I am in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, having had my very nice breakfast of fresh fruit, fruit juice, cereal, toast and several cups of very nice "proper" coffee. This colonial style building is in Chinatown and has been restored and renovated to make this incredibly tasteful, clean and welcoming backpackers hostel. I had real HOT water for a shower with a towel big enough to wrap round me; there is a cinema; (yes, 2 films shown daily with free popcorn ) internet access; a roof top bar; a laundrette etc... and for all that I'm paying 38 myr which is less than 10 euros! There are perhaps some of us who can remember the type of places we used to stay in before they were called Backpacker's Hostels, where hot water and sit down toilets were never seen and where bed bugs and the odd mouse/rat were common. This new kind of budget accomodation might not be exactly a real test of the adventurous explorer but the spirit is the same. This popular backpacker phenomenon is where people of all ages meet and exchange travel stories and share tips of where to visit, to eat, to avoid, to buy,etc.......and importantly make friendships, however fleetingly. I have been surprised at how welcoming and friendly everyone has been at the two hostels I've been staying at and yesterday when I arrived here within half an hour I was chatting with a group of travellers from all over the world ranging in age from 20 to 55 (Yes I was the oldest!). We all went to Chinatown for a delicious meal and although I declined in continuing to enjoy the night life of KL, I was made to feel one of the group. If I had decided to stay in a hotel I doubt very much that I would have had such an enjoyable evening. Vive les backpackers!
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