Fantastic Friday - Memories of Malaysia

July, 10 years ago… I went back to Malaysia for the traditional Hindu ceremony that’s held one year after the passing of a family member; this one was for my mum. We were going to go together as a family, but Neil’s mum had passed earlier that year, and he didn’t want to leave his dad, which was understandable. I didn’t want to miss the ceremony so we decided the best thing was for me to go on my own, just for a week. But I didn’t go alone.

My lovely Hatty had been going through a hard time herself, having lost her beloved grandfather. I suggested she come with me. To my delight, her husband agreed. She was so excited, it was unbelievable, she’d never been anywhere further than Spain!

We were lucky when booking our flights – got an amazing flight-hotel deal, staying at the Shangri-La, of all places. Never stayed in a posh hotel before or since!

That trip had sad moments for me, but there were good times too, seeing my home town through someone else’s eyes. Kuala Lumpur had never looked so beautiful to me, thanks to Hatty.

Murugan statue at Batu Caves - a network of limestone caves - with the 272-step climb to some of the caves and the inner temple

Up the steps we go... me puffing like a steam train!

One of the long-tailed macaque monkeys that have free run of the place - love that expression!

Hatty and me after climbing the steps - still smiling!

And... more steps leading to the inner temple

Petronas Twin Towers

At Selangor Pewter

At Kuan Yin temple

Part of the temple roof 

View from the top level of the temple - KL Tower and Twin Towers

Dragon motif on outer wall

Shangri-La: outside terrace and interior