Here’s our last view of Malaysia. The surprisingly strict code of conduct on display in our airport taxi.
Can we at least have a quick hug at the terminal?
Day 13 – Farewell KL
Well, we ended up rather liking the cool mix of Asian cultures in KL. And while it lacks the pumping mayhem of Manila, it makes up for this with amazing cuisine.
The food is so good, it can change life-long habits. Who would have guessed I’d eventually enjoy curry lamb for breakfast?
Stay tuned for another couple of days, as we continue to update the reunion photos.
And observant readers might be wondering whatever happened to Day 5? Well, it was overlooked by the demands of days 4 and 6. But day 5 will appear. All will be revealed later this week.
Right now, we’re off to the airport.
Now, where did I pack that thermal singlet..?
Day 12 – Face of the day
Usually it’s the police who give chase. On this occasion, I was the one in pursuit.
We were parked near the Melaka police station when I spotted this officer returning to the building. It was a must-have photo. But I wasn’t fast enough to stop her on the street. So I followed her into the constabulary; approached her open office, and ordered her outside.
She kindly agreed to pose in front of the police station. I was let off without a warning.
Day 12 – Melaka
The historic city of Melaka is a popular day trip for visitors to KL. Tourists are drawn by old European churches, Asian antique shops, historic Chinese streets and a small but lively Little India community.
Day 12 – Motorway madness
What’s the difference between driving in Malaysia and motoring in Manila?
At least in the Philippines you have a decent chance of survival.
The freeway skills in and around Kuala Lumpur are appalling – worse than Auckland’s Southern Motorway. And that’s saying something!
We’ve just returned from a day trip to the charming tourist resort town of Melaka. It’s about two hours from Kuala Lumpur.
Throughout the journey, our tour van was routinely overtaken by high speed idiots in expensive high performance cars. They weren’t just speeding. They were racing. Through three lanes of busy traffic. And we weren’t slow. Our driver, Lim, was often sitting at 120.
Lim told us Formula One racing is very popular in Malaysia..
Not surprisingly, we’ve seen accidents every day since arriving four days ago. At the start of today’s tour we passed a twisted wreck which must have claimed at least one life.
Fortunately, Lim was very good behind the wheel. Even if his music selection was quite shocking. He kept us entertained with a “Sentimental Favourites” CD collection.
It was kept on high rotate. For four hours.
Here’s a sample..
Day 11 – Little India
This colourful part of Brickfields in KL is the Indian neighbourhood – or Little India.
What the pictures can’t convey is the sweltering heat and humidity during our brief visit. Daytime temperatures are currently in the low 30′s. But today’s humidity made it feel high 30′s. Like walking into a sauna.
Fortunately – when nature calls – there’s an air conditioned KFC at the end of the road. Simple pleasures.
Day 11 – Words of wisdom
Big Brother is writing messages for the Malaysian underground..
Authorities have placed these uplifting quotes on the subway, to inspire and motivate the travelling masses.
At least they’re more interesting than an ad for McDonald’s.
