I've recently accepted my first internship on the architectural stage. I started my master's program fresh out of undergrad thinking that once I'm out (a mere 3 and a half years later) the economy will have suddenly and magically bounced back to its former self. Ahh...the naiveté of the young college graduate. Needless to say I passionately, boldly, or - as some professors have mentioned - stupidly entered a business that is notorious for being the first to crash and the last to recover. Without going into too much detail, there simply are very few, if any jobs in the States. Despite the fact that there are several massive construction projects going on all around my apartment, Denver does not seem interested in hiring architectural interns at this time. Their loss I suppose. Fortunately for me, I have my eyes set on a bigger horizon. Travel and world culture is half the reason I became interested in architecture in the first place. Furthermore, while the west struggles to figure out what the hell it did wrong (although most of the educated youth could probably give you a better answer than the media or the White House), the east is experiencing an economic boom. Economic boom = building boom. What better way to get one's feet wet in the industry than to dive right in - no swimmies. Thus, I was fortunate enough to get hooked up with Veritas, a Malaysian based firm, for the summer. So come this May I'm packing my bags and moving to Kuala Lumpur or colloquially known as KL.
It would be an understatement to say that I am excited. With excitement comes many other emotions. It isn't going to be all happy glitz and picture snapping like a casual holiday, but I'm going to actually have to live here, figure out how to squeeze by on very little money, and hopefully be confident enough to communicate with Malaysians...in Bahasa Malayu. However, this ain't my first time at the rodeo folks. I lived in Denmark for 4 months and I've at least been to Asia; which is enough to say that I can expect a long flight with multiple day changes. My first trip to Asia, despite its messy story, changed my life forever. There is something about the east that absolutely intrigues me to know more and more about a place so different from anything I've ever been exposed to. One could argue a lot of places in the west are like this; however much of east Asia operates on a completely different set of core values. It is a 'we' society, with the western world being a 'me' society. You aren't a gringo and you aren't a stUpEED AmericAn. They've got something entirely different going on over there and it seems to actually be working for the most part, at least in terms of longevity (there are obvious human rights abuses, an enormous wealth gap, various environmental issues, and don't forget our dearest friend Kim Jung Il...but I will save you from those rants). So why not learn a few tricks from a different trade? Maybe it could help us figure out why we do the things we do as a western culture or even help to bridge the massive communication gap between the two. It definitely can't hurt.
It would be unfair not to mention my first experience in Asia, a trip to Mongolia (and I was supposed to end up in China) last May. I know many of you who actually know me will be rolling your eyes at this one, but I promise to refrain from getting into the whole violent, death-threatening food poisoning ordeal that happened there. Although it ruined my trip, and (compounded by traveling alone), undoubtably, had a permanent affect on my psyche there is really nothing more to mention about it other that I am concerned for my digestive system in Malaysia as well. If it happens again, so be it. Although in a large city like KL I'm less likely to be immediately confronted with a hot plate of late May's mystery meat and noodles at some Mongolian roadside cafe where the road is simply a series of hard-carved ruts on a dirt path (also known as a Mongolian super highway...if you don't believe me buy yourself a ticket to Ulaan Baator and see for yourself). Plus, I am too much of a food enthusiast to let a sensitive stomach ruin an amazing meal. I'm not going to miss out on the finer parts of Malay cuisine and its wide range of influences just to avoid heart burn. No pain no gain I say.
Despite the end of that trip, what I really took away from my Mongolian adventure wasn't about being a lone patient in a hospital in the least densely populated nation in the world. It was about the journey. I made 2 lasting friendships (I will hopefully be able to meet up with one of my friends, an expat living in South Korea this summer - fingers crossed). There is something to be said being in a place where nomadic life has ruled for centuries and if you want (and you really should, cuz it would be a damn shame if you didn't) get out of UB and live life out on the steppes for a bit. Unlike many a Disneyland-esque places that exist because of mass tourism, you can actually participate in it. I can sometimes still close my eyes and remember what it feels like to stick your head out the window like a happy lab; wind blowing across your face, maybe even your tongue hanging out while you bounce around on a so called 'road' (aka a small set of dents in the grass where someone drove 5 days before you) and literally look out and see vast expanses of open space. No fences, no property lines, the occasional white ger and massive amounts of herds of yak, camel, sheep, goats, and horses off in the distance or crossing your path constantly. It is here where I truly learned the power of the journey.
