Living in KL for the past month or so has been an adventure. It had taught me much and I’m looking forward to more episodes in the near future. I’ve especially began to notice the little things that Singaporeans tend to take for granted. The internet here, for one has been quite a frustrating issue to begin with. It’s practically crawling here, as I’ve been used to the click-zoom-bam-site-loaded speed we have back home. It feels like I’m back to the days of 56K on some days even. Yes, it’s THAT bad. And free wi-fi around town doesn’t help much. the one provided by Starbucks which I’m on now (yes, I’m fasting and I’m just here to use the free wi-fi!) tends to drop once every hour and it makes you reconnect to it now and then. So while Singapore is blessed with the news that Wireless@SG is getting a speed upgrade, I’m here trying to find one that runs at a remotely good speed. But using the internet here have taught me patience. So now whenever I’m on it, I’ll like to have a lil’ magazine by my side just so I can speed read through a couple pages while the website is loading.
Another matter Singaporeans take for granted is the public transport system. I miss getting into cabs without the need to haggle for fares or just to check if the driver will turn on the meter. The KTM Commuter train is well-known for not being punctual. The only system I can tolerate is the Rapid KL. That one is bearable ’cause it’s almost like the MRT, on time and efficient. The road here are riddled with potholes and pedestrian-friendly pavements are almost non-existent in some parts. I’ve lost count the number of times I have lost my balance while walking down a pavement. And I don’t get it how the different urban train systems (last count, there was 415 different systems) cannot be intergrated with each other. Case being that if you need to switch trains from a Rapid KL one to the KL monorail for instance, you need to get out of the Rapid KL station, walk a few miles to the monorail station, buy a different ticket for it just to board it. Troublesome, I know.
There are other small matters too like how Singaporeans can leave the house without pulling our power plugs out. Or how we can drink safely from the tap. Or how the rubbish on the streets are cleared every morning. We don’t have such luxuries here. But despite all of that, I’ve learnt to accept KL for the way she is. I love KL with all my heart. For its character. For its timeless charm. For its lovable people. Andespecially for its glorious array of food. Singapore may be home but KL is my abode.
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