first weekend in KL - Hashing and Hallowe'en

11:07am Sunday, Oct 28
Badly needed some time to explore and maybe even put a few items in the fridge. I've discovered that even though Malaysians are very friendly, checkout chicks are universally miserable and surly. The sooner they make checkouts fully automatic the better for everyone. I had some fun exploring the shops yesterday (somewhat of an understatement - I felt like I was in heaven and I haven't even gone to the good mall yet!). I showed some restraint and managed not to buy the bling Ipod.

Malaysians are beautifully presented. This next comment would horrify my friends but delight my mother - I could be turning into the sort of person who can't go anywhere without makeup. But I went fresh-faced to my first hash yesterday. KL is where the Hash House Harriers started in 1938. I went with my colleague and his dad. His dad has 4 x 6week old shitzu puppies and I predictably fell in love with them. Eventually tore myself away and went running. Have never sweated so much in my life. After a 2 hour walk/run/scramble/slide through jungle in 100% humidity, the beer looked pretty good. The "on-on" (Hallowe'en style after party) was at an AMAZING house built by an ex-pat - The owner of the house has 2 labradors and during the setting of the course for the Hash, one of them got a python wrapped around his neck. The dog couldn't even bark (being strangled) but the owner noticed and bashed the python with his stick. Lucky dog survived but not the python. I am assured that this sort of thing is quite rare! I met lots of people on the hash. I am feeling very optimistic now about having a great (AND healthy) time here. Time for reflexology now...