january25

January 25, 2000

We took in the best of KL. Starting at the National Mosque, then to the Islamic Arts Museum, and to the Chow Kit open Market. The mosque was typically stark, the museum unusually fascinating (perhaps owing to our complete lack of knowledge), and the meat section of the market was frightening. On our way to the planetarium, we were stranded in a pre-monsoon rainstorm. We were completely soaked, the roads flooded, and we never did make it to the show. We capped off our evening with a metro trip downtown to see the tallest building in the world. Petronas Towers were surpisingly graceful. Their night lights and sky bridge were both stunning.

Hotel - $9, Food - $14, Museums - $5, Random (internet - $2, Postcards - $1, Laundry - $4) Total - $38

P.S. Here are the fundamentals to Islam. It starts with the Prophet Mohammed in Mecca, 610 AD. The archargel Gabriel revelas the word of God to Mohammed, which becomes the Koran. There are five pillars to Islam which guide the lives of its behaviors.
#1 - Faith in Allah.
#2 - Prayer five times a day.
#3 - Tithe to the poor (called zakat).
#4 - A month of fasting from dawn to sunset called Ramadan. It is intended to intensify awareness of the poor and hungry.
#5 - Make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in life.

January 26, 2000

We actually tried to leave KL today, but all transportaion was booked due to the New Year traffic. We made the best of it and visited Batu Caves, a holy site for the Hindus of Malaysia. Up 273 steps and into the large cave, we found several small temples, many devotees, and lots of mischevious monkeys. Later we "discovered" the best food court (apparently everyone else in KL already knew about it). First, chicken, mushrooms, and noodles sauteed in a secret, rich, dark broth, then roti canai stuffed with chicken, fried egg, and lots of spices.

Hotel - $9, Food - $8, Trans - $4, Random (movie - $2) Total - $23

January 27, 2000

     We almost missed our 7:30 bus this morning because according to the hotel manager it was "too early for check out" and he didn't want to unlock the front gate. Anyway, the bus ride north to Penang revealed a green Malaysia with more forests and palm trees than develpment.
     In the 18th and 19th centuries, Penang was an important British administrative town (actually island) and it retains some of that colonial feel. We did our part by eating fish and chips and drinking Guiness at the local pub.
     At this point, we both agree Penang is great and mellow. We spend the rest of the day visiting ornate Buddhist temples, shopping for sarongs, dinner at a sidewalk cafe, and back to the pub.

Hotel - $10, Food - $25, Trans. - $13, Random (internet - $1)     Total - $49

January 28, 2000

     We left Penang early by hydrofoil (new mode of transportation!) for the island of Langkawi. An Ironman triathalon was there and we wanted to cheer on everyone crazy enough to try the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run.
     It was a unreasonably sunny and hot day. The winner raced in at 8 hours and 40 minutes. With under 300 participants and fewer specators, it was an intimate and inspring affair. We even got to high five the pros we knew from TV.

Hotel - $14, Food - $8, Trans - $26     Total - $48

January 29, 2000

     We are so excited about Thailand, we decided to forgo a day at the beach in Langkawi. After a quick ferry, formalities to enter the kingdom, a couple of buses, and a tuk tuk (like a miniature pick up truck with 3 wheels and a motorcycle engine), we arrived in Trang.
     Trang isn't really a tourist destination itself, more of a pass through. We liked it though, for its chaos and friendliness. We quickly secured island accomadation (its high season here so prices are up and options are down), bought provisions, exchanged money for Baht, and explored a little.
     The night market was clearly best. There are 50 or so food stalls/carts on a park side street, all of which serve authentic Thai food. We took our time choosing and ultimately pantomimed what we wanted (and didn't want). Our cook stir fried noodles, sprouts, veggies, etc. in her wok right in front of us. For dessert, we had fried dough puffs. Delicious.

Hotel - $5, Food - $11, Trans - $10, Random (internet - $1)     Total - $27