We caught the ferry from Georgetown on the island of Penang to Butterworth back on the mainland, if they sound English it's because Malaysia was a colony until 1950's. We got off the ferry and immediately beneath the ferry’s passenger departure terminal is a huge interstate bus depot - we were relieved because it was a beautiful day also very hot and our packs 20+kg each. A tout greeted us downstairs at the bus depot - it was his lucky day we had missed all the buses to the east coast by 20mins, so we decided on his bus south to Kuala Lumpur (KL). He cheerfully told us that the journey was on a nice luxury coach and that we would be in KL in 3hours. The coach was lovely and we paid the man, stowed the bags under the bus and climbed aboard. Still sitting there a hour later we began to wonder when the bus might leave. Eventually when the bus was full it left and it took 6 hours to get to KL. Yet again we were reminded never trust a tout... In KL we had a rough idea of where to stay but it was late so we booked into a cheap hostel near the bus station and walking distance to China town and the markets. The Room was basic and a bit smelly but had a great view and was a good price for KL. The next day we wandered through the neighbourhood we were staying in and stumbled across Merdeka square with its huge parade-ground surrounded by old colonial buildings - the whole area was dripping in flags which we were told it was for National Day on the 31st of August to celebrate the nations independence gained in 1963. On the edge of the square we found the National Museum, a fantastic museum, which takes you step by step through Malaysia’s fascinating history. And even better - it was free! We walked a little further into the area known as Little India for some lunch and then explored the colourful (and air-conditioned!) Central Market. Everywhere you go in KL, you constantly catch glimpses through the concrete jungle of skyscrapers of the spectacular KL icon the Petronas Towers – they are the second highest building in the world and are massive! That night we had a load of beers, were entertained by a street magician, had a delicious pork hotpot for dinner, had a few more beers and chatted to a couple of 21-year-old American guys who were working in KL as storytellers, travelling from school to school to tell stories to the kids – what a great job!!! Sadly, thanks to our new-found friend, Tiger Beer, the next day was a bit of a write-off, but luckily KL has lots of lovely green areas to relax in the shade and rest your aching head. As the following day was National Day, we had decided to stick around for an extra day instead of heading to Kuantan on the east coast as we were guessing the celebrations would be amazing - the night before from our hotel we had seen a huge firework display lighting up the sky, raising our anticipation for the next day events. As it turned out the celebrations had been moved to Kuantan - where we were supposed to be! We'd missed the celebrations but Benedict a friend from my old job at T5 was in town. He had just arrived in KL from the UK and a holiday in Singapore. Benedict insisted that he take us out for a lovely Malaysian meal – what a treat! We arranged to meet up with him later that evening in the Hilton in the adjoining city of PJ, where his wife’s family live. Benedict arrived with his sister-in-law, Shanti, the queen of local knowledge, who told us about a great restaurant nearby if we liked seafood – and we really do. Benedict had totally re-adjusted the night’s schedule to fit us in – we had dragged him away from his niece’s birthday party – so once at the restaurant Shanti proceeded to order a feast - prawns, crab, fish, satays and a heap of side dishes – before dashing back to the party. We couldn’t believe how much there was when it arrived – there’s no way 3 people would be able to get though it…but we did!!! It was an awesome meal! Thanks Benedict! After the meal Benedict invited us to his family’s house where his neice’s 9th birthday party was in full swing, complete with tiara. Although we knew no one there besides Benedict and Shanti, with this friendly bunch, it wasn’t long until we were chatting to everyone! The family are all great fun and also gave us a few travel tips for our continuing journey through Malaysia. Later that evening Benedict his wife Joanna, their daughter and Shanti took us to the night markets. These markets really packed with stalls and punters busy, you can buy nearly anything there – there are a lot of designer clothing, watches, luggage etc that look real but are a fraction of the real piece’s price. Joanna and Shanti were great to shop with - she being Malaysian can get a far better price from the shopkeepers than we could! We added to our DVD collection, Nik bought a handbag and Benedict bought us a leaving present! Thanks Benedict and Family for all your hospitality – we really had a great evening and look forward to when you can come and stay with us in Australia!