Day 74 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By the time Viking Sky docked in the port for Kuala Lumpur, I had already decided that I would not be going ashore today. Tim took the included excursion, “A Glimpse of Kuala Lumpur,” but I needed another day by myself.

Even if I had been feeling up to par, I likely would have skipped the excursion due to the extreme heat, the terrible pollution, and the hour and a half drive each way. Although I felt somewhat guilty about missing this city, I accepted what was best for me. Many of the other passengers had come to the same conclusion as I.

Instead, I ventured out of my cocoon and spent much of the day in the Explorers Lounge. I wasn’t drinking, however. The lounge was just a pleasant place to write and process photos, which was exactly what I wanted to do.

Tim enjoyed his trip to Kuala Lumpur, and he shared a few photos of the highlights. He also recounted to me a few of the comments made by his guide. Although both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore were historic trading centers that grew into modern democratic cities, the two are vastly different.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with the Merdeka 118 Skyscraper Rising Above It;
Petronas Towers; and a Section of the Kuala Lumpur Skyline

Tim’s guide noted that Singapore’s stringent regulations have created an authoritarian type of democracy with a very high cost of living. Singapore residents, in fact, often come to Kuala Lumpur to shop since items are much cheaper. According to the guide, Kuala Lumpur may be a dirtier city, but it is more democratic with much more humanity.

In the afternoon, Tim and I watched the talk for George Town, Malaysia, our next port where we will remain overnight. I had already cancelled my excursion for our second day in George Town and had been wavering about whether to take the included tour on the first day. After much thought, I had pretty much decided that I would go.

Although I seemed to be returning to my old self, I once again skipped dinner and finished the potato chips instead. Again, that was quite satisfying.

I had debated as to whether I should write about these last few days, but felt it was important to be honest and include the not-so-good days as well as the fabulous ones. I had been on such a high ever since boarding the ship in Fort Lauderdale that it was only natural there might be low points at some point. None of this had anything to do with the cruise itself, however. In fact, I was so relieved to be back in the Viking Sky bubble. I still don’t quite understand what triggered these feelings, but they were certainly real.