I actually don’t mind; we’re still staying at some of the nicest hotels and, I’m told, slated to play some of the finest golf courses. What I can tell you now is this: Today I’m seeing Kuala Lumpur. Tonight, I’m heading south to a new hotel. Tomorrow, the week of playing golf, and “covering” the World Amateur Inter-Team Golf Championship. (I use the quotes because I’m not sure what this tournament is even all about. No one in my group does, either, and we are all golf writers. It’s hard to say what my reporting will entail, but rest assured, I will bring you the story.)

After all, we’re on an adventure here, people. More to come soon.

Some stats from the trip thus far:

* Total miles traveled: more than 7,000

* Naps taken from crippling jetlag: 1

* “Tiger”-brand beers consumed: 1

* Total foods unable to be identified, but eaten anyway: 1 (the flarck-flavored jello-pudding-cake on the plane).

* Cobra sightings: Zero. Although rumor has it they like the tall grass found on the golf courses...not sure if Joe is messing with us, or warning us. We should find out soon enough.

Read more about the Malaysia Trip-a-Palaysia!

• The Blog Goes Global!
• Part I  - Greetings from Selangor, Malaysia
• Part II - Recovering from jet lag, getting ready for Kuala Lumpur
• Part III - A Day in "KL"
• Part IV - The Guoman Resort Hotel in Port Dickson
• Part V  - Cheating death and the "Tomio" Experience in Petaling Jaya, Selangor 
• Part VI - Wrapping up a memorable week