Flat Hunting / Friend Hunting

Week 2: 30/04/2012 - 6/05/2012

For my first two weeks in Kuala Lumpur my company put me up in a hotel. The lack of chores that accompany hotel living was great, but it couldn't go on forever. I had two weeks to find somewhere to live, which is actually pretty hard in a new city, when you don't know anything about how your life is going to work.

I basically narrowed my search down to three areas. Bangsar South (near work), Bangsar (between work and the city) and KLCC (in the heart of the city). So thanks to useful information from my colleagues (Becky, Jon and Paul) and the use of http://www.iproperty.com.my/ I had a look round a few places. All the property agents I used were very helpful and attentive. After weighing up the pros and cons I decided on living in the city, and rather than chosing one of the swanky new condos, I ended up selecting Desa Kudalari (House of the Running Horse), the oldest condo in KL, mainly through the fact that its a bit cheaper than everywhere else..... oh, and it has a bar by the pool!!!

Here is a quick orientation on KL:

Kuala Lumpur city centre, showing some of the important parts in my life

Whilst I was doing flat hunting research on the internet, I spotted that some expats were planning on meeting up for a beer. Keen to make some new friends, I invited myself along. After a Friday night work social (free buffet and beer!) I ended up at a random condo poolside hanging out with two Malaysians, an Indian, an Iranian, a Syrian, a Myanmarian (?) and a German. There were not many beers being drunk, it has to be said, but they are a good crowd.

Sunday night's little adventure involved letting Hanis (Malaysian) kidnap several of us to take us to a Steamboat restaurant which was pretty cool. The driving/navigation/planning let a lot to be desired....something to get used to in Malaysia!!

Fun times.