KUALA LUMPUR FOREVER

My mum's side of the family live in Kuala Lumpur, and every time I go back I feel more and more fond of it. Not only is it a wonderful hub to visit beautiful, far-off places, but it's like taking an amazing holiday without having to leave home. I don't know about you, but two weeks in a hotel would drive me round the bend! Of course, our first port of call the morning after we arrived was my favourite noodle shop, which I'm sure you're sick of hearing about now!

Actually, this trip was extra exciting, because the whole reason behind us going was an exhibition put on by the national bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara, with my mum as the star! It was really exciting to see her beautiful artworks displayed on such an impressive large scale and I'm so proud of her (not to mention thankful for the tickets to Malaysia to go see it!). The bank's museum is in a beautiful building called Sasana Kijang, a super-modern structure with plenty of glass panelling and a seashell-inspired swirling staircase.

It was also Deepavali, the Indian festival of lights, while we were there. My grandparents' house is close to Little India, and it was fun to drive through and see a riot of colours and beautiful outfits.

It's actually a little embarrassing, but I hadn't really done much touristy stuff in the city before, as we spend a lot of time at home with my granddad, who doesn't like to go out often (though he made an extra-special effort to come to the exhibition, decked out in his best batik shirt!). We spent one (very hot) day out and about, exploring the area around KLCC, the twin towers, and trying lots of street food.

My cousin and her husband came into KL from Singapore for the weekend and they took us out to a few bars - let me tell you, a hangover in 100% humidity is NOT fun.

The best part of the trip for me, though, was just spending time at the home, having lots of crazy family meals and hanging out with the dogs. We're heading back for my granddad's 90th birthday next March and I don't think it can come soon enough!

I've been itching to finish posting all my holiday updates because I have some really exciting Christmas posts planned for the next few weeks! I think I'm going to write a little bit more about travelling next week, but after that I'm warning you - it is going to start feeling very Christmassy around here!