August 19th marks my one-month anniversary since arriving in Kuala Lumpur. It has been a whirlwind few weeks of settling in, getting acquainted - both with the city and new friends - and sorting out what it means to live in this metropolis of southeast Asia.
Exploring:
Despite being busy, some touristing has been accomplished. It is refreshing living again in a city with things to do! My first ten days were in a hotel downtown a stone's throw from the Petronas Towers so I got to see those beauties a lot, in addition to navigating the rest of the KLCC area via tunnels and skyways. I still don't know how I ended up in a couple places...or how to find my way back for that matter!
Took an afternoon to visit the famous Batu Caves, an old Hindu temple set into the side of a hill. Put on a helmet, grab a flashlight, and you're off exploring caves with chirping bats somewhere in the dark abyss above! Another cool place was the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. Obviously, they have birds galore, but the park itself if a pleasant outdoor stroll in a well-manicured green space not far from downtown.
 |
| Hanging with Murugan, Hindu god of war. |
 |
| Coolest pigeon I've ever seen! |
Things I Know:
- It is hot and humid. It doesn't take much to sweat and I am learning to walk slowly and stroll, a word not in my vocabulary until now. I've been getting to school on foot - only 15 minutes from my apartment - and the mornings are usually fine with the temperature sitting right around 28ºC at 7am. Coming home in the late afternoon is another story and I gladly begin stripping at the door.
- Despite the heat and generally tropicality, there are few insects to contend with. Dengue is a threat here but, to date, I've encountered few mosquitoes and have no bites to speak of.
- There are other critters to deal with, however. I am not a fan of the monkeys or wild boars that live in and around my 'hood. Being on the perimeter of the city in the more lush foothills there is a certain amount of forested area. The monkeys - there are three different species as far as I can tell - are the worst as they actively seek out garbage and human food. The latch on the waste bin for the house across the street is chronically broken, resulting in frequent, cacophonous monkey invasions. There was once a veritable monkey street fight between two different troupes! The boars are less visible, though I did see one cross the road and they are not small.
- I am still trying to nail down a running route. There are sidewalks in many places and residential areas are quiet, traffic-wise, but it's a lot of winding and I'm still searching for a nice "loop." (The road circling a nearby country club should be great, however, there are people who insist on feeding the detested aforementioned monkeys at one end and they are always there. It makes for an unnerving part of the run.)
- I'm still waiting for my shipping from Brazil (not a shock to anyone who has had to deal with Brazilian bureaucracy) so my apartment is only partially "home" at this point. However, my view is extraordinary and I am sitting typing this from my balcony with an overhead fan and porch lights, as the sun sets behind the city center.
- I can say nothing in the local language (Bahasa Melaya). Everyone speaks English. I'm not complaining; it's just strange existing in a foreign country after all these years a living abroad and not even knowing simple greetings, pleasantries, and basic counting.
 |
| View from my balcony in the Ukay Heights neighborhood. |
Without a doubt there is a big adjustment moving to Malaysia, in the heart of Southeast Asia, after eight years in Latin America. If the first month is any indication, this will be an interesting and exciting life exploring and living in the region. Bring on the curry!
