Kuala Lumpur Day One

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Am staying at Plaza Berjaya in Kuala Lumpur. That's a an apartment building located in some prime real estate. It's smack in the middle of Times Square. Am the guest of the KL Dragons and we're all staying at the apartment (each has their own) with former JRU and Barako Bull coach Ariel Vanguardia. He wasn't able to pick me up at the airport because the Dragons had practice (will also write about the team as they have a game tomorrow night). So one of the team staff picked me up at the airport that's about an hour's drive from the city.

As soon as I arrived at the apartment (I'm staying at the unit assigned to the team's imports), I dumped all my stuff in the room and headed out to the Pavilion which is the hub of all the Liverpool FC activity. I managed to arrive just in time to catch Anfield legend Ian Rush on his way out. Got to chat for just two minutes before he excused himself ever so politely. But here's how the conversation went: 

Rick: How do you think the new season will go?

God as a striker (aka Ian Rush): Good. Very good. Kenny (Dalglish) brings this team spirit to the team that makes it easy to play. When it's football he's serious but when it's just him and the lads, he's a supreme jokester. He will keep things light and take some pressure off. With all the additions, a full training camp, everyone will be prepared.

My media ID isn't ready so I won't be able to go to the Bukit Jalil where there's a team practice at 7pm. Tomorrow's press con/meet and greet will have to suffice.

Everyone in a LFC kit that I bump into shares that smile and nod even if we're like complete strangers. There's something that bonds us and we all instantly fall into conversation.

I wish I could post my pics but I think I forgot my firewire. I'll find out when I get back to the apartment. But I can feel the buzz in the air. People here in Times Square stare at us decked all in red, white, black, and gray. We chat about the coming season and all the changes in the squad. Technical stuff. The kind that geeks like me enjoy. We all head to the food court for a late lunch and lots of trading of stories.


Chatting with some Arsenal fans here, the Gunners beat the Malaysian National Team (the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup Champions) 4-0. Jack Wilshire, Samir Nasri, Carlos Vela, and Tomas Rosicky scored for Arsenal.