I have such fond memories of Kuala Lumpur or KL as those in the know call it. I didn't actually plan to go to there - I ended up in Mayalsia's capital (twice) purely by coincidence and consequently met some really lovely people; the kindest hotel receptionists I've ever met and had one of the best spur-of-the-moments dinner dates with Dick the Dutchman.
The reason I headed to KL the first time was because I didn't check the flight routes to Bali when booked my flight from India to Singers. I kind of assumed Air Asia (cheap, no frills airline...and I mean NO frills) would fly from Singers and they do but the flights were booked up for a week. I was in a massive hurry to get to Bali. So decided to fly to KL and get a flight from there to Bali. Anyway as I was heading to KL and hadn't been before I completely contradicted myself on my 'I have to get to Bali asap' notion and decided to spend a few days in KL on the way. I know, my reasoning is an unknown entity to me too.
My second visit to KL was on the way from Bali to the Andaman Coast in Thailand. I did manage to stick to my 'plan' the second time though and only stayed in KL for one night. It was literally a stop over. Supposed to be a cheap stop over at the that but for those of you who've been following me blog for a while, me and cheap or rather 'cost effective' as I like to put it, just don't work. I have no idea why and I've tried many, many times to court 'cost effective' but I get blown out every time. Which leads me to firmly believe that I'm meant to lead the life of a wealthy lady. How I don't know how but I am working on it!
Anyway, I'm banging on. Back to my adventures in KL.
As much as I enjoyed the experience, after spending two nights in a dorm I decided to go all out and treat myself....to a mid range hotel. Aaah the joys of being a traaaaveller. I now fully appreciate 'luxuries' like air con, clean bathrooms and sat TV. After a lengthy conversation with my taxi driver (who was so cheerful he'd put the London cabbies to shame) about Formula One - the circus was in town - I checked into Hotel China Town Inn in the middle of China town, where I met yet another friendly face - the receptionist. All these lovely people in the space of 2 hours. I was beginning to like KL.
I was in heaven when I realised what I'd stumbled upon in China Town. Fake designer sunglasses. I was so relieved as while my Dior ones had served me well and seen some serious action in Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, India and Singers; I felt it was time for a change. I needed to revamp my look. I needed a new pair. But in my excitement at the cost, the vast selection and just general adrenaline rush I get when I purchase anything these days, I brought four pairs. Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Dior.
It must have been my new Gucci sunnies which caught Dick the Dutchman's eye as I sauntered (these days I don't speed walk, I saunter) up to the admissions counter of the Telecoms Tower. The lady behind the counter mistook us for a couple and charged him for my entry fee. 15 mins later I find myself at the top of the worlds tallest telecoms tower having my very own 'sleepless in Seattle' moment, chatting to Dick the Dutchman.
Now I would be lying if I didn't admit to inwardely smirking when he introduced him self as Dick. In fact I now know he was searching my face for a reaction. All I could muster up while trying to keep a straight face was 'Dick? Did you have a turbulent relationship with your parents as a teenager?' to which he laughed and said he didn't but he should've done.
Dick had a a great sense of humour. We spent the morning at the top of telecoms tower, followed by lunch. Then we met later for dinner. I must admit I'm always pretty suspicious of dinner dates with a stranger. I've had my fingers burnt with a small selection of blind dates plus the 'sensible' side of me - which seems to have adopted my fathers voice since I've been travelling which slightly scares me - yells 'he could be a murderer...this might be the one who kills you...'. Then I go to jugde: 'He's over 33 and single so he's either a perv, sex pest and/or generally odd'. Then it dawns on me again (this bit is like waking up every morning screaming from a recurring nightmare) that I too am now well and truly over 33 so does that mean that I'm a perv, a sex pest and/or odd? Let's move on.
But Dick didn't kill me - otherwise I wouldn't be writing this now - he was lovely. I had a lovely time with him. I've stopped drinking, smoking and taking anything else which effects my state of mind so I actually could remember the evening too. historically on this kind of evening I'd be sinking vodkas, mainlining cigs, hasseling the underworld of KL for some form of narcotic and then talking at my date for several hours. Usually about the time I was seven, most definately about my three sisters, how fabulous they, how lucky I am and how much I miss them. This would turn into tears followed by an obligatry lunge at the guy. And you wonder why I've stopped drinking? I think you probably understand why now.
My second visit to KL I arrived late on a flight from Bali. I decided to stay at a hotel near the airport as I was flying out early the next day, and KL itself is about an hours drive from the airport. So there I am thinking 'mid range hotel, sat tv, room service...nice'. I arrive to find that there's no room at the inn. In fact all the mid range hotels were fully booked.
Wait for it.
The only hotel with a room was a five star hotel.
I don't really know what came over me. I just went into some sort of zombie like zone. Like I was drugged. Eager for five star treatment. Nothing would stop me. 30 mins later I find myself in an executive suite at the Pacific. I was in heaven. See pics above. The room was gorgeous. Well, airport hotel gorgeous. I complimented myself on how easily adaptable I was; one minute I'm happy in slums, next I'm jumping up and down on Queen size bed deliberating over whether to watch HBO or Star Movies channel. Decisions, decisions.
It's here that I'll introduce some words of wisdom from the great Buddha. And when you read the next sentences you'll understand why. You see in this life it's all about understanding 'impermanence'. Nothing lasts, everything changes. What goes up, must come down. Get used to it. That's life. And my god did I come down..with a massive bump when the next day - running late for my flight as I was too busy swimming around in the bath tub to notice the time - I went to pay for my night of luxury and my card wouldn't go through. Jeeeeeeesus.
Now I have always managed my finances with the zest and optimism. So it won't come as any surprise to you that having my card refused in fine (and not so fine) establishments is like water off a ducks back. It's happened so many times it's like telling me it's about to rain. 'oh'...no rush of embarrassment. Nothing. Totally calm. It's happened in Selfridges, Mui Mui, Prada, Hakkassan, Nobu, Tescos, M&S, The Dog and Duck, Circle K. You get the picture. Everywhere.
So there I was thinking I was about to spend the next five days washing dishes in the kitchen or working as a Chamber Maid (jobs I've actually done before) when my saviour came before me. See pic above) Before I knew where I was the problem was solved and I was on my way to the airport in the hotel limo - he didn't ask for any sexual favours in return either. He was my KL angle.
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