Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Things and...Things

     Less than a month before I leave. Although I have to say it is the last thing on my mind. School is insane this time of the year, so I'm already glad I've gotten all my shopping done (just need 2 more shirts, batteries,  Cipro, and some military-intense bug spray for a potential trip to Laos with my friend A and a weekend trip to inland MY. Got my last batch of shots today and some malaria pills. Woowhoo for crazay dreams.

In lack of a better transition, here are lists...of things...

Things I will miss...(in no particular order)

1. Mild-er weather. I've already heard from friends who are in SEA that the summer is picking up, and at times it is too hot and humid to feel as if you can breathe properly...I think my friends at school will particularly enjoy my complaints about said humidity.

2. Bagels. Yes, bagels. I am going to one of the major food capitals of the world, so I really won't miss too much food here, or not be able to find it if I have a crazy craving. However, living in a Muslim country means no bagels.

3. Family, friends, Nina, the boyfriend. This comes as no surprise. I will be far far far away from my support group, 14-17hours far. Communication will be at odd hours. Every time I travel without the boyfriend I find myself thinking about how much he would enjoy being there. This time, it will be more like, what places must I show him next year? (We are planning a major trip post graduation) However, I've learned how to say to miss in terms of a person in Malaysian. So at least I can express my feelings. Hopefully this time, my family will actually come and visit. If not, that is ok too, but it's easier for people to understand what you go through if they know where you live.

4. Baseball season. You can see the stands at Coors Field from my apartment and I love $5 games. Plus, the Rockies are killing it right now.

5. The pool. See above and below.

6. Microbrews. I live in Colorado, home of the Great American Beer Festival...no big deal.

7. Camping. I could camp this summer, but I have no gear. I'm leaving it with the boyfriend, MB. He and Nina will get better use of it than I will.

8. Chocolate and peanut butter. Asia is a step up from Europe from the standpoint that they actually see the value in peanut butter. However, they have yet to figure out just how excellent it becomes when added with chocolate.

9. Somewhat normal tanlines. Superficial, but I will be coming back with a serious farmer's tan...unless I can find time to even it out on a beach somewhere. Being in that type of sun everyday will leave its mark...for a while.

10. Spitting on the streets. Only kidding guys.

Things I will not miss...

1. Driving/my car. I will still have to deal with traffic; traffic that is much worse in KL...but I won't be the one behind the wheel dealing with massive amounts of dinks on the road.

2. Paying a lot for food. Food is expensive. Going out to eat is even worse. Granted, you can pay American prices in KL for food if you choose. But Hawker stalls are where it's at. Food is just as good or better (you are essentially paying for air con...unless at a high end restaurant). A meal at a hawker stall will only set you back $2-$3 US.

3. The TV. It's on way too much. I really don't need it.

4. School. No offense school, but after 19 straight years with no break, it's time to get some space. I also will not miss summer school.

5. English. Odd I know, but I wanna practice my Malaysian with actual Malaysian people, not saying random phrases to my friends/repeating a recording. I want to know if people can actually understand what I'm saying. I'm self-taught so this is a big test for me.

6.  Studying for my LEED exam. See #4.

7. The Green Peace solicitors who hang out outside my school. Seriously, I don't want to join.

8. Not having my weekends free. Once again...See #4.

9. Overpriced starfruit. I love starfruit. There is much more of it (so most-likely much cheaper) in KL.

10. The train. I live right above a BNSF coal train track (3 tracks to be exact). Don't believe America is addicted to coal? Tell that to the 20-30 2 mile long trains that loudly pass by my apartment every day. The cars are easily 2 stories tall.

     It will be interesting to see what I actually end up missing and what I don't bother thinking about.

Until next time
-M

No comments:

Post a Comment