Malaysia Airlines flight MH135 KL-BNE in airline speak from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Brisbane, some 7 hours or so, to take me on to the next phase of my holidays based in Australia.
This airline didn't have quite the opulence of Emirates but nothing to complain about, at all. Mind you, stuck for 7 hours next to the miserable git in the seat next to me, could get me going. Looking like Bush Tucker Man, he was sitting in aisle seat as I came to sit down by the window and never said an intelligible word during the whole of the flight, every gesture merely accompanied by a grunt. Suited me, as it was an opportunity to catch up on the missing night's sleep.
The in-flight refreshment started off with a bag of nuts - you'll have to wait until the piccies go up to see what amused me with this offering. The food was lovely, as were the attendants!:-)
The time soon passed and before I knew it, I was looking over the wing at the Brisbane night lights. On landing, I let the mad scramble go past me while I collected by bags, then off the plane and through Immigration where they asked the usual questions - where was I staying and for how long, etc. Then the Customs. The landing declaration asked whether I was carrying any medication, pornography, etc. etc. so, with 3 months of medication on board, I had to tick the "yes" box. Quite amusing being asked by the lady about whether I was carrying this that and the other, so I explained and was told to go to the lady with the sniffer dog. The thing wasn't interested in me at all and in a few seconds found myself in the free world, LOL, the fools had let me in!;-)
While in the queue for Immigration, I'd phoned Jubbly to let her know that I'd landed safely and to confirm details of the transfer arrangements made for me by her. She was panicking a bit wondering whether it would all come good, but she needn't have worried. I found the Transfers desk, checked in, the lady printed a sheet and told me where to wait outside for the coach.
First reaction was that Brisbane was significantly cooler than the steamy KL I'd left behind. I sat outside with my cases and a few minutes ahead of time, a small coach came along with a towed trailer at the back. The guy checked me in but after that any conversation was staccato machine-gun fire - the guy had obviously had some sort of personality bypass (don't you need a personality in the hospitality business?) but what the heck! Got on the coach with a number of others and some 35 minutes later we arrived at the drop-off point, BP Morayfield, to await my local driver, who, I was told, was running a few minutes late but not far behind.
So I was dumped outside with all my worldly belongings, very quickly starting to freeze my wotsits off! I'd left KL where it was 30C at night, appropriately dressed, tee-shirt and shorts, but this was far from appropriate here. I recalled Jubbly's comments over the years about her wearing her winter shorts and wondered what I was letting myself in for and whether this Queensland rhetoric was all PR BS!
Anyway, a few minutes later this minibus comes zooming along, the driver winds down the window and yells "Alan?". It was Gary from Bribie FAST, a local Bribie Island transfer company, a complete contrast to the previous driver. Gary is actually a Kiwi who has lived in Oz for a few years, a wonderfully friendly "in your face" (but not overly so) guy and for the next half an hour or so we had a brilliant conversation about everything under the sun. I'm not a "beers with the guys" bloke but I'd happily do so with him anytime, top guy.
We crossed over the bridge onto Bribie and pretty soon we were outside Jubbly's place. She must have been waiting and seen the headlights because I was greeted with a scream and a "Do I know you?", LOL.
Journey over, now on the other side of the world, the furthest east I'd been, this is GMT+10 hours (although with British Summer Time, it's currently only 9 hours ahead)! Time to dump my bags and have a long natter and catch up with her face to face! So good to see her again and actually BE here in Oz, never thought it would happen. A few hours later, off to bed for lots of zzzzz.
Monday, 8 August 2011
Saturday, 6 August 2011
A look back at Malaysia
When you go to a country new to you, you don't really know what to expect. My knowledge of the country was sketchy, initially based on the Geography lessons we did at Grammar School some fifty years ago when Malaya was newly independent. It was all coconut and rubber plantations as I recall, plus tropical rain forests and, of course, with a heavy colonial slant. The country's prime minister in the early sixties, Tunku Abdul Rahman, had one of those exotic names that matched the exotic image of this country a third of the way around the globe. Then, much later on, came their involvement in Consumer Electronics and Motor car manufacture.
But it was still pretty minimal knowledge, that is, until I started reading up about the country after I'd first met the girls. Although I was getting better informed, it’s still only theoretical textbook stuff until you actually go to a place and see for yourself.
The last few days have been pretty amazing as it's been a whirlwind of emotional experiences and in that time, I've started to get the feel for this wonderful country.
Let's turn to facts. Just looking up nominal GDP for 2010 in Wikipedia shows the country as 35th/37th out of some 180 (depending on the source). Pretty respectable figures beating a number of European "First World" countries. It becomes 28th/29th when looking at GDP based on PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) and 50th/57th on GDP PPP per capita.
Wikipedia states "Under Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanisation beginning in the 1980s. This period saw a shift from an agriculture-based economy to one based on manufacturing and industry. The physical landscape of the country changed with the emergence of numerous mega-projects, such as the Petronas Towers, the North-South Expressway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, and the new federal administrative capital of Putrajaya."
Wikipedia further goes on to say "Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years." Now that's something I wasn't aware of, but it’s something that comes over when you talk to Malays.
Mahatir is rightly revered in his country as a visionary prime minister, stating some time ago that, although Malaysia was a third world country, he wanted first world status for it. Projects such as Putrajaya and the Petronas Towers are hardly the work of a third world nation!
