Day 6: Kuala Lumpur

Day 6: Kuala Lumpur 

I don't like this city. It's a bit dirty, it's super touristy, and you're hassled for something or other wherever you go. I'm staying in Chinatown. Petaling Street, which runs right through the middle, is back to back stalls of pushy salesman selling cheap knock off handbags, watches and sunglasses. Getting from one end to the other is like running the gauntlet.

This afternoon i trekked to the Bird Park, which is the world's largest walk-in aviary. I imagine, if you like birds, then you could probably spend the whole day there, given the huge variety of species they have. It was a good way to spend the afternoon. 

I got back to the hotel, had a much needed shower, and slapped on some eau de Jungle Formula 50% deet before hitting the town. As much as I don't love the city, I had a cracking night! I went to the famous Jalan Alor street for some street food. I'd read about Wong Ah Wah and their chicken wings, so obviously that was my first stop. They were good, with a nice sticky sweet glaze and chilli sauce. And no dad, they weren't as good as those served in the Phoenix Dundee! Although they were nowhere near as spicy here! My next stop was dim sum. I didn't particularly enjoy them, a bit stodgy and gloopy and so I ended up throwing them out. Then I found the holy grail. A sweet potato fries stand. Orgasmic. I also came across a stand that sold marmite fried frog.  Sure. Why not. Cause frogs aren't rank enough on their own....

I then headed along bukit bintang (the night spot). As I was speaking to one of the bar reps, a fellow scot heard my accent and started chatting away to me. His name was Niall from Brechin, but living and working in KL in the oil industry for 6 years. He was very well known to the bar staff, I think he frequented the place daily. The norm here is for people to buy bottles of spirits to keep behind the bar as it's cheaper. So I had two vodkas (I didn't refuse or feel guilty after he told me he lived in an apartment overlooking the Petronas towers). He then drove home, because apparently drink driving is widely accepted here. Before leaving he gave me his business card and told me to call him if I had any problems. Sure thing Niall, will do 🤔

I then went to a club called Havana where they have salsa on Sundays. My feet were so swollen from the heat that I didn't think I was gonna get my shoes on. I met a lovely Indian chap called Roy who had a bottle of Jameson behind the bar, which he happily shared with me. He drank it with ginger ale, which I found odd, but I liked it. Basically at this point I've paid for one drink all night. I sweated it out on the dance floor for a good few hours. There were a few decent dancers, and a lot of average ones, but I was just glad to find salsa! Apparently they have it every night here so I'm sorted for the rest of my stay. 

Roy kindly offered me a ride home. At this point he's polished off at least 5 double measures of Jameson. Eh, nah mate, you're alright, I'll walk.

Bed time 😴