The Malaysia Adventure Begins: Kuala Lumpur

First impressions:
Plane Ride excruciatingly long. Felt like I had giraffe legs–could not get comfy!
Hong Kong:
Beautiful lush green mountains, stunning rock-rimmed ocean Islands, sky scrapers extraordinaire! City very compact in valleys and coast and mountains left in their natural lushness–I was impressed by the compactness of Hong Kong. N. American cities have much more sprawl and the mountains would have been housed the the tippy top.
Kuala Lumpur:
Lush jungle covered mountains, coast has acres and acres of giant palms trees. Kuala Lumpur if fairly compact also. Main centre high rises and caters the the rich Arab visitors: Extreme high end hotels and shopping malls. Very humid and hot.

Flying over the South China sea was amazing. Coral reef  islands everywhere. I can understand why it has the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
I fell asleep in the cab on the way to the hotel. Liked the cab–leather seats, shoulder seat belts. Though, cell phone use while driving seems to be encouraged here. Arrived at the hotel after falling into deep sleep and removing myself from the cab was difficult as my giraffe legs had turned into cement suddenly.
Hotel odd: must leave room card in a slot for the lights to work. Cannot figure out home to get the tub drain to plug so one can bathe. This is a 5 * Westin!
Overwhelmed by the Arab Muslim tourists. The women in their burkas and trench coats pulled over the entire ensemble to add to their attempt to disappear under the weight of the fabric. The men strolling around in comfortable outfits like they own the world.
As a woman and feminist, I want to scream in rage! This female oppression is appalling. And the world turns a blind eye for the most part.
Had amazingly good Indian food last night. The mall across from our hotel houses 7 floors of the most exclusive clothing shops in he world–again catering to the wealthy Arab tourists.

My ulcer has crept back. I knew it was simmering the past week: coated tongue that I can’t brush away is the first symptom. If I drink orange juice, or eat spicy Indian food, first I feel so bloated and full instantly and then I feel really nauseous and must rest it off for about 1/2 hour- 1 hour until the nausea goes away. Will eat small portions of very bland food for the rest of the trip and try to find some Tums to keep it from getting any more inflamed.
Today: explore the essence of Kuala Lumpur.
I’ll let you all read this now and then add the photos later today.