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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Another day settling into the vibe of this tropical city. We are not rushing around as in other trips, and I don’t think we could if we wanted to as its too hot and humid to rush – everyone goes a bit slower, even the drivers.

I really wonder if one acclimatises to the heat or you just resign yourself to the icky sticky life. We enjoyed our morning feast, relaxed a little and got the free shuttle into the towers. We didn’t manage to go up which was disappointing as when we tried to get some money out of a machine our debit card would not work! We checked with a bank and as its a debit card, and we did not have Malay money loaded it would not convert our other currency like a visa would. Darn it, the one day I decided to leave my money belt in the safe along with my visa tucked safely inside. So be warned about that – in order for your debit card to work you must have local currency.

We couldn’t be bothered going all the way back to the hotel and to be honest at NZ$40 each we felt it was quite expensive to look out over the city so instead we explored the huge modern shopping centre at the base of the towers which was nice but out of my budget. At the back is a park area which we wandered around a bit and were even approached by our first suspected thieves. They quickly got communicated to that we were onto them, and they left us alone.

Braving the heat again we walked to the information centre to plan further activities and made our way back to the hotel via the metro and Chow Kit. After about 15 minutes walking without an air-conditioned break I find the air makes me feel a bit sick – the heavy warmth combined with pollution and sewer smells from open grids on the street are too much for my refined or pampered lungs. Need to harden up maybe? In the dirty river/stream by the hotel we saw some huge 80cm long black carp like fish jumping. I don’t know how they survive in the mucky water; puts me off fish for dinner.

We had a refreshing swim in the hotel pool before doing some washing and heading out again to find genuine Malay food as recommended by the concierge. We got an awesome taxi driver who took us all over the place – even stopping the meter whilst he tried to find an ideal satay place. Two he took us to were closed, so he dropped us at an award winning Malaysian one. It was nice, but I think I prefer Thai and Japanese cuisine better as they are a bit lighter.

We wandered around the streets after our meal having no idea where we were and eventually found out that we were on the edge of an evening hot spot – not quite red light but certainly lively. Next thrill was hailing a cab who didn’t know where our hotel was, between landmarks, pidgin english and gestures we got there very quickly and cheaply – all adding to the adventure.

Last day here tomorrow, so over and out and Europe here we come.

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