visit to the old british stomping ground

i have had a couple really awesome days here in ol' KL.

yesterday i met up with the principal trombonist, kevin thompson, who is a wonderful man and musician. we met up just before 11 and played duets for a while. and for you trombonists out there, the david uber duets require lots of clef and meter changing. to say the least, i struggled.

after that experience, we headed out to the old british stomping ground, merdeka square which used to be used as a cricket field. today merdeka square, also called independence square, marks the spot where the 100 meter flagpole raised the malaysia flag on aug. 31, 1957 in independence from british rule. the picture is of the park and gives you just a taste of the british influence on the architecture surrounding the park.

as we walked to central market, kevin was sure to point out a beautiful mosque. most mosques around KL are quite large, but masjid jamek, the oldest mosque in malaysia (100yrs old), is quite unique with smaller rooms/buildings within the fenced area.

central market was sure to be a thrill, but not before we stopped to get indian food! man, i love indian food. we ate like kings! garlic naan, fish curry, tandoori chicken, two rice dishes (can't think of the name), chicken soup, and four glasses of iced lemon tea only brought the tab up to 24 ringgits. (www.xe.com for currency conversion) we began walking off our meal at the central market where there are more deals than you can shake a stick at! what a blast.

i then returned back to practice some more before heading back to the room to experience an amazing thunder and lightning storm.

TODAY was awesome as well. after a morning of eating, warming up, and skype-ing, i went to practice for a while. marquez and johan, the other two trombonists were there and we decided to play trios. practicing is so much more enjoyable when it is playing with others!

after a fun filled hour or so of trios, i made my way back to central market to buy a few things. the trip was quite successful as i made a purchase for myself and a couple for my valentine. (cheesy i know, but whatever...it is almost valentines day like it or not...and fyi, i think it is overrated. show her you love her on a day you don't have to. that is more special)

i used haggling techniques such as 'the walk away,' 'really?,' and 'i am sure i can get it cheaper elsewhere' to save myself 26 ringgits.

good times.