I was meant to do this over two months ago but any woman who has kids knows what you plan always gets thrown out the window as life gets in the way. I finally had some spare time (a rarity, I tell you!) and thought now would be a good chance to pump out the second lot of photos from my recent Malaysian trip. You can see the first part, a visit to Langkawi island,
here.
It was my third trip to Malaysia. The close proximity to Australia, the general cheapness of flights and sites and the halal options everywhere you go makes it a no-brainer destination for my husband and I when we feel that itch to get away from things for a while. This time we went without kids (first time ever!) and it was pure unadulterated bliss. I felt guilty as hell a lot of the time for leaving them behind but at the same time I needed the break. I was going effing mental looking after babies 24/7.
The chance to actually eat at leisure without having a kid screaming, throwing food at you or trying to crawl across the table just to smash something was an experience I had almost forgotten. Going to the movies and focusing totally on the film and not on your wandering child was freedom in itself, although the only English movie playing was
Escape Plan which suited my hubby fine. He laughed in my face
sucked in, bitch! style because it was totally his type of movie and not mine (what guy doesn't love some Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger action though?). I complained and rolled my eyes but secretly I kinda love those shitty B grade action films. What I didn't love was hitting up the snack bar ready to shove buttered salty popcorn down my throat only to find caramel popcorn. WTF? Since when is sugared popcorn acceptable? I settled for some chips that tasted like hardened dust and a bottle of water which I had to take back because it was warm. I'm not usually fussy but I'm not really a fan of heatstroke either and needed the coldest water they had.
We didn't do any of the usual sightseeing things mainly because we sailed through them on our first visit to Malaysia. This trip was more about sleeping in, enjoying hotel buffets and going out in order to let loose a bit as a couple.
Enough rambling on. Enjoy some of the highlights of the trip leaving Langkawi for Kuala Lumpur...
Naturally we pigged out as we ate breakfast before departing our resort. I couldn't leave Langkawi without scoffing down a plate or two of delicious Rendeng. Beef curry in the morning isn't really normal by Aussie standards but when in Rome...
We left on somewhat of a rainy day but from the aerial shots I got from our plane seat you would never know. The beaches and the jungle adorned islands scattered in the sea were something else, but the shots I got of the farmlands while flying over the main island in Malaysia were the stunners of the day.
Details from the plane ride (I got a new short focus lens so was happy snapping at pretty much every random little detail).
Once in Kuala Lumpur, we stayed at
the Trader's Hotel which was in a really awesome position, being right next to KLCC, over looking the city gardens. On arrival they gave me a bouquet of flowers to welcome us. It was a nice little surprise.
Any time we stay at a hotel the first room I always check out is the bathroom. The one at the traders had a whole lit amber look to it. It was simple but pretty with the added bonus of lollipops waiting for you when you got in.
Bedside reading - is that actually her hair or a wig? It's so damn shiny...
The three days we had in KL were spent eating, shopping (although I barely bought anything for myself) and relaxing.
One thing I noticed about Malaysia roads is how they manage to get an entire family on the one bike. If you look closely you will see three pairs of legs in the pic below. There's a little girl smooshed between her parents. I doubt I'd be able to fit just myself on this bike let alone anyone else.
I pretty much lived on iced tea when I was over there. It quelled the thirst and kept the heat away for a bit. In Australia most iced tea is in the form of prepackaged drink bottles - hardly fresh or refreshing. In Malaysia it was proper iced tea - hot lemon tea served over ice cubes. The mix of that last little bit of warmth disappearing into the coldness was heaven.
Street food for us consisted of a lot of fresh fruit. I had some guava, lime, mint and pineapple concotion while my hubby went for mango - what Egyptian doesn't though?
The ice-cream selection was on par with what is offered in Australia. Gelato on a hot day is a must!
After shopping at SoGo (our favourite shop in KL) we headed downstairs to the restaurant section and ate at The Manhattan Fish Market. I hate seafood so ventured on the pasta side of the menu (as I always do).
A cool little fire hydrant outside of our hotel.
The best part of my trip was the few minutes I spent rekindling my mini-love affair with archery at Berjaya Times Sqaure. I used to do it all the time growing up during summer camps and the like and I was pretty damn good at it. Still haven't lost the touch either. Boastful... but true. It's probably the only sport I would ever take up, given the chance.
Massive lolly jar. Don't mind if I do...
There was a certain section of Bukit Bintang that came alive with a bunch of glitter men and women. Dressed up, all slick with paint in that heat would have killed me. I don't know how they did it, but they were entertaining nonetheless.
A trip to Petaling street and China Town was a hurried rush of people that I was happy to escape. I can't stand crowds, especially when the threat of bag snatching looms (as we were warned). It just puts me on edge and I find I can't really take the time to enjoy the market stalls as there is always someone pushing past you. It gets quite suffocating.
That night we stopped at a side street cafe/restaurant called Egypt Cafe for dinner - excited to eat Egyptian food. Hands down, it was the shittest Egyptian food I have ever eaten. I'm not Egyptian and I know I could have done a better job. The warak einab (vine leaves) are a favourite of mine and I was sorely disappointed with this offering.
While in China Town I did manage to get some henna done. The lady was so expertly quick but the henna she used didn't stay on that long - about a day and a half before it totally disappeared. Sadness. The design she drew was so pretty so it was such a shame the henna wasn't the best quality. I would have loved to come home with the prettified hands she set me up with.
When I was getting it done (in the middle of the busy alley way) about ten people decided to stop and crowd around in order to watch her work her artistry.
Back in the hotel - my husband taking a pic of me, taking hand-selfies against the gorgeous artwork that hung on our bedroom wall. I took so many pics of it that I will show you guys later!
Our last night was spent inside our room, lounging around in our hotel robes with the obligatory room service meal to keep us company - Australian beef burgers and chicken shawarma.
Food, people. Food.
Destroyer of flowers...
Last lunch at Pizza Hut KLCC before heading back home to Australia. I loved their fruity drinks! They're more like cocktails than soft drinks.
Holidays and mini-getaway breaks are fantastic for reviving your spirit but the part I hate the most is that after a week of having someone else make your bed, cook your food, drive you around, etc; the return to home and therefore the reality of being your own bed-maker, your own cook and your own driver really sucks, lol. I wish I could be permanently on holidays! How about you?
