Dr Tani Brown : Kuala Lumpar

30th May 2015

Kuala Lumpur

I am in transit on the way home from Hyderabad and looking forward to the next part of my adventure this year. On one hand I would have liked to have more ‘numbers’ under my belt before I arrive in East Timor but I also feel like I have gained enough skill to start doing SICS on my own. I operated this morning and did three of my best cases so I have to apply that confidence when I start doing SICS surgery in Dili. I have also meant lots of inspiring ophthalmologist, not only from India, but all over the wold, including Indonesia, Argentina, Nigeria and Vietnam.

As we had Friday’s off, yesterday I took an opportunity to do only my second real bit of sight seeing and took myself off to the Golkonda fort complex, built for the sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687). Temperatures again were quite unbearable so I left it as late as possible and took a taxi. As far as I could tell I was the only international tourist there so I think I provided a bit of a spectacle for the locals. After the walk through and up the fort it was a relief to get a bit of a breeze and also very nice to have an elevated view over Hyderabad to provide some geographical spectacle as to where I had spent the last 4 weeks. Walking down with the sun setting was magical despite the heat.

I had also previously made it to Hyderabad’s other major tourist attraction which is The Charminar, a 16th century monument and mosque. The auto drive out there was pretty hot and dusty and the same to be said for walking around the market places at the base and surrounds of the The Charminar. Unfortunately the area has a large concentration of beggars and people living of the street which is always confronting to see. My companions from the hospital were keen on buying local fabric so I spent a lot of time sitting on the floor of fabric shops getting served tea!

I think my favourite Indian dish from my four weeks living in India is Chana paneer and roti. Chana paneer is basically a light curry of chickpeas and the famous Indian cottage cheese - paneer. I could possibly eat it 3 times a day. Another favourite which I had never had before this trip to India was the classic Southern Indian breakfast of Idli (fermented rice cakes) and the spicy sauce accompaniment called Sambar. This was served every morning the hospital cafeteria along with a coconut chutney. I even learnt to eat this somewhat messy meal (at least to a beginner like me) with my hands as is custom.

Before heading to East Timor, I am spending 5 days with my family and extended family at Gunung Mulu National Park, a world heritage area in Sarawak, in Malaysia. I’m looking forward to the tranquility and fresh air of the rainforest and of course seeing my nearest and dearest again.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golkonda