no, I am not on the show "The Amazing Race" but when I got into the taxi in Kuala Lumpur, it felt like I am embarking on a similar - fast-paced journey.

DAY TWO

Getting from the airport (LCCT) was easy. As with most places focused on tourism, getting back was more difficult. But I was expecting it to be, so I allowed plenty of time.

The Swiss Inn Hotel in Kuala Lumpur was a pleasure. I had a good night's sleep and awoke refreshed. A breakfast buffet was included - nothing fancy. I made a reservation for my layover on the way back ($150 Ringits - about $45). It cost $9 R for the bus from LCCT to Sentral [sic] Station and $12 R for the taxi to the hotel.

I walked around the area a bit, but KL is sleepy in the morning with most of the shops closed. When I went to the Internet room the night before, I noticed a bustling street market right outside the door (at the back side of the hotel). In the morning it was nothing more than an empty street.

I could see the Petronas Tower in the near distance. Having traveled in many bigs cities before, I new looks could be deceiving and decided it was better not to walk there. I noticed a parking garage and went up to the top. It was a good vantage point and I took a few photos of the city.

At noon, I thought it best to make the most of the McDonald's lunch special (only offered from 12-3pm). For 6 R(less than $2 USD), I got a chicken sandwich, fries and drink. I'm sure it is more at the airport.

It was an easy walk to the Transit train station from the hotel, where it only cost $1 R to ride to Sentral. There I caught the Express train to the airport for $35 R. But I still had to take a bus to the LCCT airport from the first one (there are two KL airports). That was $1.5 R. Since I allowed plenty of time it was no problem.

The LCCT airport has a comfortable The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. If I don't look outside I can imagine I'm in Los Angeles. I have an hour before the check-in counter opens. So, I am enjoying a fresh brewed cup of coffee and writing on my Poshbook laptop. Then I will pick up my bag which I left at a drop-off counter yesterday for $10 R.

I'd say the budget is going as expected. I bought a Suduku book on the AirAsia flight from Phnom Penh ( $6 R) with a $100 USD bill. They gave me change in Ringits. I still have $65 R left for the return trip.

Next stop - London - where I will actually have a full day and a half for sightseeing!

Mariam Arthur en route to Cannes

Film Cambodia - Founder, Director of Operations

Thunderbird Film Festival - Festival Founder