Some things worth mentioning...

An excerpt from my handwritten journal...edited and added to a bit:

     Would you like to hear about Kuala Lumpur? KL is a place where you can ride an elevator with a Chinese 20-something wearing a red sickle and hammer t-shirt. Kuala lumpur is a place where sitting by the pool in a bikini while the call to prayer hums beautifully in the background isn't out of the norm. Kuala Lumpur is a place where traditionally conflicting views and groups exist with relatively little civil unrest (in comparison to other parts of the world). Granted no place is perfect, but this city (government aside) and it's people have something the world can learn from. Aside from the year-round heat (I'm a seasons kind of gal) I find it to be quite a livable place. The culture here obviously takes some getting used to, but this is to be expected.

     One thing I keep on hearing around here is your lifestyle and religion is a choice (unfortunately, this does not hold true for all lifestyles). Gays in particular are facing quite a lot of difficulty here. They even went to the extreme to ban showing Glee after this season because of it's 'provocative' view of gay life. Not that I think being gay is a choice, because I don't, but it should go without saying that aside from some of Europe and North America, the world is slow to accept gay society. One day I hope. Anyways, I digress, I've asked Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and seculars alike about religion and I keep hearing the words 'personal choice.' Granted, this is being said without Jewish input, but in a Muslim country a jewish community, if existent, remains underground. It is a complicated age-old issue that I, nor anyone else not born into it could possibly understand beyond a superficial level so I'll refrain from further comment. The government may think a bit differently as well, but just like any other country in the world, there is a significant difference between government and people. If you haven't figured that out by now, please do yourself a favor and get out from under the rock you've been hiding under and talk to people different than yourself. Seriously. Do you really want people to think you are exactly like - insert name of least favorite moronic politician of choice here - and truly believes the crap that he or she belches out to the world? Didn't think so.

     Choice, however, is not something that Westerners, particularly Americans associate with something like Islam. However, as an educated, open-minded American such as myself, I've learned better than that. I've also adapted a healthy distrust for American media. Our media is just as propaganda driven, censored, and biased as any other country we chose to demonize (with the exception being North Korea, which takes the concept of control to a whole new level).  The difference from some other countries being we have the freedom (in both an abstract and monetary manner) to find out what is really going on. You want to know what a place is really like? Go there. Go there and immerse yourself in it. Don't have the money, time, not willing to give it all up to chance, or prefer not to wander aimlessly into a war zone (don't blame you on the latter). Well, the internet is the next best thing. Get away from the big-named news sources and their over-headed companies (maybe start there if you are new at this) and find the real story. Read blogs, check out sites like VBS, read local papers/blogs in other countries, read personal accounts, anything really. There is so more than what we are being told. Just come to honest terms with the fact that CNN, Fox, BBC, ect feed you crap that the government or some other large corporation wants you to hear.

     For example, they demonize Iran. I have yet to meet a mean Iranian that isn't willing to share things about his or her country with me. By the way, the place has seasons, markets, houses, paved roads, and normal life. It isn't some mountain/desert hybrid shit hole filled with Jihadist crazies the way the American news media makes it out to be. Sure extremism probably exists there (and yes there is censorship) and so does poverty, but those things are everywhere; including our own backyards. These things are facts of life in every nation so get over it.

Now for a quick closer:

     What people really need to do in this day and age is get out there and realize that we are more alike than we are different. If you have the means, grow a pair and go for it. I'm not talking about going on some sheltered vacay where you never leave the comfort of the resort, get your hands dirty and talk to people. Ask them what they think (or if you think that might be offensive, mention you are curious about X because you know nothing about it so what is the opinion of the general population). People are more than willing to share if you show interest. Don't let government stop you. Seriously, if you listened to every tiny travel tidbit on the State Department website, you would reconsider leaving your own home to go to the supermarket, let alone the country. American government exercises more control than it lets on, so exercise your freedom and see for yourself.

     Still feeling sick, no better or worse than last night (which means I'm running at maybe 50%, 65% at best). Worked this weekend and slept. Ate soup with garlic added. Neeeeeeeed to get better asap! I also need to get my bus tickets to Singapore and find a place to stay...ie find a couch!

-M

An excerpt from my handwritten journal...edited and added to a bit:

     Would you like to hear about Kuala Lumpur? KL is a place where you can ride an elevator with a Chinese 20-something wearing a red sickle and hammer t-shirt. Kuala lumpur is a place where sitting by the pool in a bikini while the call to prayer hums beautifully in the background isn't out of the norm. Kuala Lumpur is a place where traditionally conflicting views and groups exist with relatively little civil unrest (in comparison to other parts of the world). Granted no place is perfect, but this city (government aside) and it's people have something the world can learn from. Aside from the year-round heat (I'm a seasons kind of gal) I find it to be quite a livable place. The culture here obviously takes some getting used to, but this is to be expected.

     One thing I keep on hearing around here is your lifestyle and religion is a choice (unfortunately, this does not hold true for all lifestyles). Gays in particular are facing quite a lot of difficulty here. They even went to the extreme to ban showing Glee after this season because of it's 'provocative' view of gay life. Not that I think being gay is a choice, because I don't, but it should go without saying that aside from some of Europe and North America, the world is slow to accept gay society. One day I hope. Anyways, I digress, I've asked Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and seculars alike about religion and I keep hearing the words 'personal choice.' Granted, this is being said without Jewish input, but in a Muslim country a jewish community, if existent, remains underground. It is a complicated age-old issue that I, nor anyone else not born into it could possibly understand beyond a superficial level so I'll refrain from further comment. The government may think a bit differently as well, but just like any other country in the world, there is a significant difference between government and people. If you haven't figured that out by now, please do yourself a favor and get out from under the rock you've been hiding under and talk to people different than yourself. Seriously. Do you really want people to think you are exactly like - insert name of least favorite moronic politician of choice here - and truly believes the crap that he or she belches out to the world? Didn't think so.

     Choice, however, is not something that Westerners, particularly Americans associate with something like Islam. However, as an educated, open-minded American such as myself, I've learned better than that. I've also adapted a healthy distrust for American media. Our media is just as propaganda driven, censored, and biased as any other country we chose to demonize (with the exception being North Korea, which takes the concept of control to a whole new level).  The difference from some other countries being we have the freedom (in both an abstract and monetary manner) to find out what is really going on. You want to know what a place is really like? Go there. Go there and immerse yourself in it. Don't have the money, time, not willing to give it all up to chance, or prefer not to wander aimlessly into a war zone (don't blame you on the latter). Well, the internet is the next best thing. Get away from the big-named news sources and their over-headed companies (maybe start there if you are new at this) and find the real story. Read blogs, check out sites like VBS, read local papers/blogs in other countries, read personal accounts, anything really. There is so more than what we are being told. Just come to honest terms with the fact that CNN, Fox, BBC, ect feed you crap that the government or some other large corporation wants you to hear.

     For example, they demonize Iran. I have yet to meet a mean Iranian that isn't willing to share things about his or her country with me. By the way, the place has seasons, markets, houses, paved roads, and normal life. It isn't some mountain/desert hybrid shit hole filled with Jihadist crazies the way the American news media makes it out to be. Sure extremism probably exists there (and yes there is censorship) and so does poverty, but those things are everywhere; including our own backyards. These things are facts of life in every nation so get over it.

Now for a quick closer:

     What people really need to do in this day and age is get out there and realize that we are more alike than we are different. If you have the means, grow a pair and go for it. I'm not talking about going on some sheltered vacay where you never leave the comfort of the resort, get your hands dirty and talk to people. Ask them what they think (or if you think that might be offensive, mention you are curious about X because you know nothing about it so what is the opinion of the general population). People are more than willing to share if you show interest. Don't let government stop you. Seriously, if you listened to every tiny travel tidbit on the State Department website, you would reconsider leaving your own home to go to the supermarket, let alone the country. American government exercises more control than it lets on, so exercise your freedom and see for yourself.

     Still feeling sick, no better or worse than last night (which means I'm running at maybe 50%, 65% at best). Worked this weekend and slept. Ate soup with garlic added. Neeeeeeeed to get better asap! I also need to get my bus tickets to Singapore and find a place to stay...ie find a couch!

-M

An excerpt from my handwritten journal...edited and added to a bit:

     Would you like to hear about Kuala Lumpur? KL is a place where you can ride an elevator with a Chinese 20-something wearing a red sickle and hammer t-shirt. Kuala lumpur is a place where sitting by the pool in a bikini while the call to prayer hums beautifully in the background isn't out of the norm. Kuala Lumpur is a place where traditionally conflicting views and groups exist with relatively little civil unrest (in comparison to other parts of the world). Granted no place is perfect, but this city (government aside) and it's people have something the world can learn from. Aside from the year-round heat (I'm a seasons kind of gal) I find it to be quite a livable place. The culture here obviously takes some getting used to, but this is to be expected.

     One thing I keep on hearing around here is your lifestyle and religion is a choice (unfortunately, this does not hold true for all lifestyles). Gays in particular are facing quite a lot of difficulty here. They even went to the extreme to ban showing Glee after this season because of it's 'provocative' view of gay life. Not that I think being gay is a choice, because I don't, but it should go without saying that aside from some of Europe and North America, the world is slow to accept gay society. One day I hope. Anyways, I digress, I've asked Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and seculars alike about religion and I keep hearing the words 'personal choice.' Granted, this is being said without Jewish input, but in a Muslim country a jewish community, if existent, remains underground. It is a complicated age-old issue that I, nor anyone else not born into it could possibly understand beyond a superficial level so I'll refrain from further comment. The government may think a bit differently as well, but just like any other country in the world, there is a significant difference between government and people. If you haven't figured that out by now, please do yourself a favor and get out from under the rock you've been hiding under and talk to people different than yourself. Seriously. Do you really want people to think you are exactly like - insert name of least favorite moronic politician of choice here - and truly believes the crap that he or she belches out to the world? Didn't think so.

     Choice, however, is not something that Westerners, particularly Americans associate with something like Islam. However, as an educated, open-minded American such as myself, I've learned better than that. I've also adapted a healthy distrust for American media. Our media is just as propaganda driven, censored, and biased as any other country we chose to demonize (with the exception being North Korea, which takes the concept of control to a whole new level).  The difference from some other countries being we have the freedom (in both an abstract and monetary manner) to find out what is really going on. You want to know what a place is really like? Go there. Go there and immerse yourself in it. Don't have the money, time, not willing to give it all up to chance, or prefer not to wander aimlessly into a war zone (don't blame you on the latter). Well, the internet is the next best thing. Get away from the big-named news sources and their over-headed companies (maybe start there if you are new at this) and find the real story. Read blogs, check out sites like VBS, read local papers/blogs in other countries, read personal accounts, anything really. There is so more than what we are being told. Just come to honest terms with the fact that CNN, Fox, BBC, ect feed you crap that the government or some other large corporation wants you to hear.

     For example, they demonize Iran. I have yet to meet a mean Iranian that isn't willing to share things about his or her country with me. By the way, the place has seasons, markets, houses, paved roads, and normal life. It isn't some mountain/desert hybrid shit hole filled with Jihadist crazies the way the American news media makes it out to be. Sure extremism probably exists there (and yes there is censorship) and so does poverty, but those things are everywhere; including our own backyards. These things are facts of life in every nation so get over it.

Now for a quick closer:

     What people really need to do in this day and age is get out there and realize that we are more alike than we are different. If you have the means, grow a pair and go for it. I'm not talking about going on some sheltered vacay where you never leave the comfort of the resort, get your hands dirty and talk to people. Ask them what they think (or if you think that might be offensive, mention you are curious about X because you know nothing about it so what is the opinion of the general population). People are more than willing to share if you show interest. Don't let government stop you. Seriously, if you listened to every tiny travel tidbit on the State Department website, you would reconsider leaving your own home to go to the supermarket, let alone the country. American government exercises more control than it lets on, so exercise your freedom and see for yourself.

     Still feeling sick, no better or worse than last night (which means I'm running at maybe 50%, 65% at best). Worked this weekend and slept. Ate soup with garlic added. Neeeeeeeed to get better asap! I also need to get my bus tickets to Singapore and find a place to stay...ie find a couch!

-M

An excerpt from my handwritten journal...edited and added to a bit:

     Would you like to hear about Kuala Lumpur? KL is a place where you can ride an elevator with a Chinese 20-something wearing a red sickle and hammer t-shirt. Kuala lumpur is a place where sitting by the pool in a bikini while the call to prayer hums beautifully in the background isn't out of the norm. Kuala Lumpur is a place where traditionally conflicting views and groups exist with relatively little civil unrest (in comparison to other parts of the world). Granted no place is perfect, but this city (government aside) and it's people have something the world can learn from. Aside from the year-round heat (I'm a seasons kind of gal) I find it to be quite a livable place. The culture here obviously takes some getting used to, but this is to be expected.

     One thing I keep on hearing around here is your lifestyle and religion is a choice (unfortunately, this does not hold true for all lifestyles). Gays in particular are facing quite a lot of difficulty here. They even went to the extreme to ban showing Glee after this season because of it's 'provocative' view of gay life. Not that I think being gay is a choice, because I don't, but it should go without saying that aside from some of Europe and North America, the world is slow to accept gay society. One day I hope. Anyways, I digress, I've asked Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and seculars alike about religion and I keep hearing the words 'personal choice.' Granted, this is being said without Jewish input, but in a Muslim country a jewish community, if existent, remains underground. It is a complicated age-old issue that I, nor anyone else not born into it could possibly understand beyond a superficial level so I'll refrain from further comment. The government may think a bit differently as well, but just like any other country in the world, there is a significant difference between government and people. If you haven't figured that out by now, please do yourself a favor and get out from under the rock you've been hiding under and talk to people different than yourself. Seriously. Do you really want people to think you are exactly like - insert name of least favorite moronic politician of choice here - and truly believes the crap that he or she belches out to the world? Didn't think so.

     Choice, however, is not something that Westerners, particularly Americans associate with something like Islam. However, as an educated, open-minded American such as myself, I've learned better than that. I've also adapted a healthy distrust for American media. Our media is just as propaganda driven, censored, and biased as any other country we chose to demonize (with the exception being North Korea, which takes the concept of control to a whole new level).  The difference from some other countries being we have the freedom (in both an abstract and monetary manner) to find out what is really going on. You want to know what a place is really like? Go there. Go there and immerse yourself in it. Don't have the money, time, not willing to give it all up to chance, or prefer not to wander aimlessly into a war zone (don't blame you on the latter). Well, the internet is the next best thing. Get away from the big-named news sources and their over-headed companies (maybe start there if you are new at this) and find the real story. Read blogs, check out sites like VBS, read local papers/blogs in other countries, read personal accounts, anything really. There is so more than what we are being told. Just come to honest terms with the fact that CNN, Fox, BBC, ect feed you crap that the government or some other large corporation wants you to hear.

     For example, they demonize Iran. I have yet to meet a mean Iranian that isn't willing to share things about his or her country with me. By the way, the place has seasons, markets, houses, paved roads, and normal life. It isn't some mountain/desert hybrid shit hole filled with Jihadist crazies the way the American news media makes it out to be. Sure extremism probably exists there (and yes there is censorship) and so does poverty, but those things are everywhere; including our own backyards. These things are facts of life in every nation so get over it.