The roots of ancient Malaysian culture are also embedded in the concept of the journey. Personal journeys are present in the traditional art of tattoos in tribal Malay cultures. Furthermore, KL and the rest of Malaysia have something to teach the world about co-existance. Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country (60%) with Islam being the national religion. However, the law allows for freedom of religion, therefore alcohol, and even goes one step further to include the other major practiced religions (Buddhism, Hindu, and Christianity) in the public holiday calendar. Yes, women have rights, and aside from PDA, you can dress how you want and come and go as you please. So with that whole issue aside, I am excited to learn, and hopefully be able to report how exactly these four major world religions have co-existed here in a peaceful manner since Malaysian independence back in the 60s. It is an example, especially given today's events and what is going on in the Middle East/North Africa, that everyone could benefit from.
Well enough questioning of the world's problems and the so-called meaning of life. What the hell do I know anyway? I've got some logistics to figure out. I've gotta see one of those travel docs again. Last time I visited one I got poked in the arm 4 times in order to be allowed to venture into the Peruvian Amazon. Apparently, that wasn't enough intimate times with the needle, so I've got two more on my list and I need to make an appointment. Not to mention I've been procrastinating my Systems homework all week (hurray for reading about fire suppression systems and phone lines!).
Until next time.
-M
I've recently accepted my first internship on the architectural stage. I started my master's program fresh out of undergrad thinking that once I'm out (a mere 3 and a half years later) the economy will have suddenly and magically bounced back to its former self. Ahh...the naiveté of the young college graduate. Needless to say I passionately, boldly, or - as some professors have mentioned - stupidly entered a business that is notorious for being the first to crash and the last to recover. Without going into too much detail, there simply are very few, if any jobs in the States. Despite the fact that there are several massive construction projects going on all around my apartment, Denver does not seem interested in hiring architectural interns at this time. Their loss I suppose. Fortunately for me, I have my eyes set on a bigger horizon. Travel and world culture is half the reason I became interested in architecture in the first place. Furthermore, while the west struggles to figure out what the hell it did wrong (although most of the educated youth could probably give you a better answer than the media or the White House), the east is experiencing an economic boom. Economic boom = building boom. What better way to get one's feet wet in the industry than to dive right in - no swimmies. Thus, I was fortunate enough to get hooked up with Veritas, a Malaysian based firm, for the summer. So come this May I'm packing my bags and moving to Kuala Lumpur or colloquially known as KL.
It would be an understatement to say that I am excited. With excitement comes many other emotions. It isn't going to be all happy glitz and picture snapping like a casual holiday, but I'm going to actually have to live here, figure out how to squeeze by on very little money, and hopefully be confident enough to communicate with Malaysians...in Bahasa Malayu. However, this ain't my first time at the rodeo folks. I lived in Denmark for 4 months and I've at least been to Asia; which is enough to say that I can expect a long flight with multiple day changes. My first trip to Asia, despite its messy story, changed my life forever. There is something about the east that absolutely intrigues me to know more and more about a place so different from anything I've ever been exposed to. One could argue a lot of places in the west are like this; however much of east Asia operates on a completely different set of core values. It is a 'we' society, with the western world being a 'me' society. You aren't a gringo and you aren't a stUpEED AmericAn. They've got something entirely different going on over there and it seems to actually be working for the most part, at least in terms of longevity (there are obvious human rights abuses, an enormous wealth gap, various environmental issues, and don't forget our dearest friend Kim Jung Il...but I will save you from those rants). So why not learn a few tricks from a different trade? Maybe it could help us figure out why we do the things we do as a western culture or even help to bridge the massive communication gap between the two. It definitely can't hurt.
It would be unfair not to mention my first experience in Asia, a trip to Mongolia (and I was supposed to end up in China) last May. I know many of you who actually know me will be rolling your eyes at this one, but I promise to refrain from getting into the whole violent, death-threatening food poisoning ordeal that happened there. Although it ruined my trip, and (compounded by traveling alone), undoubtably, had a permanent affect on my psyche there is really nothing more to mention about it other that I am concerned for my digestive system in Malaysia as well. If it happens again, so be it. Although in a large city like KL I'm less likely to be immediately confronted with a hot plate of late May's mystery meat and noodles at some Mongolian roadside cafe where the road is simply a series of hard-carved ruts on a dirt path (also known as a Mongolian super highway...if you don't believe me buy yourself a ticket to Ulaan Baator and see for yourself). Plus, I am too much of a food enthusiast to let a sensitive stomach ruin an amazing meal. I'm not going to miss out on the finer parts of Malay cuisine and its wide range of influences just to avoid heart burn. No pain no gain I say.