Sure, there is a way to go but one mustn't undervalue the determination of the nation and its people to improve themselves. When you have youngsters being taught English, Maths and Science at special school that goes on until the late evening, that's a recognition of how much they value those subjects (we could - and should - take a big leaf out of their book as it's Science and Engineering that generate wealth). Looking at the advertising hoardings along the E1 Expressway, I lost count of the number regarding education, clearly a top priority for this highly aspirational nation.
I came across a nation very proud of its achievements and rightly so. But that's only part of the story. In the two areas I visited, Pinang and KL, we have the two worlds that make up Malaysia - stunningly beautiful countryside, rain forests and idyllic beaches on the one hand and a futuristic very modern city to rival anywhere in the world. Wikipedia continues "Kuala Lumpur alone has 66 shopping malls and it is the retail and fashion hub for Malaysia".
It is an Islamic state but one with significant non-Islamic minorities, such as the Chinese and Indians. However, even though it does not recognise the state of Israel, being a strong supporter of Palestine, it clamped down heavily on Islamic fundamentalists post 911.
That tells me it's a country that knows itself and where it stands on many issues - it prefers being its own person, rather than to cow-tow to any other power.
Its industrialisation since the 1980s has been at the expense of one its most valuable resources, resulting in the loss of rainforests. I do hope that commonsense prevails in its pursuit of rising living standards.
But this is all political stuff. I found a stunningly beautiful country, full of friendly people proud of and loyal to their country. They work and play hard. The history of the country means there is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where diverse ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. And while their newly found wealth as a nation leads them to pursue consumerism and its trappings, they still value the three Fs - family, friends and food!
I just fell in love with the place and its people. I count myself so lucky to have met the ladies and have found this gem.
But it was still pretty minimal knowledge, that is, until I started reading up about the country after I'd first met the girls. Although I was getting better informed, it’s still only theoretical textbook stuff until you actually go to a place and see for yourself.
The last few days have been pretty amazing as it's been a whirlwind of emotional experiences and in that time, I've started to get the feel for this wonderful country.
Let's turn to facts. Just looking up nominal GDP for 2010 in Wikipedia shows the country as 35th/37th out of some 180 (depending on the source). Pretty respectable figures beating a number of European "First World" countries. It becomes 28th/29th when looking at GDP based on PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) and 50th/57th on GDP PPP per capita.
Wikipedia states "Under Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad there was a period of rapid economic growth and urbanisation beginning in the 1980s. This period saw a shift from an agriculture-based economy to one based on manufacturing and industry. The physical landscape of the country changed with the emergence of numerous mega-projects, such as the Petronas Towers, the North-South Expressway, the Multimedia Super Corridor, and the new federal administrative capital of Putrajaya."
Wikipedia further goes on to say "Since independence, Malaysia has had one of the best economic records in Asia, with GDP growing an average 6.5% for almost 50 years." Now that's something I wasn't aware of, but it’s something that comes over when you talk to Malays.
Mahatir is rightly revered in his country as a visionary prime minister, stating some time ago that, although Malaysia was a third world country, he wanted first world status for it. Projects such as Putrajaya and the Petronas Towers are hardly the work of a third world nation!
Sure, there is a way to go but one mustn't undervalue the determination of the nation and its people to improve themselves. When you have youngsters being taught English, Maths and Science at special school that goes on until the late evening, that's a recognition of how much they value those subjects (we could - and should - take a big leaf out of their book as it's Science and Engineering that generate wealth). Looking at the advertising hoardings along the E1 Expressway, I lost count of the number regarding education, clearly a top priority for this highly aspirational nation.
I came across a nation very proud of its achievements and rightly so. But that's only part of the story. In the two areas I visited, Pinang and KL, we have the two worlds that make up Malaysia - stunningly beautiful countryside, rain forests and idyllic beaches on the one hand and a futuristic very modern city to rival anywhere in the world. Wikipedia continues "Kuala Lumpur alone has 66 shopping malls and it is the retail and fashion hub for Malaysia".
It is an Islamic state but one with significant non-Islamic minorities, such as the Chinese and Indians. However, even though it does not recognise the state of Israel, being a strong supporter of Palestine, it clamped down heavily on Islamic fundamentalists post 911.
That tells me it's a country that knows itself and where it stands on many issues - it prefers being its own person, rather than to cow-tow to any other power.
Its industrialisation since the 1980s has been at the expense of one its most valuable resources, resulting in the loss of rainforests. I do hope that commonsense prevails in its pursuit of rising living standards.
But this is all political stuff. I found a stunningly beautiful country, full of friendly people proud of and loyal to their country. They work and play hard. The history of the country means there is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where diverse ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. And while their newly found wealth as a nation leads them to pursue consumerism and its trappings, they still value the three Fs - family, friends and food!
I just fell in love with the place and its people. I count myself so lucky to have met the ladies and have found this gem.
Dateline Sunday 31st July KL - Final day
Sunday, my last full day in Malaysia. Started off buying some souvenirs from the KLCC, then I was picked up from the hotel by the girls and yes, we went out for food again, to another restaurant recommended by Arvin. Like all the best eateries, basic in appearance but again some superb nosh!
After that, a trip to the Batu Caves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Caves), to the north of KL, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. As you approach the caves you see the massive imposing Murugan statue, covered in gold paint. Lots of parking is available in front and behind the statue, you climb the 272 concrete steps to get to the Temple cave at the top. It's worth stopping periodically, not just to gather breath but also to survey the increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding area the higher you climb. It's a stunningly beautiful shrine, fascinating for anyone interested in Eastern culture.
