Every day is a new experience reminding me of where I am. Waking up to the purr of the air conditioner, the sun rising strongly up between the KLCC skyscrapers, the sound of roosters crowing in the distance, smoky horizons and the regularity of sounds of prayer calling in the mosques which is never far away.
In the lifts, there is a delightful 'notice on hanging cloths' to explain to residents not to hang their washing outside on the verandas. This makes me smile. I am learning a useful phrase, honest, amusing and most annoying. 'No, cannot,' when there is something for which I ask, however nicely. No broken promises and no time wasted in getting that answer in a round about way. Still I am unused to such honesty and I take a deep breath to absorb this information. My self deprecating sense of humour sometimes gets me smiles and laughter as well as unexpected help.
My attempts to speak Bahasa Malaysia have failed miserably and people seem to understand better when I speak English!
At the wet markets the soy milk lady chastises me as she does her other regular customers. 'Have a good day' I say. 'Every day is a good day' she says gruffly, the corners of her mouth upturning very slightly.
The heat of the day rises and consumes as I tread the uneven pavements. In the second week at the Ramadan markets, I stand on a used kebab stick drawing blood and a look of worry from my partner. I am a fairly clumsy person (on land anyway) and slip on sandals seem inappropriate here.
I decide to go and buy sensible closed shoes.
I am becoming used to the sights and sounds of building construction wherever I look. Half finished condominiumms and office blocks soar into the air. Construction workers perilously lean over with no barriers. Rail links are being built everywhere and this all adds to the dust and traffic chaos that is KL.
Although we have bought a car, I am hedging my bets more on the taxi drivers. 'Waze' is going to have to be my new friend if I want more independence!
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