Despite the end of that trip, what I really took away from my Mongolian adventure wasn't about being a lone patient in a hospital in the least densely populated nation in the world. It was about the journey. I made 2 lasting friendships (I will hopefully be able to meet up with one of my friends, an expat living in South Korea this summer - fingers crossed). There is something to be said being in a place where nomadic life has ruled for centuries and if you want (and you really should, cuz it would be a damn shame if you didn't) get out of UB and live life out on the steppes for a bit. Unlike many a Disneyland-esque places that exist because of mass tourism, you can actually participate in it. I can sometimes still close my eyes and remember what it feels like to stick your head out the window like a happy lab; wind blowing across your face, maybe even your tongue hanging out while you bounce around on a so called 'road' (aka a small set of dents in the grass where someone drove 5 days before you) and literally look out and see vast expanses of open space. No fences, no property lines, the occasional white ger and massive amounts of herds of yak, camel, sheep, goats, and horses off in the distance or crossing your path constantly. It is here where I truly learned the power of the journey.
The roots of ancient Malaysian culture are also embedded in the concept of the journey. Personal journeys are present in the traditional art of tattoos in tribal Malay cultures. Furthermore, KL and the rest of Malaysia have something to teach the world about co-existance. Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country (60%) with Islam being the national religion. However, the law allows for freedom of religion, therefore alcohol, and even goes one step further to include the other major practiced religions (Buddhism, Hindu, and Christianity) in the public holiday calendar. Yes, women have rights, and aside from PDA, you can dress how you want and come and go as you please. So with that whole issue aside, I am excited to learn, and hopefully be able to report how exactly these four major world religions have co-existed here in a peaceful manner since Malaysian independence back in the 60s. It is an example, especially given today's events and what is going on in the Middle East/North Africa, that everyone could benefit from.
Well enough questioning of the world's problems and the so-called meaning of life. What the hell do I know anyway? I've got some logistics to figure out. I've gotta see one of those travel docs again. Last time I visited one I got poked in the arm 4 times in order to be allowed to venture into the Peruvian Amazon. Apparently, that wasn't enough intimate times with the needle, so I've got two more on my list and I need to make an appointment. Not to mention I've been procrastinating my Systems homework all week (hurray for reading about fire suppression systems and phone lines!).
Until next time.
-M
I've recently accepted my first internship on the architectural stage. I started my master's program fresh out of undergrad thinking that once I'm out (a mere 3 and a half years later) the economy will have suddenly and magically bounced back to its former self. Ahh...the naiveté of the young college graduate. Needless to say I passionately, boldly, or - as some professors have mentioned - stupidly entered a business that is notorious for being the first to crash and the last to recover. Without going into too much detail, there simply are very few, if any jobs in the States. Despite the fact that there are several massive construction projects going on all around my apartment, Denver does not seem interested in hiring architectural interns at this time. Their loss I suppose. Fortunately for me, I have my eyes set on a bigger horizon. Travel and world culture is half the reason I became interested in architecture in the first place. Furthermore, while the west struggles to figure out what the hell it did wrong (although most of the educated youth could probably give you a better answer than the media or the White House), the east is experiencing an economic boom. Economic boom = building boom. What better way to get one's feet wet in the industry than to dive right in - no swimmies. Thus, I was fortunate enough to get hooked up with Veritas, a Malaysian based firm, for the summer. So come this May I'm packing my bags and moving to Kuala Lumpur or colloquially known as KL.
It would be an understatement to say that I am excited. With excitement comes many other emotions. It isn't going to be all happy glitz and picture snapping like a casual holiday, but I'm going to actually have to live here, figure out how to squeeze by on very little money, and hopefully be confident enough to communicate with Malaysians...in Bahasa Malayu. However, this ain't my first time at the rodeo folks. I lived in Denmark for 4 months and I've at least been to Asia; which is enough to say that I can expect a long flight with multiple day changes. My first trip to Asia, despite its messy story, changed my life forever. There is something about the east that absolutely intrigues me to know more and more about a place so different from anything I've ever been exposed to. One could argue a lot of places in the west are like this; however much of east Asia operates on a completely different set of core values. It is a 'we' society, with the western world being a 'me' society. You aren't a gringo and you aren't a stUpEED AmericAn. They've got something entirely different going on over there and it seems to actually be working for the most part, at least in terms of longevity (there are obvious human rights abuses, an enormous wealth gap, various environmental issues, and don't forget our dearest friend Kim Jung Il...but I will save you from those rants). So why not learn a few tricks from a different trade? Maybe it could help us figure out why we do the things we do as a western culture or even help to bridge the massive communication gap between the two. It definitely can't hurt.