Notwithstanding the cultural aspect of the location, there is much fun to be had seeing the proboscis monkeys playing around, keeping the crowds amused. When I visited, apart from a few lone monkeys, there were two females carrying their young, such a beautiful sight.
Then back into KL, initially to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) with the splendid Sultan Abdul Samad Building located in front of the Square and the colonial Royal Selangor Club behind - a beautiful contrast of East and West.
Jesse and Hanie went off into a retail complex for a manicure and pedicure while Adde and I headed off for the incredible Low Yat Plaza on Jalan Bukit Bintang, the heart of the "shopping mall centrum". The plaza is on umpteen floors and the home of just about everything you could hope to buy in the field of consumer electronics and computer and photographic equipment, a treasure trove for anyone with the slightest interest in these areas. I was no exception getting some items there before we went onto some of the other retail malls, including one where we saw sweets being made in front of the crowd.
Finally into Chinatown to have a look at the market and a bite to eat at a Chinese restaurant before Adde took me back to the restaurant, tired but happy.
Another fab day, wish there were more! I was actually up all night sorting out my things and packing them in readiness for the trip out of KL, the following morning. The girls came for me around 5:30 and all of us were shattered, the girls doubly so because it was the start of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting - they had got up at some unearthly hour before dawn to have their breakfast, so were probably more tired than me.
I checked out of my room, settled my bill and then we loaded the car with my belongings before going on to KLIA, Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After some checking in for the flight, we hung around for a while, then the girls had to leave as they needed to return their hire car in time. I just found it horrendous saying goodbye, not knowing when I'd be seeing them again as I continued onward with my Australasian adventure. Those were heartbreaking moments - I was struggling to hold back the tears as I saw them disappear around the corner.
It had been a wonderful few days, full of so many incredible experiences, all new. I'd fallen in love, with a country, a nation, its lovely people, its beautiful sights and its incredible food. Thank you for one of the most amazing few days of my life, you all know collectively and individually just what you mean to me, so I won't embarrass you, other than to thank you for your kindness, love and hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble for you and you are all such wonderful proud ambassadors for your splendid country - I include not just Jesse, Adde and Hanie but also their friends Arvin, Albert, Shana and Didi. I love and miss you guys so much. I hope Google Translate is able to do justice to my words:
Sehingga kita bertemu lagi, rakan-rakan yang indah saya, terima kasih, dari bahagian bawah jantung saya! (Until we meet again, my beautiful friends, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!) xxxxx
After that, a trip to the Batu Caves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batu_Caves), to the north of KL, one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. As you approach the caves you see the massive imposing Murugan statue, covered in gold paint. Lots of parking is available in front and behind the statue, you climb the 272 concrete steps to get to the Temple cave at the top. It's worth stopping periodically, not just to gather breath but also to survey the increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding area the higher you climb. It's a stunningly beautiful shrine, fascinating for anyone interested in Eastern culture.
Notwithstanding the cultural aspect of the location, there is much fun to be had seeing the proboscis monkeys playing around, keeping the crowds amused. When I visited, apart from a few lone monkeys, there were two females carrying their young, such a beautiful sight.
Then back into KL, initially to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) with the splendid Sultan Abdul Samad Building located in front of the Square and the colonial Royal Selangor Club behind - a beautiful contrast of East and West.
Jesse and Hanie went off into a retail complex for a manicure and pedicure while Adde and I headed off for the incredible Low Yat Plaza on Jalan Bukit Bintang, the heart of the "shopping mall centrum". The plaza is on umpteen floors and the home of just about everything you could hope to buy in the field of consumer electronics and computer and photographic equipment, a treasure trove for anyone with the slightest interest in these areas. I was no exception getting some items there before we went onto some of the other retail malls, including one where we saw sweets being made in front of the crowd.
Finally into Chinatown to have a look at the market and a bite to eat at a Chinese restaurant before Adde took me back to the restaurant, tired but happy.
Another fab day, wish there were more! I was actually up all night sorting out my things and packing them in readiness for the trip out of KL, the following morning. The girls came for me around 5:30 and all of us were shattered, the girls doubly so because it was the start of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting - they had got up at some unearthly hour before dawn to have their breakfast, so were probably more tired than me.
I checked out of my room, settled my bill and then we loaded the car with my belongings before going on to KLIA, Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After some checking in for the flight, we hung around for a while, then the girls had to leave as they needed to return their hire car in time. I just found it horrendous saying goodbye, not knowing when I'd be seeing them again as I continued onward with my Australasian adventure. Those were heartbreaking moments - I was struggling to hold back the tears as I saw them disappear around the corner.
It had been a wonderful few days, full of so many incredible experiences, all new. I'd fallen in love, with a country, a nation, its lovely people, its beautiful sights and its incredible food. Thank you for one of the most amazing few days of my life, you all know collectively and individually just what you mean to me, so I won't embarrass you, other than to thank you for your kindness, love and hospitality. Nothing was too much trouble for you and you are all such wonderful proud ambassadors for your splendid country - I include not just Jesse, Adde and Hanie but also their friends Arvin, Albert, Shana and Didi. I love and miss you guys so much. I hope Google Translate is able to do justice to my words:
Sehingga kita bertemu lagi, rakan-rakan yang indah saya, terima kasih, dari bahagian bawah jantung saya! (Until we meet again, my beautiful friends, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!) xxxxx
Dateline - Saturday 30th July KL Food for the body and the soul
KL is a place that successfully feeds all sorts of needs and desires - a great consumerist centre with its malls, home to thousands of restaurants and a melting pot for different cultures and religions.
