KL-day 3, good-bye

I didn't even want to start the day today-I was going to have to say good bye again. The older I get, the more I hate good byes. And to be honest, I didn't want to return to Bangkok. I'm much more comfortable & oriented in KL-and to leave it & head back to Bangkok is not something either of us were looking forward to. 

After a late night last night, we all agreed to a late start this morning. We were too tired to determine a time and thanks to WhatsApp, we had flexibility. 

I wanted to show Chris the KL Hilton where I spent much of our engagement. He obliged and I walked him across the street from KL Sentral and over to the hotel. That was such a great location-which was a reason why I enjoyed my time in KL so much-I could navigate the city. But I digress. 

I showed Chris the artwork on the walls that I still think about. For the life of me I could not find them anywhere. One evening I even had Billy come to the hotel to look at them to see if he could help me find them. At least he could identify that they were framed batik. The lobby of the hotel has been updated-but it still smelled the same. 

I took Chris up to the pool. This was where I spent most Saturday/Sunday afternoons-reading my Kindle by the pool. My co-worker Mary and I would often have dinner outside on these tables rather than inside. 

 

Poor Mary, she had to listen to me as Chris and I went through pre-marital counseling a world apart. She told me she felt like she was going through the counseling sessions too for all she had to listen to. I was fortunate to have her on the project with me-she is a straight shooter & man, did we have some fun times. I remember having chats with Mary in this hot tub. Chris gave the thumbs up-saying we made it to the alter & our marriage is good. 

After my trip down memory lane, we went to explore the new mall. And my "explore" I mean Chris was hungry & we searched out a snack-per Billy's directive. I tried to describe these spicy empanadas which was unsuccessful translation. But I found them at the mall. They're called something curry. And they are delicious!

We checked out of our hotel & Billy & Mun took us to the temple where they registered (legally married) for their wedding. 

I finally let loose and insisted on capturing as many photos as my heart desired of us all together. 📸 Thankfully the selfie stick cooperated & we captured these smiles.  

We learned so much from a 30 minute visit to the temple with our ethnically Chinese friends. Chris & I both would have lit the wrong end of the incense sticks. 

This was by far the most beautiful temple we'd seen. (Aldo the newest.) Billy & Mun explained the different gods & traditions. 

They showed is the registration office where they were legally married (the traditional wedding was several months later). Since we missed the wedding, we had them recreate photos for us. And even had fun posing for photos. 

Except that they were already married, so Billy made some edits to the sign. 

We even took a few photos ourselves. Chris said getting married is serious business. Been almost 4 glorious years!!

Outside the temple were the animals for the Chinese calendar. I call them "spirit animals" as I have a staff member who would ask in interviews, "What is your spirit animal & why?" We had a good laugh letting our spouses declare which characteristics did & did not describe us. It was such a fun afternoon together as couples. 

We got in the car & headed to lunch-dim sum. Chinese tapas. Again, I have no idea what I ate thanks to Mun's excellent ordering skills-it was delicious and I left full. 

The air hung heavy-we knew what was next-the trip to the airport & a dreaded good bye. They were kind enough to take us the 70 km to the airport. I should have known they wouldn't let us get on a train. Last time when I left Billy said good bye with everyone else, I went through the transportation gate-and then he followed me. His proper escort to the airport was so unexpected & showed our solidarity in friendship. Of course he insisted on a proper send off. 

Oh-to say good bye again. At least now we know a reunion is feasible, even if it is another 4-5 years. And we've met as couples, and as opposed to two friends, there are now four. 

And then I watched them walk away and we went through security. I turned to Chris & told him I'm ready to return home. Billy & Mun were incredible hosts-the thought of returning to chaotic Bangkok was daunting. Leaving friends to continue on the road again-left me sad. Nothing we could do in these next few days of travel could ever compare with the wonderful weekend we had in KL. 

It's not a rainbow, but the clouds as we flew back to Bangkok reminded me of God's promise & His goodness. 

We landed back in Bangkok and went through Thai customs for the 3rd time-I'm thankful they offer a free visa. We were exhausted-not physically, but more emotionally from having left the comforts of KL (local guides) to head back to the harsh reality of Bangkok. Thankfully we booked at the same guesthouse & could count on being in a familiar space. 

Back in Bangkok we were once again responsible for feeding ourselves. I'd seen a man grilling earlier in the week & wanted shush kabobs. We found him-less than 100 feet from where we were staying. We had chicken, roasted vegetables, potatoes and Chris had a beer. 

I think we are ready to return home. Although we have loved every moment of this adventure, we are looking forward to a slower pace of life & a familiar culture. 

For all we have seen & experienced in these Southeast Asian adventures, by far the highlight was spending the weekend with Billy & Mun. Better than elephant rides or playing in the ocean or any temple, was building relationship with those we love.