We took a tour to the capitol of Malaysia today. Starting with the impressive Batu Caves, it was explained that these gigantic limestone formations were discovered about 120 years ago. The Hindu's have since erected many temples, and a pilgrimage happens every year during the 3 days of Thaipusam. We walked the 272 steps to the top, giving our legs a much needed workout. The large golden statue outside is a local landmark and the caves are dedicated to Lord Subramaniam (Muruga). It had rained earlier, so our visit had the normal drippings from the cave openings, and the usual visits of the local monkeys hoping for handouts. From there we had a brief stop at a batik factory, then onwards to the National Monument war memorial sculpted by Felix de Weldon (the creator of the Iwo Jima monuments in Washington, DC), the Petronas and KL Towers (we chose not to go up), the King's Palace, the City Gallery, Merdeka Square (also known as Independence Square in the heart of colonial KL, where Malaysia declared their independence from Great Britain in 1957; this is also where the running and drinking club of the Hash House Harriors started in 1938!), and then to busy Chinatown for a delicious, authentic Chinese supper. We drove past the National Mosque, the KL Train Station, Little India and the Lake Gardens. Two million people live in KL, and the variety of shops, goods and foods available is staggering.
Pic: The King's Palace
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