So, the 20th had arrived. And so soon! Where the hell has six months gone? Landed at Kuala Lumpur ahead of schedule giving us plenty of time to claim baggage and nip across to the international terminal in time to greet Marit's parents. 
Took a momentary back seat - well someone had to capture the moment - as an emotional Ina and Bernard embraced their daughter with such vigour that the back slaps and kisses could be heard echoing across the terminal. Moments later it was my turn - a three way group hug swiftly became four - as the reunion party threatened to snowball out of control. Fortunately for our ribs the celebrations were brought to a premature end by the smell of fresh coffee, several cups of which were wolfed down as the laughs and giggles continued.
Such is the efficiency of KL that within an hour we were checking into our hotel. And a beautiful hotel it was too! Swiss Gardens, a five star gem, was our host in the Malaysian capital. Yards from China Town, metres from the "golden triangle" (business and retail centre) it was the perfect base from which to explore this crazy, and hugely westernised, city.
For those that care, KL is the country's commercial and transportation hub, an industrial center in a tin-mining and rubber-growing district, it experienced huge growth in the 80s and 90s. These days it's probably best known for the Petronas Towers, twin skyscrapers, that post 9/11, lay claim as the world's tallest twintowers.
At the risk of boring you, KL was founded in 1857 by Chinese tin miners and quickly developed into Malaysia's commercial trading hub. In 1896 it became the capital of the Federated Malay States, thereby superseding the city of Klang. In 1957 British rule ended and KL was declared capital of the independent Federation of Malaya.
But enough of the nerdy stuff eh! These days the city is regarded as one of SE Asia's greatest cities. The skyline - an amazing view from a top the KL Tower, which at 421m is the city's tallest building and the world's 4th highest telecommunications tower - is awash with 21st century structures. Banks, investment houses, hotels and museums rise from the busy streets, yet unlike many western cities KL boasts an abundance of greenery - preserved ancient jungle in some cases - and parkland which gives the place a truly unique feel.
Refreshed from the first hot shower in days we joined Ina and Bernard in the "lobby" - ha, that must be the first time we've used that word on this trip - for a much needed drink. A few Tigers later, not to mention update on gossip, and we ventured out onto the street for ourf irst taste of this jaw-dropping metropolis.
Wow. You name it this place has it - it comes at a price mind! Alcohol is stupidly expensive- unless you can find the hidden secrets like us! - but that goes for much of peninsula Malaysia to be honest.
Restaurants of all shape and size litter the wide streets, sandwiched between the towering hotels and shopping meccas. In between, the sky train and mono-rail (yep, not one but two overhead forms of transport) glide effortlessly through the madness. Course, we like to do it on foot. So off we set with Ina and Bernard in tow.
We dragged them from here to there to everywhere in our quest to visit every sight. Chinatown, "little India", the twin towers, "heritage" street, you name it we saw it! And, when ever we needed to cool off, we would retreat to the hotel to revel in its luxuries, be it the gym and pool, sauna or spa, or just to demand a cold beer from room service. Wonderful!
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