Now for a quick closer:

     What people really need to do in this day and age is get out there and realize that we are more alike than we are different. If you have the means, grow a pair and go for it. I'm not talking about going on some sheltered vacay where you never leave the comfort of the resort, get your hands dirty and talk to people. Ask them what they think (or if you think that might be offensive, mention you are curious about X because you know nothing about it so what is the opinion of the general population). People are more than willing to share if you show interest. Don't let government stop you. Seriously, if you listened to every tiny travel tidbit on the State Department website, you would reconsider leaving your own home to go to the supermarket, let alone the country. American government exercises more control than it lets on, so exercise your freedom and see for yourself.

     Still feeling sick, no better or worse than last night (which means I'm running at maybe 50%, 65% at best). Worked this weekend and slept. Ate soup with garlic added. Neeeeeeeed to get better asap! I also need to get my bus tickets to Singapore and find a place to stay...ie find a couch!

-M

Sakit =(

     Getting sick sucks. Being sick away from home (abroad or in-country) sucks more. I am, of course, feeling a bit under the weather. Last night I had some tasty char keow teow (I'm almost positive I butchered that spelling, but that's how you pronounce it). After eating I noticed I got a pretty bad sore throat. No biggy, I thought, probably just the MSG. Well MSG induced sore throats do take some time to go away, but I awoke in the middle of the night with my throat still sore. Perfect timing of course. I awoke in the morning with a headache and sore throat. By mid-day I think I started to run a temperature, although it's quite hard to tell here. I also have the aches, but I can't tell if the pain is from sitting at a desk staring at lines on Illustrator/soreness of the back lingering from yoga, or an oncoming fever. I'm not dying, and there is no need to contact the embassy (trust me, I know what that feels like...), but it doesn't change the fact that I feel pretty crappy. I blame working long hours and not taking any down time. Today I was supposed to go to Chilis and meet up with G (my friend from Klang, who I've been wanting to see ever since I left, but we keep missing each other) and some new people from TB (Travel Buddy). Yes I know Chilis is an American restaurant, but it would be my first western meal out since I left so leave me alone =). Plus, it's a bumping place from what I've seen (always a line). Instead I got a smoothie and am currently eating some bread and brewing chamomile with honey. I've always known that a tablespoon of honey helps your throat, but I don't like honey plain (it's a texture thing) so G told me to mix it with hot water (genius). I'm hoping to get some rest and feel better tomorrow, as I have to work all weekend.

     I am going to make this post short because I don't feel much like doing well...anything. Hopefully my plans for the weekend don't get ruined. This weekend Diplo is coming to town and tickets are cheap so I planned to go with a good crowd of CSers after I went with A, my host, to her Eurasian club. However, if I'm still feeling crappy I won't be able to do much of anything, as work will suck the slightest bit of life out of me. I also have to figure out my Singapore trip this weekend. I've been talking to some TBs as well as some CSers in order to figure out what's going on. Plus, G will be there so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also trying to figure out a long-ish weekend getaway to Cambodia in late July early Aug to go see the Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. Needless to say I've got some planning I need to make time for as well.

     Anyways, the water for my tea is boiling, so I best be going.

-M

PS...I know I've been bad with pictures, uploading is slow here and Flickr says I've reached my limit...so patience.

     Getting sick sucks. Being sick away from home (abroad or in-country) sucks more. I am, of course, feeling a bit under the weather. Last night I had some tasty char keow teow (I'm almost positive I butchered that spelling, but that's how you pronounce it). After eating I noticed I got a pretty bad sore throat. No biggy, I thought, probably just the MSG. Well MSG induced sore throats do take some time to go away, but I awoke in the middle of the night with my throat still sore. Perfect timing of course. I awoke in the morning with a headache and sore throat. By mid-day I think I started to run a temperature, although it's quite hard to tell here. I also have the aches, but I can't tell if the pain is from sitting at a desk staring at lines on Illustrator/soreness of the back lingering from yoga, or an oncoming fever. I'm not dying, and there is no need to contact the embassy (trust me, I know what that feels like...), but it doesn't change the fact that I feel pretty crappy. I blame working long hours and not taking any down time. Today I was supposed to go to Chilis and meet up with G (my friend from Klang, who I've been wanting to see ever since I left, but we keep missing each other) and some new people from TB (Travel Buddy). Yes I know Chilis is an American restaurant, but it would be my first western meal out since I left so leave me alone =). Plus, it's a bumping place from what I've seen (always a line). Instead I got a smoothie and am currently eating some bread and brewing chamomile with honey. I've always known that a tablespoon of honey helps your throat, but I don't like honey plain (it's a texture thing) so G told me to mix it with hot water (genius). I'm hoping to get some rest and feel better tomorrow, as I have to work all weekend.

     I am going to make this post short because I don't feel much like doing well...anything. Hopefully my plans for the weekend don't get ruined. This weekend Diplo is coming to town and tickets are cheap so I planned to go with a good crowd of CSers after I went with A, my host, to her Eurasian club. However, if I'm still feeling crappy I won't be able to do much of anything, as work will suck the slightest bit of life out of me. I also have to figure out my Singapore trip this weekend. I've been talking to some TBs as well as some CSers in order to figure out what's going on. Plus, G will be there so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also trying to figure out a long-ish weekend getaway to Cambodia in late July early Aug to go see the Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. Needless to say I've got some planning I need to make time for as well.

     Anyways, the water for my tea is boiling, so I best be going.

-M

PS...I know I've been bad with pictures, uploading is slow here and Flickr says I've reached my limit...so patience.

     Getting sick sucks. Being sick away from home (abroad or in-country) sucks more. I am, of course, feeling a bit under the weather. Last night I had some tasty char keow teow (I'm almost positive I butchered that spelling, but that's how you pronounce it). After eating I noticed I got a pretty bad sore throat. No biggy, I thought, probably just the MSG. Well MSG induced sore throats do take some time to go away, but I awoke in the middle of the night with my throat still sore. Perfect timing of course. I awoke in the morning with a headache and sore throat. By mid-day I think I started to run a temperature, although it's quite hard to tell here. I also have the aches, but I can't tell if the pain is from sitting at a desk staring at lines on Illustrator/soreness of the back lingering from yoga, or an oncoming fever. I'm not dying, and there is no need to contact the embassy (trust me, I know what that feels like...), but it doesn't change the fact that I feel pretty crappy. I blame working long hours and not taking any down time. Today I was supposed to go to Chilis and meet up with G (my friend from Klang, who I've been wanting to see ever since I left, but we keep missing each other) and some new people from TB (Travel Buddy). Yes I know Chilis is an American restaurant, but it would be my first western meal out since I left so leave me alone =). Plus, it's a bumping place from what I've seen (always a line). Instead I got a smoothie and am currently eating some bread and brewing chamomile with honey. I've always known that a tablespoon of honey helps your throat, but I don't like honey plain (it's a texture thing) so G told me to mix it with hot water (genius). I'm hoping to get some rest and feel better tomorrow, as I have to work all weekend.

     I am going to make this post short because I don't feel much like doing well...anything. Hopefully my plans for the weekend don't get ruined. This weekend Diplo is coming to town and tickets are cheap so I planned to go with a good crowd of CSers after I went with A, my host, to her Eurasian club. However, if I'm still feeling crappy I won't be able to do much of anything, as work will suck the slightest bit of life out of me. I also have to figure out my Singapore trip this weekend. I've been talking to some TBs as well as some CSers in order to figure out what's going on. Plus, G will be there so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also trying to figure out a long-ish weekend getaway to Cambodia in late July early Aug to go see the Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. Needless to say I've got some planning I need to make time for as well.

     Anyways, the water for my tea is boiling, so I best be going.

-M

PS...I know I've been bad with pictures, uploading is slow here and Flickr says I've reached my limit...so patience.

     Getting sick sucks. Being sick away from home (abroad or in-country) sucks more. I am, of course, feeling a bit under the weather. Last night I had some tasty char keow teow (I'm almost positive I butchered that spelling, but that's how you pronounce it). After eating I noticed I got a pretty bad sore throat. No biggy, I thought, probably just the MSG. Well MSG induced sore throats do take some time to go away, but I awoke in the middle of the night with my throat still sore. Perfect timing of course. I awoke in the morning with a headache and sore throat. By mid-day I think I started to run a temperature, although it's quite hard to tell here. I also have the aches, but I can't tell if the pain is from sitting at a desk staring at lines on Illustrator/soreness of the back lingering from yoga, or an oncoming fever. I'm not dying, and there is no need to contact the embassy (trust me, I know what that feels like...), but it doesn't change the fact that I feel pretty crappy. I blame working long hours and not taking any down time. Today I was supposed to go to Chilis and meet up with G (my friend from Klang, who I've been wanting to see ever since I left, but we keep missing each other) and some new people from TB (Travel Buddy). Yes I know Chilis is an American restaurant, but it would be my first western meal out since I left so leave me alone =). Plus, it's a bumping place from what I've seen (always a line). Instead I got a smoothie and am currently eating some bread and brewing chamomile with honey. I've always known that a tablespoon of honey helps your throat, but I don't like honey plain (it's a texture thing) so G told me to mix it with hot water (genius). I'm hoping to get some rest and feel better tomorrow, as I have to work all weekend.

     I am going to make this post short because I don't feel much like doing well...anything. Hopefully my plans for the weekend don't get ruined. This weekend Diplo is coming to town and tickets are cheap so I planned to go with a good crowd of CSers after I went with A, my host, to her Eurasian club. However, if I'm still feeling crappy I won't be able to do much of anything, as work will suck the slightest bit of life out of me. I also have to figure out my Singapore trip this weekend. I've been talking to some TBs as well as some CSers in order to figure out what's going on. Plus, G will be there so I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also trying to figure out a long-ish weekend getaway to Cambodia in late July early Aug to go see the Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. Needless to say I've got some planning I need to make time for as well.

     Anyways, the water for my tea is boiling, so I best be going.

-M

PS...I know I've been bad with pictures, uploading is slow here and Flickr says I've reached my limit...so patience.

Definitely a case of the Mondays...

     Today was not my day. Actually, the last two days at work were quite like this. I got home today a little earlier than yesterday which was nice, but it has been frustrating. Essentially, I just don't see eye to eye with my boss for this project. This situation, as I'm sure you are all aware, is quite normal. However, this being my first official office job, figuring out how to deal with it has its ups and downs. Don't get me wrong, she's a good designer; it is simply a classic clash of form vs. function. I'm more of a function person, she's more of a form lady. It makes working on this competition quite difficult. You have good days and you have bad days, today was a bad day. Tomorrow will be easier. I think I'm just going to try to focus on getting the presentation ready because designing just isn't working out for me right now. But why you ask? Aren't you an architect? Well, technically no, I'm an intern, and yes I do like to design, but we are at a stage where things need to get done and my ideas just don't co-incide with the design. So in order to contribute in a positive manner I'm content with making diagrams and getting a coherent presentation together. I also don't mind sitting back and observing the rest of the design in order to learn a viewpoint different than my own; contributing where I feel it is absolutely necessary to discussions. Just got to take it one day at a time and stay positive. The deadline is in a week. I think the core of the team feels quite the same way, a little on the burnt-out end of the spectrum. Both of the new helpers on the team commented on the low team morale. At least I know I'm not alone.

     This weekend (aside from working Sunday afternoon/night) was spent being a tourist. It actually helped me settle in a lot better. I feel like I know a bit more of what goes on around here and I'm starting to meet more people. On Saturday I went out on my own. It was the king's birthday and I tried to find the festivities in all the wrong places, but I saw quite a bit of touristy parts of the city. I went down to Chinatown and Pasar Seni (Central Market...it might be Sini...I'm too tired to look it up). I got one of those fish massages, where you dip your legs in a large fish tank and the "Doctor Fish" as they are called eat all the dead skin away. It tickles like crazy (and I'm not very ticklish) for the first few minutes and then it feels like soft scratches or something along those lines. A totally unique experience. Afterwards it feels awesome. Your feet and legs feel so refreshed and surprisingly clean. I'd do it again and highly recommend it. I window shopped for a bit, got some fresh mango at a fruit stand, and then went to Chinatown to find MB a present. I bargained my way to what I wanted which was exciting. It's pretty easy. The price they initially offer is quite tempting if you convert it to dollars, so I probably could have done better, but I only ended up paying a Ringgit or two more than I wanted to. After this I went to the food stalls and sat down to journal for a bit. I ended up talking with these two British girls and had lunch with them. It was some amazing Peking duck, although I'm sure the real thing in China is better still. I didn't care, because nothing beats crispy skin and duck fat over rice.

    After lunch I wandered around a bit more and visited a small Buddhist temple. I made an offering and sat there in meditation for a while. I'm currently learning about the 8 Fold Path to Enlightenment so it was kinda cool to start to recognize symbols and meanings in the temple. Plus, I saw it as a chance to get in touch with the world and the present. Literally right across the street and maybe 10 meters down there was a Hindu temple. I am fascinated by the ornate-ness of the Hindu religion, as well as the colors and beauty that surround the Hindu culture. It was my first time actually inside a Hindu place of worship. Although it was quite small I did spend a lot of time staring at the statues. Shiva was depicted with quite large boobs, which I am assuming is a symbol of nurturing, but I found it rather distracting (I know I know, I'm like a 10 year old boy). You can't wear your shoes in Hindu temples, so I left mine outside and of course I stepped in pigeon poo. Fortunately there was a place to wash your feet. I guess I'll know in a few days if I get some type of weird infection or something.

     After that I tried to get a taxi to go to Independence Square because I couldn't gage how far it was by my map and there is no city grid here so navigating is quite hard. I should have known when the taxi driver refused to use his meter that I would be ripped off, but at this point I was sweating like crazy and sitting in the air con left my don't-rip-me-off attitude out in the heat. I got totally ripped off, which made me a bit upset, because I know better, but whatever, at least next time I will know how to walk there. It was completely dead (it used to be the place where most of the political activity was, but most of it has been moved to a new city called Putrajaya - coincidentally where my competition project is). Aside from the old buildings and large flagpole it was kinda blah. I was going to go to the national mosque after that, but the cabbie had aggravated me so I left the area. Plus, I want to go national mosque with an actual Muslim so they can explain things to me, so I'll explore that part of town another time.

     I decided that it was still too early to return home, even though it was the hottest part of the day, so I headed over to Little India. That area is a complete CF. Crowded, people everywhere, people shouting at you, no room to move in between street stalls, and nothing really that special. I was going to sit down and get a snack from the Mamak stalls, but it was hotter under the tents than it was outside, so I window shopped in the colorful Sari stores instead. There are also a LOT of gold jewelry stores, which was quite interesting to see. Also, and like Chinatown, there were a LOT of knock offs/junk/un-identifiable chochkies (or however you spell it). Consumerism is a funny thing. The only thing I got there was a much needed bottle of water. I sat around in the shade/air con of the LRT station before heading home.

