Today was an excellent chance to visit the Thaipusam Festival at Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! We saw the Hindu festival in Penang one winter and last year we were here. Jay went with his sisters earlier in the week, before the crowds. So, today we will call our visit Thaipusam Lite. We took a Grab rideshare both ways, but of course, the traffic was a mess with a few roads closed off completely and others choked with traffic.
We joined the throngs and got in the main gate. It was a hot 34°C in the midday sun. There were lots of vendors selling food and all sorts of items. Of course, being a pilgrimage for about 1.5 million, there were places to get free food and drinks too.
It took us quite a bit of time to get the ride back to the Maytower. So many roads were blocked, we ended up walking a few kilometers to a location where drivers would have a chance to find us and pick us up. It cost more for the ride back as the algorithms of the Grab servers took note of the crowded conditions. We came back via a toll road and I think the total was RM 22 (around $US 5.30).
Later after Jay's lunch, we took a bit of rest. Actually, I think the ladies went out for a bit more shopping. I'm glad that Sri Lankan Airlines offers 30 kilograms of free luggage as they are collecting more than what we've ever travelled with. It's normal practice for tourists and businessmen to return from Kuala Lumpur with loads of purchases.Even later, for dinner, we enjoyed paper dosas at a restaurant that is really nearby. We generally get takeaway from this place. As Jay's sisters noted, everybody always seems to be eating here. Malaysia is such a foodie place with its blend of Malay, Indian, and Chinese cooking! The locals take their cuisine quite seriously here.
We walked to see the "River of Life" fountain which starts between 9:15 and 9:30 pm. It is right in front of the Masjid Jemak mosque and at the very point where the Klang and Gombak Rivers meet. This is the historic center of the city. The restoration project has made the area nicer. I do hope that maintenance of the installations is carried out regularly.
The fountains and lights were choreographed to music. Several Malay throaty ballards started the program off and they reminded me of Egyptian female legend, Umm Kulthum. There was a big variety of musical styles. Of course, I thought the original Star Wars Theme was the most awesome.
Today was nice; I am a lucky guy.