When I first heard of the magnificent pyramidal structure that was being perfected right in the outskirts of K.L Malaysia, I just had to see it. Sunway Pyramid I was told was its name. The descriptions of the grandeur and cost that was going into it had surpassed anything known then in Malaysia, or so I was told by a native of the area who. Furthermore with my ever-present life long fascination with ancient Egypt, I was keen to see how it was going to be used as a theme in its design.

The first thing I was disappointed was by the goofy looking head of a lion that was that of the sphinx. The original sphinx in Egypt has a human Pharaoh's head attached to it, so that was one major mistake. (Recent theories point to a possibility that it could have been a lion's head but recut by the Egyptians) The size of the pyramid behind the "Sphinx" also did not match my expectations. I had seen the original before and this paled in comparison. Of course however, without the benefit of these experiences, one would consider the building quite impressive and bold in its design. Especially in staid, conservative Malaysia. (A reader has responded to this with the following information:The developer intended to build a sphinx in reminscent of the Egyptian one.The proposal was rejected by the Town Council upon objections raised by the fellow muslim community, well, as you said we Malaysians are pretty conservative in nature. The lion head was then proposed by the developer as a compromise. This, too, was met with some furious objections as the lion head will be gazing down a masjid (mosque) across the other side of the road. This matter was discussed in the weekly Cabinet meeting to endorse the proposal before approval was granted by the Town Council.)

Within the complex of Sunway Pyramid are a variety of places to entertain oneself. In keeping with the boldness of innovation, the main building houses an ice skating rink. I am not sure about this fact, but I was told that this was the first ice-skating rink in Malaysia. Somehow I could believe that that was true, judging by the number of amateurs holding on to the railings at the side, and the considerable lack of professionals showing off in the center. Furthermore, students from the nearby colleges form long lines everyday waiting for their chance to try the ice. So that must say something about its novelty.

The goofy lion greets visitors to Sunway Pyramid.

The ice-skating rink in the middle of the shopping center. The silhouettes in the foreground are eager teenagers waiting their turn.