Mixed in amongst the noise, the traffic and the sheer volume of humanity are the countless mosques with onion shaped domes and grand towers reaching up towards the heavens. Ancient chants and incantations of the devout can be heard wafting over the streets in the early morning and evening and make for an eerie atmosphere in such an ambitiously modern city.
As we have been staying right next to the 'Little India' sector of the city we have experienced all sorts of delicious cuisines from all over India for very reasonable prices. All manner of materials such as silk are available for sale in the tiny alley bazaars and bling-tastic gold chains and necklaces seem to be extremely popular among the local Indian population.
This country is very squarely divided between the three main ethnic groups, the Indians, Chinese and ethnic Malays and they all seem to live together relatively harmoniously if albeit separately. The only group who seem to get a hard time from the locals are the African population who are not allowed to work (other than do odd-jobs) and are generally treated rather poorly. This I was made aware of by an African refugee we met on the bus on the way back from the Batu caves. He had several Malaysian flags stuck in his hat and immediately set about giving us his life story (there's always one...). This guy proceeded to tell us about the plight of the Africans in Malaysia and seemed genuinely hurt when I refused his offer to give him my e-mail address after having said little more than ten words so he could 'communicate with me'!
We have seen most of the major landmarks in KL as you will see through the photos below and four nights was more than sufficient. The National Islamic Arts museum had an interesting photography exhibition by Steve McCurry who is supposedly a well known contributor to National Geographic and other such publications. The rest of our time was spent traipsing the street in search of cheap meals and taking respite in an enormous, very well air-conditioned shopping mall. The malls here are pretty spectacular and are cheaper than our ones at home. The street markets of Pentaling st in Chinatown are a lot cheaper (depending on your haggling skills) but the sheer harassment you encounter from the hawkers and petty traders hardly make it a relaxing place to browse for some fake Rolexes, sunglasses or Gucci handbags.
So there you have it, (if you're still reading at this point I take my sweat soaked hat off to you) our first five days of the trip. I could go on and on but for the sake of us all I shall sign off and post some pics which I imagine is why you even followed the link to this blog in the first place. Lastly though, I would totally recommend the Serai Inn where we have been staying. Clean, cheap rooms in a great part of the city near to most of the main attractions. The owner Ko is a top bloke and very helpful. We feel pretty happy that we ended up staying there. Having said that, where we are staying now is the same price as the Serai, but you wait to you see the photos. But for that you'll have to wait until the next entry...til then.
TC.
Holding a big snake at Batu caves.
One of the many, many photos we have taken of monkeys while in Malaysia. This monkey looks like he is drunk from all the sugary drinks he had stolen from all the tourists at Batu Caves.
A very grumpy looking cat.
I thought this was super cute - two cats asleep in the basket of a motorbike!
National Islam Mosque
Behind Tim is the main prayer hall. As non-muslim tourists, we could only enter the Mosque certain times of the day - ie. outside the 5 prayer sessions per day.
This is me in my gown - I was sweating like a pig here and since I'm short I had to hitch up the gown as well!
Tim dressed in his gown at the National Mosque. He looks like a hunchback – he has his backpack under his gown!
A beautiful white and gold inverted dome in the lobby area of the Islamic Arts Museum. There was a wonderful exhibition of Steven Curry’s work on his travels through the Muslim world. He is well known for his National Geographic photo of a Muslim woman with those piercing green eyes
Eating the yummy food from the street stalls. Super cheap - it costs around $2-$4 for a meal and drinks.
Food stalls under a highway in KL.
I thought this was an interesting piece as muslim women have to wear Hijab (head scarf), or at least, dress modestly and not dress in a way to seek attraction males - ie no cleavage, no singlets, minimal make-up and tight fitting clothes.
This is quite provocative as in Malaysia illegal drugs are highly illegal - if caught smuggling drugs into Malaysia you are given a mandatory death sentence
Cherry blossom trees and red lanterns outside a huge shopping mall –KL was just starting to get ready for the Chinese New Year! It would get hot and humid between 1pm-4pm so we would escape the heat by chilling out in malls or museums with air conditioning.
Great first post. Keep it up! See you soon
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