I've made it, all the way to the northern hemisphere!
Unfortunately my introduction to Malaysia was far from pleasant. I made my way from the airport by rapid express train to the central station then by cab to a recommended hostel. It looked pretty rough but that’s to be expected I guess for budget traveling. I checked in and then went back down to the street to explore and locate some local currency. It’s hot and sticky, even at 2am, and there are come noxious smells about. Buildings clamber over one another and are encrusted with randomly placed air-conditioning units, looking like some sort of bizarre techno-limpet. I managed to get some money from a hole in the wall and some watermelon from a street vendor and returned to my dingy room. It was late and the end of an exciting day so I decided I should recuperate for the madness that was sure to lie ahead. Pretty soon I was dozing off, despite the racket of the street below. But then I realized I was being bitten, not by mosquitoes but by those filthy, flat bed bugs. I tried to avoid and ignore them, using a good dose of insect repellant but it was no good. I woke in the night sweating, covered with bites and beginning to feel really ill. I gulped some antihistamines, aware I was having an allergic reaction. Not knowing what to do I walked out of the place and began roaming the streets, looking for somewhere more suitable. I was attempting to keep a low profile because I was obviously pretty messed up, and I had no idea what time in the morning it was.
Soon I was asked if I needed a room and I wearily recounted my saga, exposing my devoured hip as proof of the seriousness of my condition. Pretty soon I was being offered a warm shower, my pack was being chemically insecticide (die you dirty bastards) and some soothing ointment applied. I slept, in peace this time, until late in the day, before venturing out into the busy street for a breakfast of beef curry (don’t ask me why, but I was damn hungry).
During the day I made a mission on the train to the KLCC complex where the twin towers, the worlds tallest building stands. I explored the busy and congested street market and ate some fruit. I’m still trying to form my impression of this place, its people and its culture. It’s certainly a lot different to Bali.