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Published: September 21st 2007
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Petronas Towers
not to be confused with harry potter patronas ;-) Unable to afford another day of diving, I decided to leave Semporna (ie the armpit of Malaysia) a day early and spend a day in Kuala Lumpur experiencing city life. Plus, I got a great offer to couchsurf with this guy Gupreet- how could I turn it all down?
I must admit it was tempting to splurge and spend more time under the sea, but since it was only 10 days into my trip and I have to watch my money, it just didn't seem like the best idea! I woke up early and bade farewell to some of my dive instructors and the owner of the hostel. I set out for the airport in Tawau, and before I knew it I was swept off to KL.
Once there, I gave Gupreet a call and he came to pick me up. I had a vague idea of what this guy looked like, but it was going to be a big surprise all together- couchsurfing is almost like going on a blind date! He pulls up in this tiny yellow car. I jump in and Gupreet is this Malaysian guy decked out with wide-rim black glasses, and long curly hair.
Street Performers
so I relaxed a lot in KL. These guys were great! He was a bundle of energy, especially compared to my exhausted state after 11 crazy days on Borneo. I was in great hands.
Right away he wanted to take me anywhere I wanted to go. I seriously was happy to go anywhere bc I really did not know what to see in KL! Outside of seeing the Petronas towers and eating Indian food, I could go anywhere. He had a ton of shopping to do so i tagged along and helped him pick out the perfect pair of sunglasses. In return, when I wanted to buy something he would bargain for me and get the local price...we made a great team!
After that we meandered the very culturally diverse streets. In a matter of 3 blocks we went into a Chineste temple, Hindu Temple, and passed a muslim mosque. I came to KL not knowing what to expect. I really enjoyed it because it was so diverse. There were so many different cultures meshed together in one city: Indian, Muslim, Hindu...and all different degrees of religion. Women were walking around in full burkas- I had never seen that before! Gupreet himself was quite the hodgepodge of culture. He
was Indian Punjabi Malaysian sikh hippy. Quite the interesting mix- like most of the people in town.
After that Gupreet and I headed back to his apartment and hung out with his friends. I loved being in a home situation and felt completely relaxed. What can I say, couchsurfing is the best invention.
That night Gupreet took me to get Indian food and to the Petronas Towers- checking off the two things I wanted to do in KL. First we went to a an Islam-Indian food restaurant. Gupreet asks me what I would like to drink, and I reply "How about a beer?" and the waiter and Gupreet look at me like "you idiot." Gupreet replies, "You can't buy beer in a muslim restaurant." Whoops! The food was fab. The towers were beautiful. I had a great time.
The next morning I could have gotten up early to try to go to the top of the Petronas towers, but instead watched TV and gawked at his beautiful lawyer flatmate Bensar.
Time flew by. I then went into the center of KL for an incredible Indian feast, and then was whisked off back to the airport. Stopping
Couchsurfing!
Gupreet and I somewhere in KL in KL was definitely worth it. Going to KL and not meeting Gupreet is almost like you have missed a part of the city! He was fabulous!
Next stop: back to 'Nam!
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Lisa Van Muyen
Lisa Van Muyen
Hey dude!
Guess what! I am going to Singapore in January. This year for Christmas I am going to Malaysia and Singapore with Jenna and possibly Brian. I loved looking at your pics! Hope that you are still having an amazing adventure! Miss you tons! (Especially since 2mrw is the Sake Matsuri and I do not have anyone to do sake marks on my arms with :( )