This past weekend some friends from church and I drove to Kuala Lumpur for a weekend away from Penang. I was glad to take a little trip--I definitely needed a change of pace and scenery. I stayed at a friend's uncle's house, who gave me his life story in 3 parts, a few of which were in Chinese, I think. That's him pictured in a lawn chair in his family room--he slept there that night too...a lawn chair...in his family room. So I got into KL and went to take some pics of the Petronas towers (2nd tallest building) at night. I arrived to see a beautifully-lit, Islamic architecture-styled building. I stepped out of the car, and the lights shut off immediately. Fortunately, my cam was still able to take some cool pics. Later that night was an experience...I saw more lady-boys than I ever have seen and ever will see (I vow to you now) again. I got way too many looks and really had to just keep moving through the club street--our group didn't go into any clubs...needless to say. The next day, after waiting in line for an hour and a half (getting the last of the tickets), I went up to the sky bridge which provided a great view of the city. After checking out the KL tower (5th tallest tower), the rest of the group and I walked for what seemed to be days checking out different malls etc.--like I said, a bit touristy for my taste, but a fun time nonetheless. That night, after listening to a little jazz at an outdoor concert, I went home and crashed. Some dimsum for breakfast with our host and I headed back to Penang smelly and in need of sleep. I was glad to check out KL for the first time and I'm anxious to head back to see Thaipusam, a Hindu forgiveness holiday during which thousands of pilgrims climb 270 steps to a Hindu temple in Batu caves north of the city. Although that may not seem too interesting, the pilgrims put long, thin, metal rods through their skin....keep checking out my blog:-P