Malaysia Mourning

There was something that hung over Malaysia whilst we spent our two days there. It wasn't just the smoggy cloud that shrouded Kuala Lumpar in an eerie veil. Seven days prior to our visit, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 had left the city's airport with 239 people on board, bound for Shanghai - it was never seen again.

Kuala Lumpar had the feel of a place trying to come to terms with the tragedy, whilst also trying to continue with life as 'normal'. Our long bus journey from the airport gave us a glimpse into another hectic Asian capital city. Busy roads criss-crossed their way through first dense residential suburbs and then in between the high rises of business zones before finally reaching the narrower streets of old downtown Kuala Lumpar.

Our hostel was a friendly place - no frills, but comfortable and coveniently situated next to dozens of food outlets - always a good thing when you are travelling with Steve! We freshened up, grabbed a bite to eat and then got on the train to go and see the city's famous Petronas Towers. 

Once the tallest buildings in the world, the iconic twin towers stand arm in arm and define Kuala Lumpar's skyline. Even in thick fog they were an impressive sight.

The next day we wandered around the city centre and quite accidentally stumbled over a huge shopping mall. If we'd tried to walk around the complex it would probably have taken us all day, so we settled for exploring the food court instead!

Before leaving the mall we couldn't resist visiting a shop that was ideal for Steve. Throughout our journey, on the strict instructions of his three year old nephew, Steve is taking photos of himself wearing a Superman t-shirt in various places. The shop we walked into had the biggest collection of superhero toys, outfits and memorabilia that I'd ever seen and it offered Steve a great photo opportunity. We found a pair of Superman pyjamas and Steve promptly entered the changing rooms to transform into Clark Kent. 

My job was simple: take the photo. However, whilst I was waiting for the transformation, I started to read the comic strips that were plastered on the changing room doors and there at the bottom was written: NO PHOTOGRAPHS. So when Steve emerged in his pyjamas (which, incidentally, cost over £100!) I tried to surreptitiously take his picture. He obviously hadn't seen the sign as he proceeded to blatantly pose proudly!

We a managed to escape the store without being fined an then made our way back to the Petronas Towers to try and find our bus to the airport. We were frustrated to find the park surrounding the skyscrapers largely cordoned off, but soon realised that the lush green fields were soon to play host to a concert in aide of the 'rescue mission' for Flight MH370. In fact, everywhere you turned there were big billboards that bore the slogan #prayforflightMH370.

I don't think that our brief stay in Kuala Lumpar gave me the time to form a real opinion of Malaysia. The whole place seemed, understandably, somber - collectively holding its breath for news of the missing plane and the passengers. Tragically, it appears that news might never come.