travelswithalice

November 19, 2012

Another lunch, another city

It had started to rain as we left Sunday afternoon for KL.

At lunch the next day, again at poolside, but this time in different weather, in a different hotel, in a different city.

My efforts at getting back to the world of make-believe, of other people's worlds, other people's lives have not been successful todate.

It used to be so easy. Losing myself in reading. Reading fiction. Reading for the sake of it.

Not for the sake of learning about the current state of the world. Like why the demise of Twinkies should be considered an economic indicator. Or what new stuff I can do with my iPhone. Or what Hillary thinks she can whisper in Bibi's ear to make him stop killing innocent people. Or just what Tyler Brulé has pronounced to be this year's thing for his cultural elite. Etc, etc.

Crime seemed to be the perfect segue from Stuart's torrent downloads back to books. P.D. James I thought should do it. But she has retreated so far into old fashioned writing, reading her updated Jane Austen thriller has become a chore.

Should I now turn again to Ian Rankin? Judging by his last one, this new book might yet set a new record in low-speed reading.

Maybe I should just give up and do the tourist bit. From my window I can see a beautiful building I might explore.

* * *

The weekend was nice, Saturday evening in particular. We were at dinner with friends Aimee and Werner in their home in the hills.

Although their place is just off the city center, with an impressive view of the city skyline and the Twin Towers, it most definitely seems to our hosts like they're living in the jungle. We were warned to keep away from the balcony where wild monkeys are bound to snatch anything from your very hands. Handbags and stuff. Especially cellphones- they love cellphones!

Stuart thought it would be useful to try and discover where they are storing their hoard. Werner said this wouldn't post too much of a concern as long as the monkeys don't make overseas calls.

Monkeys are the least of their problems in the wild. There are roosters and birds that wake them up too early in the morning. There are squirrels and rats too that frighten their 13-year-old dog, Brixie.

And to make matters worse, there are no taxis!

Taxis are a particular problem in this city. So that for those without a car, getting around can be pretty challenging. Taxis are not readily available and also not generally reliable. Taking you around the houses seems to be a common unpleasantness. As is taking you somewhere you don't really want to go, insisting it a better place for shopping. (Did you even say you wanted to go shopping?)

* * *

Sunday had beautiful sunny weather to begin with but it turned progressively grey and wet, then stormy in the end.