After a good night's sleep, I popped into the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) to have breakfast. I thought the easy option would be to go to the Food Court there - but oh boy, with so many stalls just HOW do you decide WHICH option to go for? I was just mesmerised by the choices open to me from just about every cuisine imaginable - the photo album will give you an idea of the dilemma that faced me. In the end I settled for some heavenly smoked salmon sandwiches from the Norwegian Sandwich Centre, washed down with a couple of nice cups of tea.
En route back to the hotel, I stopped off for a refreshing pineapple milk shake at the milk bar next to the hotel. Delicious! After stocking up with some bottled water and fruit juice at the nearby hawkers stalls it was back to the hotel to wait for the girls who were taking me out… for more food. This time Adde and Hanie picked me up and we made our way to meet Jesse and her good friend, Albert Spwong at the Restauran Tupia Tupia (it means squirrel in Malay). Again, a superb meal at this traditional Malay restaurant with great company. Yet another meal in what has become known as the Malaysian Munching Marathon!;-)
A couple or so hours later, we were on our way to Putrajaya, the new-ish administrative centre of Malaysia (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putrajaya for a detailed description). We booked a book cruise to take us round the complex, this was excellent value and very informative. This stunning and extremely impressive development is just over ten years old, testimony to former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, the visionary leader credited with the modernisation of Malaysia. For anyone who believes Malaysia is a third world country, this development should dispel those thoughts or at least signal the country's intention to climb up the world rankings. Unfortunately we didn't have time to go into the stunning mosque nearby (built in a Persian style) as we were running out of time, although we did pop into the café for more food, lol, before driving around Putrajaya where, coincidentally, a big fun run was taking place with radio and TV there for the event.
Then a drive back through the traffic jam nightmare that is KL, although I enjoyed the buzz of the place, it's got to be the most happening place I've ever visited. Some superbly aggressive driving from the girls to get through.
Hanie wanted to take us to a renowned satay restaurant, the "Restoran O Mulia". We were lucky to get in as they prepare the satay some hours ahead and once it's gone it's gone and we were among the last to be served - the satay is cooked on open barbecues and, although the service was painfully slow, the food was gorgeous and well worth waiting for.
Another incredible day, thanks ladies! Mwah xxx
After a good night's sleep, I popped into the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) to have breakfast. I thought the easy option would be to go to the Food Court there - but oh boy, with so many stalls just HOW do you decide WHICH option to go for? I was just mesmerised by the choices open to me from just about every cuisine imaginable - the photo album will give you an idea of the dilemma that faced me. In the end I settled for some heavenly smoked salmon sandwiches from the Norwegian Sandwich Centre, washed down with a couple of nice cups of tea.
En route back to the hotel, I stopped off for a refreshing pineapple milk shake at the milk bar next to the hotel. Delicious! After stocking up with some bottled water and fruit juice at the nearby hawkers stalls it was back to the hotel to wait for the girls who were taking me out… for more food. This time Adde and Hanie picked me up and we made our way to meet Jesse and her good friend, Albert Spwong at the Restauran Tupia Tupia (it means squirrel in Malay). Again, a superb meal at this traditional Malay restaurant with great company. Yet another meal in what has become known as the Malaysian Munching Marathon!;-)
A couple or so hours later, we were on our way to Putrajaya, the new-ish administrative centre of Malaysia (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putrajaya for a detailed description). We booked a book cruise to take us round the complex, this was excellent value and very informative. This stunning and extremely impressive development is just over ten years old, testimony to former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, the visionary leader credited with the modernisation of Malaysia. For anyone who believes Malaysia is a third world country, this development should dispel those thoughts or at least signal the country's intention to climb up the world rankings. Unfortunately we didn't have time to go into the stunning mosque nearby (built in a Persian style) as we were running out of time, although we did pop into the café for more food, lol, before driving around Putrajaya where, coincidentally, a big fun run was taking place with radio and TV there for the event.
Then a drive back through the traffic jam nightmare that is KL, although I enjoyed the buzz of the place, it's got to be the most happening place I've ever visited. Some superbly aggressive driving from the girls to get through.
Hanie wanted to take us to a renowned satay restaurant, the "Restoran O Mulia". We were lucky to get in as they prepare the satay some hours ahead and once it's gone it's gone and we were among the last to be served - the satay is cooked on open barbecues and, although the service was painfully slow, the food was gorgeous and well worth waiting for.
Another incredible day, thanks ladies! Mwah xxx
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Dateline Friday 29th July Kuala Lumpur - the city that never sleeps!
After all the frenzied activity the previous night, I had an equally wild night of sleep with the weirdest dreams after my mind was struggling to process it all, no doubt trying to cope with the jet-ski and Wiper rides. We were all tired from the exertions of those rides so a bit later getting up as planned. The day was scheduled to be one for travelling down to KL, the capital Kuala Lumpur, the city that never sleeps!
But before that we had to pack and then drive to meet up with Hanie and Arvin for brunch Indian style. Going home the previous night we had encountered a really heavy rainstorm with torrential rain that had brought down a tree in the middle of the winding coastal road, with the downpour just bouncing off the road surface. But, maybe 7 or so hours later, there was no sign of the violent weather with a road surface that was totally dry.
