The jury's out

Is it better to travel to KL in one hop or split the journey by flying via Dubai? I'm not sure as the latter made for a longer journey however it did mean a break and a flight across the desert(ed) wilderness that is Iran (I think). I think I've just answered my own question although it did provide a view of the oil wells (it's the second photo, in case you were wondering).

We arrived in Dubai at just after midnight and spent a few hours counting the number of Western coffee shops (I spotted Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Costa Coffee). Armani, Vulgari or (something similar), Boots and W H Smith were also represented.

Finally, we were taken by shuttle bus on a 20-minute magical mystery tour around the perimeter of Dubai Airport (including traffic jams at 3 in the morning) to what seemed like a car park where we found a free Boeing 777, which took us to Kuala Lumpur.

Arriving at 3.00 pm and not being greeted by Mr Mok (we found out later that a ban had been imposed on private taxi firms collecting fares at KLIA), we took the airport taxi service (found immediately before the arrivals lounge and much cheaper than anything else on offer) to the Prince Hotel in KL.

The view from the hotel is not quite what it was last year (no Petronas Towers for example) but isn't bad...

After a brief rest, we went on a Tiger hunt but found only Asahi in a bar nearby and outside the Pavilion shopping centre. It was 'happy hour' apparently but at those prices, it didn't bring much happiness. To make up for this, Chris and I headed off to a more traditional part of KL that has street cafes, which are cheap and cheerful and have a ready supply of Tiger Beer. Also, a DIY toilet that requires customers to scoop water out of a trough to flush the toilet (an added bonus).

Today was the first day on campus and we were, as always, afforded a great welcome. Also, treated to a lunch of, in my case, noodles and watermelon juice, in Seminyeh village.

We wrapped up the day with a visit to the area near the Petronas Towers, which was swarming with ex-pats (mainly Australians). And my old friend, Tiger Beer. Cheers and good health.