Kuala Lumpur

The last stop on the cruise was Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We had signed up for a ship-sponsored bus tour of the city, but Dan was not feeling well and didn’t go. It was a good hour’s drive into the city from Port Klang. It was supposed to be a panoramic tour and it certainly was — we drove around the city multiple times, passing the same sights several times. Our first stop was at the KL Tower, a telecommunications tower with an observation deck. After standing in line for a while, we arrived at the top in crowded elevators. We had a wonderful view of the city from all directions. It was fortunate, as the day before (when we had a rainstorm), they told us there was nothing to see.

After some more driving around, we arrived at the Petronas Towers, the famous twin towers with a connecting bridge in the center. The lower levels are a shopping mall. When we finally arrived there, about 2:30, our guide announced that we had 30 minutes to find some lunch and do any shopping. There was quite an outcry and she finally agreed to 3:30. I went up the escalator and stopped at the first coffee shop I found. I had a tiny quiche and a pastry with my own bottled water. Then I found a place to sit for a while.

When we gathered near the entrance to meet the group, I had an interesting conversation with two men. At first I thought they were speaking another language, but then I found out they were from Manchester, England! Two brothers, both truck drivers, took this cruise together. I could barely understand them, but they were very enjoyable.

 Merdeka 118, second-tallest building in the world

Another view from KL Tower, showing lots of city green

Petronas Towers from the side, showing a few of the many skyscrapers here

One of the many colonial buildings we passed (bus window tinted)

The National Mosque

Petronas Towers from the sidewalk

We landed in Singapore today, Tuesday morning. The arrival process was incredibly smooth, and we were even directed into a line that didn't require screening of our baggage. We got a taxi and arrived at our hotel about 9:00. Fortunately, they had a room available, so we are getting settled in. We will be here three nights, then head to Chiang Mai for the next few months.