J . O . B . S . O . N...this one's for you special Lady x

I'm liking Kuala Lumpur a lot, it's a bustling, clean and fast city.

I'm currently sharing an apartment with a Muslim family (room 2) and two young Chinese girls in (room 1) I got lucky room 3! This gets interesting in the mornings at shower time....I feel like a student waiting in line for my turn. You have to pass through the lounge to access the bathroom which again has little segregation or privacy. I'm not sure on the Muslim procedures for using WC facilities (and I don't want to know) but the WC floor is flooded most mornings.

   

This is what £18 a night in Kuala Lumpur gets you...nobody seems to wash up?.....it's like men behaving badly...or living with Owes again!

The building was built in the 19th century, It has high ceilings, sash windows, wooden floorboards, and a bright colour scheme. It's a bit spooky but reminds me of my parents place we call 'snappy's (meant in a nice way) but you'll know what I mean when I say it has that sense of familiarity and I kind of feel after the events of this week, this is where I want to be right now. I don't feel so alone.

I'm managing to navigate myself around quite well. I've found the 'free' bus service that runs around the city. There are four 'loops' to explore so I've ridden around for the day sight seeing and familiarising with the city. It is quite funny riding around looking like a complete anorak! The most noticeable thing though is that I'm the only foreigner on the bus, most tourists seem to opt for the open top tours which I think is a real shame...it's much better to mingle with the locals, I guess though most don't know the service exists. I created a complete scene on the bus yesterday which did not go down well at all. Picture this.....

It's rush hour and I decide to jump on the 'blue line', It's chocka block with Malaysians....mostly Muslims, the women all wearing burka's. I end up squeezed into a seat with bodies all around me, i feel suffocated and hot ....panic starts to set in. I've got my little map and start 'checking off' the stops....only none of the stops on my map are coming up?...it quickly dawns ..I've no idea where i am or where I'm going! As I'm frantically trying to recover the situation a mozzy decides to launch an attack. Whilst I've won a few battles, I'm certainly not winning the war here...I've discovered they will find any un-sprayed/ un-protected crevice! This was the final straw...my arms went up, I stand up frantically squealing and swatting anything within a 6 inch radius of me with my now destroyed map. It was pandemonium, all hell broke loose...the bus stopped and my already unwelcome presence was finally up... I realise I've broken the golden rule conducting undignified behaviour in a public place. The passengers shake and bow their heads and parted as my shamed, sweating, dishevelled, panic stricken bones shot off the bus. It's only then I realise ..great....now I've no bloody idea where the hell I am....this was scary! I eventually sort myself out realising that the free bus turns into a commuter service taking alternative and additional routes during rush hour....harsh lesson learnt...moral of the story, never assume you know anything in South East Asia!

Clair 1 - Mozzy's 26 (approx bites so far...2 acquired in this sitting)

Kuala Lumpur is a contemporary, multicultural and diverse city. English is their second language so it has that 'home from home' vibe about it, most things have English translation. The city is built up with sky scrapers dominating the horizon but it cleverly incorporates parks with greenery, woodland, children's play areas and lakes/pools in the heart of the city centre.  There's construction happening on every street....the investment in the city is quite remarkable... its booming. It's an exciting place and makes you want to be part of its growing future...its ambitious and knows 'what it wants to be'...I like it.

I've visited a few landmarks.. the Petronas Twin Towers, Times Square, Batu Caves and the Pavilion shopping mall. Kuala Lumpur is shoppers paradise. I spent a couple of days just browsing shops. My travel budget wouldn't stretch to a purchase in the Pavilion ...Gucci, Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo etc,...this place has class and smelt expensive...I just indulged in that for a while... whilst defiantly sporting my fakey converse ha ha!

Shopping with a couple of chicks!

Ooooh Retail Heaven...'The Pavillion'

Petronas Twin Towers...and a couple of top cheesy grins!

Batu Caves

My favourite meal so far was a south Indian dish simply known as the 'banana leaf meal'. Eating from a banana leaf is considered humble and respectful in their culture. The dish consists of a portion of rice with lots of little saucy/vegetable accompaniments. The uncomfortable part comes with eating it with your fingers...no cutlery!

Trust me it tastes better than it looks!

It felt odd at first but you soon get used to it ....reminded me of my 'prehistoric man' routine with a kebab after clubbing back in the day 😉!

The food was the best I've had by far, absolutely yummy delicious.

A personal note...

Due to recent circumstances I've slowed down slightly and extended my stay here, just taking a little time to reflect.

I'm not one for public statements and this is a private and difficult time, but as this blog is purely for my friends and family I would like to finish with a few words to my grandma who sadly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 14th March.....

The last time I saw you I squeezed you tighter than usual. The last time I kissed you goodbye, I knew it would be the last. When I told you "I love you"... I meant it. Leaving you was the most difficult of all because I knew I'd never see you again, but I didn't want you to know what I knew or see this in my eyes and be frightened...which is why I slipped away that day.

You’ve been part of my life, for all of my life. Today feels empty knowing your no longer in this world with me.

A significant figure in my younger years, A strong, vibrant influence. From my earliest memories you always openly offered unconditional comfort, safety and limitless love. I admired you.  

As the years rolled by I watched you grow weaker, fragility set in, fear, suffering, resentment and frustration that a once able body could no longer serve you. The mental suffering almost as cruel as the physical, which heartbreakingly consumed you in the end.

There are so many memories covering the full range of emotions when I think of you. You were undeniably a law unto yourself. Crushingly harsh at times (concealing your own vulnerability and insecurity), fickle, opinionated, broken, crestfallen, lonely, honest, generous, proud, dignified, gregarious, OUTRAGEOUSLY funny (I only have to think of you and begin to smile) with a 'heart as big as a bucket'. 

I remember who you are, the hard exterior could never fool me …I will never forget you…how could I? We talked, laughed, cried, got tipsy and grew older together. Your life wasn’t an easy one, but your intense love and unwavering devotion for your children was admirably unquestionable…you held on as long as you could for them, this I know for sure.

It’s incredibly difficult to let you go, but your soul is free now and nothing can hold you back. I know it’s by your children’s side I’ll find you… so with time now limitless, take my hand one last time and we’ll fly your lap of honour around this world together!

Til our souls meet again on the other side, "I luvs ya"...goodnight Mary Jobson....my lovely 'Nana Gin'. Thank you for the good times, bad times and for sharing your life with me. I will carry your love in my heart for the rest of my life xxxxxxxx