Kuala Lampur

Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Textiles

KL is a fantastic mix of east and west, old and new.  The older architecture reflects the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and the newer architecture reflects the exuberance of the present.  Seeing the creative use of architecture in this part of the world makes me aware of how conservative and stodgy the US is in this field.  Rarely do I see a new structure that stuns or overwhelms.  It’s mostly just the same old same old with a few new flourishes.

While wandering around and exploring the city today we happened on the National Textile Museum.  It’s housed in an historic nineteenth century building and was almost totally deserted.  We saw not another soul as we explored. As we wandered through the galleries we saw breathtaking examples of ikat, tie dies, embroidery, and other wonderful fabrics. Many were several centuries old. After the bright sunlight of the street it was dim and cool with the fabrics highlighted with spot lights that made them glow.  

The air here is so soft and gentle.  We ate at a restaurant last night, sitting on a beautiful patio with tropical plants smelling sweetly of perfume and overhead fans gently whirling.  Very Graham Greenish.  The food was an amazing fusion mix of  Malay, Indian and Thai and really delicious. 

The city is a really interesting ethnic mix.  Many of the Muslim women dress in a secular manner, but those who do not are anything but austere.  Brightly colored head scarves in tones of peacock blue, shocking pink and citrus-y shades of yellow and green, often adorned with rhinestones or glittering pins seem to be the norm.  A few totally black abayas. But they are rare.

Fortunately our hotel is in a great location, right near the Petronas Towers.  We’re on the sixteenth floor and have big picture windows in the bedroom, living room and bathroom (yes) that look out over the whole city.  It’s fun at night to watch all the lights of the city. 

We’re still keeping an eye on Bangkok flooding as we’re supposed to fly through there on our way to Kolkata next week.  Heard from Jennifer that the flooding in Siem Reap is abating.