A street style restaurant, basic but with brilliant food again. This time, my hosts got me eating Indian style, no fork and spoon, just using my hands, quite an experience that takes some getting used to! Arvin certainly knows his food and restaurants and this was another wonderful recommendation. Unfortunately, after another superb meal, it was time to say "farewell" to Arvin, hopefully, we will meet again! Miss you, brother!
Then the long car drive to KL on the E1 motorway - fascinating seeing the various advertising hoardings on the road, giving quite an insight to Malay culture.
Hanie had booked me into one of the "Crown Regency Serviced Suites" right in the centre of KL, a few minutes walk away from the stunning Petronas towers. Final check-in was 3pm, but because of an accident on the E1 that delayed us, the girls had to ring in to extend the deadline to 6pm. As it was we were a few minutes late because we were delayed further once we hit KL. I don't think I'd ever seen the like of the traffic jams that we had to wade through, simply unbelievable. The suite was really luxurious but very reasonably priced and once I’d checked in, the girls departed to stay at a cousin of Jesse's about 20 minutes away.
This enabled me to explore and take a walk to the nearby Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Shopping Centre), which is Malaysia's premier shopping mall, located at the bottom of the Petronas Twin Towers. Malls aren't particularly my thing, but this is a really classy affair with top designer label names all represented.
Pretty soon, though, it was time to make my way back to the hotel suite. A few yards away from base, I was accosted by three ladies sitting at a bus stop. They smiled at me as I passed them and called to me, was I a tourist? The camera strapped around my neck and my pale white legs obviously gave the game away!;-) Well, I'll chat with anyone who's friendly and it turned out they were from the Philippines. I explained my trip but after a short while I realised their intentions, they were working girls looking for a pickup, promising me a massage and one explained how she was good at kissing and promised me a relaxing time. Oddly enough, they seemed to lose interest when I explained I would be meeting my lady friends for dinner, though not until they asked how about meeting after dinner, LOL! Very pleasant ladies but "no thanks", LOL!
A shower and change of clothing then off out with the girls again, this time to go to an authentic Malay restaurant. The only problem was we had to pick up Hanie's nieces en route and that meant wading through a couple of hours of incredible traffic jams. I was most impressed by the girls' aggressive driving skills in carving out a route despite the other competition on the roads without a scratch - I tell you this, driving in KL is not for the faint hearted!!!!
The nieces had been to evening school which really got me thinking about Malaysia's incredible success in moving up the economic league tables, a subject to which I will return as a look back on my time in Malaysia.
Anyway, a bit more driving to get to our restaurant, this time offering authentic Malay cuisine. More fun eating then onto a night street market - think of a really busy market but still heaving with the throngs of browsers and at MIDNIGHT, for heaven's sake and you get the picture, this is KL, the city that never sleeps!
But talking of sleep, it was time to take Hanie's nieces home then be taken back to the hotel for some kip myself. Thanks for an amazing experience, ladies!
But before that we had to pack and then drive to meet up with Hanie and Arvin for brunch Indian style. Going home the previous night we had encountered a really heavy rainstorm with torrential rain that had brought down a tree in the middle of the winding coastal road, with the downpour just bouncing off the road surface. But, maybe 7 or so hours later, there was no sign of the violent weather with a road surface that was totally dry.
A street style restaurant, basic but with brilliant food again. This time, my hosts got me eating Indian style, no fork and spoon, just using my hands, quite an experience that takes some getting used to! Arvin certainly knows his food and restaurants and this was another wonderful recommendation. Unfortunately, after another superb meal, it was time to say "farewell" to Arvin, hopefully, we will meet again! Miss you, brother!
Then the long car drive to KL on the E1 motorway - fascinating seeing the various advertising hoardings on the road, giving quite an insight to Malay culture.
Hanie had booked me into one of the "Crown Regency Serviced Suites" right in the centre of KL, a few minutes walk away from the stunning Petronas towers. Final check-in was 3pm, but because of an accident on the E1 that delayed us, the girls had to ring in to extend the deadline to 6pm. As it was we were a few minutes late because we were delayed further once we hit KL. I don't think I'd ever seen the like of the traffic jams that we had to wade through, simply unbelievable. The suite was really luxurious but very reasonably priced and once I’d checked in, the girls departed to stay at a cousin of Jesse's about 20 minutes away.
This enabled me to explore and take a walk to the nearby Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur Shopping Centre), which is Malaysia's premier shopping mall, located at the bottom of the Petronas Twin Towers. Malls aren't particularly my thing, but this is a really classy affair with top designer label names all represented.
Pretty soon, though, it was time to make my way back to the hotel suite. A few yards away from base, I was accosted by three ladies sitting at a bus stop. They smiled at me as I passed them and called to me, was I a tourist? The camera strapped around my neck and my pale white legs obviously gave the game away!;-) Well, I'll chat with anyone who's friendly and it turned out they were from the Philippines. I explained my trip but after a short while I realised their intentions, they were working girls looking for a pickup, promising me a massage and one explained how she was good at kissing and promised me a relaxing time. Oddly enough, they seemed to lose interest when I explained I would be meeting my lady friends for dinner, though not until they asked how about meeting after dinner, LOL! Very pleasant ladies but "no thanks", LOL!
