Thursday, July 21, 2011

Disco Lemonade

     One week until I head out to Bali. I really need to find a place to stay though. Those plans fell through yesterday. Maybe I'll just choose the beach...

     In other news, the competition I worked on last week got short listed. It's pretty exciting, although I'm not so sure how or why. This obviously means more work, but I've been spending my days building a Revit model of a residential development in Penang so we will see if I get moved or not.

     This week was filled with the usual. Saturday C and I stayed in because, well, between the two of us a boat load of stuff got stollen from us and that killed the mood. Sunday I hung out pool side with C and E. Then we had an awesome Lebanese meal complete with shisha. It was a perfect Sunday. Gorgeous out.

     Monday C and I had some Thai food around Wangsa Maju. I saw one of the best urbanscape sunsets I have ever laid eyes on. I debated whether or not to bring my camera (we were still a little paranoid) and I'm bummed I didn't. The way the bright colors of the flakey paint on lean-to, corr-tin food shacks collided with the brilliant oranges and reds of the setting sun across the city created a stunning backdrop for a great meal. As the sun set we sipped teh-o ais limon out of sweating glasses and watched characters go about their business. It's times like these that remind me that I'm alive and I love it here.

     Although I haven't given it much thought, people have started reminding me that I'll be leaving soon. I'm not ready to dwell on this idea so I won't, but it sparked me to write the sequel to my 'Things I will/won't miss' list. Without further delay, sort of in order:

Things I will miss

1. The people. Hands down the number one thing I will miss here. I have met some absolutely amazing individuals. Not to mention, the people watching here can be quite entertaining (I will get to that some other time). It's amazing to meet people from all over the world. I am surprised by how global KL actually is. Most of the people back home would be shocked as well, considering they either a) did not know where it was or b) thought the capital of Malaysia was Singapore.

2. The food. It's awesome and you can get almost anything (American bacon is a bit tricky and overpriced). The flavors are something to experience. America needs to adopt a better street food culture.

3. Accessibility. Transport to neighboring countries is cheap and easy. When you get sick of things, it's easy to leave.

4. Cheap stuff. I don't think I need to explain this one.

5. The CF. Although I do get annoyed with it sometimes, I not-so-secretly get a kick out of it. I like the challenge.

Things I won't miss

1. Not having air conditioning. Although I've gotten used to it, it still sucks. especially if it doesn't rain for a few days. It also makes things like doing your hair/makeup much more difficult. Not that I really care that much.

2. Cheap Stuff. It breaks/gets ruined easily. Causing you to buy more cheap stuff. Repeat. The consumerism here makes America look like a bunch of Sallys.

3. Expensive alcohol/limited beer selection. The should also need no explanation.

4. Being a Mat Salleh (Westerner). I hesitate with this one because it's who I am and it does, of course, have benefits as well. So I guess what I'm trying to say I won't miss people trying to take advantage of me because of the color of my skin. No I do not want to get in your un-metered taxi, no I don't want to buy your food just b/c it says 'western', yes I DO need the 30 day LRT pass, and just because I'm a Westerner does not mean I'll put out. Most of these problems come about when you hang around touristy areas, so I don't deal with it often, and I noticed my parents got it much worse than I did.  If you know what you're doing it's not a problem, but you are always going to be an outsider. I also like how the phrase means 'mad sailor.' 

5. Lack of clothing. Superficial I know, but I under-packed in terms of clothes and money doesn't grow on trees so it isn't like I can just buy a ton. My stuff here is starting to get kinda worn out. 

Well it's food time yum yum. 

-M

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