Malaysia – Home sweet home

 

 

 

 

 

(Finally found a day with blue skies to venture KL – Bangunan Abdul Samad completed in 1897)

 

 

 

It has been about a month since I returned back to Malaysia from UK. There were plenty of things to get re-adjusted to:

-          hazy skyline vs bright blue skies

-          heat & humidity, resulting in some sleepless nights at the beginning

-          traffic jam & rivers of cars flowing through the city.

-          green surroundings being replaced with houses, apartments and other concrete structures

-          people eating more meat than vegetables. Am missing the joy of eating variety of fresh raw vegetables

Despite it all, it has been wonderful being home again. Reuniting with family and friends after being away for nearly 2 years. Especially meeting up with a close friend before she left for her own year-long adventure to OZ end of June09.

Managed to embark on some local sight-seeing missions whilst I still have the free time. Retraced the steps I took for a Heritage Walk around Kuala Lumpur (KL). Was relieved that many of the old buildings have not been torn down or refurbished with some garish modernized look. Quite amazing to know that KL is actually quite a young city, as it began to take roots about the 1850s. Some of the notable buildings still standing today date from 1890s, but majority of the shophouses are built around the 1930s era. Don’t think many Malaysians actually give a second look to the many buildings around them, or even realize its significance.

Admittedly it is a challenge to survive walking around KL in the midday heat & humidity. Plus the fact that my stomach has shrunk drastically makes consuming all the lovely Malaysian food rather a painful experience. Neverthess, there will always be room for the velvety “tau foo fah” and cooling “air mata kucing” drink at Petaling Street to satisfy the tired soul. It is amazing that we actually plan our travel itinerary around crucial food stops, in addition to the highlights we want to check out.

Definitely looking forward to many more wonderful travel experiences from back home from now onwards. Cuti-cuti Malaysia!

(Masjid Jamek – one of the oldest mosques in KL. Officially opened in 1909)

Last day in London

Funnily I didn’t actually do anything special during the last two days before I left London for home. At the back of my mind, there was still a glimmer of hope that I may return to UK in July. So there was no particular need to celebrate my departure with a Big Bang.

Instead I spent a wonderful day walking along the River Thames. Started off at Borough Market, which will always be one of my favorite places in this city. Can’t go hungry here with the vast array of food being sold – sausages, chorizo burger, breads, brownies, ice-cream etc. And Monmouth Coffee Company is THE place for my caffeine fix.

From Borough Market, it was a pleasant stroll along the south bank. Passing Tate Modern, I am reminded of the days I used to spend exploring the wonderful exhibits. Spending a whole day inside it was not uncommon – I appreciated the art pieces more when I followed the guided tours conducted by the knowledgable volunteers.

My walk ended at Trafalgar Square – central place where many events took place. Probably best remembered for being the most dangerous section during my cycles to work at Covent Garden. It was the place where I encountered the most traffic, and had to pedal quick enough to turn off into The Strand before buses, taxis and cars come along.

Will I ever get to return to UK again?

More pics – http://picasaweb.google.com/wyeyim/LondonLastDay#