The Cool Kids Call it KL

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Well we have made it to Kuala Lumpur (affectionately called KL). This is our first stop on the SE Asia leg of our trip. We arrived into KL quite late and after going through immigration and the most stringent customs (note sarcasm) we have ever seen. Actually it was non-existant. A taxi into town cost us 67.00RM ($22.00 CAD approx) and was quite the thrill ride. The highway was so modern I thought we had landed back in Australia, but the driver was definitely from Asia. There were 3 lanes, each way, and he used at least 2 of them at all times while going 140 km/h. Arriving into KL city at 11pm without a hostel reservation was a little scary, but we had a guesthouse in mind....only one problem- where is #5??? When we arrived on the correct street the number of the guesthouse seemed to be missing. Fortunately we seemed to have a little of Mark's luck and found a nice guesthouse that was still open and they even had a room. The number Eight Guesthouse is a little more expensive than we wanted, but is still only a third of what we were paying in Sydney.

Our first taste of SE Asia has been a good stepping stone. Almost everyone speaks a little bit of English and the city seems like a large western city, in many ways. Fortunately we were able to head off to Chinatown and Little India yesterday to start our acclimatisation into the much more hectic world that is Asia. It is amazing how multicultural this city is and we have found it hard to find anything that is quintessentially Malaysian.

Yesterday we enjoyed walking around in the hustle and bustle of Chinatown where you can find anything you want and it is cheap. Nick was eyeing the soccer jerseys which hang in every clothing stall. In Little India you can find so many different types of material and local clothing. Today we both managed to find some nice light cotton shirts to try and help battle the outrageous heat. We thought Australia was hot, but this is ridiculous! The minute you step outside sweat is running down your entire body. Ah well, I guess we have to get used to it now, or maybe run to the highlands.

Today we walked past the famous Petronas Towers. These twin towers represent the five pillars of Islam -- two towers for five pillars is a pretty good deal - Nick figures they either got a big discount or ran out of money before they could build all five. Really Nick is a bit of an idiot because each pillar actually is made up of five parts. They really are quite interesting architecture. We decided not to ride the elevator because it only takes you half way up - Nick thought it was a rip off.

For lunch today we stopped off at some of the hawker stalls (street food) in Little India. This took some courage as we had no idea what any of it was. We pointed at a few things and ended up with a really good meal for only 6.00RM (about $2.00 CAD) and that was for both of us. Mark would have enjoyed the fish curry we had as it came with a whole fish, but no we didn't eat the eye balls. We think this is the way to eat as we continue our travels in SE Asia.

We have bought our train tickets up to Bangkok leaving KL tomorrow night. It takes two full days to get to Bangkok changing trains once in Butterworth (can you say named by the British?). Near the end of our trip, on the way back to KL we are planning to try and see some beaches and Taman Negara National Park.

We are currently on the baby watch as Suman (Sarah's sister in law) is due any day now. We hear they have decided to name him Little Ricky...can you believe that (must be named by the British)? Oh well, we still can't wait!

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Photos

And she wanted the fish head.
Our first street food meal was a success...so far so good.

Little India
Ten square blocks of India plunked north of Chinatown in Malaysia.

Twin Towers of Asia
A good landmark as you walk through the city.

She Likes the Big Stuff
Sarah wanted a picture with the king prawn.

Best Taxi Dashboard Award
The tiny Buddha collection puts him in contention, the hanging fish steals the show.

Comments

[Mike]

facial hair?
Nick, do you shave prior to every flight?

[Powder]

First the tomato, now the prawn!
Sarah, how do you tell which end is which on the prawn? LOL Sounds like another new adventure lurks around every corner! Wish we could be there with you. Drive (be driven) safely. Cheers Dad Weber

[Jen and Muzz]

Hooray for Hawkers
Great to hear you guys jumped in the deep end and went straight for the hawker food. Keep it up, it will add a whole rich dimension to your experience that many people miss. Keep us updated, travel safe and "Viva La Big Stuff"!

[Noelle]

Island Hopping
Hey Nick and Sarah!! Your trip sounds fabulous, makes me so envious!! Check out the Perenthian Islands on the east coast if you get a chance - the water is amazing and diving is fabulous! BFN!!

[Karen]

Very informative!
Strangely enough, there was a question on today's quiz (we do the quiz in the newspaper every day at the office) about the Petronas towers. I had read your blog only a day earlier, and thanks to you guys, got the question right! Woo! hehe Nice to hear you're having fun!