After an early morning arrival in the "fine city," (see picture) and a quick nap, the two youths ventured out into the unknown. Explored Chinatown, got offered mani and pedi and cures of all sorts by excited women. Witnessed a Hindu ceremony at a temple, complete with strange instruments that seemed to make sound on their own. Met a nice old lady at a local eatery who treated us to some local eats and drinks and told us about her life in The Lion City. Visited the more-westernized-than-America-itself Sentosa island, with its casinos, resorts, and gigantic shopping malls that put the Houston Galleria to shame. Slept fitfully thanks to jet lag.
Day 2: Malaysia
A day of traveling mishaps. Headed out of sin city after taking a stroll through Little India by means of bus after almost missing it. David got stopped at Singapore customs after misplacing his visa. Almost missed the same bus again. Got lost in Malaysian customs and had to ask at least 12 people for directions before finding the bus. The bus driver loved us. At long last, arrived in Kuala Lumpur, the first city in a Muslim country that we ever visited. Went for a stroll in the Chinatown district and treated ourselves to some authentic Malay food and to some "authentic" merchandise, the bartering for which Lea so expertly handled. What a great place for stingy college students.
Day 3: Indonesia
Paid a visit to Kuala Lumpur's claim to international fame: the Petronas twin towers, which used to be the tallest buildings in the world, but have since been pushed down the list by other scrapers. Walked around the base of the towers, at which there was a large park with gardens and water fountains. Set off to the airport where we awaited our pleasant, but not worry-free AirAsia flight to Bali, Indonesia. After becoming instant millionaires at the ATM ($1 = 12000 Rupiah), we were swarmed by cab drivers at the exit gates of the airport, all offering to take us to where we needed to go. The problem was, we didn't know where that was. After calling the owner of the home stay we had booked, and haggling a price out of one of the cabbies (protip - they upcharge big time, we more than halved his original price), we were finally on our way, and got there just after dark.
So, that's how we did three countries in three days. Exciting? Yes. Easy? No. Overwhelming? Maybe a little.
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