Holi and Kuala Lumpa

The day had finally arrived for our big Asia adventure. We hadn't planned it very well as it was also Holi, the Hindhi festival of colours. We had lunch with Mum and Dad at Ana Purna. Saw some great sights. Girls were terrified of getting splattered. Realised Chloe's rucksack was way too small for a 10 week trip. Got one from the shop opposite Ana Purna (which broke just as we were leaving). It was a blue Minions one which Elodie decided she liked better and somehow, miraculously persuaded Clo to swap with her.

Mum and Dad came to wave us off. Was v upsetting saying good bye to think we won't see them for 6 months. All girls in tears. As we were leaving one of the zips broke on Chloe's new ruck sack. Despite being so organised we didn't want to risk being late to airport but decided we had time to go back to shop. Typically the zip worked fine there, so we could be on our way, we still had plenty of time but we were worried the traffic might be bad because of Holi. The traffic was bad and then we were faced with a fallen tree blocking the road. We had to turn back and find an alternative route. We needed have worried Ryan got us there in good time. The journey from there went surprisingly well. A little Arab boy took a shine for the girls, especially little Chloe, he wouldn't leave her alone. It was great entertainment.

25/03 We all slept on the plane, was awful having to wake girls up for landing. Arrived KL 4am on time. A guy approached us in the airpot, said he was an über/grab driver called Raymond. Shells was wary but he was actually Really helpful and much cheaper. Got to bed 7am Woke up at 11-11.30 but E still sleep at 2pm - we woke her in the end.
Had street food in the car park of our building! Was not the best, but a standout pumpkin dish. afternoon by the rooftop infinity pool with views of the Petrona Towers and the rest of KL. Really impressed with the apartment for the price! We wanted to go to China Town to eat but the traffic was grid locked. Dinner at cafe in hotel, not bad.

26/03 woke up 11am! Went bought local sim to do Grab taxi. Saved us half the first fare, so well worth doing. Went to KL

Birdpark, was great for the girls but mixed feelings since for us since, on the one hand it was spectacular seeing a Great Indian Hornbill up close, on the other hand, how ethical is it to keep birds like that in captivity? Memorable moment of the day, feeding time, the girls were terrified! Met family from Ealing who had boy and girl aged 6 and 4, on holiday to Malaysia. Hung out with them for the rest of the day and got some pictures taken with the parrots, Shells was the most scared, especially since one parrot was trying it's very hardest to yank out her earring - arghhhhh. Girls were so happy playing with English kids, they had such fun, it was a pleasure to see and a real shame when we had to part and go our separate ways. Thank you for that time lovely family from Ealing! Got Taxi straight to Chinatown had some delicious cheap street food served by the hawker stalls. Elodie tried everything, poor Chloe nothing. Elodie excited, Chloe repulsed by it all.

27/03 another late start, the Maude family never had so many

lie ins! The apartment is so nice though we're in no rush to leave. It's a welcomed change being in a modern city, everything works, there's no mossy, ants or other beasties. KL reminds us of Hong Kong. Today we took the Train to batu caves to see the temple and walk the272 steps to the caves. Had some fresh ICE COLD coconuts - 3 times the price of Goa but worth it as so much nicer cold. Monkeys stealing everything they can! Dinner in Malay Town, good sate and nasi kandar.

28/03 Water Park Day. Girls had lots of fun on some amazing water slides. C not so much, but she enjoyed the disco in the pool, with DJ and dancers blasting out loud pop music! Must have spent millions on this development that includes an electronic bus system called BRT which has its own roads built above normal roads.