     I quickly took a shower and then headed back out to explore my neighborhood a bit more and then grab some groceries. I stumbled upon a Carrefour and I was curious to know if it was a grocery place or what so I went it. Carrefour is essentially a Wal-Mart on speed/steroids with a much better food selection. It was a bit overwhelming, but since I had walked through an entire parking lot (they are LARGE here), a parking lot market (random?) and circled a small mall to get there I got my groceries and a few household items there. It was actually pretty entertaining. They blasted peppy top-40s music and I found it a bit funny to see all of these women covered up while tapping their feet to that S&M song. They also had a live fish section (for food, not pets) and half a cow hanging from a hook with the other half chopped up into various cuts on a table on the side. The store had very little organization aside from the aisles, but things like toys were sandwiched in between storage containers and rat poison. I managed to make it out of there spending very little money. Just grabbing some pasta, breakfast items, beer, and food containers.

     That evening F, my roomie, graciously cooked me dinner and I ate with her and her boyfriend D. D is such a gentleman. Seriously. He served us food, refilled our food and cleaned up. He says he does it because he can't cook, but I have never had a guy I hardly met fill up my plate for me. He is Hindu, and the next day I was going to the Batu Caves so I was asking him questions about the festival that goes on there (Google it, I'm getting sssssuuuuuppppppper tired and it takes a while to explain, but don't say I didn't warn you, it's quite gory. Guys pull heavy blocks to shrines of different gods through hooks pierced throughout their bodies).

     The next day I went to my first CS event to the Batu Caves. It was a blast. I met a lot of cool people from all walks of life. I really look forward to hanging out with them more as the summer goes on. The hospitality here is quite amazing and the Malaysians who are a little more outgoing really make an effort to make you feel at home. Those that are shy (which is normal here) are just as nice, you just have to make the effort to get to know them. It was fun to hang out with people from all over, and all over KL as well. I hope to travel and go on more adventures with them in the future. The Batu Caves are a sight to behold. It is obviously very touristy, but at the same time, it is the most sacred Hindu site in Malaysia, so there were a lot of people there to worship as well. There were a few weddings, where it is considered an honor (to the newly-weds) if you are from far, far away to get your picture taken with the bride and groom (see Flickr in the next few days, I'm uploading soon) and wish them a happy marriage. The colors and ornate nature of the wedding outfits are breathtaking. Batu Caves are high up, about 300 and something narrow, steep steps up the side of a mountain. Be prepared to be attacked by monkeys on the way up. I brought the end pieces of my bread to give to the monkeys (because I don't eat them and I don't want to waste food). Being around monkeys is not a new thing for me (I've been to the Amazon) and I know how clever/rough they can be so I engaged in a friendly tug of war with one.

     After sweating it out up to the caves, we headed down. As we were debating where to eat lunch we got to witness someone on a religious pilgrimage who was asking the gods for a favor. In order to do this, you roll down the main entrance, then crawl on your hands and knees up all the steps and pray the whole way there. Trust me, this is NOT an easy task (don't forget the climate conditions), and you could see in her face her determination and dedication to the task at hand. Truly an amazing thing to witness.

  We were waiting for a couple to come back down, so we had some fresh coconuts, then headed to lunch at Teman Melati. We ate at a place called Virgin Chicken (which is the way they cook it I guess), near where my host family lives. I had a great time eating and exchanging travel stories and suggestions. I've got some travel plans in the works, which is something to look forward to after all of this competition business is done. I found out that there are a few other people I know heading to Singapore the same weekend I am, so hopefully I can meet up with them.

    Anyways, this is getting WAYYYYYY too long, so I'm going to get going to bed. I have made it my mission to take at least a half-hour out of my overtime day tomorrow to do some yoga. Hopefully it will keep me centered and refreshed for the long week ahead!

-M

Batu Caves

News paper article...

Monkey...obviously

True dedication - after the first stage of rolling

     Today was not my day. Actually, the last two days at work were quite like this. I got home today a little earlier than yesterday which was nice, but it has been frustrating. Essentially, I just don't see eye to eye with my boss for this project. This situation, as I'm sure you are all aware, is quite normal. However, this being my first official office job, figuring out how to deal with it has its ups and downs. Don't get me wrong, she's a good designer; it is simply a classic clash of form vs. function. I'm more of a function person, she's more of a form lady. It makes working on this competition quite difficult. You have good days and you have bad days, today was a bad day. Tomorrow will be easier. I think I'm just going to try to focus on getting the presentation ready because designing just isn't working out for me right now. But why you ask? Aren't you an architect? Well, technically no, I'm an intern, and yes I do like to design, but we are at a stage where things need to get done and my ideas just don't co-incide with the design. So in order to contribute in a positive manner I'm content with making diagrams and getting a coherent presentation together. I also don't mind sitting back and observing the rest of the design in order to learn a viewpoint different than my own; contributing where I feel it is absolutely necessary to discussions. Just got to take it one day at a time and stay positive. The deadline is in a week. I think the core of the team feels quite the same way, a little on the burnt-out end of the spectrum. Both of the new helpers on the team commented on the low team morale. At least I know I'm not alone.

     This weekend (aside from working Sunday afternoon/night) was spent being a tourist. It actually helped me settle in a lot better. I feel like I know a bit more of what goes on around here and I'm starting to meet more people. On Saturday I went out on my own. It was the king's birthday and I tried to find the festivities in all the wrong places, but I saw quite a bit of touristy parts of the city. I went down to Chinatown and Pasar Seni (Central Market...it might be Sini...I'm too tired to look it up). I got one of those fish massages, where you dip your legs in a large fish tank and the "Doctor Fish" as they are called eat all the dead skin away. It tickles like crazy (and I'm not very ticklish) for the first few minutes and then it feels like soft scratches or something along those lines. A totally unique experience. Afterwards it feels awesome. Your feet and legs feel so refreshed and surprisingly clean. I'd do it again and highly recommend it. I window shopped for a bit, got some fresh mango at a fruit stand, and then went to Chinatown to find MB a present. I bargained my way to what I wanted which was exciting. It's pretty easy. The price they initially offer is quite tempting if you convert it to dollars, so I probably could have done better, but I only ended up paying a Ringgit or two more than I wanted to. After this I went to the food stalls and sat down to journal for a bit. I ended up talking with these two British girls and had lunch with them. It was some amazing Peking duck, although I'm sure the real thing in China is better still. I didn't care, because nothing beats crispy skin and duck fat over rice.

    After lunch I wandered around a bit more and visited a small Buddhist temple. I made an offering and sat there in meditation for a while. I'm currently learning about the 8 Fold Path to Enlightenment so it was kinda cool to start to recognize symbols and meanings in the temple. Plus, I saw it as a chance to get in touch with the world and the present. Literally right across the street and maybe 10 meters down there was a Hindu temple. I am fascinated by the ornate-ness of the Hindu religion, as well as the colors and beauty that surround the Hindu culture. It was my first time actually inside a Hindu place of worship. Although it was quite small I did spend a lot of time staring at the statues. Shiva was depicted with quite large boobs, which I am assuming is a symbol of nurturing, but I found it rather distracting (I know I know, I'm like a 10 year old boy). You can't wear your shoes in Hindu temples, so I left mine outside and of course I stepped in pigeon poo. Fortunately there was a place to wash your feet. I guess I'll know in a few days if I get some type of weird infection or something.

     After that I tried to get a taxi to go to Independence Square because I couldn't gage how far it was by my map and there is no city grid here so navigating is quite hard. I should have known when the taxi driver refused to use his meter that I would be ripped off, but at this point I was sweating like crazy and sitting in the air con left my don't-rip-me-off attitude out in the heat. I got totally ripped off, which made me a bit upset, because I know better, but whatever, at least next time I will know how to walk there. It was completely dead (it used to be the place where most of the political activity was, but most of it has been moved to a new city called Putrajaya - coincidentally where my competition project is). Aside from the old buildings and large flagpole it was kinda blah. I was going to go to the national mosque after that, but the cabbie had aggravated me so I left the area. Plus, I want to go national mosque with an actual Muslim so they can explain things to me, so I'll explore that part of town another time.

     I decided that it was still too early to return home, even though it was the hottest part of the day, so I headed over to Little India. That area is a complete CF. Crowded, people everywhere, people shouting at you, no room to move in between street stalls, and nothing really that special. I was going to sit down and get a snack from the Mamak stalls, but it was hotter under the tents than it was outside, so I window shopped in the colorful Sari stores instead. There are also a LOT of gold jewelry stores, which was quite interesting to see. Also, and like Chinatown, there were a LOT of knock offs/junk/un-identifiable chochkies (or however you spell it). Consumerism is a funny thing. The only thing I got there was a much needed bottle of water. I sat around in the shade/air con of the LRT station before heading home.

     I quickly took a shower and then headed back out to explore my neighborhood a bit more and then grab some groceries. I stumbled upon a Carrefour and I was curious to know if it was a grocery place or what so I went it. Carrefour is essentially a Wal-Mart on speed/steroids with a much better food selection. It was a bit overwhelming, but since I had walked through an entire parking lot (they are LARGE here), a parking lot market (random?) and circled a small mall to get there I got my groceries and a few household items there. It was actually pretty entertaining. They blasted peppy top-40s music and I found it a bit funny to see all of these women covered up while tapping their feet to that S&M song. They also had a live fish section (for food, not pets) and half a cow hanging from a hook with the other half chopped up into various cuts on a table on the side. The store had very little organization aside from the aisles, but things like toys were sandwiched in between storage containers and rat poison. I managed to make it out of there spending very little money. Just grabbing some pasta, breakfast items, beer, and food containers.

     That evening F, my roomie, graciously cooked me dinner and I ate with her and her boyfriend D. D is such a gentleman. Seriously. He served us food, refilled our food and cleaned up. He says he does it because he can't cook, but I have never had a guy I hardly met fill up my plate for me. He is Hindu, and the next day I was going to the Batu Caves so I was asking him questions about the festival that goes on there (Google it, I'm getting sssssuuuuuppppppper tired and it takes a while to explain, but don't say I didn't warn you, it's quite gory. Guys pull heavy blocks to shrines of different gods through hooks pierced throughout their bodies).

     The next day I went to my first CS event to the Batu Caves. It was a blast. I met a lot of cool people from all walks of life. I really look forward to hanging out with them more as the summer goes on. The hospitality here is quite amazing and the Malaysians who are a little more outgoing really make an effort to make you feel at home. Those that are shy (which is normal here) are just as nice, you just have to make the effort to get to know them. It was fun to hang out with people from all over, and all over KL as well. I hope to travel and go on more adventures with them in the future. The Batu Caves are a sight to behold. It is obviously very touristy, but at the same time, it is the most sacred Hindu site in Malaysia, so there were a lot of people there to worship as well. There were a few weddings, where it is considered an honor (to the newly-weds) if you are from far, far away to get your picture taken with the bride and groom (see Flickr in the next few days, I'm uploading soon) and wish them a happy marriage. The colors and ornate nature of the wedding outfits are breathtaking. Batu Caves are high up, about 300 and something narrow, steep steps up the side of a mountain. Be prepared to be attacked by monkeys on the way up. I brought the end pieces of my bread to give to the monkeys (because I don't eat them and I don't want to waste food). Being around monkeys is not a new thing for me (I've been to the Amazon) and I know how clever/rough they can be so I engaged in a friendly tug of war with one.

     After sweating it out up to the caves, we headed down. As we were debating where to eat lunch we got to witness someone on a religious pilgrimage who was asking the gods for a favor. In order to do this, you roll down the main entrance, then crawl on your hands and knees up all the steps and pray the whole way there. Trust me, this is NOT an easy task (don't forget the climate conditions), and you could see in her face her determination and dedication to the task at hand. Truly an amazing thing to witness.

  We were waiting for a couple to come back down, so we had some fresh coconuts, then headed to lunch at Teman Melati. We ate at a place called Virgin Chicken (which is the way they cook it I guess), near where my host family lives. I had a great time eating and exchanging travel stories and suggestions. I've got some travel plans in the works, which is something to look forward to after all of this competition business is done. I found out that there are a few other people I know heading to Singapore the same weekend I am, so hopefully I can meet up with them.

    Anyways, this is getting WAYYYYYY too long, so I'm going to get going to bed. I have made it my mission to take at least a half-hour out of my overtime day tomorrow to do some yoga. Hopefully it will keep me centered and refreshed for the long week ahead!

-M

Batu Caves

News paper article...

Monkey...obviously

True dedication - after the first stage of rolling

     Today was not my day. Actually, the last two days at work were quite like this. I got home today a little earlier than yesterday which was nice, but it has been frustrating. Essentially, I just don't see eye to eye with my boss for this project. This situation, as I'm sure you are all aware, is quite normal. However, this being my first official office job, figuring out how to deal with it has its ups and downs. Don't get me wrong, she's a good designer; it is simply a classic clash of form vs. function. I'm more of a function person, she's more of a form lady. It makes working on this competition quite difficult. You have good days and you have bad days, today was a bad day. Tomorrow will be easier. I think I'm just going to try to focus on getting the presentation ready because designing just isn't working out for me right now. But why you ask? Aren't you an architect? Well, technically no, I'm an intern, and yes I do like to design, but we are at a stage where things need to get done and my ideas just don't co-incide with the design. So in order to contribute in a positive manner I'm content with making diagrams and getting a coherent presentation together. I also don't mind sitting back and observing the rest of the design in order to learn a viewpoint different than my own; contributing where I feel it is absolutely necessary to discussions. Just got to take it one day at a time and stay positive. The deadline is in a week. I think the core of the team feels quite the same way, a little on the burnt-out end of the spectrum. Both of the new helpers on the team commented on the low team morale. At least I know I'm not alone.

     This weekend (aside from working Sunday afternoon/night) was spent being a tourist. It actually helped me settle in a lot better. I feel like I know a bit more of what goes on around here and I'm starting to meet more people. On Saturday I went out on my own. It was the king's birthday and I tried to find the festivities in all the wrong places, but I saw quite a bit of touristy parts of the city. I went down to Chinatown and Pasar Seni (Central Market...it might be Sini...I'm too tired to look it up). I got one of those fish massages, where you dip your legs in a large fish tank and the "Doctor Fish" as they are called eat all the dead skin away. It tickles like crazy (and I'm not very ticklish) for the first few minutes and then it feels like soft scratches or something along those lines. A totally unique experience. Afterwards it feels awesome. Your feet and legs feel so refreshed and surprisingly clean. I'd do it again and highly recommend it. I window shopped for a bit, got some fresh mango at a fruit stand, and then went to Chinatown to find MB a present. I bargained my way to what I wanted which was exciting. It's pretty easy. The price they initially offer is quite tempting if you convert it to dollars, so I probably could have done better, but I only ended up paying a Ringgit or two more than I wanted to. After this I went to the food stalls and sat down to journal for a bit. I ended up talking with these two British girls and had lunch with them. It was some amazing Peking duck, although I'm sure the real thing in China is better still. I didn't care, because nothing beats crispy skin and duck fat over rice.

