Delights and discomfort

Got a bit of a late start today, but it surely feels like we had a full one. We concentrated our town tour around Merdeka Square, where in 1957 Malaysia's own flag was first raised, as the country gained independence from Great Britain.

Merdeka Square is a study in contrasts. The new, dynamic, forward-looking Malaysia meets the remnants of a much simpler, travailed, but equally proud past.

Sultan Abdul Samat building

Some random information for anyone who may care. Malaysia is a kingdom. Its ruler however only holds power for 5 years, then a new king is selected, in rotating order, from the various sultanates that make up the country, thus providing equal representation.

The country's population is made up of Malays, along with Chinese and Indian descendants. Islam seems to be the primary religion.

It doesn't take much for me to start perspiring, and Kuala Lumpur's weather is like Miami in July, so visiting places in this town, albeit most interesting, can also be an exhausting experience. Diane does not sweat like I do, but the weather wears her down just as well.

The old train station

To be sure though, there are several Indoor markets, cafes and malls that offer respite.

KL's version of Chinatown was next on our trails.

Oh, the food!! After the sun sets, walking about is a lot more pleasurable. We discovered that the area where we are located, Bukit Bintang, is actually quite the happening spot. No more than a six minute walk away is a street that any foodie would call paradise. A mile long avenue of food stalls and restaurants that street-food junkies would die for.

We stopped in at a Thai-inspired stall and hit the spot. As for me, my Tom Yam seafood bowl was the best meal of the trip thus far. Diane's was equally good, but she loved her prawns the night before.

Tom Yam, Yum, Yum!!

Have a great day or night, wherever you are. Hasta mañana.