Nature, art, durians & roti
Malaysia culture is virtually unknown in Europe, and there is a lot to discover. Kuala Lumpur has at least three museums that will help.
There is a beautiful museum dedicated to Islamic arts - with samples not only from Malaysia but from all over the Muslim world.
Exhibits cover ceramics from Spain or Morocco, calligraphy and jewelry from India, as well as all sorts of clothes. Models of the most famous mosque in the world are also on display, with panels giving explanations.
The Muzium Negara or National Museum, is dedicated to traditional Malaysian life, including that of the ethnic groups. You will learn about the Sultans and their role in the country, the Arabic influence as well as about Orang Asli, the indigenous people.
There is also a textile museum showing the art of Batik, dyed cloth; Ikat, wowen cloth with dazzling pattern; as well as the Peranakan Chinese exquisite embroidered works.
Kuala Lumpur is a patchwork of architecture - from the very modern but still personal Twin Towers, to more traditional colonial bungalows.
Hindu temples with their multicolored stucco facade representing deities are quite obvious around the cities and can be visited barefoot.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, food stalls pop up at dusk at every corner selling anything from dates to dumplings.
On one of my last days there, I saw a very touching event: Merdeka Square was covered with long rolls of papers serving as placemats.
At dusk, families came with homemade food, and dinner was eaten together.
Hundreds of people, including children and grandmothers, celebrated the end of the fasting period. It was the end of the Ramadan, and also the end of my journey.
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