Ineffable Induction

The first week in Malaysia has just come to an end, and so has our stay in the “Universiti Di Malaya” (University of Malaysia). As the title suggest this past week was indescribable, but I am going to try my best. The week largely consisted of Bahasa Melayu (Malay Language) classes, with our brilliant guru, Mr. Samsur Rigal. Following these classes the students of Loughborough University wandered the various popular districts of Kuala Lumpur. When the cover of night came upon Kuala Lumpur, the students then emerged showing their true colours in some of the touristy drinking areas of the city, Loughborough style. It has been a week of ups and downs, but I have no doubt gained an edge with my new understanding of basic Bahasa Melayu.

Student's trying National Dress with Guru Samsur

Our first day in Kuala Lumpur was spent meeting the Vice Chancellor of the University for brunch, and a brief photo session. We were then permitted to wander free to get our fix of bargaining and haggling of electronic goods in the digital mall. These gave us the opportunity to try out KL’s version of the underground system, the LRT. The speed and efficiency of which took us all by surprise, as the traffic on the streets was a complete contrast. I managed to get a sweet deal on my new camera and got to practice my rusty haggling skills.

After leaving the digital we went right into the centre of KL, to have a look at the Petronas Towers and wander the fancy mall below. This is where I bought my shiny new work shoes, as the night clubs in Loughborough destroyed the pair I had planned to wear.

Fellow Students Looking for Office Shoes

This is where some of the students got to try out one of Asia’s greatest products, the massage chair. A product some of them never knew existed, and never dreamed of sampling.

 Massage Chairs!!

Back during our lunch break we befriended one of the students on the campus who had an interesting pet, which many of the students became fond of. 10 points if anyone can name it!

Mystery Pet!

After getting a taste of haggling in the digital mall I decided I wanted more, so I ventured to KL’s Chinatown with a few friends.

Market in Chinatown

A good start to my year in KL, I am now looking forward to moving into my new apartment in Subang Jaya, return here to see what it looks like!