Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA:

I’ve wanted to visit the Petronas towers in Kuala Lumpur ever since I first saw them in the movie “Entrapment” back in High School.  At one time the tallest in the world, the towers are now only the second tallest in the city of Kuala Lumpur itself.  The Batu Caves were the highlight of the day:  Climbing the 500 steps into the colorful shrines in the limestone caves, passing dozens of monkeys hanging out within arms reach.  Seeing the factory floor of a major pewter company was intriguing as well. 

SINGAPORE:   Along with Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, Venice, Cairo, Dubai and St. Petersburg, Singapore ranks among the coolest cities I’ve ever visited.  I began my first day by visiting a famous Hawker Center (read: food court) in Chinatown to begin sampling the plethora of dishes for which Singapore is famous.  On the subway, Rasmus and I met two local girls who decided to become our tour guides!  They took us through the National Orchid Gardens and then bought us some of their favorite dishes at the Newton Hawker Center while the area was slammed with torrential rain.

The evening began with playing a round of virtual golf at “1-Altitude”, the highest situated bar in the entire world while sampling our first “Singapore Sling.”  After meeting more friends in the trendy bar area of Clarke’s Quay, we headed to a club which ranked in the top ten in the world.  It certainly did not disappoint. 

Tomorrow I reach New Zealand!  Pictures from Bali and Australia coming soon!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur)

Liquid pewter being poured to create handles (Kuala Lumpur)

The Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur)

an epic photo of the Singapore Skyline (with 4 "Brads")

Having some duck in Chinatown (Singapore)

A Buddhist ceremony in Chinatown (Singapore)

The national orchid gardens (Singapore)

Playing golf at "1-Altitude", the highest bar in the world (Singapore)

Drinks with friends at Clarke's Quay (Singapore)

The Singapore Skyline