In KL we were brought straight to another short retreat. This was a bit of a different session. It was organised by the majestic Maha Vihara in the centre of KL. The place bears a strange combination of a national Buddhist office with a temple. Its miles away from a peaceful meditation centre. But it was just right for me. It was good to be in a protective place with the possibility of making short trips to the Indian street in KL. I needed a break from meditation, but on the other side didn't feel like roaming the busy streets for the whole day. The Vihara had the right combination of peace and commotion, just what I needed. I could be on my own, but if I felt like that, could watch all the visitors, or go out and check how is it going in India...
After this semi-phase we went to Melaka. Wow! Malaysians are quite expressive, little bit like Italians, but Melaka people are more than extraordinary. It might be just due to the extreme cases of Mr. Ong and Agnes The shopping queen. But just these two managed to entertain us above our expectations and in the end even above our toleration. We had fun and always something to do, no doubt about that! The best part was probably the Buddha image shopping. There I understood the nick name shopping queen. I know how to bargain and I have seen some very good negotiators before, but no one can compete with Agnes. I took more than 3 hours and many words were uttered, but it was worth it. The prices were dropping as the Asian rain drops, but both sides were happy.
Finally we went back to KL. On one occasion we went to a big book store in KLCC (PETRONAS towers) and after coming back I realised that I had been robbed. The pick pocket must have been quite skilled because I have no clue when it had happened. The truth is also that I was a bit heedless. Well fortunately I was surrounded with good people, so all I had to do is to block the credit cards (I had two with me, don’t ask me why!). Nice proof of the necessity of carefulness no matter how "holly" you are!
We flew to Kuching, the Borneo part of Malaysia, soon after. Here another 3 weeks experience awaited, and again this will remain just for private talks.
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