    After lunch I wandered around a bit more and visited a small Buddhist temple. I made an offering and sat there in meditation for a while. I'm currently learning about the 8 Fold Path to Enlightenment so it was kinda cool to start to recognize symbols and meanings in the temple. Plus, I saw it as a chance to get in touch with the world and the present. Literally right across the street and maybe 10 meters down there was a Hindu temple. I am fascinated by the ornate-ness of the Hindu religion, as well as the colors and beauty that surround the Hindu culture. It was my first time actually inside a Hindu place of worship. Although it was quite small I did spend a lot of time staring at the statues. Shiva was depicted with quite large boobs, which I am assuming is a symbol of nurturing, but I found it rather distracting (I know I know, I'm like a 10 year old boy). You can't wear your shoes in Hindu temples, so I left mine outside and of course I stepped in pigeon poo. Fortunately there was a place to wash your feet. I guess I'll know in a few days if I get some type of weird infection or something.

     After that I tried to get a taxi to go to Independence Square because I couldn't gage how far it was by my map and there is no city grid here so navigating is quite hard. I should have known when the taxi driver refused to use his meter that I would be ripped off, but at this point I was sweating like crazy and sitting in the air con left my don't-rip-me-off attitude out in the heat. I got totally ripped off, which made me a bit upset, because I know better, but whatever, at least next time I will know how to walk there. It was completely dead (it used to be the place where most of the political activity was, but most of it has been moved to a new city called Putrajaya - coincidentally where my competition project is). Aside from the old buildings and large flagpole it was kinda blah. I was going to go to the national mosque after that, but the cabbie had aggravated me so I left the area. Plus, I want to go national mosque with an actual Muslim so they can explain things to me, so I'll explore that part of town another time.

     I decided that it was still too early to return home, even though it was the hottest part of the day, so I headed over to Little India. That area is a complete CF. Crowded, people everywhere, people shouting at you, no room to move in between street stalls, and nothing really that special. I was going to sit down and get a snack from the Mamak stalls, but it was hotter under the tents than it was outside, so I window shopped in the colorful Sari stores instead. There are also a LOT of gold jewelry stores, which was quite interesting to see. Also, and like Chinatown, there were a LOT of knock offs/junk/un-identifiable chochkies (or however you spell it). Consumerism is a funny thing. The only thing I got there was a much needed bottle of water. I sat around in the shade/air con of the LRT station before heading home.

     I quickly took a shower and then headed back out to explore my neighborhood a bit more and then grab some groceries. I stumbled upon a Carrefour and I was curious to know if it was a grocery place or what so I went it. Carrefour is essentially a Wal-Mart on speed/steroids with a much better food selection. It was a bit overwhelming, but since I had walked through an entire parking lot (they are LARGE here), a parking lot market (random?) and circled a small mall to get there I got my groceries and a few household items there. It was actually pretty entertaining. They blasted peppy top-40s music and I found it a bit funny to see all of these women covered up while tapping their feet to that S&M song. They also had a live fish section (for food, not pets) and half a cow hanging from a hook with the other half chopped up into various cuts on a table on the side. The store had very little organization aside from the aisles, but things like toys were sandwiched in between storage containers and rat poison. I managed to make it out of there spending very little money. Just grabbing some pasta, breakfast items, beer, and food containers.

     That evening F, my roomie, graciously cooked me dinner and I ate with her and her boyfriend D. D is such a gentleman. Seriously. He served us food, refilled our food and cleaned up. He says he does it because he can't cook, but I have never had a guy I hardly met fill up my plate for me. He is Hindu, and the next day I was going to the Batu Caves so I was asking him questions about the festival that goes on there (Google it, I'm getting sssssuuuuuppppppper tired and it takes a while to explain, but don't say I didn't warn you, it's quite gory. Guys pull heavy blocks to shrines of different gods through hooks pierced throughout their bodies).

     The next day I went to my first CS event to the Batu Caves. It was a blast. I met a lot of cool people from all walks of life. I really look forward to hanging out with them more as the summer goes on. The hospitality here is quite amazing and the Malaysians who are a little more outgoing really make an effort to make you feel at home. Those that are shy (which is normal here) are just as nice, you just have to make the effort to get to know them. It was fun to hang out with people from all over, and all over KL as well. I hope to travel and go on more adventures with them in the future. The Batu Caves are a sight to behold. It is obviously very touristy, but at the same time, it is the most sacred Hindu site in Malaysia, so there were a lot of people there to worship as well. There were a few weddings, where it is considered an honor (to the newly-weds) if you are from far, far away to get your picture taken with the bride and groom (see Flickr in the next few days, I'm uploading soon) and wish them a happy marriage. The colors and ornate nature of the wedding outfits are breathtaking. Batu Caves are high up, about 300 and something narrow, steep steps up the side of a mountain. Be prepared to be attacked by monkeys on the way up. I brought the end pieces of my bread to give to the monkeys (because I don't eat them and I don't want to waste food). Being around monkeys is not a new thing for me (I've been to the Amazon) and I know how clever/rough they can be so I engaged in a friendly tug of war with one.

     After sweating it out up to the caves, we headed down. As we were debating where to eat lunch we got to witness someone on a religious pilgrimage who was asking the gods for a favor. In order to do this, you roll down the main entrance, then crawl on your hands and knees up all the steps and pray the whole way there. Trust me, this is NOT an easy task (don't forget the climate conditions), and you could see in her face her determination and dedication to the task at hand. Truly an amazing thing to witness.

  We were waiting for a couple to come back down, so we had some fresh coconuts, then headed to lunch at Teman Melati. We ate at a place called Virgin Chicken (which is the way they cook it I guess), near where my host family lives. I had a great time eating and exchanging travel stories and suggestions. I've got some travel plans in the works, which is something to look forward to after all of this competition business is done. I found out that there are a few other people I know heading to Singapore the same weekend I am, so hopefully I can meet up with them.

    Anyways, this is getting WAYYYYYY too long, so I'm going to get going to bed. I have made it my mission to take at least a half-hour out of my overtime day tomorrow to do some yoga. Hopefully it will keep me centered and refreshed for the long week ahead!

-M

Batu Caves

News paper article...

Monkey...obviously

True dedication - after the first stage of rolling

     Today was not my day. Actually, the last two days at work were quite like this. I got home today a little earlier than yesterday which was nice, but it has been frustrating. Essentially, I just don't see eye to eye with my boss for this project. This situation, as I'm sure you are all aware, is quite normal. However, this being my first official office job, figuring out how to deal with it has its ups and downs. Don't get me wrong, she's a good designer; it is simply a classic clash of form vs. function. I'm more of a function person, she's more of a form lady. It makes working on this competition quite difficult. You have good days and you have bad days, today was a bad day. Tomorrow will be easier. I think I'm just going to try to focus on getting the presentation ready because designing just isn't working out for me right now. But why you ask? Aren't you an architect? Well, technically no, I'm an intern, and yes I do like to design, but we are at a stage where things need to get done and my ideas just don't co-incide with the design. So in order to contribute in a positive manner I'm content with making diagrams and getting a coherent presentation together. I also don't mind sitting back and observing the rest of the design in order to learn a viewpoint different than my own; contributing where I feel it is absolutely necessary to discussions. Just got to take it one day at a time and stay positive. The deadline is in a week. I think the core of the team feels quite the same way, a little on the burnt-out end of the spectrum. Both of the new helpers on the team commented on the low team morale. At least I know I'm not alone.

     This weekend (aside from working Sunday afternoon/night) was spent being a tourist. It actually helped me settle in a lot better. I feel like I know a bit more of what goes on around here and I'm starting to meet more people. On Saturday I went out on my own. It was the king's birthday and I tried to find the festivities in all the wrong places, but I saw quite a bit of touristy parts of the city. I went down to Chinatown and Pasar Seni (Central Market...it might be Sini...I'm too tired to look it up). I got one of those fish massages, where you dip your legs in a large fish tank and the "Doctor Fish" as they are called eat all the dead skin away. It tickles like crazy (and I'm not very ticklish) for the first few minutes and then it feels like soft scratches or something along those lines. A totally unique experience. Afterwards it feels awesome. Your feet and legs feel so refreshed and surprisingly clean. I'd do it again and highly recommend it. I window shopped for a bit, got some fresh mango at a fruit stand, and then went to Chinatown to find MB a present. I bargained my way to what I wanted which was exciting. It's pretty easy. The price they initially offer is quite tempting if you convert it to dollars, so I probably could have done better, but I only ended up paying a Ringgit or two more than I wanted to. After this I went to the food stalls and sat down to journal for a bit. I ended up talking with these two British girls and had lunch with them. It was some amazing Peking duck, although I'm sure the real thing in China is better still. I didn't care, because nothing beats crispy skin and duck fat over rice.

    After lunch I wandered around a bit more and visited a small Buddhist temple. I made an offering and sat there in meditation for a while. I'm currently learning about the 8 Fold Path to Enlightenment so it was kinda cool to start to recognize symbols and meanings in the temple. Plus, I saw it as a chance to get in touch with the world and the present. Literally right across the street and maybe 10 meters down there was a Hindu temple. I am fascinated by the ornate-ness of the Hindu religion, as well as the colors and beauty that surround the Hindu culture. It was my first time actually inside a Hindu place of worship. Although it was quite small I did spend a lot of time staring at the statues. Shiva was depicted with quite large boobs, which I am assuming is a symbol of nurturing, but I found it rather distracting (I know I know, I'm like a 10 year old boy). You can't wear your shoes in Hindu temples, so I left mine outside and of course I stepped in pigeon poo. Fortunately there was a place to wash your feet. I guess I'll know in a few days if I get some type of weird infection or something.

     After that I tried to get a taxi to go to Independence Square because I couldn't gage how far it was by my map and there is no city grid here so navigating is quite hard. I should have known when the taxi driver refused to use his meter that I would be ripped off, but at this point I was sweating like crazy and sitting in the air con left my don't-rip-me-off attitude out in the heat. I got totally ripped off, which made me a bit upset, because I know better, but whatever, at least next time I will know how to walk there. It was completely dead (it used to be the place where most of the political activity was, but most of it has been moved to a new city called Putrajaya - coincidentally where my competition project is). Aside from the old buildings and large flagpole it was kinda blah. I was going to go to the national mosque after that, but the cabbie had aggravated me so I left the area. Plus, I want to go national mosque with an actual Muslim so they can explain things to me, so I'll explore that part of town another time.

     I decided that it was still too early to return home, even though it was the hottest part of the day, so I headed over to Little India. That area is a complete CF. Crowded, people everywhere, people shouting at you, no room to move in between street stalls, and nothing really that special. I was going to sit down and get a snack from the Mamak stalls, but it was hotter under the tents than it was outside, so I window shopped in the colorful Sari stores instead. There are also a LOT of gold jewelry stores, which was quite interesting to see. Also, and like Chinatown, there were a LOT of knock offs/junk/un-identifiable chochkies (or however you spell it). Consumerism is a funny thing. The only thing I got there was a much needed bottle of water. I sat around in the shade/air con of the LRT station before heading home.

     I quickly took a shower and then headed back out to explore my neighborhood a bit more and then grab some groceries. I stumbled upon a Carrefour and I was curious to know if it was a grocery place or what so I went it. Carrefour is essentially a Wal-Mart on speed/steroids with a much better food selection. It was a bit overwhelming, but since I had walked through an entire parking lot (they are LARGE here), a parking lot market (random?) and circled a small mall to get there I got my groceries and a few household items there. It was actually pretty entertaining. They blasted peppy top-40s music and I found it a bit funny to see all of these women covered up while tapping their feet to that S&M song. They also had a live fish section (for food, not pets) and half a cow hanging from a hook with the other half chopped up into various cuts on a table on the side. The store had very little organization aside from the aisles, but things like toys were sandwiched in between storage containers and rat poison. I managed to make it out of there spending very little money. Just grabbing some pasta, breakfast items, beer, and food containers.

     That evening F, my roomie, graciously cooked me dinner and I ate with her and her boyfriend D. D is such a gentleman. Seriously. He served us food, refilled our food and cleaned up. He says he does it because he can't cook, but I have never had a guy I hardly met fill up my plate for me. He is Hindu, and the next day I was going to the Batu Caves so I was asking him questions about the festival that goes on there (Google it, I'm getting sssssuuuuuppppppper tired and it takes a while to explain, but don't say I didn't warn you, it's quite gory. Guys pull heavy blocks to shrines of different gods through hooks pierced throughout their bodies).

     The next day I went to my first CS event to the Batu Caves. It was a blast. I met a lot of cool people from all walks of life. I really look forward to hanging out with them more as the summer goes on. The hospitality here is quite amazing and the Malaysians who are a little more outgoing really make an effort to make you feel at home. Those that are shy (which is normal here) are just as nice, you just have to make the effort to get to know them. It was fun to hang out with people from all over, and all over KL as well. I hope to travel and go on more adventures with them in the future. The Batu Caves are a sight to behold. It is obviously very touristy, but at the same time, it is the most sacred Hindu site in Malaysia, so there were a lot of people there to worship as well. There were a few weddings, where it is considered an honor (to the newly-weds) if you are from far, far away to get your picture taken with the bride and groom (see Flickr in the next few days, I'm uploading soon) and wish them a happy marriage. The colors and ornate nature of the wedding outfits are breathtaking. Batu Caves are high up, about 300 and something narrow, steep steps up the side of a mountain. Be prepared to be attacked by monkeys on the way up. I brought the end pieces of my bread to give to the monkeys (because I don't eat them and I don't want to waste food). Being around monkeys is not a new thing for me (I've been to the Amazon) and I know how clever/rough they can be so I engaged in a friendly tug of war with one.

     After sweating it out up to the caves, we headed down. As we were debating where to eat lunch we got to witness someone on a religious pilgrimage who was asking the gods for a favor. In order to do this, you roll down the main entrance, then crawl on your hands and knees up all the steps and pray the whole way there. Trust me, this is NOT an easy task (don't forget the climate conditions), and you could see in her face her determination and dedication to the task at hand. Truly an amazing thing to witness.

  We were waiting for a couple to come back down, so we had some fresh coconuts, then headed to lunch at Teman Melati. We ate at a place called Virgin Chicken (which is the way they cook it I guess), near where my host family lives. I had a great time eating and exchanging travel stories and suggestions. I've got some travel plans in the works, which is something to look forward to after all of this competition business is done. I found out that there are a few other people I know heading to Singapore the same weekend I am, so hopefully I can meet up with them.

    Anyways, this is getting WAYYYYYY too long, so I'm going to get going to bed. I have made it my mission to take at least a half-hour out of my overtime day tomorrow to do some yoga. Hopefully it will keep me centered and refreshed for the long week ahead!

-M

Batu Caves

News paper article...

Monkey...obviously

True dedication - after the first stage of rolling

Tall Tiger and instant noodles...

