Jai Guru Deva Om

As is any first time experience, the feeling was ecstatic and exciting. I was accepted to study in Poland under the Erasmus Mundus scholarship so I need to work on my travel papers. To get a Polish visa, the applicant needs to travel to KL, Malaysia where the nearest embassy serving Filipinos could be found. It’s sad we only have a Polish consulate here in Manila which is not mandated to issue visas. I really hope it will come sooner than expected. I did try to voice out my concern on this issue during the latter part of my stay in Poland.

Going back and without so much hesitation, I planned for my travel and there off I went to Malaysia for the very first time. At the airport, I was amazed by Malaysian openness. I expected a strict customs and baggage checking formalities but I was surprised on how easy the process was. We even walked along the tarmac passing through a lane crowded with people and waiting passengers. But, for me, it seems normal. Manila airport is more chaotic.

Based on my map, I need to travel by train to KL Sentral and then to Damai station. It was already evening when I arrived at the Damai Station. It was scary at first knowing that you are not in your own country. The station was deserted with only a few people around, those manning the station, a military guard and several passengers. I went off the train and started to ask for Damai 11 Residences. Later I learned that place is famous as the “Embassy Row”. Most, if not all, foreign affairs and diplomatic buildings are located in the area (if I’m not mistaken). In the middle of the night, I walked through a narrow creek or river tributary passing by an unpaved road covered with tall grasses on both sides.

My room in Damai 11 Residence, Kuala Lumpur, is a private house/apartment complete with necessary amenities, very near the Embassy of Poland where I’m scheduled to appear and submit my documents. It was as convenient as any 5-star hotel at half the price, better than any other accommodation I have been before here in Asia. It’s funny that the room was furnished with a see-through washroom. If there was somebody, she could see me naked while taking a bath. The feeling was a little bit ... you know what, you’re a normal person.

It was a restful night after the warm bath and watching the news I can’t understand until I fell asleep.

The following morning I got up early to jog for half an hour. To take out my first-time jitters, I usually fought off my fear by going out and try to familiarize myself with the situation and the environment. Mind you, it’s an effective strategy to succeed in travel. If not for the misunderstanding between Erasmus coordinators who are supposed to arrange the booking, I could have been lodged to a more convenient place, Hotel Sucasa.

I saw Hotel Sucasa the following morning near a 7-11 store where I purchased several necessities and refreshments. Unlike other accommodations, Damai 11 Residences offer no food. but provided me with hot tea or coffee of my choice. I jog around the Damai Lorong area, pass by the Embassy of Poland and children’s school. By the time I arrived back, the street was filled with chaffeur-driver cars sending their children off to that school.

To cut this long visa experience short, I was able to make it on time for my appointment at the embassy, submitted my papers, paid the processing fee and was asked to wait. Since it will take sometime to process the visa, I was asked to come back. My passport was stamped by a mark stating that I am in Malaysia to apply for Polish visa. My passport was given back to me so that I could travel back to the Philippines.

The airfare was free, courtesy of European Commission, so I guess I need to make the most out of my first time in KL. But, the problem is that I am not financially prepared to stay longer and most expenses, including the costly Damai 11 stay, were to be reimbursed. I left Damai to change to a cheaper hostel near the central station where I could easily go back to the airport without so much hassles and delay. By this time I’m already oriented with the way how life at KL was. KL Sentral, as I learned, is the key to every movement you need to enjoy this exotic city. It is from KL Sentral station where every movement emanates.

During the day I arrived at KL airport, I met a young and friendly Malay who chatted with me no end from the airport to the station. I never had the chance to talk or even introduce myself. He gave me his telephone number and mentioned that I might need his help. I put the little card in my pocket. When I decided to transfer to a cheaper hostel, I saw his number and asked for help. We met at KL Sentral and walked around to look for a hostel that will suit my remaining money - not so much. In fact, I’m already planning to sleep at the airport.

We found one at Ringgit 50. He was shaking his head while looking at me, but he understood me quite clearly. I could only blame the Erasmus coordinator but blaming wouldn’t solve the problem. The room we found was cramped, too small and just enough for a single bed. The toilet is around 1.0 m x 1.0 m, enough to take a bath with the door partly open. Anyway, it’s a single room so no one can see you during your private and unguarded moments inside the toilet. My Malay friend shook my hand smiling knowing that I have a place on where to stay for the night. It was still early so he toured me around “Little India”. After an hour, he said goodbye and wished me well. I shook his hand, thanked him and wished him a blessed day ahead. After some more hours walking and enjoying the vibrant KL central district, I went back to the hostel.

Little did I know that I ended up in one of the most memorable experiences in the history of my entire travel adventures - an encounter with prostitutes in Kuala Lumpur.