Hello again,
Yes, it's been a long time since my last post, about 5 minutes. But I need a bit of substance here or what are people going to read? Basic rule of economics my friends 'Build it and they will come' (hopefully).
Well Andy and myself got into KL about 6 nights ago and had a hefty first couple of days walking around the city. It's without doubt a city on the move in every sense! The modern skyscrapers that rise sporadically out of the skyline and the gargantuan shopping malls on every corner are a testament to the rapid economic development that the country hopes will make it a first world country by 2020.
However, such development leaves traffic congested with the exception of the scooters which nimbly filter through. It's also a very polluted city. The wellbeing of the environment is evidently not as important as prosperity here. One only has to buy something to see that everything comes served on a plastic bag, even a can of Coke! Its also unfortunate that Malaysia's logging of its rainforest has also left large swathes of deforested land which can be seen from motorways connecting the cities. Compared to Bali however, where everything was simply dumped beside the road Malaysians seem like eco-warriors! One can only hope that these countries can grow to support the infrastructure needed to take care of their rubbish and keep the landscape beautiful.
Anyway, I decided to go to Malacca whilst the Thai embassy sort out my visa, leaving Andy until we meet up again in Koh Phangan. Malacca is a beautiful town on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, which due to its geographical position was a major trading town in south-east Asia, and was thus prized by the colonial powers. It was controlled firstly the Portuguese, then the Dutch and then finally the English, with each culture leaving their mark on the town largely in it architecture and food. Add to this blend a large Chinese community and a few Indonesians and you're left with some of the best cheap food I've come across while I've been away.
Whilst Malacca is only a couple of hours away from KL by bus it seems a million miles away in terms of pace of life. I was there for three days and paced through two novels. It's welcome relief after the hustle and bustle of KL! The hostel I stayed in, Jalan-Jalan guesthouse was great. Its owner Sam was a really friendly local guy and the people there were all social too which is one of the best things you can find in a hostel. On the first night (before I became a recluse and just read for two days) I met a couple of girls from Manchester and went out for dinner and a few beers with them resulting in us watching what was probably the worst live music ever performed within a licensed establishment. Bless the poor local girl on the stage but I'm sure some of the patrons thought she was a comedy act!
I'm back in KL now, ready to pick up my visa for Thailand and head to Penang. I went to a huge shopping mall earlier which must have had at least eight floors. Inside it had not one but two cinemas and ...wait for it ...a bloody theme park complete with a rollercoaster going through it! Aside from this though the mall was full to the brim with fakes and stuff one would expect to find at a Saturday market! Even its name 'Times Square' is a rip-off of the superior shopping mecca. I ended up watching The Expendables in one of the cinemas, where I'm sure the person who set the air-conditioning had confused it with his refrigerator back home.
Thats pretty much it for now. Like I say I'm off to Penang tomorrow or the day after so I should have another update for you all in a few days .
Thanks for reading.
Afternoon,
ReplyDeleteA very intriguing read Daniel. I appreciate the use of language when describing the local area, as it seems a remarkable place to be in, but also the way in which you are able to relate it to the western world. What are your thoughts on globalisation that is affecting the area which you are inhabiting? And in your opinion, is the inequality gap between rich and poor something you would be concerned about?
Luke
Sometimes, big city just ruined the image of the places that are associated with it. The damage that it inflicts sometimes have great effects on other places which provides safe haven for others. Dan, go and visit some other places other than the big city, it will be much more fun.
ReplyDeleteJune (Monkee Inn)
Luke I am going to struggle to answer this comment sensibly as it is quite obvious that you are taking the pish!
ReplyDeleteBut I will try...
Whilst the poorer people within KL are highly visible, the amount of investment in infrastructure and new business is good to see. It suggests that the country is moving forward and that the country's poor can look forward to a much brighter future.
What is also encouraging is the governments attempts to ensure that the entire of its populace are looked after despite a large gap between rich and poor. By ensuring that the large profits of the huge companies such as Petronas, who extract the natural resources of Malaysia, are equally distributed amongst the people through subsidised schooling, utilities and infrastructure.
Through spreading the wealth of these companies amongst the people, the Malaysian government further encourages growth through stimulating the industries in which they invest, and thus creating jobs.