A shower and change of clothing then off out with the girls again, this time to go to an authentic Malay restaurant. The only problem was we had to pick up Hanie's nieces en route and that meant wading through a couple of hours of incredible traffic jams. I was most impressed by the girls' aggressive driving skills in carving out a route despite the other competition on the roads without a scratch - I tell you this, driving in KL is not for the faint hearted!!!!
The nieces had been to evening school which really got me thinking about Malaysia's incredible success in moving up the economic league tables, a subject to which I will return as a look back on my time in Malaysia.
Anyway, a bit more driving to get to our restaurant, this time offering authentic Malay cuisine. More fun eating then onto a night street market - think of a really busy market but still heaving with the throngs of browsers and at MIDNIGHT, for heaven's sake and you get the picture, this is KL, the city that never sleeps!
But talking of sleep, it was time to take Hanie's nieces home then be taken back to the hotel for some kip myself. Thanks for an amazing experience, ladies!
Dateline Wednesday 27th July Getting There
So we rejoin the blog at the start of the flight, at 9pm the previous night (Tuesday 26th July). Sitting down in my seat in the aircraft, after all the frantic preparations the holiday is really starting, it's not a dream, it's a reality.
Emirates was the airline I chose, mainly on Jubbly's recommendation as an carrier providing a high quality of service, plus a generous luggage allowance, which I needed!:-) The service was certainly exceptional, although I can't say that I exactly had bags of leg room, but maybe you need to be a first/business class passenger for that!
I was knocked out by the cockpit view of the runway displayed on the screens for all to see, quite something. A phenomenal choice of in-flight entertainment too, although I couldn't really be bothered with it being knackered due to staying up all night. The meal was very good indeed, much better than some I've had. I tried to sleep but I think I was too tired, managing not much more than a few minutes and that certainly didn't refresh me.
But before I knew it, seven hours had elapsed and we were touching down in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates, around 20 minutes ahead of schedule at around 6:45am. As the main luggage was being transferred to the next flight, all I had to do was take the hand luggage with me off the plane. Then it was a matter of going through immigration and then into the Arrivals hall. Now I knew that the Arab world was pretty well-heeled but the sheer opulence of the Duty Free area was just jaw dropping - I can quite honestly say I've never seen anything like it! You realise at times like that just where the wealth is in this world.
I hadn't changed any UAE currency so it was a matter of going to the hole in the wall and drawing out a modest amount, sufficient to get me some food. I found a French patisserie place and had a couple of cakes and a coffee, finding that, yet again, time seemed to zoom by. Two and a half hours had elapsed and, as it was time to check-in, I made my way to the relevant gate. Boarding didn't start on time but they soon got us on and we were off again! Another seven hours in the air!
This time I had a really interesting flight passenger sitting next to me. Originally from Pakistan, he had lived in Malaysia for a number of years and was currently a Professor in Electrical Engineering at City University, London. We had a lot in common as I'm a graduate Electronics Engineer and we spent quite a few hours enjoying some fascinating conversation. He told me how he works with a number of Asian universities, especially those in Malaysia, which get involved in research projects with his university - this tends to be funded by the relevant government and is a way of them building contacts and getting experience at the ground floor level in technological developments. The picture that emerges is of foreign governments who want their countries to get ahead in the technological race and are prepared to invest to make it happen.
Nothing to add regarding the quality of Emirates' service, top notch as before. The journey was nearly over, apart from one last hop, that of the domestic flight to Penang. I was given ambiguous instructions as to where to go, resulting in me queuing up in the wrong place, but eventually found the right place, however at the price of me not having time to get something to eat before the flight. Checking in through immigration had them querying the amount of medication I was carrying but my explanation was accepted without a quibble.
This time, a Malaysia Airlines flight, lasting just 50 minutes, a more modest and relaxed affair being a domestic flight. The offer of juice was gladly accepted together with some nibbles.
Then, at 00:45 Malay time on Thursday morning, I finally got to my destination, the island of Penang. Jesse, her sis Adde and friend Hanie were waiting for me and I was able, at long last, to play out my surprise - my transformation from beard and moustache to cleanly shaven. A warm reception from my dear friends and a good reaction from the lady regarding the shaved face!
Loading the car up, we then went for a drive to find somewhere to eat, enabling me to unwind and get a taste of Malay cuisine on Malaysian soil. Jesse and Hanie had fun winding up the waiter, poor lad, they had him running round in circles, the start of a real fun-filled few days.
Then it was time for us all to go "home", an apartment they'd booked out of town. A quick unpack, a shower and off to sleep after my first few hours on Malaysian soil.
Emirates was the airline I chose, mainly on Jubbly's recommendation as an carrier providing a high quality of service, plus a generous luggage allowance, which I needed!:-) The service was certainly exceptional, although I can't say that I exactly had bags of leg room, but maybe you need to be a first/business class passenger for that!
I was knocked out by the cockpit view of the runway displayed on the screens for all to see, quite something. A phenomenal choice of in-flight entertainment too, although I couldn't really be bothered with it being knackered due to staying up all night. The meal was very good indeed, much better than some I've had. I tried to sleep but I think I was too tired, managing not much more than a few minutes and that certainly didn't refresh me.
But before I knew it, seven hours had elapsed and we were touching down in Dubai, capital of the United Arab Emirates, around 20 minutes ahead of schedule at around 6:45am. As the main luggage was being transferred to the next flight, all I had to do was take the hand luggage with me off the plane. Then it was a matter of going through immigration and then into the Arrivals hall. Now I knew that the Arab world was pretty well-heeled but the sheer opulence of the Duty Free area was just jaw dropping - I can quite honestly say I've never seen anything like it! You realise at times like that just where the wealth is in this world.
