If KL was a football match it would have been described as a match of two different halves. The first half seeing us beaten down by the wearisome crowds, the heat, the humidity and the choking pollution of chinatown KL. Almost rushing back to the airport and heading off to somewhere a bit easier on the nerves. Whilst the second half saw us totally at ease, having fun, enjoying ourselves and some of the delights of the more upmarket districts of the city.

One of the most beautiful and easily the most impressive buildings that we visited in KL. The Petronas Towers were the worlds tallest buildings until 2003. Though I'm told they weren't built by the Malaysians. Actually, they weren't even built by the same firm from the same country! One being built by a Japanese and the other by the Koreans. We didn't get to go to the top or the vistors viewing area. Instead we had luch with Karen and browsed the huge mall inside, that housed a whole host of designer label shops- Calvin Klein, Chanel, Gucci,etc. Who said that Malaysia was a developing country?

Though the highlight of the day was going to dinner with Karen, Michael,Karen's parents and other relatives. We had a Chinese New Year celebration dinner. Even though not being celebrated until the being of Feb, we were treated to many different dishes accompanied by beer and the best of brandy.

After a few of these Karen's uncle, Hong Kong-yes, that's his name!- got up and sang some karoke. Much to our laughter and delight(!!!), he sang The Green Grass of Home word and tone perfect. Like the man himself, he was standing there singing the song for an Irish ex-pat audience. Then, not to be outdone, Karen's dad got up and finished off the session with a few of his own. I cannot remember what he actually sang, I was too busy cracking up. But it was brilliant and funny. They knew then all. And could sing better than the best of us.