     Once again, it's been a while and once again, to no surprise, I've been busier than ever. The competition is in full swing, and to be honest, I need a break from it. Granted this is me coming off of a 10 and 12 hour day, a 6 day work week, and another 6 day week to go. Being thrown into the deep end of the lop-sided frying pan is not only beginning to take its toll on me, but has also begun to wear away at my enjoyment of architecture. It's kind of like the week before jury week...for 3 consecutive weeks. Not to mention the principal in charge of the project is a night owl (when it comes to working, surprisingly, I am the complete opposite). On the plus side, I can say I am getting to know AutoCAD inside and out. For those of you who may be surprised that I didn't know CAD, my school (and firms in Colorado) teach/require Revit. Basically, I'm reversed in the sense that I know Revit but am relatively shaky in CAD. We have a new intern, Q (phonetically it should be a K) although he mainly builds models because he is a first-year in undergrad. Some may find it depressing that I'm staying in, eating instant noodles, sipping a Tiger beer, and blogging on a Friday night; but honestly, this is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I'm dead tired from the week and it just finished raining, so the humidity is at an energy-zapping high.

     Anyways, enough about work, there is more to life than the office (although it hasn't seemed that way quite yet). I finally met my third roomate - C. She's from South Africa, which is quite cool in my opinion. Every South African I have ever met has been super awesome and a lot of fun to be around. She is here with her mom (who is on holiday) and although I showed her around, she won't officially be moving in until Sunday. Yesterday I went out for Lebanese food and shisha (Americans usually call it: hukah), in Asia, with her (a South African) and my co-worker S, who lives a train stop over, from Columbia. If that isn't a sign of the times I don't know what is. In KL, such situations are quite typical. 'International' almost seems to be an understatement. The food was amazing, some of the best falafel I've had in ages.

      A few days prior I went to yoga with a group of gals from the office. It's a Tuesday tradition, something not to be missed. I'm not too good at yoga, but I love it anyway. After a 2 day journey to Malaysia, it was just what my body needed. I also stopped by the REAL Chinatown (not the touristy one near the National Mosque), a small strip of streets in the district of Wangsa Maju to go to a Chinese hawker center. A hawker center is basically a large strip of street vendors selling various food items at low, low prices. I got some spicy pork, spicy fish balls, some type of vegetable, and rice all for $1.20 US. The rule is to pick the most packed stall and go for it. Don't ask what you're eating, follow your nose and figure out what it is when you eat it. It was a leap of faith on my part, the first time I ventured into an adjacent neighborhood (I really don't live in a touristy part of town, but where actual locals live) and went for it. Given my past experience in Mongolia, food still remains a point of nervousness, especially street food when no one is there to re-assure me about it. These places are definitely not Halal, and as much as I appreciate the cleanliness of Halal, the smell of pork was a welcomed familiarity (and one I couldn't pass up). I was going to stick around and eat there, however mosquitos (colloquially called mozzies) were happily gnawing away at my ankles so I returned to the safety of my 19th floor apartment. I plan on taking C and S there next week for some tasty authentic Chinese (complete with MSG and all).

     Today, as it goes with every Friday, I got to enjoy a long lunch (we get more time so the Muslim community can attend Friday prayers). I was invited by M, a co-worker, to go to this Japanese restaurant for lunch. It was soooo so so good! Japanese food is my favorite kind of food (tied with several other Asian culinary delights) so I had a great time. It was also kinda cool because I was the only true foreigner. It was good to get to know some of the other people I haven't really spent a whole lot of time with in the office. They also gave me some confidence to speak more Bahasa Melayu; meaning they admitted they could understand me. They also asked really cute questions like if I'd eat raw fish or if I was 'suffering' from eating Japanese food. Granted there were things in my lunch I hadn't tried, but who can complain about Udon noodles and tempura fried soft shelled crab? I explained that sushi and Japanese food is quite popular in the US, and pretty un-typically of your average American home, my boyfriend and I loved cooking Asian food. They suggested I try Durian, which I have been told is in season. Of course, I would love to try it, but I think I would prefer to eat it with someone who likes it as well, just in case I don't like it. It is considered quite rude to waste food here, which is something us Westerners could learn from.

     I talk about food a lot, mostly because lunch and dinner are my only breaks from work as of yet. Fortunately I have the excuse of a visa run coming up after my 14th deadline for the competition so I should get some much deserved time (and weekends) off for a bit and be able to report on more exciting things than just work work work work. I have made some plans for the weekend aside from an almost full day at the office on Sunday. I'll report back if those things go as planned.

     Anyways, I can smell myself, which is always a bad sign, so I'm going to hop in the shower and settle down to bed with a good book until I pass out from exhaustion. With any luck, I'll update at the end of the weekend. If karma really acts in my favor, I'll have pictures from the weekend (I've posted others from my adventures on Flickr...although I must admit they aren't my best).

Good night (or good morning)

-M

     Once again, it's been a while and once again, to no surprise, I've been busier than ever. The competition is in full swing, and to be honest, I need a break from it. Granted this is me coming off of a 10 and 12 hour day, a 6 day work week, and another 6 day week to go. Being thrown into the deep end of the lop-sided frying pan is not only beginning to take its toll on me, but has also begun to wear away at my enjoyment of architecture. It's kind of like the week before jury week...for 3 consecutive weeks. Not to mention the principal in charge of the project is a night owl (when it comes to working, surprisingly, I am the complete opposite). On the plus side, I can say I am getting to know AutoCAD inside and out. For those of you who may be surprised that I didn't know CAD, my school (and firms in Colorado) teach/require Revit. Basically, I'm reversed in the sense that I know Revit but am relatively shaky in CAD. We have a new intern, Q (phonetically it should be a K) although he mainly builds models because he is a first-year in undergrad. Some may find it depressing that I'm staying in, eating instant noodles, sipping a Tiger beer, and blogging on a Friday night; but honestly, this is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I'm dead tired from the week and it just finished raining, so the humidity is at an energy-zapping high.

     Anyways, enough about work, there is more to life than the office (although it hasn't seemed that way quite yet). I finally met my third roomate - C. She's from South Africa, which is quite cool in my opinion. Every South African I have ever met has been super awesome and a lot of fun to be around. She is here with her mom (who is on holiday) and although I showed her around, she won't officially be moving in until Sunday. Yesterday I went out for Lebanese food and shisha (Americans usually call it: hukah), in Asia, with her (a South African) and my co-worker S, who lives a train stop over, from Columbia. If that isn't a sign of the times I don't know what is. In KL, such situations are quite typical. 'International' almost seems to be an understatement. The food was amazing, some of the best falafel I've had in ages.

      A few days prior I went to yoga with a group of gals from the office. It's a Tuesday tradition, something not to be missed. I'm not too good at yoga, but I love it anyway. After a 2 day journey to Malaysia, it was just what my body needed. I also stopped by the REAL Chinatown (not the touristy one near the National Mosque), a small strip of streets in the district of Wangsa Maju to go to a Chinese hawker center. A hawker center is basically a large strip of street vendors selling various food items at low, low prices. I got some spicy pork, spicy fish balls, some type of vegetable, and rice all for $1.20 US. The rule is to pick the most packed stall and go for it. Don't ask what you're eating, follow your nose and figure out what it is when you eat it. It was a leap of faith on my part, the first time I ventured into an adjacent neighborhood (I really don't live in a touristy part of town, but where actual locals live) and went for it. Given my past experience in Mongolia, food still remains a point of nervousness, especially street food when no one is there to re-assure me about it. These places are definitely not Halal, and as much as I appreciate the cleanliness of Halal, the smell of pork was a welcomed familiarity (and one I couldn't pass up). I was going to stick around and eat there, however mosquitos (colloquially called mozzies) were happily gnawing away at my ankles so I returned to the safety of my 19th floor apartment. I plan on taking C and S there next week for some tasty authentic Chinese (complete with MSG and all).

     Today, as it goes with every Friday, I got to enjoy a long lunch (we get more time so the Muslim community can attend Friday prayers). I was invited by M, a co-worker, to go to this Japanese restaurant for lunch. It was soooo so so good! Japanese food is my favorite kind of food (tied with several other Asian culinary delights) so I had a great time. It was also kinda cool because I was the only true foreigner. It was good to get to know some of the other people I haven't really spent a whole lot of time with in the office. They also gave me some confidence to speak more Bahasa Melayu; meaning they admitted they could understand me. They also asked really cute questions like if I'd eat raw fish or if I was 'suffering' from eating Japanese food. Granted there were things in my lunch I hadn't tried, but who can complain about Udon noodles and tempura fried soft shelled crab? I explained that sushi and Japanese food is quite popular in the US, and pretty un-typically of your average American home, my boyfriend and I loved cooking Asian food. They suggested I try Durian, which I have been told is in season. Of course, I would love to try it, but I think I would prefer to eat it with someone who likes it as well, just in case I don't like it. It is considered quite rude to waste food here, which is something us Westerners could learn from.

     I talk about food a lot, mostly because lunch and dinner are my only breaks from work as of yet. Fortunately I have the excuse of a visa run coming up after my 14th deadline for the competition so I should get some much deserved time (and weekends) off for a bit and be able to report on more exciting things than just work work work work. I have made some plans for the weekend aside from an almost full day at the office on Sunday. I'll report back if those things go as planned.

     Anyways, I can smell myself, which is always a bad sign, so I'm going to hop in the shower and settle down to bed with a good book until I pass out from exhaustion. With any luck, I'll update at the end of the weekend. If karma really acts in my favor, I'll have pictures from the weekend (I've posted others from my adventures on Flickr...although I must admit they aren't my best).

Good night (or good morning)

-M

     Once again, it's been a while and once again, to no surprise, I've been busier than ever. The competition is in full swing, and to be honest, I need a break from it. Granted this is me coming off of a 10 and 12 hour day, a 6 day work week, and another 6 day week to go. Being thrown into the deep end of the lop-sided frying pan is not only beginning to take its toll on me, but has also begun to wear away at my enjoyment of architecture. It's kind of like the week before jury week...for 3 consecutive weeks. Not to mention the principal in charge of the project is a night owl (when it comes to working, surprisingly, I am the complete opposite). On the plus side, I can say I am getting to know AutoCAD inside and out. For those of you who may be surprised that I didn't know CAD, my school (and firms in Colorado) teach/require Revit. Basically, I'm reversed in the sense that I know Revit but am relatively shaky in CAD. We have a new intern, Q (phonetically it should be a K) although he mainly builds models because he is a first-year in undergrad. Some may find it depressing that I'm staying in, eating instant noodles, sipping a Tiger beer, and blogging on a Friday night; but honestly, this is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I'm dead tired from the week and it just finished raining, so the humidity is at an energy-zapping high.

     Anyways, enough about work, there is more to life than the office (although it hasn't seemed that way quite yet). I finally met my third roomate - C. She's from South Africa, which is quite cool in my opinion. Every South African I have ever met has been super awesome and a lot of fun to be around. She is here with her mom (who is on holiday) and although I showed her around, she won't officially be moving in until Sunday. Yesterday I went out for Lebanese food and shisha (Americans usually call it: hukah), in Asia, with her (a South African) and my co-worker S, who lives a train stop over, from Columbia. If that isn't a sign of the times I don't know what is. In KL, such situations are quite typical. 'International' almost seems to be an understatement. The food was amazing, some of the best falafel I've had in ages.

      A few days prior I went to yoga with a group of gals from the office. It's a Tuesday tradition, something not to be missed. I'm not too good at yoga, but I love it anyway. After a 2 day journey to Malaysia, it was just what my body needed. I also stopped by the REAL Chinatown (not the touristy one near the National Mosque), a small strip of streets in the district of Wangsa Maju to go to a Chinese hawker center. A hawker center is basically a large strip of street vendors selling various food items at low, low prices. I got some spicy pork, spicy fish balls, some type of vegetable, and rice all for $1.20 US. The rule is to pick the most packed stall and go for it. Don't ask what you're eating, follow your nose and figure out what it is when you eat it. It was a leap of faith on my part, the first time I ventured into an adjacent neighborhood (I really don't live in a touristy part of town, but where actual locals live) and went for it. Given my past experience in Mongolia, food still remains a point of nervousness, especially street food when no one is there to re-assure me about it. These places are definitely not Halal, and as much as I appreciate the cleanliness of Halal, the smell of pork was a welcomed familiarity (and one I couldn't pass up). I was going to stick around and eat there, however mosquitos (colloquially called mozzies) were happily gnawing away at my ankles so I returned to the safety of my 19th floor apartment. I plan on taking C and S there next week for some tasty authentic Chinese (complete with MSG and all).

     Today, as it goes with every Friday, I got to enjoy a long lunch (we get more time so the Muslim community can attend Friday prayers). I was invited by M, a co-worker, to go to this Japanese restaurant for lunch. It was soooo so so good! Japanese food is my favorite kind of food (tied with several other Asian culinary delights) so I had a great time. It was also kinda cool because I was the only true foreigner. It was good to get to know some of the other people I haven't really spent a whole lot of time with in the office. They also gave me some confidence to speak more Bahasa Melayu; meaning they admitted they could understand me. They also asked really cute questions like if I'd eat raw fish or if I was 'suffering' from eating Japanese food. Granted there were things in my lunch I hadn't tried, but who can complain about Udon noodles and tempura fried soft shelled crab? I explained that sushi and Japanese food is quite popular in the US, and pretty un-typically of your average American home, my boyfriend and I loved cooking Asian food. They suggested I try Durian, which I have been told is in season. Of course, I would love to try it, but I think I would prefer to eat it with someone who likes it as well, just in case I don't like it. It is considered quite rude to waste food here, which is something us Westerners could learn from.

     I talk about food a lot, mostly because lunch and dinner are my only breaks from work as of yet. Fortunately I have the excuse of a visa run coming up after my 14th deadline for the competition so I should get some much deserved time (and weekends) off for a bit and be able to report on more exciting things than just work work work work. I have made some plans for the weekend aside from an almost full day at the office on Sunday. I'll report back if those things go as planned.

     Anyways, I can smell myself, which is always a bad sign, so I'm going to hop in the shower and settle down to bed with a good book until I pass out from exhaustion. With any luck, I'll update at the end of the weekend. If karma really acts in my favor, I'll have pictures from the weekend (I've posted others from my adventures on Flickr...although I must admit they aren't my best).

Good night (or good morning)

-M

     Once again, it's been a while and once again, to no surprise, I've been busier than ever. The competition is in full swing, and to be honest, I need a break from it. Granted this is me coming off of a 10 and 12 hour day, a 6 day work week, and another 6 day week to go. Being thrown into the deep end of the lop-sided frying pan is not only beginning to take its toll on me, but has also begun to wear away at my enjoyment of architecture. It's kind of like the week before jury week...for 3 consecutive weeks. Not to mention the principal in charge of the project is a night owl (when it comes to working, surprisingly, I am the complete opposite). On the plus side, I can say I am getting to know AutoCAD inside and out. For those of you who may be surprised that I didn't know CAD, my school (and firms in Colorado) teach/require Revit. Basically, I'm reversed in the sense that I know Revit but am relatively shaky in CAD. We have a new intern, Q (phonetically it should be a K) although he mainly builds models because he is a first-year in undergrad. Some may find it depressing that I'm staying in, eating instant noodles, sipping a Tiger beer, and blogging on a Friday night; but honestly, this is exactly what I want to be doing right now. I'm dead tired from the week and it just finished raining, so the humidity is at an energy-zapping high.

