Hey guys, here's our Kuala Lumpur blog - finally! Having a fantastic time.

Another of many coach trips saw us arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KL) in the afternoon. We left the cold coach into the warmth of the city. Although hot and humid, definitely cooler than Singapore and Melaka. The slightly lower temperature and the fact that we were acclimatised made it more bearable. We walked to the hotel from the bus station and could instantly sense the energy of the place and feel the buzz of all the swarming activity. The streets were packed with cars, mopeds, people pushing carts of fruit, meat and ice around. The pavements were crammed with people selling a vast aray of items from food and cans of western drinks to watches and bags. We hurriedly dodged the traffic, weaving in between cars and dashing away from the mopeds and at the same time trying not to step in the bowls of dirty dish washing water lining the pavements. One wrong move would have seen one of us becoming part of a sizzling beef in black bean sauce dish. The smells were amazing our senses in overdrive. So much to take in. This really was Asia and it was fantastic. KL gave us a really good feeling and we were treated to a wonderful supersize serving of real life Asian culture. The smells were an erratic mixture of cooking meat, fruits, exhaust fumes, the unmistakable pooey - fruity smell of Durian fruit and a hint of drains for good measure. Our heads full of sounds of misfiring engines, rasping mopeds, shouting and sizzling woks - Fab!!

We've had a great time in KL and the food was simply fantastic - quite spicy and very flavoursome. During our time here, to name but a few, we have visited the Lake Gardens, Butterfly Park, Pewter Factory, Bird Park, been to the top of the Menara Tower and visited the magnificent Batu Caves - 272 steps up in the rock face. It's guarded by a 140ft golden Hindu statue together with hundreds of wild and inquisitive monkeys - just a foot or so away from us, watching our every move and waiting to rob us of food, watches and cameras.

Another highlight was the night market in China Town. Wow! Another assault on the senses! Tiny narrow ways between market stalls selling watches, bags, material, scarves, jewellery - all the usual. It was a great experience getting carried along in the ocean of bargain hunters. The stall holders all want to make a sale and earn a living and so are constantly shouting out - "come look on my stall" "nice watch sir?" "Pretty madam, a bag for you?" Although we were getting gestured onto the stalls by every one of them they were not pushy. One wave of the hand or a no thankyou was enough, which stopped you wanting to just rush by. We had a bit of fun haggling a couple of stall holders and achieved a few bargains.

We would definitely recommend KL to anyone wishing to have a real life taste of Malaysia and a massive culture shock. It's such an interesting place and full of unexpected occurences. It really makes you feel alive! There's just too much to write about so check out our pics and look out for the next blog when we find ourselves marooned on Sukasuka; an unclaimed island, inhabited by only one family, herds of water buffalo and several gibbons.

love Rachel and Darryl x