KUALA LUMPUR

City of Contrasts

In between trips to Thailand and Vietnam, Gerhard had a convention to attend in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Best known for the world's (now second to) largest building, the Petronas Twin Towers, there were other interesting sites to see. It was a 3+ hour road trip from Singapore, but Malaysia's highways are in great condition.

While Gerhard was in his sessions, I kept close to hotel, having been warned about some of the other parts of town. Gerhard and I visited these same areas on Friday afternoon and I would easily go there on my own next time. The market is really nice; all enclosed, clean and air conditioned!

I could have spent all day in the textile area; the most beautiful fabrics you will ever see. A typical Malaysian woman requires over 4 yards of fabric for their 'tudung', a long garment covering most of their body.

Malaysian law prohibits Muslim women from wearing burkas as, according to our friendly cab driver, they want to see that it is really a woman and prevent hidden explosives, etc.

The subject came up as our driver explained it was 'Arab season' in KL: many Arabs travel to KL during the hot summer months, mostly to shop. The Arab women all wore black burkas, with a small slit for their eyes. The men, on the other hand, wore Western clothing - sloppy shorts, baseball caps on backwards, designer sunglasses. Quite a double standard, especially in the grueling midday heat.