     Anyways, enough about work, there is more to life than the office (although it hasn't seemed that way quite yet). I finally met my third roomate - C. She's from South Africa, which is quite cool in my opinion. Every South African I have ever met has been super awesome and a lot of fun to be around. She is here with her mom (who is on holiday) and although I showed her around, she won't officially be moving in until Sunday. Yesterday I went out for Lebanese food and shisha (Americans usually call it: hukah), in Asia, with her (a South African) and my co-worker S, who lives a train stop over, from Columbia. If that isn't a sign of the times I don't know what is. In KL, such situations are quite typical. 'International' almost seems to be an understatement. The food was amazing, some of the best falafel I've had in ages.

      A few days prior I went to yoga with a group of gals from the office. It's a Tuesday tradition, something not to be missed. I'm not too good at yoga, but I love it anyway. After a 2 day journey to Malaysia, it was just what my body needed. I also stopped by the REAL Chinatown (not the touristy one near the National Mosque), a small strip of streets in the district of Wangsa Maju to go to a Chinese hawker center. A hawker center is basically a large strip of street vendors selling various food items at low, low prices. I got some spicy pork, spicy fish balls, some type of vegetable, and rice all for $1.20 US. The rule is to pick the most packed stall and go for it. Don't ask what you're eating, follow your nose and figure out what it is when you eat it. It was a leap of faith on my part, the first time I ventured into an adjacent neighborhood (I really don't live in a touristy part of town, but where actual locals live) and went for it. Given my past experience in Mongolia, food still remains a point of nervousness, especially street food when no one is there to re-assure me about it. These places are definitely not Halal, and as much as I appreciate the cleanliness of Halal, the smell of pork was a welcomed familiarity (and one I couldn't pass up). I was going to stick around and eat there, however mosquitos (colloquially called mozzies) were happily gnawing away at my ankles so I returned to the safety of my 19th floor apartment. I plan on taking C and S there next week for some tasty authentic Chinese (complete with MSG and all).

     Today, as it goes with every Friday, I got to enjoy a long lunch (we get more time so the Muslim community can attend Friday prayers). I was invited by M, a co-worker, to go to this Japanese restaurant for lunch. It was soooo so so good! Japanese food is my favorite kind of food (tied with several other Asian culinary delights) so I had a great time. It was also kinda cool because I was the only true foreigner. It was good to get to know some of the other people I haven't really spent a whole lot of time with in the office. They also gave me some confidence to speak more Bahasa Melayu; meaning they admitted they could understand me. They also asked really cute questions like if I'd eat raw fish or if I was 'suffering' from eating Japanese food. Granted there were things in my lunch I hadn't tried, but who can complain about Udon noodles and tempura fried soft shelled crab? I explained that sushi and Japanese food is quite popular in the US, and pretty un-typically of your average American home, my boyfriend and I loved cooking Asian food. They suggested I try Durian, which I have been told is in season. Of course, I would love to try it, but I think I would prefer to eat it with someone who likes it as well, just in case I don't like it. It is considered quite rude to waste food here, which is something us Westerners could learn from.

     I talk about food a lot, mostly because lunch and dinner are my only breaks from work as of yet. Fortunately I have the excuse of a visa run coming up after my 14th deadline for the competition so I should get some much deserved time (and weekends) off for a bit and be able to report on more exciting things than just work work work work. I have made some plans for the weekend aside from an almost full day at the office on Sunday. I'll report back if those things go as planned.

     Anyways, I can smell myself, which is always a bad sign, so I'm going to hop in the shower and settle down to bed with a good book until I pass out from exhaustion. With any luck, I'll update at the end of the weekend. If karma really acts in my favor, I'll have pictures from the weekend (I've posted others from my adventures on Flickr...although I must admit they aren't my best).

Good night (or good morning)

-M

MSG MSG MSG

      After 5 hours at the office (yes I know it is Sunday....don't ask) I went to KLCC to grab a quick bite and get a thank you card for my host. Klang was fun. The trip there was quite interesting...I took the commuter rail there. It's an electric train and we had an intense lightening storm on the way over. A bolt must have struck the line and the train came to a complete halt. I had been warned that this can happen, so I wasn't really that concerned until I heard it was going to take over an hour to fix, if at all. It was pooping rain, but fortunately we broke down about a hundred yards from the last stop so I just jumped off and walked back. G picked me up at the station and we headed to her house to cook up some tasty food. We had spice rubbed garlic baked fish, cheesy potato gratin, some type of veggie, and we attempted to make mango rice, but we were all too full to eat any of it. I also met her friend R who is an awesome chef. After overcoming our food comas we headed to the mall.

      Mall going is a pastime of Malaysians, plus I really needed to get a few things. Our apartment doesn't even have filtered water, and I was in desperate need of another fan to blast in my face at night so I was going in prepared to spend some. I also bought beer for later that night. The mall, especially Jusco (kinda like a target but with more of a grocery focus) was a complete CF. It didn't really surprise me, the annual sales are going on because the schools are on break, and westerners find a lot of things in Asia a complete CF in general. This mall was medium to large size (I thought it was enormous) something like 5 floors. Pretty redic. They have stuff from all over, and yes, all the crazy things you can imagine do exist here. I got some household items, including a fan...which I just opened to set up and found that the plug only has one prong...ugh! I'm going to return it, so I went to look on Google Maps for the nearest Jusco, and it's actually quite close, but the roads here prohibit me from walking there, unless I want to wander way out of the way, so the only way to return it is to go by LRT (inner city light rail) to the next stop. So unless I want to drag this fan to work with me tomorrow (it's surprisingly heavy) I'm going to have to come back home, then go back out just to take the train one stop over, hope I don't get lost by going the wrong direction and return the fan. Total bummer cuz it's hotter than hell tonight (didn't rain today). I'm going to just shower and not dry off or something lol. We had some Indian and Chinese last night and watched House, then I passed out. I had a fitful night of sleep due to heat and bad dreams. I awoke the this morning, headed to the market (which I always find interesting) and the sweltering heat got to me. I had to lie in the AC at G's place. We stopped on the way back to KL to get some much needed Gatorade, I was pretty dehydrated. That compounded with missing my bf and doggy made for a tough morning, but I came out stronger.

     I had some really good conversations with G. She's getting ready to move to Brazil to be with her boyfriend. She get's what it's like to be in a new place, miss your significant other, and other culture shock related issues. I was so grateful I got to meet her. She made me feel better about things that bother me on the inside about being away from home. It is definitely harder than I thought. It isn't like I'm on a holiday, I'm working and living here. We talked about various global issues and Malay life. Malaysia is surprisingly international. Many kids go to school overseas, thus it's common to marry or move to another country and with a shrinking world, there is a lot of racial mixing going on. On the flip side, there is a lot of racial undertones. Maybe not like racism as we know it in the west, but she said that the one thing that bothers her is that Malaysians don't identify themselves as Malaysian first. Instead, they identify themselves as Indian, Malay, Eurasian, Chinese ect. It even goes as far as to state their race on their identity cards. I found this interesting. Countries like Rwanda did this and it led to a terrible genocide. Not that I think Malaysia is going to erupt into a brutal civil war, but it was interesting to me. The government has at the same time started a campaign called One Malaysia. You see this logo everywhere that is a Malaysian flag pattern shaped into the number one. I was wondering what that was all about.

    G's friend R also had some interesting insight. She's Malay, which usually means Muslim. However, she doesn't wear the head-dress or anything like that. I asked why and she said because she didn't grow up wearing it and it's an all or nothing kind of deal. Like you should cover everything but your face or hands or just don't do it. She doesn't believe in what I'll call the halfsies you see. People dressed in normal street clothes, usually not shorts, with the head covered. It's so hot here I really don't blame her. She also said the main reason why the people of North Africa and the Middle East cover their faces is because of the horrid sandstorms. I think this makes sense, cuz sand pelting at your face sucks no matter what religion you are, but what both of us didn't understand was the color choice. Black to me seems like it would be terribly uncomfortable in the heat, white may be a better choice. I also asked about the dog thing. She said that Muslims can't keep dogs as pets, but they can have working dogs. She also mentioned that it is un-Halal to touch a wet dog (because of the rabies outbreak back in the day) but that today they are making Halal soap for dog owners. I thought that was kinda cool. She said that the main reason why Malay Muslims don't like/tease dogs is because they are afraid of them. She's an animal lover but doesn't keep dogs. She also mentioned that drinking is forbidden in Muslim culture, it just needs to be consumed under the right pretenses. She said that a drink or two in a social occasion is acceptable, but the law was created to discourage dependency on alcohol. She said that most Muslim countries don't serve alcohol unless you are a foreigner, but alcohol may occasionally be consumed in the private of one's home. When I asked about countries (such as Brunei) that straight up ban it, she and I both agreed it was probably done for control over the population.

     I know next to nothing about Muslim culture, so I'm trying to ask as many people as I can about it. Us westerners, especially Americans, have a very skewed view and access to information about Muslim culture. A lot of practices seem contradictory to me, but I believe people have the right to believe what they choose and practice accordingly. However, I also believe in refraining from passing judgement about things you don't know about as much as possible. Asking never hurt anyone, and I find here especially, Malaysians may appear shy, but if you ask they will share in a candid manner. Obviously R can't speak for everyone, but it was interesting to get another opinion on things I know little about. I'm finding that is the best way to get to know Malaysia. Ask and observe. Everyone here is very different, much like any other place, but to a larger extent here because of so many different belief systems and cultures. I've had a couple of people around where I live ask about me. For example, I was buying street food from my favorite wok man and I guy around my age asked where I was from and was asking about America. I'm sure this was provoked by the fact that I was in a very local part of town where foreigners are rarely seen, even expats. He wanted to practice his English and I'm sure he debated a while whether or not to approach me because I caught him looking over at me several times. However, I spoke some Malay to the wok man and he started to ask me questions. He was with his girlfriend and it was a well lit area so I didn't feel threatened (plus I had a good 4 inches on the guy). I was quite impressed with his courage to just talk to me. That's not super common here. But I, in a way, understood how he must have felt.

      I'm well aware that I stand out here. I'm ok with it though. Ya, it means I have to haggle a little more, people try to pull fast ones on you. They assume you can't understand them (although they will not talk shit about you just sometimes stare and giggle). You are aware that no matter how hard you try or how well you speak the language, the color of your skin is a clear indicator that you are not and never could be from here. However, it doesn't really bother me. I'm not from here. The world is shrinking and Malaysia isn't oblivious to it. They are just as curious about you as you are of them. I mean, I don't have a British accent, being an American is much less common here. I really don't know where I'm going with all of this. I'm sure it's the heat talking. Needless to say I know I am in a place that is truly foreign to back home, and they know it as well. But I have yet to experience true malicious intent. I told G and R on the way home that I have been blown away by the hospitality here. Anyone who has done any extended amount of international traveling and has any sort of sense what-so-ever for cultural intelligence knows when you are not welcome and I have yet to have that feeling here (knock on wood). R told me this is because Malaysians value good food and good time spent with friends and family. That is something I can relate to. Family life is important here. Family includes friends. If you make the effort, you really can feel welcome.

Tired and in need of a shower.

-M

      After 5 hours at the office (yes I know it is Sunday....don't ask) I went to KLCC to grab a quick bite and get a thank you card for my host. Klang was fun. The trip there was quite interesting...I took the commuter rail there. It's an electric train and we had an intense lightening storm on the way over. A bolt must have struck the line and the train came to a complete halt. I had been warned that this can happen, so I wasn't really that concerned until I heard it was going to take over an hour to fix, if at all. It was pooping rain, but fortunately we broke down about a hundred yards from the last stop so I just jumped off and walked back. G picked me up at the station and we headed to her house to cook up some tasty food. We had spice rubbed garlic baked fish, cheesy potato gratin, some type of veggie, and we attempted to make mango rice, but we were all too full to eat any of it. I also met her friend R who is an awesome chef. After overcoming our food comas we headed to the mall.

      Mall going is a pastime of Malaysians, plus I really needed to get a few things. Our apartment doesn't even have filtered water, and I was in desperate need of another fan to blast in my face at night so I was going in prepared to spend some. I also bought beer for later that night. The mall, especially Jusco (kinda like a target but with more of a grocery focus) was a complete CF. It didn't really surprise me, the annual sales are going on because the schools are on break, and westerners find a lot of things in Asia a complete CF in general. This mall was medium to large size (I thought it was enormous) something like 5 floors. Pretty redic. They have stuff from all over, and yes, all the crazy things you can imagine do exist here. I got some household items, including a fan...which I just opened to set up and found that the plug only has one prong...ugh! I'm going to return it, so I went to look on Google Maps for the nearest Jusco, and it's actually quite close, but the roads here prohibit me from walking there, unless I want to wander way out of the way, so the only way to return it is to go by LRT (inner city light rail) to the next stop. So unless I want to drag this fan to work with me tomorrow (it's surprisingly heavy) I'm going to have to come back home, then go back out just to take the train one stop over, hope I don't get lost by going the wrong direction and return the fan. Total bummer cuz it's hotter than hell tonight (didn't rain today). I'm going to just shower and not dry off or something lol. We had some Indian and Chinese last night and watched House, then I passed out. I had a fitful night of sleep due to heat and bad dreams. I awoke the this morning, headed to the market (which I always find interesting) and the sweltering heat got to me. I had to lie in the AC at G's place. We stopped on the way back to KL to get some much needed Gatorade, I was pretty dehydrated. That compounded with missing my bf and doggy made for a tough morning, but I came out stronger.

     I had some really good conversations with G. She's getting ready to move to Brazil to be with her boyfriend. She get's what it's like to be in a new place, miss your significant other, and other culture shock related issues. I was so grateful I got to meet her. She made me feel better about things that bother me on the inside about being away from home. It is definitely harder than I thought. It isn't like I'm on a holiday, I'm working and living here. We talked about various global issues and Malay life. Malaysia is surprisingly international. Many kids go to school overseas, thus it's common to marry or move to another country and with a shrinking world, there is a lot of racial mixing going on. On the flip side, there is a lot of racial undertones. Maybe not like racism as we know it in the west, but she said that the one thing that bothers her is that Malaysians don't identify themselves as Malaysian first. Instead, they identify themselves as Indian, Malay, Eurasian, Chinese ect. It even goes as far as to state their race on their identity cards. I found this interesting. Countries like Rwanda did this and it led to a terrible genocide. Not that I think Malaysia is going to erupt into a brutal civil war, but it was interesting to me. The government has at the same time started a campaign called One Malaysia. You see this logo everywhere that is a Malaysian flag pattern shaped into the number one. I was wondering what that was all about.

