Final days in KL...

My stay in Malaysia is coming to a close. I wanted to extend my trip, but everything was booked on Singapore Airlines through the 6th of January. I decided it was too risky to fly standby for 3 flights, so am going back to the States as planned on the 29th.

I'm cramming in as much shopping, sight-seeing and eating as I can before I leave KL. Today I went to the National Orchid Garden with my Auntie and Uncle. It was beautiful--I saw orchids I've never seen before. Got to see the new "Singapore Girl" orchid, created to commemorate the icon of Singapore Airlines.
After lunch, popped by for a visit with my cousin Emily and her husband Mark. Nice to meet so many of my mom's relatives in one trip! Amazing to have family half way across the globe all this time and to finally get to meet them!
Auntie Kwee Leng, cousin Emily and me at a small coffee shop or kopitiam:

This one is a bit blurry as we were having lighting issues. From l to r: Emily's husband Mark, Emily, me, Auntie Kwee Leng and Uncle Harun:

On the way back to the car we stopped to get some friend bananas or goreng pisang. I was a bit skeptical, as there was a bunch sitting out, already made in Asian fashion. They looked like they had been sitting there for awhile and might be cold. When I got back to the car and popped one into my mouth I was pleasantly surprised. Delicate, sweet Malaysian fried banana = YUM!

Construction in KL never stops!

Daytime view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers:

Got through a small portion of the Islamic Arts Museum, which is quite near the National Mosque. They had models of mosques all over the world, which were very cool. I didn't realize that the Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum and a 'monument to love'--built by the Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. I managed to sneak a few pictures of the models before getting yelled at by the guard. Whenever I see a sign saying "No photos" it just makes me want to take photos more! Then if I get caught, I just say "Sorry" while smiling meekly. If all else fails, just pretend like you don't speak English! "Como? No comprendo. Lo siento, no hablo ingles." Haha, you'll never stop me, museum guards!

Model of Mecca:

Map of the Islamic World:

Kalysan (Kalan) Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan (15th century AD)

Another mosque (not sure which one):

Didn't get to see that much of the museum other than the mosque models and some mini Korans (why is everything so cute in miniature?) before getting shooed out by the unsmiling guards, 10 minutes before closing.

Pretty lantern in museum courtyard:

My uncle Harun usually resists having his photo taken but I managed to grab this one of him, thanks to the mirrored elevator or "lift" in the museum. I'm becoming quite the sneaky photographer.

Museum lobby:


Beautiful tile mosaic on pillar outside museum:

Bird of prey:

After a short rest at home, I went out with my cousin and her boyfriend to shop (of course!) for a silk caftan (housedress) for my grandma. Success! Can't decide if I like this sarong though. Hmmmm...
Ha, no idea what's going on with my right hand. Guess I'm trying to make shadow puppets or something.

After a successful shopping trip, we searched for chow. Not sure that the place we ate dinner needed the sign below. It was mostly drunk older Chinese businessmen and expats trying to pick up locals, with loud Western pop blaring in the background and the "Boxing Day" football (that's soccer to you American readers) matches on tv.
Merry Christmas everyone!