I hadn't changed any UAE currency so it was a matter of going to the hole in the wall and drawing out a modest amount, sufficient to get me some food. I found a French patisserie place and had a couple of cakes and a coffee, finding that, yet again, time seemed to zoom by. Two and a half hours had elapsed and, as it was time to check-in, I made my way to the relevant gate. Boarding didn't start on time but they soon got us on and we were off again! Another seven hours in the air!
This time I had a really interesting flight passenger sitting next to me. Originally from Pakistan, he had lived in Malaysia for a number of years and was currently a Professor in Electrical Engineering at City University, London. We had a lot in common as I'm a graduate Electronics Engineer and we spent quite a few hours enjoying some fascinating conversation. He told me how he works with a number of Asian universities, especially those in Malaysia, which get involved in research projects with his university - this tends to be funded by the relevant government and is a way of them building contacts and getting experience at the ground floor level in technological developments. The picture that emerges is of foreign governments who want their countries to get ahead in the technological race and are prepared to invest to make it happen.
Nothing to add regarding the quality of Emirates' service, top notch as before. The journey was nearly over, apart from one last hop, that of the domestic flight to Penang. I was given ambiguous instructions as to where to go, resulting in me queuing up in the wrong place, but eventually found the right place, however at the price of me not having time to get something to eat before the flight. Checking in through immigration had them querying the amount of medication I was carrying but my explanation was accepted without a quibble.
This time, a Malaysia Airlines flight, lasting just 50 minutes, a more modest and relaxed affair being a domestic flight. The offer of juice was gladly accepted together with some nibbles.
Then, at 00:45 Malay time on Thursday morning, I finally got to my destination, the island of Penang. Jesse, her sis Adde and friend Hanie were waiting for me and I was able, at long last, to play out my surprise - my transformation from beard and moustache to cleanly shaven. A warm reception from my dear friends and a good reaction from the lady regarding the shaved face!
Loading the car up, we then went for a drive to find somewhere to eat, enabling me to unwind and get a taste of Malay cuisine on Malaysian soil. Jesse and Hanie had fun winding up the waiter, poor lad, they had him running round in circles, the start of a real fun-filled few days.
Then it was time for us all to go "home", an apartment they'd booked out of town. A quick unpack, a shower and off to sleep after my first few hours on Malaysian soil.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Dateline Tuesday 26th July 2011 Flying out...
Well, here I am, in the departure lounge of Dubai International Airport, having travelled overnight from Manchester. After a few weeks of preparation, I'm actually here but not without some frustrations en route.
A word to web designers of airline sites - do think about what you're doing and try to make it foolproof and do offer clear instructions. The first frustration was a few days ago when I was trying to book a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang via Malaysia Airlines - for some reason, the system didn't like my debit card details but invited me to try again. I did this a few times but with no joy and, in frustration had to ring the airline in KL on my mobile - expensive, but all I got was essentially "delete cookies, close your browser and try again". I didn't fancy waiting and clocking up more phone charges but I wish I had done because it didn't work. So, back to the infernal online queuing system and try again. This time, the guy on the line was basically saying you've got to wait about half an hour before retrying for the problem to work its way out of the system - this actually worked, so why didn't the website say that?
The second was yesterday, trying to check in online with Emirates. I had to enter in my son's phone details for next of kin - three boxes, international code, area code and phone number. Well, in common with a lot of youngsters, Simon doesn't have a landline, only a mobile which has no area code. Try as I may, the system wouldn't let me enter various permutations of his number, telling me to enter a valid number each time I failed! Phoning the UK call centre was frustrating - for the country code, I was variously recommended +44, 044, 0044. A similar palaver regarding which part of the mobile phone number to enter into the area code box. Why don't these people show some examples on their website? Or would that be too easy?
Anyway, that was then. The more recent activity was last night - I had so much to do to get ready that, around 2 or 3 am, I was panicking wondering whether I'd actually get everything done on time. It ended up with me staying up all night, but once I got going, sorting things out, it all got a bit easier.
In the morning, I took one lot of belongings to the storage unit and called in for a haircut on the way back to Glossop. Back to the house to have a shower and a shave, but this time, a shave with a difference. I'd decided a few weeks back that, after nearly 38 years, I was going to shave off my moustache and beard. It's been a trademark part of me for so long, but not without certain frustrations at times. But this is a new chapter in my life, so why not a new image too? Being one for surprises, I reckoned it would certainly be that for a certain someone in KL!
Then it was the onerous job of packing, something I loathe at the best of times, but even more so, now I was faced with flight weight restrictions. Let's just say that it was a nightmare, I ended up having to leave a load of stuff I really wanted to take with me, I mean, I'm gonna be away from home for a while! My backpack with all my computer and photographic gear was just short of 20Kg - then there was the little matter of the main suitcase itself. I even had to call in some Weightwatchers rejects to sit on the case and flatten it just to get the stuff in. Pity about the Ming vase, but hey! since people think I'm a crack-pot then they'll have to make do with me rather than the pottery!;-) I'd congratulated myself at doing such a good job of packing it until I discovered my toiletries upstairs, with not a cat in hell's chance of getting them in the case too!
