Day 1 Friday 1 August
Singapore & Kuala Lumpur (1)
I flew Singapore Airlines to Singapore, departing Perth Airport at 9am Friday 1 August.
My wife Susanne, son Courtney, daughter Maia, Susanne's mum and my best friends Colin and Yvonne were at the airport to send me on my way. I was feeling sad but excited, and a little guilty about leaving Susanne behind. However, once through the gates the excitement and that wonderful feeling of freedom took over. After six months of planning, I was on my way!!!
I settled into the flight, having a couple of beers and had a good laugh watching a rather silly "Jungle 2 Jungle". There was an hour stop-over in Singapore before flying to Kuala Lumpur on a 747 full of commuters returning to KL for the weekend. I was going to KL to visit my youngest son Fletcher who was playing in a jazz group in cafes and bars. From the baggage collection area in KL airport I could see Fletcher standing head and shoulder above the Malaysians (he's about 6'2"). It was quite an emotional reunion with my son.
The smog was thick and the traffic dense in KL, so I was not all that impressed. It took about 50 min to drive to Fletcher's condo. It was hot! My body was screaming for a pair of shorts and some sandals. Fletch and I had a quick (cheap) meal at a roadside eatery - very tasty! It was then off to Modesto's club and bar in the centre of KL where the kids were playing. They did a great job. I was surprised because when they left Australia, Spectrum was a relatively quiet, piano-bar jazz band, yet here they were blasting out rock and "rocked-up" jazz in a noisy night club atmosphere. I had a few beers and really enjoyed myself.
After the show, we called in to an Indian restaurant and I had a magnificent curry chicken. Yum!
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Day 2 Saturday 2 August
Kuala Lumpur
Fletcher and I had a quiet day together. In the morning we went into the city which was just like one big construction site in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in 1998. We went into the central market area and it was great to again be experiencing the unique energy, sounds and aromas of an Asian city. For lunch, I introduced Fletcher to Laksa. In the afternoon we returned to the condo and relaxed by the pool.
At about 7pm I left for the airport to return to Singapore. Poor Fletcher - he gets so emotional at parting. It was so sad leaving - tears were flowing. As I was leaving, I wished I could have spent more time with him. I was missing him and the rest of the family terribly at this sad time. I kept thinking "What have I done?".
I arrived safely in Singapore and checked in to the Excelsior Hotel at 11pm. I then walked down to Clarke Quay for a couple of beers and another yummy Asian meal (beef in black bean sauce & rice).
Beijing tomorrow. Wow!Top Back to Map Index