A Day In Malaysia

Long time no post eh?

Well I'm finally back from my jaunt to the other side of the world and, in typical Arun fashion, I've got some pretty good stories and experiences. Today, I've decided to share with you the day I spent in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

The first thing I noticed when flying in, is that Malaysia is incredibly green! Before arriving, I expected Malaysia to be kind of slummy being that it's a third world country and all.

Apparently third world countries like to spend their money on nice airports.

The airport in Kuala Lumpur was easily the NICEST airport I've ever been in! Glass walls and ceilings soar all around. There's a huge atrium in the middle which encloses a giant jungle-like court yard. Walking through, you feel like you're in a high class mall with Gucci, Fendi, you-pick-the-Italian-designer stores all around. In one wing there are four giant plasma TV's playing a movie, with nice couches surrounding for people to sit and watch during layovers.

A few steps away are computers with FREE internet access.

The chairs at each terminal gate are like those lawn chairs that some of you like to lay out on to tan.

I don't know why they bothered to put me up in a hotel. I was living the life of luxury during my brief stay in the airport!

The hotel was OK. The biggest advantage of going to the hotel was that I had a free meal voucher, and was able to stuff myself at the Malaysian buffet.

Note to self: If you're not really sure what it is you're about to put in your mouth, ask before trying! There was definitely some questionable "autherntic cuisine" at the restaurant.

Since the layover was so long, I shelled out some cash to a tour guide/chauffeur who took me into the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The coolest thing I saw was the Petronas Towers (Formerly the tallest buildings in the world, still the tallest twin towers). For those of you who have seen the mediocre movie "Entrapment" with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones, the towers play a starring role.

I thought about maybe trying to do something like sneak onto the roof, but then I remembered how strict the laws are in Malaysia. For example, drug trafficing is punishable by DEATH!

Like the airport, downtown Kuala Lumpur is REALLY nice! I went to a mall, and again was surrounded by designer stores. Even stuff in the normal stores was surprisingly expensive. On a side note, the five dollar cup of coffee I bought, sucked.

Its interesting to think that an hour from the city, are hoards of impoverished families, yet the heart of the city is booming with money and technology.

I wish I could've spent more time in Kuala Lumpur because there seems like so much to do! Next time I'm over in that region, I'll definitely stay longer. After all, Kuala Lumpur has yet to experience the complete maelstrom of chaos and adventure that is Arun!