Sunday 1st February, KL

Today's guided tour was a four hour 'Chef's tour', proving, as they say in their blurb, that Malaysian food is a lip-smackingly complex beast. Wow, it was amazing indeed. 8 cafes and more than 15 food or drink tasters. Nim - food scientist by day, tour guide by night - raced us through some of the most colourful market stalls I have ever seen. Only half of the wonderfully fresh ingredients were remotely recognisable! She poured out uninterpretable names of intriguing-looking fruits, vegetables, herbs, roots, leaves, before giving us our first sit-down food-stop at a cafe, which included a 'make-your-own roti' lesson. Then a continued romp through the bustling lanes and markets, dodging the ubiquitous scooters and impatient taxis, buying as she went and throwing tasty surprise after questionable surprise at us to bite, suck or chew. An occasional sit down. A sink to wash sticky fingers at. Always a description, and often a question: Which was your favourite? Did you like that? I don't eat that, can't stand it, but some people love it! Would you like some more?

Mee goreng Mamak & Roti canai - Najas
Cendol & durian - Manman place
Snakeskin, mangosteen, rambutan, logan
Putu bamboo
Curry laksa & beef noodle soup - Laksa Kg Baru
Grilled fish - Mie Ayam King
Fish cracker , Banana Fritters
Peanut Satay
Nasilemak & Chicken Rendang - Wanjo
Mango smoothie

A fabulous experience, which I intend to repeat in other cities along the way.

A midnight massage is sometimes exactly what one needs, don't you find? And in KL you can find whatever you wish for at least until 3 in the morning, so after the food feast and after a shower in the room we joined the masses once again and succumbed to the glory of a 90 minute full body Thai massage. Slept like a KL street dog.Read more