KL

1 Jan 07

I landed KL last evening, around 6~ish. It was a short flight, but there was a brief turbulent moment just before landing that was rather unpleasant. Other than that, He brought me to KL safe and sound. The queue at customs was horrendous for foreigners.

Of late, KL had deployed their airport staff to re-direct visitors to shorter queues, and I hopped onto the queue that was supposedly for premier visitors. Even then, the line was hardly moving.

The queue for local residents was practically non-existent, and when there was no one left on that line, some of us, including myself, jumped onto the queue and we were the first few to clear customs. Waiting for our baggage proved to be a little longer than I'd expected, considering the time we had already spent at customs gate. I took the time to buy a ticket on the KLIA express train. It was a swift and nice enough ride costing me 35RM.

The cab from the station to my hotel cost me 11RM, which included RM1 being the cost of baggage handling.

I stayed at the Traders Hotel KL, the Club floor. The hotel staff seemed really inexperienced in the hospitality trade. However, it was apparent they were trying their best to be professional, though they ended up coming across really dopey. They could hardly speak properly, and they seemed so inadequate. The staff also seemed really young, perhaps in their early twenties. I cannot understand why the hotel decided that it was good image to hire young twenkies to serve business travelers.

The saving grace must definitely be the hotel facilities. Being a new hotel, barely half a year old, everything was still spic and span and ultra modern. It has the atypical french chic meshed with the zen decor. The reception was the new open concept with no counters, but an open bar type round table with a built in desk top computer.

The blue coloured lights hidden behind brown wooden wall panels with recessed alcoves for art pieces added to the futuristic look. Arriving too late to enjoy the free eats from the club lounge, complimentary for club floor guests, I went over to KLCC for dinner.

It was great fun that the hotel had started providing buggy service to KLCC from the hotel. A casual walk to KLCC from the hotel would require about 15 minutes. I always liked riding on buggies. I would love to get to drive one.

The next time anyone is in KLCC, a good place to eat would be The Little Penang Cafe on the highest level, where Kinokuniya is. Otherwise, Madam Kwan's is also good. It would be nice not to have to travel alone though. KL is a great place to enjoy a nice meal with company.

En route to KLCC on the buggy, I shared the ride with a Dell executive from Penang; a sexy young lady, I suspect Indian, who told me she practically lives in KL. She goes back to Penang only on the weekends, and stays at Traders Hotel the whole week.

On the way back, I met up with a young man from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, who also told me he was staying in the Traders on a long term basis. He was studying and would come up to KL for a month each time, and stay in a hotel every time. I guess they must be rich or something. Why wouldn't they rent a service apartment?

Well, it has been a good morning today, with my first appointment over and done with. I am still trying to make an additional appointment and am wondering if I should extend my stay in KL for another night.

We'll see.