It would be unfair not to mention my first experience in Asia, a trip to Mongolia (and I was supposed to end up in China) last May. I know many of you who actually know me will be rolling your eyes at this one, but I promise to refrain from getting into the whole violent, death-threatening food poisoning ordeal that happened there. Although it ruined my trip, and (compounded by traveling alone), undoubtably, had a permanent affect on my psyche there is really nothing more to mention about it other that I am concerned for my digestive system in Malaysia as well. If it happens again, so be it. Although in a large city like KL I'm less likely to be immediately confronted with a hot plate of late May's mystery meat and noodles at some Mongolian roadside cafe where the road is simply a series of hard-carved ruts on a dirt path (also known as a Mongolian super highway...if you don't believe me buy yourself a ticket to Ulaan Baator and see for yourself). Plus, I am too much of a food enthusiast to let a sensitive stomach ruin an amazing meal. I'm not going to miss out on the finer parts of Malay cuisine and its wide range of influences just to avoid heart burn. No pain no gain I say.
Despite the end of that trip, what I really took away from my Mongolian adventure wasn't about being a lone patient in a hospital in the least densely populated nation in the world. It was about the journey. I made 2 lasting friendships (I will hopefully be able to meet up with one of my friends, an expat living in South Korea this summer - fingers crossed). There is something to be said being in a place where nomadic life has ruled for centuries and if you want (and you really should, cuz it would be a damn shame if you didn't) get out of UB and live life out on the steppes for a bit. Unlike many a Disneyland-esque places that exist because of mass tourism, you can actually participate in it. I can sometimes still close my eyes and remember what it feels like to stick your head out the window like a happy lab; wind blowing across your face, maybe even your tongue hanging out while you bounce around on a so called 'road' (aka a small set of dents in the grass where someone drove 5 days before you) and literally look out and see vast expanses of open space. No fences, no property lines, the occasional white ger and massive amounts of herds of yak, camel, sheep, goats, and horses off in the distance or crossing your path constantly. It is here where I truly learned the power of the journey.
The roots of ancient Malaysian culture are also embedded in the concept of the journey. Personal journeys are present in the traditional art of tattoos in tribal Malay cultures. Furthermore, KL and the rest of Malaysia have something to teach the world about co-existance. Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country (60%) with Islam being the national religion. However, the law allows for freedom of religion, therefore alcohol, and even goes one step further to include the other major practiced religions (Buddhism, Hindu, and Christianity) in the public holiday calendar. Yes, women have rights, and aside from PDA, you can dress how you want and come and go as you please. So with that whole issue aside, I am excited to learn, and hopefully be able to report how exactly these four major world religions have co-existed here in a peaceful manner since Malaysian independence back in the 60s. It is an example, especially given today's events and what is going on in the Middle East/North Africa, that everyone could benefit from.
Well enough questioning of the world's problems and the so-called meaning of life. What the hell do I know anyway? I've got some logistics to figure out. I've gotta see one of those travel docs again. Last time I visited one I got poked in the arm 4 times in order to be allowed to venture into the Peruvian Amazon. Apparently, that wasn't enough intimate times with the needle, so I've got two more on my list and I need to make an appointment. Not to mention I've been procrastinating my Systems homework all week (hurray for reading about fire suppression systems and phone lines!).
Until next time.
-M
I've recently accepted my first internship on the architectural stage. I started my master's program fresh out of undergrad thinking that once I'm out (a mere 3 and a half years later) the economy will have suddenly and magically bounced back to its former self. Ahh...the naiveté of the young college graduate. Needless to say I passionately, boldly, or - as some professors have mentioned - stupidly entered a business that is notorious for being the first to crash and the last to recover. Without going into too much detail, there simply are very few, if any jobs in the States. Despite the fact that there are several massive construction projects going on all around my apartment, Denver does not seem interested in hiring architectural interns at this time. Their loss I suppose. Fortunately for me, I have my eyes set on a bigger horizon. Travel and world culture is half the reason I became interested in architecture in the first place. Furthermore, while the west struggles to figure out what the hell it did wrong (although most of the educated youth could probably give you a better answer than the media or the White House), the east is experiencing an economic boom. Economic boom = building boom. What better way to get one's feet wet in the industry than to dive right in - no swimmies. Thus, I was fortunate enough to get hooked up with Veritas, a Malaysian based firm, for the summer. So come this May I'm packing my bags and moving to Kuala Lumpur or colloquially known as KL.
