Can't Help Lovin' That Man

HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY, TIM!

We've been in Kuala Lumpur 4 days now and we'll be leaving tomorrow for Bangkok via AirAsia. That should be an experience. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here; let's backtrack a little and allow me to show you what we've seen and done during our short time here.

First, it has to be said that my Dad HOOKED US UP! I mean, it's fun to stay at backpacker hostels, cheap hotels and whatnot. But getting a free stay at a 4-star serviced apartment in the heart of KL, now that's awesome. In fact, the Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon hasn't even been officially opened but we got a taste of what it was going to be like when it does.

The view from the balcony:


The living room and dining area. I think Tim is watching the Discovery Channel:


Our chap all relaxed and comfy. Note the pizza boxes stacked on the table. Because of him, I only get the armchair:


The kitchenette. I believe the washing machine will be replaced with an oven as soon as laundry services are in full working order at the residence:


It's a 2-bedroom apartment and we are bunking in with the resident manager (who happens to be away during this entire time) so we got to use the smaller bedroom. Our plush, cosy bed:


The mess we created in our bedroom:


The main bathroom, i.e. the one that we used:


Our throne:


The glass shower:


The manager's master bedroom:


And his sweet-arse bathroom complete with bathtub:

So we took a nap after that strange but hilarious coach ride in from Singapore, we woke up sometime in the evening and I gave Michelle's friend Tim a call. Yup, another Tim. He had very nicely agreed to bring us around (after a bit of prodding from Michelle) and that night, he took us out for dinner at a Chinese eatery and then for drinks at the Asian Heritage stretch where some nifty bars and restaurants are.

A view of the Petronas Towers from the Asian Heritage strip:


The other Tim:

Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of that night as I was more interested in absorbing the side of KL I had never seen before!


Now on to our second day! We had a slack day of shopping when Tim C. (Michelle's friend) brought us to Sungei Wang to show us his shop, and as soon as he dropped me off at Vincci, I was done! I found a cute pair of flats and was more than disappointed that I couldn't find more! Anyway, while I was doing this, Tim G. (ol' blue eyes) went to look around the place for a bit. After my spree, we went to the internet cafe to book our beds at the YHA Hostel for Bangkok and then proceeded to the nearby IT hub, Low Yat Plaza. Tim G. finally got the 300GB external hard drive he was so hard-up on buying. Yay for him!

After shopping, posing with the Menara KL:

We didn't do much that night, and went home to chill out instead. Tim G. wasn't feeling up for much so we called it an early night.


Our 3rd day and we're at the world's once-tallest building, the Petronas Towers and KLCC:


KLCC Park:


After that, since it was the weekend, I dragged Tim to the markets at Bangsar. I love that place because it is so bad, it's actually quite good:


You tend to see a questionable mish-mash of wares being put on sale such as bootleg Rolexes next to a guy selling ladies underwear. Then, perpendicular to that, you will find green grocers and fishmongers selling their foods just metres away from the family deep frying chicken and grilling otak-otak:


After walking through the markets, as promised, we meet my best friend Sheeda who now lives in KL (seen here cutting some dragon fruit for Tim to try):


Her fiance, Mark:


And his two boys, Connor and Jackson:


Tim trying out some pungent jackfruit:

We soon set off for dinner at a cute little Korean eatery where you have to take your shoes off and sit with your feet dangling in a recess under the table. Cool stuff.

Connor & Jackson devouring the food:


Tim proudly showing off his ever-improving chopstick-handling technique:

We moved off to buy bootleg DVDs after dinner for the two boys who were flying home to Perth the next day. Those crazy kids make me smile.

Our last day in Kuala Lumpur and it's Tim's birthday! I don't know what to do for this guy as he keeps saying "oh, anything is fine.." when I ask him what he wants to do. Of course, I had already planned to take him to the Hard Rock Cafe to embarass him but that would come much later.

I took him to Berjaya Times Square to check out the indoor amusement park and we went to watch King Kong in the IMAX theatre:

After walking around Times Square for a bit and buying myself the House Season 1 box set, it was time to have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. And time to celebrate Tim's birthday!

The Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur:


Tim with his burger. Oh, how he loves his American food:

After our meal of nachos and our individual mains, it was time for dessert! Of course, in Hard Rock tradition, they brought out the Birthday Brownie and got Tim to stand on his chair and announce to the whole restaurant that it was his birthday. I loved it! He was so embarrassed and of course, I delighted in it! Muahahahaha...

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Here he is with his brownie:

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We're off to Bangkok!