    G's friend R also had some interesting insight. She's Malay, which usually means Muslim. However, she doesn't wear the head-dress or anything like that. I asked why and she said because she didn't grow up wearing it and it's an all or nothing kind of deal. Like you should cover everything but your face or hands or just don't do it. She doesn't believe in what I'll call the halfsies you see. People dressed in normal street clothes, usually not shorts, with the head covered. It's so hot here I really don't blame her. She also said the main reason why the people of North Africa and the Middle East cover their faces is because of the horrid sandstorms. I think this makes sense, cuz sand pelting at your face sucks no matter what religion you are, but what both of us didn't understand was the color choice. Black to me seems like it would be terribly uncomfortable in the heat, white may be a better choice. I also asked about the dog thing. She said that Muslims can't keep dogs as pets, but they can have working dogs. She also mentioned that it is un-Halal to touch a wet dog (because of the rabies outbreak back in the day) but that today they are making Halal soap for dog owners. I thought that was kinda cool. She said that the main reason why Malay Muslims don't like/tease dogs is because they are afraid of them. She's an animal lover but doesn't keep dogs. She also mentioned that drinking is forbidden in Muslim culture, it just needs to be consumed under the right pretenses. She said that a drink or two in a social occasion is acceptable, but the law was created to discourage dependency on alcohol. She said that most Muslim countries don't serve alcohol unless you are a foreigner, but alcohol may occasionally be consumed in the private of one's home. When I asked about countries (such as Brunei) that straight up ban it, she and I both agreed it was probably done for control over the population.

     I know next to nothing about Muslim culture, so I'm trying to ask as many people as I can about it. Us westerners, especially Americans, have a very skewed view and access to information about Muslim culture. A lot of practices seem contradictory to me, but I believe people have the right to believe what they choose and practice accordingly. However, I also believe in refraining from passing judgement about things you don't know about as much as possible. Asking never hurt anyone, and I find here especially, Malaysians may appear shy, but if you ask they will share in a candid manner. Obviously R can't speak for everyone, but it was interesting to get another opinion on things I know little about. I'm finding that is the best way to get to know Malaysia. Ask and observe. Everyone here is very different, much like any other place, but to a larger extent here because of so many different belief systems and cultures. I've had a couple of people around where I live ask about me. For example, I was buying street food from my favorite wok man and I guy around my age asked where I was from and was asking about America. I'm sure this was provoked by the fact that I was in a very local part of town where foreigners are rarely seen, even expats. He wanted to practice his English and I'm sure he debated a while whether or not to approach me because I caught him looking over at me several times. However, I spoke some Malay to the wok man and he started to ask me questions. He was with his girlfriend and it was a well lit area so I didn't feel threatened (plus I had a good 4 inches on the guy). I was quite impressed with his courage to just talk to me. That's not super common here. But I, in a way, understood how he must have felt.

      I'm well aware that I stand out here. I'm ok with it though. Ya, it means I have to haggle a little more, people try to pull fast ones on you. They assume you can't understand them (although they will not talk shit about you just sometimes stare and giggle). You are aware that no matter how hard you try or how well you speak the language, the color of your skin is a clear indicator that you are not and never could be from here. However, it doesn't really bother me. I'm not from here. The world is shrinking and Malaysia isn't oblivious to it. They are just as curious about you as you are of them. I mean, I don't have a British accent, being an American is much less common here. I really don't know where I'm going with all of this. I'm sure it's the heat talking. Needless to say I know I am in a place that is truly foreign to back home, and they know it as well. But I have yet to experience true malicious intent. I told G and R on the way home that I have been blown away by the hospitality here. Anyone who has done any extended amount of international traveling and has any sort of sense what-so-ever for cultural intelligence knows when you are not welcome and I have yet to have that feeling here (knock on wood). R told me this is because Malaysians value good food and good time spent with friends and family. That is something I can relate to. Family life is important here. Family includes friends. If you make the effort, you really can feel welcome.

Tired and in need of a shower.

-M

      After 5 hours at the office (yes I know it is Sunday....don't ask) I went to KLCC to grab a quick bite and get a thank you card for my host. Klang was fun. The trip there was quite interesting...I took the commuter rail there. It's an electric train and we had an intense lightening storm on the way over. A bolt must have struck the line and the train came to a complete halt. I had been warned that this can happen, so I wasn't really that concerned until I heard it was going to take over an hour to fix, if at all. It was pooping rain, but fortunately we broke down about a hundred yards from the last stop so I just jumped off and walked back. G picked me up at the station and we headed to her house to cook up some tasty food. We had spice rubbed garlic baked fish, cheesy potato gratin, some type of veggie, and we attempted to make mango rice, but we were all too full to eat any of it. I also met her friend R who is an awesome chef. After overcoming our food comas we headed to the mall.

      Mall going is a pastime of Malaysians, plus I really needed to get a few things. Our apartment doesn't even have filtered water, and I was in desperate need of another fan to blast in my face at night so I was going in prepared to spend some. I also bought beer for later that night. The mall, especially Jusco (kinda like a target but with more of a grocery focus) was a complete CF. It didn't really surprise me, the annual sales are going on because the schools are on break, and westerners find a lot of things in Asia a complete CF in general. This mall was medium to large size (I thought it was enormous) something like 5 floors. Pretty redic. They have stuff from all over, and yes, all the crazy things you can imagine do exist here. I got some household items, including a fan...which I just opened to set up and found that the plug only has one prong...ugh! I'm going to return it, so I went to look on Google Maps for the nearest Jusco, and it's actually quite close, but the roads here prohibit me from walking there, unless I want to wander way out of the way, so the only way to return it is to go by LRT (inner city light rail) to the next stop. So unless I want to drag this fan to work with me tomorrow (it's surprisingly heavy) I'm going to have to come back home, then go back out just to take the train one stop over, hope I don't get lost by going the wrong direction and return the fan. Total bummer cuz it's hotter than hell tonight (didn't rain today). I'm going to just shower and not dry off or something lol. We had some Indian and Chinese last night and watched House, then I passed out. I had a fitful night of sleep due to heat and bad dreams. I awoke the this morning, headed to the market (which I always find interesting) and the sweltering heat got to me. I had to lie in the AC at G's place. We stopped on the way back to KL to get some much needed Gatorade, I was pretty dehydrated. That compounded with missing my bf and doggy made for a tough morning, but I came out stronger.

     I had some really good conversations with G. She's getting ready to move to Brazil to be with her boyfriend. She get's what it's like to be in a new place, miss your significant other, and other culture shock related issues. I was so grateful I got to meet her. She made me feel better about things that bother me on the inside about being away from home. It is definitely harder than I thought. It isn't like I'm on a holiday, I'm working and living here. We talked about various global issues and Malay life. Malaysia is surprisingly international. Many kids go to school overseas, thus it's common to marry or move to another country and with a shrinking world, there is a lot of racial mixing going on. On the flip side, there is a lot of racial undertones. Maybe not like racism as we know it in the west, but she said that the one thing that bothers her is that Malaysians don't identify themselves as Malaysian first. Instead, they identify themselves as Indian, Malay, Eurasian, Chinese ect. It even goes as far as to state their race on their identity cards. I found this interesting. Countries like Rwanda did this and it led to a terrible genocide. Not that I think Malaysia is going to erupt into a brutal civil war, but it was interesting to me. The government has at the same time started a campaign called One Malaysia. You see this logo everywhere that is a Malaysian flag pattern shaped into the number one. I was wondering what that was all about.

    G's friend R also had some interesting insight. She's Malay, which usually means Muslim. However, she doesn't wear the head-dress or anything like that. I asked why and she said because she didn't grow up wearing it and it's an all or nothing kind of deal. Like you should cover everything but your face or hands or just don't do it. She doesn't believe in what I'll call the halfsies you see. People dressed in normal street clothes, usually not shorts, with the head covered. It's so hot here I really don't blame her. She also said the main reason why the people of North Africa and the Middle East cover their faces is because of the horrid sandstorms. I think this makes sense, cuz sand pelting at your face sucks no matter what religion you are, but what both of us didn't understand was the color choice. Black to me seems like it would be terribly uncomfortable in the heat, white may be a better choice. I also asked about the dog thing. She said that Muslims can't keep dogs as pets, but they can have working dogs. She also mentioned that it is un-Halal to touch a wet dog (because of the rabies outbreak back in the day) but that today they are making Halal soap for dog owners. I thought that was kinda cool. She said that the main reason why Malay Muslims don't like/tease dogs is because they are afraid of them. She's an animal lover but doesn't keep dogs. She also mentioned that drinking is forbidden in Muslim culture, it just needs to be consumed under the right pretenses. She said that a drink or two in a social occasion is acceptable, but the law was created to discourage dependency on alcohol. She said that most Muslim countries don't serve alcohol unless you are a foreigner, but alcohol may occasionally be consumed in the private of one's home. When I asked about countries (such as Brunei) that straight up ban it, she and I both agreed it was probably done for control over the population.

     I know next to nothing about Muslim culture, so I'm trying to ask as many people as I can about it. Us westerners, especially Americans, have a very skewed view and access to information about Muslim culture. A lot of practices seem contradictory to me, but I believe people have the right to believe what they choose and practice accordingly. However, I also believe in refraining from passing judgement about things you don't know about as much as possible. Asking never hurt anyone, and I find here especially, Malaysians may appear shy, but if you ask they will share in a candid manner. Obviously R can't speak for everyone, but it was interesting to get another opinion on things I know little about. I'm finding that is the best way to get to know Malaysia. Ask and observe. Everyone here is very different, much like any other place, but to a larger extent here because of so many different belief systems and cultures. I've had a couple of people around where I live ask about me. For example, I was buying street food from my favorite wok man and I guy around my age asked where I was from and was asking about America. I'm sure this was provoked by the fact that I was in a very local part of town where foreigners are rarely seen, even expats. He wanted to practice his English and I'm sure he debated a while whether or not to approach me because I caught him looking over at me several times. However, I spoke some Malay to the wok man and he started to ask me questions. He was with his girlfriend and it was a well lit area so I didn't feel threatened (plus I had a good 4 inches on the guy). I was quite impressed with his courage to just talk to me. That's not super common here. But I, in a way, understood how he must have felt.

      I'm well aware that I stand out here. I'm ok with it though. Ya, it means I have to haggle a little more, people try to pull fast ones on you. They assume you can't understand them (although they will not talk shit about you just sometimes stare and giggle). You are aware that no matter how hard you try or how well you speak the language, the color of your skin is a clear indicator that you are not and never could be from here. However, it doesn't really bother me. I'm not from here. The world is shrinking and Malaysia isn't oblivious to it. They are just as curious about you as you are of them. I mean, I don't have a British accent, being an American is much less common here. I really don't know where I'm going with all of this. I'm sure it's the heat talking. Needless to say I know I am in a place that is truly foreign to back home, and they know it as well. But I have yet to experience true malicious intent. I told G and R on the way home that I have been blown away by the hospitality here. Anyone who has done any extended amount of international traveling and has any sort of sense what-so-ever for cultural intelligence knows when you are not welcome and I have yet to have that feeling here (knock on wood). R told me this is because Malaysians value good food and good time spent with friends and family. That is something I can relate to. Family life is important here. Family includes friends. If you make the effort, you really can feel welcome.

Tired and in need of a shower.

-M

      After 5 hours at the office (yes I know it is Sunday....don't ask) I went to KLCC to grab a quick bite and get a thank you card for my host. Klang was fun. The trip there was quite interesting...I took the commuter rail there. It's an electric train and we had an intense lightening storm on the way over. A bolt must have struck the line and the train came to a complete halt. I had been warned that this can happen, so I wasn't really that concerned until I heard it was going to take over an hour to fix, if at all. It was pooping rain, but fortunately we broke down about a hundred yards from the last stop so I just jumped off and walked back. G picked me up at the station and we headed to her house to cook up some tasty food. We had spice rubbed garlic baked fish, cheesy potato gratin, some type of veggie, and we attempted to make mango rice, but we were all too full to eat any of it. I also met her friend R who is an awesome chef. After overcoming our food comas we headed to the mall.

      Mall going is a pastime of Malaysians, plus I really needed to get a few things. Our apartment doesn't even have filtered water, and I was in desperate need of another fan to blast in my face at night so I was going in prepared to spend some. I also bought beer for later that night. The mall, especially Jusco (kinda like a target but with more of a grocery focus) was a complete CF. It didn't really surprise me, the annual sales are going on because the schools are on break, and westerners find a lot of things in Asia a complete CF in general. This mall was medium to large size (I thought it was enormous) something like 5 floors. Pretty redic. They have stuff from all over, and yes, all the crazy things you can imagine do exist here. I got some household items, including a fan...which I just opened to set up and found that the plug only has one prong...ugh! I'm going to return it, so I went to look on Google Maps for the nearest Jusco, and it's actually quite close, but the roads here prohibit me from walking there, unless I want to wander way out of the way, so the only way to return it is to go by LRT (inner city light rail) to the next stop. So unless I want to drag this fan to work with me tomorrow (it's surprisingly heavy) I'm going to have to come back home, then go back out just to take the train one stop over, hope I don't get lost by going the wrong direction and return the fan. Total bummer cuz it's hotter than hell tonight (didn't rain today). I'm going to just shower and not dry off or something lol. We had some Indian and Chinese last night and watched House, then I passed out. I had a fitful night of sleep due to heat and bad dreams. I awoke the this morning, headed to the market (which I always find interesting) and the sweltering heat got to me. I had to lie in the AC at G's place. We stopped on the way back to KL to get some much needed Gatorade, I was pretty dehydrated. That compounded with missing my bf and doggy made for a tough morning, but I came out stronger.

     I had some really good conversations with G. She's getting ready to move to Brazil to be with her boyfriend. She get's what it's like to be in a new place, miss your significant other, and other culture shock related issues. I was so grateful I got to meet her. She made me feel better about things that bother me on the inside about being away from home. It is definitely harder than I thought. It isn't like I'm on a holiday, I'm working and living here. We talked about various global issues and Malay life. Malaysia is surprisingly international. Many kids go to school overseas, thus it's common to marry or move to another country and with a shrinking world, there is a lot of racial mixing going on. On the flip side, there is a lot of racial undertones. Maybe not like racism as we know it in the west, but she said that the one thing that bothers her is that Malaysians don't identify themselves as Malaysian first. Instead, they identify themselves as Indian, Malay, Eurasian, Chinese ect. It even goes as far as to state their race on their identity cards. I found this interesting. Countries like Rwanda did this and it led to a terrible genocide. Not that I think Malaysia is going to erupt into a brutal civil war, but it was interesting to me. The government has at the same time started a campaign called One Malaysia. You see this logo everywhere that is a Malaysian flag pattern shaped into the number one. I was wondering what that was all about.

