It's just over 24 hours since my last blog post.... I have been awake for most of those hours!!!
My patience lasted the departure lounge quite well. Our 11.30pm boarding turned into a 12.15am boarding... despite this though, we were on the tarmac only 10 minutes later than scheduled for the approx 8 hour flight from Melbs to KL.
I met a lovely couple in the check-in queue who also turned out to be sitting in the exact same row as me. They were returning back home to KL after visiting their daughter in Melbs. We had a little chit chat - before long I had some first hand help as to how to get from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal into KL (approx 100km away).
I had the window seat in the massive Airbus 300 Airasia jet - at my request. This allowed me to peer out into the moonlit darkness over the clouds and try and guess where the hell I was. The inflight vegetarian pasta was flavourless - to be expected - and they didn't have G&T (my preferred in flight drink)... not to worry!!! I barely slept the whole flight and felt very cramped in by the window. I needed to go to the toilet a couple of times in the night, but held it in for hours as I didn't want to disturb my neighbour! Thankfully we arrived in KL half an hour early.
The minute I got off the plane I felt the damp heat that is KL. Check the forecast for KL - see if you can spot the difference between days.... I can't!
Malaysia forecast <-click the link
Customs was a breeze - I was out in the wilderness of KL LCCT airport by 7am. So I chose to have a shower and change before getting the coach into KL Sentral and then getting a 'teksi' to my guesthouse.
The lovely receptionist allowed me to check in early and I retired to the room for a FB fix and a sort of nap. The Sahabat guesthouse where I'm staying is a bit upmarket for my budget - but for a first place to stay it is perfect. I have my own queen room with ensuite and unlimited wifi. YEAH! The hosts are lovely and are full of smiles, friendship and travel advice.
After a few hours of R&R and no breakfast I was called to venture out into KL's wet 33 degree heat. I chose to head to the Kuala Lumpur tower and observation deck to get a high vantage point of the city. The entry included a 'cultural performance' which consisted of ladyboys and Malay chicks doing a traditional dance to very poor quality music. Still, as gay as it was, it was funny and it got me smiling when they pulled me up to join the dance!!!
Still with an empty tummy I ventured into the CBD for some grub and a beer before seeking out a closer view of the Petronas towers. Geez - you can see where your petrol money goes here!!! I've decided not to go up the Petronas - the KL tower is higher and has a better view - the spectacle of Petronas is it's size and beauty which cannot be appreciated from the bridge.
See more pics on FB - just follow the link! -> photos from Day 1
