Saturday Night in Kuala Lumpur

I’m standing on a piece of concrete that is rare in a Kuala Lumpur street scene, a walkable footpath, clutching a plastic bag of pirated, just bought DVD’s. Lina has been drawn into the next door clothes shop, its gravitational pull always too strong for her to resist. Our Saturday night is reaching its conclusion, beginning with a visit to a restaurant we have heard much about, but have never been, 5 minutes from our home. We had both noted the absence of a hearty appetite, however as is customary here, ordered enough dishes to satisfy one – just in case. We didn’t want to miss out on anything and I had heard the pork spare ribs are a treat. As frequently happens, the majority of the food was disposed of........down our throats.

Another 5 minutes up the highway to Bangsar for coffee and cake and the shopping. Other married men will be familiar with this scene. Pacing the pavement beyond the shop front, watching the street life go by as his wife stalks the clothes racks with frightening intent. The alternative option is trailing in their wake, glancing around, wishing - hoping, that something of interest to you would appear. Is a holographic image of an All Black test match too much to ask? In my extensive experience – yes. For some men this would be their definition of emasculation. I wouldn’t go that far, but I will happily forego it for the delights of watching the parking offenders across the street negotiate their ‘instant’ fines and counting the number of red Protons that pass.

I am summoned, rather sheepishly. This suggests my opinion will be sought as to whether the outfit makes her look fat. I quickly survey for any holograms before resigning to my fate. I am pleasantly surprised this time however as I am introduced to the owner. It turns out that she dabbles in Interior design and, glancing at her business card, this is but one of a smorgasbord of services on offer which include, film making, clothes design, and shop fitting design. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving in Malaysia. Her photo resume of previous work is close at hand, and because our family is planning a move to more spacious, or more specifically, less shoebox-like accommodation, this was of personal interest. Many of these properties, she says, are owned by the very rich, most of whom have no taste. Unfortunately, during our time in Kuala Lumpur, we have seen little to disprove this. The home mentioned in the previous blog entry excepted. A promise is made to call her when we make the move and we leave laden with shopping bags.