Kuala Lumpur

I have been walking around the city a fair bit the last couple of days, and I have to say, I don't hate it as much as I thought I would - it has a strange, busy charm that is growing on me.

One thing that is quite difficult in places is crossing the road. Sometimes there are crossings but often it's a game of 'chicken' with cars and motorbikes. I find myself trying to tag along with anyone else trying to cross, as if 'safety in numbers' will help.

The air conditioned shopping malls give a welcome relief from the heat and are decorated for Chinese New Year at the moment, with red lanterns everywhere. There are some familiar shops

Looking at the prices of things, these shops are expensive or, at least, no different to prices in the UK for things like shoes, TVs, washing machines etc.

I spotted this eco-friendly umbrella dryer and yet, right next to it was a plastic bag dispenser for your umbrella too

KL streets

The monorail

One thing I've found difficult to stomach is the obsession with the stinky Durian fruit. It seems to be everywhere. I haven't tried it yet - apart from a taste of durian flavoured Ice cream - slightly oniony. Sometimes, the smell just whafts over from somewhere - like onion, BO & something rotting - and you notice a stall, or someone carrying it. Its a bit more 'poshed up' here in the city of course.

Later, I did my laundry - a great way to spend a Friday night!

Been thinking about my two a lot. Sometimes music really defines something in your mind. I Love Thomas Newman & these tracks make me think of 

Archie - Mother

and Eve - EVE

Batu Caves

30th January

In the morning I switched to a dorm 'capsule' room - which is cheaper and, honestly, I like it better than the single room! - I met Hanne, the Norwegian lady in the bathroom 😀

The floor in front of the capsules is like chicken wire, and I did feel slightly like a battery hen, but its more cosy. The only bad thing is the rumbling- whining noise from the central Air-Con which makes it hard to sleep for me. Also, I think the bed sheet/duvets are designed for short asian girls - I'm not tall but it won't cover my feet & shoulders at the same time. - small things - not problems.

I did a little writing, then went out. 

The metro was easy enough to navigate, not unlike the London underground and very cheap. The first train line had a token system

They have 'women only' carriages but nobody seems to bother about this - there were plenty of men using them too

When I first arrived I was hit by the noise and smells and how commercialised it all was. So different to the peaceful cave temples at Ipoh. I was thinking, 'this is awful'

It was the rows of shops and stalls that made me think of a theme park. I begrudgingly paid my 1 ringitt to use the loo - I had no change for 50 but she took cards!

It certainly felt a bit like being in India. There were, however, many Hindus there for genuine worship - preying in the temples and taking offerings up to the caves

These people were queuing to take incense into the inner temple

The staute is of Lord Murugan

https://avianexperiences.com/attractions/lord-murugan-statue-malaysia

I went to ascend the steps - my shorts were just long enough that I was allowed through! - she kind of tried to pull them down over my knees then waved me on. There were a lot of steps - not an easy climb in the heat of the afternoon.

The cave inside was quite spectacular and so large - an incredible cathedral dome.

I thought these holes looked like angel wings

Just right of these ladies a huge stalactite and - I think - its touching a stalagmite - joined up

The sheer majesty of the cave overwhelmed me it was beautiful

This rooster was having a nap

After descending the steps I felt much calmer and happier. The beauty of the cave had won me over.

There was a crowd gathering with a lot of security and police & photographers - I think an important official was visiting

and I think it is the time of a big Hindu feast, which is why it was so busy.

The stalls seemed, now, to be filled with row upon row of beautiful colourful sweets - so pretty - the colours - no longer gaudy but bright and charming

I fancied a Chai - but the lady at the stall also didn't have change for my 50 - so she gave me it for free. The Cave had worked its magic and I left feeling content.