The Reggae Mansion is all I hoped for and more. I mean, I just got here, but it’s already awesome.

I had a bit of a meltdown on the 5.5-hour bus ride to Kuala Lumpur. I’m still adjusting to being in Asia and feeling very conspicuously different from 99.9% of the people around me. And the two hostels I stayed at in Singapore were quiet, so I suppose being lonely exacerbates feelings of homesickness.

It started to rain while I was on the bus, and I always think of Seattle when it rains. I desperately wanted to be snuggled up on my mom’s couch watching a movie at that moment. I had a row of seats to myself, so I just kind of got into a pathetic fetal position and let the silent tears flow as that throat-clutching feeling commenced.

Here, there are plenty of travelers, and already I see people socializing and ready to have a good time. I think that’s what I need. Now I’m just sad that I’m flying to Bangkok on Tuesday and will miss limbo, Twister and bingo on the roof!

Also, HUGELY helpful: A bigger-than-usual bed in a little pod all to myself. Space! Privacy! A perfect place to assume the fetal position should that throat-clutching feeling return.

I think the Reggae Mansion and I will get along very well together.