Kuala Lumpur
We took a 7 hour train from Singapore here - actually had good seats on this train with
plenty of leg room. KL is the capitol of Malaysia & is a very modern city with historic sections, mountains & hills surrounding the landscape. Over the years Malaysia was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, & the British acquiring it's independence in 1957. This used to be a tin mining town and currently has the tallest buildings in the world (the Petronas Towers). They are outstanding and look so futurist that any intergalactic visitors would be instantly impressed ! There are 88 floors, but you can only go to the 41st to walk the connecting bridge from one building to the other - they are 451.9m or 1,250 feet tall!
We are staying here through the Christmas & New Year's holidays. We have a great suite
on the 24th floor with spectacular views, outstanding evening appetizers (each night there is a different theme - Malay, Chinese, Italian, Indian) and, of course, complimentary breakfast. Bill said I am spoiled, but really he's not suggesting
we move!
KL is 70% Islamic, 10% Chinese, & 20% Indian Malay. The Indian Malay were the original people here & they are Hindu, more like the India Hindu. They do not believe in killing any animals & are vegetarians to the degree they will not eat any vegetables that grow under ground for fear the garlic/onion bulb/potato/beet or carrot could kill a worm in the growing process. The Indian Malays also feel they are discriminated against by the Islams.
The transit systems make it easy to get around, great city to walk in & there are parks with walking trails - many tropical plants - weather has been perfect, some rain, but nothing that deters one - still in the 80's! We've met some nice people from Australia, Qatar & locals. This really makes the trip - learning about the lives of people everywhere in
the world.
Again wishing everyone Happy Holidays !
Marge
