It's Nice to Be Wanted

In December I was in Kuala Lumpur. I enjoyed walking around the city and the great food.  Very different than Singapore where I spent the first few days of my trip.  Not better, not worse, just different.  I described the trip a bit in my Dec 22 post.  There wasn't any time that I didn't feel safe walking around KL -- I hope my gut was right.

I attracted some attention on Grindr.  Quite a few messages from the local guys.  The attention is nice.  Especially considering that guys over 40 don't seem to get that much interest in the US.  Unless maybe you look like one of those Daddies from porn.

I was having lunch with Kamal, one of the guys I met in KL.  He asked, me, "how many guys have you met here?  Twenty?"  I was a little surprised at this question.  I explained that I didn't come to KL as a sex tourist, and I met only him and one other.

"Why would you think that?" I asked.

He explained that Caucasian guys are very popular in Asia.  It's something different.  And a guy who can afford to travel in Asia must be well off.  I think meeting guys who are quality, not just hot, is more important in Asia.  The first guy I met, Izz, just told me he likes older guys better.   It was also interesting to hear about gay life in KL.  One of the guys was out to a lot of people.  The other still very discreet.  He explained that if his family discovered his sexuality that might turn him into the religious officer at his mosque.  He might even be caned.  Even though I thought gay life would be completely hidden in Malaysia, these guys even pointed out a guy club operating quite openly just a few blocks from my hotel in Bukit Bintang.

These guys were so friendly to me.  Kamal took me back to his condo to hang out, and then later he took me to the train station so I could go to the airport.  When I was a few ringits short for the ticket he immediately paid it for me.  Great hospitality.  I for sure want to go back to Malaysia.  Next time to Penang.

Anyway, it was nice to be wanted.  I wish I was wanted more here.  Given what's going on I sure won't be traveling to Asia this year.  I invited my two new Malaysian friends to visit me in the US, and they both want to.  But that won't happen this year either.