It would be an understatement to say that I am excited. With excitement comes many other emotions. It isn't going to be all happy glitz and picture snapping like a casual holiday, but I'm going to actually have to live here, figure out how to squeeze by on very little money, and hopefully be confident enough to communicate with Malaysians...in Bahasa Malayu. However, this ain't my first time at the rodeo folks. I lived in Denmark for 4 months and I've at least been to Asia; which is enough to say that I can expect a long flight with multiple day changes. My first trip to Asia, despite its messy story, changed my life forever. There is something about the east that absolutely intrigues me to know more and more about a place so different from anything I've ever been exposed to. One could argue a lot of places in the west are like this; however much of east Asia operates on a completely different set of core values. It is a 'we' society, with the western world being a 'me' society. You aren't a gringo and you aren't a stUpEED AmericAn. They've got something entirely different going on over there and it seems to actually be working for the most part, at least in terms of longevity (there are obvious human rights abuses, an enormous wealth gap, various environmental issues, and don't forget our dearest friend Kim Jung Il...but I will save you from those rants). So why not learn a few tricks from a different trade? Maybe it could help us figure out why we do the things we do as a western culture or even help to bridge the massive communication gap between the two. It definitely can't hurt.
It would be unfair not to mention my first experience in Asia, a trip to Mongolia (and I was supposed to end up in China) last May. I know many of you who actually know me will be rolling your eyes at this one, but I promise to refrain from getting into the whole violent, death-threatening food poisoning ordeal that happened there. Although it ruined my trip, and (compounded by traveling alone), undoubtably, had a permanent affect on my psyche there is really nothing more to mention about it other that I am concerned for my digestive system in Malaysia as well. If it happens again, so be it. Although in a large city like KL I'm less likely to be immediately confronted with a hot plate of late May's mystery meat and noodles at some Mongolian roadside cafe where the road is simply a series of hard-carved ruts on a dirt path (also known as a Mongolian super highway...if you don't believe me buy yourself a ticket to Ulaan Baator and see for yourself). Plus, I am too much of a food enthusiast to let a sensitive stomach ruin an amazing meal. I'm not going to miss out on the finer parts of Malay cuisine and its wide range of influences just to avoid heart burn. No pain no gain I say.
Despite the end of that trip, what I really took away from my Mongolian adventure wasn't about being a lone patient in a hospital in the least densely populated nation in the world. It was about the journey. I made 2 lasting friendships (I will hopefully be able to meet up with one of my friends, an expat living in South Korea this summer - fingers crossed). There is something to be said being in a place where nomadic life has ruled for centuries and if you want (and you really should, cuz it would be a damn shame if you didn't) get out of UB and live life out on the steppes for a bit. Unlike many a Disneyland-esque places that exist because of mass tourism, you can actually participate in it. I can sometimes still close my eyes and remember what it feels like to stick your head out the window like a happy lab; wind blowing across your face, maybe even your tongue hanging out while you bounce around on a so called 'road' (aka a small set of dents in the grass where someone drove 5 days before you) and literally look out and see vast expanses of open space. No fences, no property lines, the occasional white ger and massive amounts of herds of yak, camel, sheep, goats, and horses off in the distance or crossing your path constantly. It is here where I truly learned the power of the journey.
The roots of ancient Malaysian culture are also embedded in the concept of the journey. Personal journeys are present in the traditional art of tattoos in tribal Malay cultures. Furthermore, KL and the rest of Malaysia have something to teach the world about co-existance. Malaysia is a predominately Muslim country (60%) with Islam being the national religion. However, the law allows for freedom of religion, therefore alcohol, and even goes one step further to include the other major practiced religions (Buddhism, Hindu, and Christianity) in the public holiday calendar. Yes, women have rights, and aside from PDA, you can dress how you want and come and go as you please. So with that whole issue aside, I am excited to learn, and hopefully be able to report how exactly these four major world religions have co-existed here in a peaceful manner since Malaysian independence back in the 60s. It is an example, especially given today's events and what is going on in the Middle East/North Africa, that everyone could benefit from.
Well enough questioning of the world's problems and the so-called meaning of life. What the hell do I know anyway? I've got some logistics to figure out. I've gotta see one of those travel docs again. Last time I visited one I got poked in the arm 4 times in order to be allowed to venture into the Peruvian Amazon. Apparently, that wasn't enough intimate times with the needle, so I've got two more on my list and I need to make an appointment. Not to mention I've been procrastinating my Systems homework all week (hurray for reading about fire suppression systems and phone lines!).
Until next time.
-M
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