Kuala Lumpur

The Petronas Towers are the symbol of Kuala Lumpur. But I have to admit it is hard not to be impressed especially by night. There was a time where they stood as the tallest construction on earth but they have since been dethroned by the Sears Tower in Chicago and Taipei 101 in Taiwan. Last time I came to KL the neighbouring Indonesian fires where raging and it made it impossible to even see the top of the towers. This time around things are much clearer but I am still unsure it is worth taking the pain queuing for the vista. They are much better looked at than looked from.

Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok truly is a good surprise. I was strangely not expecting much from this city but some of the sights I visited today just took my breath away!

We first started by a ride on the Skytrain and continued on a ferry up the Chao Praya River to Tha Chang. The cruise itself was interesting but the view of the temples on each sides of the bank only was an appetizer for what was to come once at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The buildings themselves are enough to amaze you. Every corner offers a new sight. After taking the general view of golden stuppas, chedis and colourful and decorative rooftops you start deciphering smaller details. And it goes on and on. What about those extensive galleries? This sight really has to be seen to be believed.

The other mindblowing experience is the Chatuchak market. That has to be the most amazing market I have seen in my life so far. I am sure we did not even cover a 10th of its surface. We concentrated on the antiques, pets and clothing sections. But there are so many more articles and food items on display. A feast for all the senses.

Bay Waterfront

If you stand in front of the Merlion (as pictured in yesterday's port) and you look on your right hand side you will have a nice view over the Bay waterfront Complex. It is composed of two durian shaped buildings (you can only see one on this picture) housing theatres, concert and opera halls. It is also fronted by numerous luxurious hotels. On the other side is the future casino complex which, for the moment, only is a big field of cranes and other construction equipment.

Lion City

I have noticed that I have not featured many Singapore icons until now. Therefore I have decided to stroll the city by night these coming days (sorry but I am working during daytime) to snap a few of its symbols. The best way to start is definitely with the half mermaid half lion called the Merlion that was created by the tourist office in the 60s to market the City. You will see it on any souvenir T-shirt, mug or chocolate. I still do not understand how it can attract the crowds but obviously the Tourist office plan worked exactly the way they wished.