Port Klang was place I had never heard of but we were going there. I had heard of Kuala Lumpor because a few years ago Toastmasters International held their Annual Convention there. Kuala Lumpor has a melodious name as does the country of Malaysia.
I have learned on this world tour that no two piers are alike. While “Klang” does not sound pleasant, I found the place we docked at Port Klang rather pleasing. There was a long wooden elevated walkway connecting us to a large quaint building. The walkway was shaded with a roof matching the one on the building.
Even though a short walk, or even no walk is preferred, a shaded walkway on wood beats the cement docks with hazards such as holes and sometimes even train tracks. The immigration procedure was pleasant and simple.
There were a variety of shops available right there inside the building. Many passengers appreciate this convenience of souvenir shopping without having to go far from the ship. The tour buses were conveniently parked right outside the front entrance to the building.
The hour and a half ride through the countryside was green and scenic. I discovered that Kuala Lumpor is a very modern city. There were freeway passes that reminded me of those in San Diego. What was not the same as I was accustomed to were the toll booths. Apparently the freeways are funded through toll charges. I found the signs amusing. The toll booth collection points had large signs saying “Touch and Go.” This has a tenuous implication in my mind. Nothing was tenuous about our tour.
One of the interesting things that happens in other countries is that we are often besieged by vendors. Usually, the products are something recognizable such as hats or postcards. When we stopped for a photo opportunity at a park near the Petronas Twin Towers, we were swamped by men and women selling some sort of lens for mobile devices. I think it must have been a “fish-eye lens” which would allow the photographer to incorporate the posing tourist and the 88-story buildings in the same picture. I am not sure anyone purchased one. I use a digital camera so the clip-on lens did not apply to me anyway.
I find it somewhat exhausting to politely but firmly say “no thank you” a dozen times in quick succession. This same situation occurs on the street where taxi drivers are trying to get you as a fare. It is similar to what happens to celebrities when they are besieged by reporters after some scandal.
On most tours, we are driven to high points for scenic views. Some tours take us to observation towers. We did not go up in the Petronas Twin Towers but instead went up in the world’s fourth-tallest communication tower—the KL Tower. It is 1,381 feet tall. We were treated to a stunning 360 degree view of the entire city.
Asia is the home of a variety of religions. Tours will often include stops at Buddhist, Hindu or Taoist temples, and Mosques or Churches. On this excursion, we were given a detailed tour of the Sze Ya Temple. I have to admit, this is not something I was particularly interested in seeing. Apparently this particular religion emphasizes astrological signs and the implications of the time of one’s birth in terms of health, prosperity and relationships. I took a picture of some bats that were making their home on a ceiling. If I recall, this was a good omen.
Our tour guide was a young woman who let us know she had 16 years of Catholic education and now is uncertain what she believes. This is the only tour guide, so far, who let us know he or she had an extensive Catholic education.
When we are on the ship, we have the opportunity to learn about the places we are visiting. Our speaker often cautions us about appropriate behavior when visiting places of worship. There are times shoes may not be worn. There are times additional covering is required. We are admonished to never interrupt a person in prayer. I chose to keep my distance out of respect for other people’s religious practices but I can understand how some of my fellow passengers might need some etiquette coaching in this area.
It was not that long ago when women would not consider wearing pants in a church and a hat or veil was mandatory. When I shared my thoughts on this matter with Mary, she reminded me that there were tourists wandering through St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York while we were attending Mass. I guess I should be happy that the folks in the various religious temples and mosques we visited did not proselytize.
Actually, toward the end of the day, I was ready to fake an interest in Buddhism. The weather in Kuala Lumpor was exceptionally hot and humid on the day of our tour. The last stop of the day was at “Central Market.” I quickly lost interest in the post cards and magnets Mary was examining.
Right at the entrance to the market was a four story air-conditioned Buddhist Temple that reportedly had an elevator and places to sit. I was so happy to get out of the heat, I probably would have listened to anything they had to say. Nobody tried to convert me to Buddhism and eventually it was time to get back on the bus. The long drive back to the ship was pleasant.
Sometimes, in San Diego, I notice people wearing shirts that list cities such as New York, Paris and Rome. If I were producing shirts like those in Malasia, They would proclaim “New York, Paris, Rome, Kuala Lumpor.” I found this city a nice place to visit. I liked the country of Malasia too. Well, the tag on the inside of the back collar will read “Made in Malaysia.”
