Last day of KL

Well, Last I left you I was on my last night in KL. Instead of skipping straight to Vietnam, I thought I should tell you of my last day in KL because it was a bit of a duzzy (I don't really know how to spell that word, but picture, "Last steps a Duzzy").

Anyways, I woke up early determined to see the national Museum. Angel, my couchsurfing host, gave me a lift to the Petronas Towers that morning on the way to work. From there I went to the national Mosque so I could take pictures since it was closed on Friday. While I was there, I was awestruck by the beautiful and incredible architecture of the mosque. Something that I have became accutely aware of in my travels in Malaysia is my complete ignorance of the Islamic faith. I know the basics, but beyond that it is pretty foggy. And something that has struck me is the idea of and Asian Islam. I have always viewed Islam as such a Middle-Eastern religion I forget that the largest population of Muslims is actually in Asia. Anyways, so I had been wanting to learn more about Islam, Buddhism, and Toaism while travelling. Well at the mosque I was approached by a tour guide, and we started talking about Islam. Soon we were rather involved and she invited me to her office to talk. So we went down and I listened more until, finally I told her I had to go. My plane was going to leave soon and I must leave. So at this point it was 11:45. My plane was to leave at 6:05 that night. So plenty of time I figured. So I grabbed lunch, and then realized I didn't have my passport photos for my Vietnam Visa, so I had to grab those and print my airplane ticket off. So by this point it is now 1. I thought no problem, bus back to Angel's, pack, bus back to KL Sentral, catch the train and be at the airport by 4. Well, at around 2:09 I was still on the bus and realized that I think I had just missed my stop. After trying to work this out with a non-English speaking driver I immediately hopped off the bus. As soon as it drove away I realized that I had just left my international cell phone on the bus. So I crossed the street and waited at the other bus stop for my bus to return. And hour and a half later, No Bus! It was now 3:40 so I decide I can't wait any longer. Technically I should be at the airport in 20 minutes. So I run (in 95 degree heat) back to Angel's. Throw all my stuff into my bag, and hightail it out of their. Then I catch a cab to KL Sentral. "Not bad", I think, (not realizing I had left both my belt and travel towel at Angel's). So it is now 4:20 I rush in get directions to the high speed train. Buy the ticket to the international airport (which to me makes perfect sense since I am flying to Vietnam). No, no, no, no, no. Apparently regardless of where it goes all Air Asia flights go out of the domestic airport. So now I have a ticket to the International airport, and from there will have to take a taxi to the LCCT (the domestic airport). So I get on the train, wait 25 minutes, run off, go straight for an ATM, and take 30 ringgits for a taxi out (taking a little extra out since I figured I was going to want a nice stiff drink on the plane if I actually made it). Then I dash to a taxi. However, it is then that I realize the line for the taxi is through the door. "That's it! There is no way I make this flight." It thought. So I wait for a moment at the back of the line looking like a boy that has to use the bathroom badly. Finally I lean forward and explain my situation to the couple in front of me. They kindly let me pass. Doing this I proceed about 30 people up to the front of the line where the man directing taxi's says he has heard my story needs my ticket and he has a taxi ready for me. Little did I realize you had to buy your taxi ticket elsewhere in the airport, so at first I thought I just didn't have enough money. So I run back to the ATM, and take out more money, and then back to the taxi. Then back to the ticket counter (where I was supposed to go the first time), and then finally to the taxi and into one. It is now 5:10. It was one of those hurry up and wait moments. The taxi was normally 30 minutes, but I used a line I've always wanted to say. "I'll give ya all the money I have left if you get me there in under 20!" I said. So we did make good time, and I did handsomely tip, however by the time I got to the check-in counter it was 5:40. Of course, no registers were open so I had to go to costumer service, (where everyone takes a long time). Anyways, finally a register opened up, and me and a man in the same situation tell the man what happening. He looks at us and says, "Nope, I'm sorry that plane is unavailable" I said "you mean for baggage?" "No, it is already taxied to the runway." He replied. "A half-hour early!?" I yelled. Then he looked at me strangely and said "no not a half hour early". So at this point to hurry the process up I shoved my ticket in his face. It turned out, the man who was also late for his plane was late for a different plane. Mine, fortunately, was still waiting. So I bolted from there with a boarding pass, knocking people off escalators left and right. Tapped my feet anxiously through security, and continued to run to the gate. My plane left at 6:05, and I arrived at the gate promptly at 5:57! Just in time. Of course, then I got on the plane looking for a meal and a strong drink, and when they came around with the drink cart I asked kindly for a beer. He looked at me and then said they had no alcoholic beverage onboard. Muslim countries tsk tsk. Haha. Anyways, it all ended well. Except for my phone, towel, and belt. But technicalities. I arrived in Siagon safely, and had a lift waiting for me their who took me to where I was couchsurfing. Everything apparently had been worked out for me without even my knowledge. So it was great.

Now. Siagon. Well, I actually have to run now so I will tell you of Siagon next time. I'm in Hoi An right now.