Magnificient Malaysia
The journey to this part of the world was not an easy one. I have opted to stick to Emirates after my recent decision to dump Kenya Airways. For 10 years I have been loyal to death and the best I got from Kenya Airways were my hard earned miles, never a gesture of acknowledging me for my loyalty. Besides this, the experience of flying Kenya Airways, apart from being convenient especially in Africa has been far from my expectations. I have hence made a resolution that wherever route I have an option ceteris paribus, I will exercise my freedom hence my flight to Malaysia using Emirates.
On Emirates the service is unmatched and the connection is smooth. My maiden flight took me through Dubai where after a 4 hours lay over I connected at 3am for Kuala Lumpur or KL as I have come to foldly learn it is called. The flight to KL takes 6 hrs and lands at the International airport. It is quite pleasant to learn that this far away from home Kenyans do not require visas to enter Malaysia. I just hope that no silly Kenyans do something dumb that would change this anytime soon. I have posted a quote on twitter reflecting on the fact that "Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya" (Proud to be Kenya)
Apart from my experience on landing when my luggage took 3hrs to come through after which I discover it was on adifferent carousel, all has been well so far. One other incident that came to mind was how I was picked out form a big multitude to scan my bags. I do not understand this but i'd want to believe this was NOT due to some racial stereotyping, but who am I to complain? I suppose I am here at the mercy of the people of Malaysia. this makes me remember how important those words in the first page of your passport mean when you are in a foreign country. Just in case you forgot they go something like this:
These are to request and require in teh Name of the President of hte Republic of KEnya all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hinderance, and to afford him or her every assistance and protection which he or she may stand in need.
Powerful, isnt it? and sounds regal too...it transports me back to the times of hte Roman Empire where this would look great written on a scroll or parchment to boot. anyway, back to magnificient Malaysia...
The time differnece from the time at home is 5hrs. This means that if i wake up at 6am at home, in Malaysia I have been waking up at 1am and running through a straight day. My mind is physically present here and considering I am an insomniac this is not a big deal.
It is still the early days in KL and I have not had time to go into the city. I am looking forwad to Thursday afternoon when i will be able to go into the city and savor the best of the land.