Any euphoria totally evaporated when I weighed it all to find - surprise surprise, I was way over the limit! I nearly had a surprise bowel movement when I read the tariff for excess baggage! However, Emirates were offering a 20% discount if you booked your excess online, unfortunately my booking wouldn't go through, for some reason. So, in the end, I got a lift to the airport carrying, shall we say, a few more bags than I'd originally intended.
The check-in was, ermm, fun, NOT! I was told that my backpack could kill someone if it fell out. I felt tempted to claim their baggage allowance but decided it might not go down too well, so I didn’t go down that route, pleading ignorance and that, as I'd be away from home for eons, this was all vital stuff. The crunch came when they told me what the repair bill would be for the weighing equipment I'd just melted. At times like this, you realise your sense of humour is either off the scale, or the jobsworths have had a sense of humour bypass. I mean, I'd lost probably the same amount of weight in the last 18 months as I was presenting in excess baggage, surely this was a healthier option, LOL. No, I exaggerate slightly - my main bag was well within the allowance, so I was told to repack shifting some of the stuff out of the backpack into the main case. I went down that route and found, to my surprise, I was let in without any extra payment required!!!! Result! So I celebrated in Duty Free by buying a nice tripod!;-)
With all the faffing around I just about managed to get something to eat before the boarding ended, making it to the desk with about a minute to spare!
And before we knew it, 9pm was here and we were thundering down the runway with a big adventure ahead of me.
A word to web designers of airline sites - do think about what you're doing and try to make it foolproof and do offer clear instructions. The first frustration was a few days ago when I was trying to book a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang via Malaysia Airlines - for some reason, the system didn't like my debit card details but invited me to try again. I did this a few times but with no joy and, in frustration had to ring the airline in KL on my mobile - expensive, but all I got was essentially "delete cookies, close your browser and try again". I didn't fancy waiting and clocking up more phone charges but I wish I had done because it didn't work. So, back to the infernal online queuing system and try again. This time, the guy on the line was basically saying you've got to wait about half an hour before retrying for the problem to work its way out of the system - this actually worked, so why didn't the website say that?
The second was yesterday, trying to check in online with Emirates. I had to enter in my son's phone details for next of kin - three boxes, international code, area code and phone number. Well, in common with a lot of youngsters, Simon doesn't have a landline, only a mobile which has no area code. Try as I may, the system wouldn't let me enter various permutations of his number, telling me to enter a valid number each time I failed! Phoning the UK call centre was frustrating - for the country code, I was variously recommended +44, 044, 0044. A similar palaver regarding which part of the mobile phone number to enter into the area code box. Why don't these people show some examples on their website? Or would that be too easy?
Anyway, that was then. The more recent activity was last night - I had so much to do to get ready that, around 2 or 3 am, I was panicking wondering whether I'd actually get everything done on time. It ended up with me staying up all night, but once I got going, sorting things out, it all got a bit easier.
In the morning, I took one lot of belongings to the storage unit and called in for a haircut on the way back to Glossop. Back to the house to have a shower and a shave, but this time, a shave with a difference. I'd decided a few weeks back that, after nearly 38 years, I was going to shave off my moustache and beard. It's been a trademark part of me for so long, but not without certain frustrations at times. But this is a new chapter in my life, so why not a new image too? Being one for surprises, I reckoned it would certainly be that for a certain someone in KL!
Then it was the onerous job of packing, something I loathe at the best of times, but even more so, now I was faced with flight weight restrictions. Let's just say that it was a nightmare, I ended up having to leave a load of stuff I really wanted to take with me, I mean, I'm gonna be away from home for a while! My backpack with all my computer and photographic gear was just short of 20Kg - then there was the little matter of the main suitcase itself. I even had to call in some Weightwatchers rejects to sit on the case and flatten it just to get the stuff in. Pity about the Ming vase, but hey! since people think I'm a crack-pot then they'll have to make do with me rather than the pottery!;-) I'd congratulated myself at doing such a good job of packing it until I discovered my toiletries upstairs, with not a cat in hell's chance of getting them in the case too!
Any euphoria totally evaporated when I weighed it all to find - surprise surprise, I was way over the limit! I nearly had a surprise bowel movement when I read the tariff for excess baggage! However, Emirates were offering a 20% discount if you booked your excess online, unfortunately my booking wouldn't go through, for some reason. So, in the end, I got a lift to the airport carrying, shall we say, a few more bags than I'd originally intended.
The check-in was, ermm, fun, NOT! I was told that my backpack could kill someone if it fell out. I felt tempted to claim their baggage allowance but decided it might not go down too well, so I didn’t go down that route, pleading ignorance and that, as I'd be away from home for eons, this was all vital stuff. The crunch came when they told me what the repair bill would be for the weighing equipment I'd just melted. At times like this, you realise your sense of humour is either off the scale, or the jobsworths have had a sense of humour bypass. I mean, I'd lost probably the same amount of weight in the last 18 months as I was presenting in excess baggage, surely this was a healthier option, LOL. No, I exaggerate slightly - my main bag was well within the allowance, so I was told to repack shifting some of the stuff out of the backpack into the main case. I went down that route and found, to my surprise, I was let in without any extra payment required!!!! Result! So I celebrated in Duty Free by buying a nice tripod!;-)
With all the faffing around I just about managed to get something to eat before the boarding ended, making it to the desk with about a minute to spare!
And before we knew it, 9pm was here and we were thundering down the runway with a big adventure ahead of me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