    G's friend R also had some interesting insight. She's Malay, which usually means Muslim. However, she doesn't wear the head-dress or anything like that. I asked why and she said because she didn't grow up wearing it and it's an all or nothing kind of deal. Like you should cover everything but your face or hands or just don't do it. She doesn't believe in what I'll call the halfsies you see. People dressed in normal street clothes, usually not shorts, with the head covered. It's so hot here I really don't blame her. She also said the main reason why the people of North Africa and the Middle East cover their faces is because of the horrid sandstorms. I think this makes sense, cuz sand pelting at your face sucks no matter what religion you are, but what both of us didn't understand was the color choice. Black to me seems like it would be terribly uncomfortable in the heat, white may be a better choice. I also asked about the dog thing. She said that Muslims can't keep dogs as pets, but they can have working dogs. She also mentioned that it is un-Halal to touch a wet dog (because of the rabies outbreak back in the day) but that today they are making Halal soap for dog owners. I thought that was kinda cool. She said that the main reason why Malay Muslims don't like/tease dogs is because they are afraid of them. She's an animal lover but doesn't keep dogs. She also mentioned that drinking is forbidden in Muslim culture, it just needs to be consumed under the right pretenses. She said that a drink or two in a social occasion is acceptable, but the law was created to discourage dependency on alcohol. She said that most Muslim countries don't serve alcohol unless you are a foreigner, but alcohol may occasionally be consumed in the private of one's home. When I asked about countries (such as Brunei) that straight up ban it, she and I both agreed it was probably done for control over the population.

     I know next to nothing about Muslim culture, so I'm trying to ask as many people as I can about it. Us westerners, especially Americans, have a very skewed view and access to information about Muslim culture. A lot of practices seem contradictory to me, but I believe people have the right to believe what they choose and practice accordingly. However, I also believe in refraining from passing judgement about things you don't know about as much as possible. Asking never hurt anyone, and I find here especially, Malaysians may appear shy, but if you ask they will share in a candid manner. Obviously R can't speak for everyone, but it was interesting to get another opinion on things I know little about. I'm finding that is the best way to get to know Malaysia. Ask and observe. Everyone here is very different, much like any other place, but to a larger extent here because of so many different belief systems and cultures. I've had a couple of people around where I live ask about me. For example, I was buying street food from my favorite wok man and I guy around my age asked where I was from and was asking about America. I'm sure this was provoked by the fact that I was in a very local part of town where foreigners are rarely seen, even expats. He wanted to practice his English and I'm sure he debated a while whether or not to approach me because I caught him looking over at me several times. However, I spoke some Malay to the wok man and he started to ask me questions. He was with his girlfriend and it was a well lit area so I didn't feel threatened (plus I had a good 4 inches on the guy). I was quite impressed with his courage to just talk to me. That's not super common here. But I, in a way, understood how he must have felt.

      I'm well aware that I stand out here. I'm ok with it though. Ya, it means I have to haggle a little more, people try to pull fast ones on you. They assume you can't understand them (although they will not talk shit about you just sometimes stare and giggle). You are aware that no matter how hard you try or how well you speak the language, the color of your skin is a clear indicator that you are not and never could be from here. However, it doesn't really bother me. I'm not from here. The world is shrinking and Malaysia isn't oblivious to it. They are just as curious about you as you are of them. I mean, I don't have a British accent, being an American is much less common here. I really don't know where I'm going with all of this. I'm sure it's the heat talking. Needless to say I know I am in a place that is truly foreign to back home, and they know it as well. But I have yet to experience true malicious intent. I told G and R on the way home that I have been blown away by the hospitality here. Anyone who has done any extended amount of international traveling and has any sort of sense what-so-ever for cultural intelligence knows when you are not welcome and I have yet to have that feeling here (knock on wood). R told me this is because Malaysians value good food and good time spent with friends and family. That is something I can relate to. Family life is important here. Family includes friends. If you make the effort, you really can feel welcome.

Tired and in need of a shower.

-M

Heading to Klang and finally unpacking

     These last few days have been rather stressful. I have had some problems at work. If there is one true stereotype (and several locals have confirmed) it is that they are work-a-holics. Long, long hours. I was asked to come in this weekend. I am already almost certain I will be in next weekend. I've already had a 12 hour day, I have yet to leave when the office technically closes, or arrive when the work day starts. I was told (because I know architects can be crazy, so I specifically asked) that I would not be asked to work like that because I am only here for a short while, plus I'm not getting paid to. So as you can see, there is a problem. I mentioned something to the higher-ups, although both were not in, I'm hoping it gets resolved soon because I did not come across the globe to be chained to a desk. Hopefully, and I'm assuming, that it is a big miscommunication, or they are testing me to see what I am willing to do. Either way I'm not starting out by slaving away 7 days a week.

     On to more positive things. I finally moved into my apartment, although I have yet to finish unpacking. I got started yesterday and did some much needed laundry, although I forgot that the detergent here kills color so a few shirts that were neon are now dull and blah. I will probably hand wash certain things from here on out. My apartment is super nice, I will post some pix later if I have time. It is a new building and security is quite tight which I find a bit intense, although better safe than sorry I guess. Also, there is no air con, which is a bummer because it is really hot. Especially since there are also no curtains yet so the sun is beating down through my window. It's ok because most of the time I won't be here, but sleeping is an adjustment. I'm going to try to get another fan (I looked all over yesterday and couldn't find one). I've had to spend some cash recently (buying some staple groceries, some beer, some household items, rent, ect). Yesterday, since I was upset, I bought Subway, which is the same price as in the US (read: expensive for here). I am amazed at the amount of familiar brands in the supermarkets. I don't buy them, they are more expensive, but you can get things like Tropicana, Ben and Jerry's, Quaker Oats, ect. The prices of groceries went up a little bit because I am in a wealthier neighborhood, but it is still less than in the US.

     I am going to Skype with my family in a little bit and then the plan is to finish unpacking, make a list of things I still need, and head to Klang. Klang is a city a bit far from here (about an hr and a half train) on the west coast. I was invited to go over to a friend of a friend's house to cook which should be a good time. Maybe I can find a place to get a fan to put near my bed (the ceiling fan only does so much). I have a feeling today is going to be hot hot hot because there are no clouds. It is best when it rains because things cool down a bit. I also find the downpour quite calming.

     Sunday I am getting a ride back from G (the friend of a friend) and I think I will figure out how to use my pool/gym pass (I'm going to gain a bunch of weight if I don't work out, too many carbs!), finish settling in, read, and journal. I have fallen a bit behind in my journal. It's hard to keep up with both the blog, emails home, and a written journal. All trips I have taken overseas have their own written journal (except a cruise I went on). I am going to try to go to church every other week so I can keep in touch with my spiritual side. I have been using a Buddhist filter to sift through the messages, I find it easier for me to relate to.

     Well I am going to cook up some breakfast before I Skype. I have much more to share, but it will have to wait for another time.

Missing home but loving Malaysia,

-M

     These last few days have been rather stressful. I have had some problems at work. If there is one true stereotype (and several locals have confirmed) it is that they are work-a-holics. Long, long hours. I was asked to come in this weekend. I am already almost certain I will be in next weekend. I've already had a 12 hour day, I have yet to leave when the office technically closes, or arrive when the work day starts. I was told (because I know architects can be crazy, so I specifically asked) that I would not be asked to work like that because I am only here for a short while, plus I'm not getting paid to. So as you can see, there is a problem. I mentioned something to the higher-ups, although both were not in, I'm hoping it gets resolved soon because I did not come across the globe to be chained to a desk. Hopefully, and I'm assuming, that it is a big miscommunication, or they are testing me to see what I am willing to do. Either way I'm not starting out by slaving away 7 days a week.

     On to more positive things. I finally moved into my apartment, although I have yet to finish unpacking. I got started yesterday and did some much needed laundry, although I forgot that the detergent here kills color so a few shirts that were neon are now dull and blah. I will probably hand wash certain things from here on out. My apartment is super nice, I will post some pix later if I have time. It is a new building and security is quite tight which I find a bit intense, although better safe than sorry I guess. Also, there is no air con, which is a bummer because it is really hot. Especially since there are also no curtains yet so the sun is beating down through my window. It's ok because most of the time I won't be here, but sleeping is an adjustment. I'm going to try to get another fan (I looked all over yesterday and couldn't find one). I've had to spend some cash recently (buying some staple groceries, some beer, some household items, rent, ect). Yesterday, since I was upset, I bought Subway, which is the same price as in the US (read: expensive for here). I am amazed at the amount of familiar brands in the supermarkets. I don't buy them, they are more expensive, but you can get things like Tropicana, Ben and Jerry's, Quaker Oats, ect. The prices of groceries went up a little bit because I am in a wealthier neighborhood, but it is still less than in the US.

     I am going to Skype with my family in a little bit and then the plan is to finish unpacking, make a list of things I still need, and head to Klang. Klang is a city a bit far from here (about an hr and a half train) on the west coast. I was invited to go over to a friend of a friend's house to cook which should be a good time. Maybe I can find a place to get a fan to put near my bed (the ceiling fan only does so much). I have a feeling today is going to be hot hot hot because there are no clouds. It is best when it rains because things cool down a bit. I also find the downpour quite calming.

     Sunday I am getting a ride back from G (the friend of a friend) and I think I will figure out how to use my pool/gym pass (I'm going to gain a bunch of weight if I don't work out, too many carbs!), finish settling in, read, and journal. I have fallen a bit behind in my journal. It's hard to keep up with both the blog, emails home, and a written journal. All trips I have taken overseas have their own written journal (except a cruise I went on). I am going to try to go to church every other week so I can keep in touch with my spiritual side. I have been using a Buddhist filter to sift through the messages, I find it easier for me to relate to.

     Well I am going to cook up some breakfast before I Skype. I have much more to share, but it will have to wait for another time.

Missing home but loving Malaysia,

-M

     These last few days have been rather stressful. I have had some problems at work. If there is one true stereotype (and several locals have confirmed) it is that they are work-a-holics. Long, long hours. I was asked to come in this weekend. I am already almost certain I will be in next weekend. I've already had a 12 hour day, I have yet to leave when the office technically closes, or arrive when the work day starts. I was told (because I know architects can be crazy, so I specifically asked) that I would not be asked to work like that because I am only here for a short while, plus I'm not getting paid to. So as you can see, there is a problem. I mentioned something to the higher-ups, although both were not in, I'm hoping it gets resolved soon because I did not come across the globe to be chained to a desk. Hopefully, and I'm assuming, that it is a big miscommunication, or they are testing me to see what I am willing to do. Either way I'm not starting out by slaving away 7 days a week.

     On to more positive things. I finally moved into my apartment, although I have yet to finish unpacking. I got started yesterday and did some much needed laundry, although I forgot that the detergent here kills color so a few shirts that were neon are now dull and blah. I will probably hand wash certain things from here on out. My apartment is super nice, I will post some pix later if I have time. It is a new building and security is quite tight which I find a bit intense, although better safe than sorry I guess. Also, there is no air con, which is a bummer because it is really hot. Especially since there are also no curtains yet so the sun is beating down through my window. It's ok because most of the time I won't be here, but sleeping is an adjustment. I'm going to try to get another fan (I looked all over yesterday and couldn't find one). I've had to spend some cash recently (buying some staple groceries, some beer, some household items, rent, ect). Yesterday, since I was upset, I bought Subway, which is the same price as in the US (read: expensive for here). I am amazed at the amount of familiar brands in the supermarkets. I don't buy them, they are more expensive, but you can get things like Tropicana, Ben and Jerry's, Quaker Oats, ect. The prices of groceries went up a little bit because I am in a wealthier neighborhood, but it is still less than in the US.

     I am going to Skype with my family in a little bit and then the plan is to finish unpacking, make a list of things I still need, and head to Klang. Klang is a city a bit far from here (about an hr and a half train) on the west coast. I was invited to go over to a friend of a friend's house to cook which should be a good time. Maybe I can find a place to get a fan to put near my bed (the ceiling fan only does so much). I have a feeling today is going to be hot hot hot because there are no clouds. It is best when it rains because things cool down a bit. I also find the downpour quite calming.

     Sunday I am getting a ride back from G (the friend of a friend) and I think I will figure out how to use my pool/gym pass (I'm going to gain a bunch of weight if I don't work out, too many carbs!), finish settling in, read, and journal. I have fallen a bit behind in my journal. It's hard to keep up with both the blog, emails home, and a written journal. All trips I have taken overseas have their own written journal (except a cruise I went on). I am going to try to go to church every other week so I can keep in touch with my spiritual side. I have been using a Buddhist filter to sift through the messages, I find it easier for me to relate to.

     Well I am going to cook up some breakfast before I Skype. I have much more to share, but it will have to wait for another time.

Missing home but loving Malaysia,

-M

     These last few days have been rather stressful. I have had some problems at work. If there is one true stereotype (and several locals have confirmed) it is that they are work-a-holics. Long, long hours. I was asked to come in this weekend. I am already almost certain I will be in next weekend. I've already had a 12 hour day, I have yet to leave when the office technically closes, or arrive when the work day starts. I was told (because I know architects can be crazy, so I specifically asked) that I would not be asked to work like that because I am only here for a short while, plus I'm not getting paid to. So as you can see, there is a problem. I mentioned something to the higher-ups, although both were not in, I'm hoping it gets resolved soon because I did not come across the globe to be chained to a desk. Hopefully, and I'm assuming, that it is a big miscommunication, or they are testing me to see what I am willing to do. Either way I'm not starting out by slaving away 7 days a week.

     On to more positive things. I finally moved into my apartment, although I have yet to finish unpacking. I got started yesterday and did some much needed laundry, although I forgot that the detergent here kills color so a few shirts that were neon are now dull and blah. I will probably hand wash certain things from here on out. My apartment is super nice, I will post some pix later if I have time. It is a new building and security is quite tight which I find a bit intense, although better safe than sorry I guess. Also, there is no air con, which is a bummer because it is really hot. Especially since there are also no curtains yet so the sun is beating down through my window. It's ok because most of the time I won't be here, but sleeping is an adjustment. I'm going to try to get another fan (I looked all over yesterday and couldn't find one). I've had to spend some cash recently (buying some staple groceries, some beer, some household items, rent, ect). Yesterday, since I was upset, I bought Subway, which is the same price as in the US (read: expensive for here). I am amazed at the amount of familiar brands in the supermarkets. I don't buy them, they are more expensive, but you can get things like Tropicana, Ben and Jerry's, Quaker Oats, ect. The prices of groceries went up a little bit because I am in a wealthier neighborhood, but it is still less than in the US.

     I am going to Skype with my family in a little bit and then the plan is to finish unpacking, make a list of things I still need, and head to Klang. Klang is a city a bit far from here (about an hr and a half train) on the west coast. I was invited to go over to a friend of a friend's house to cook which should be a good time. Maybe I can find a place to get a fan to put near my bed (the ceiling fan only does so much). I have a feeling today is going to be hot hot hot because there are no clouds. It is best when it rains because things cool down a bit. I also find the downpour quite calming.

     Sunday I am getting a ride back from G (the friend of a friend) and I think I will figure out how to use my pool/gym pass (I'm going to gain a bunch of weight if I don't work out, too many carbs!), finish settling in, read, and journal. I have fallen a bit behind in my journal. It's hard to keep up with both the blog, emails home, and a written journal. All trips I have taken overseas have their own written journal (except a cruise I went on). I am going to try to go to church every other week so I can keep in touch with my spiritual side. I have been using a Buddhist filter to sift through the messages, I find it easier for me to relate to.

     Well I am going to cook up some breakfast before I Skype. I have much more to share, but it will have to wait for another time.

Missing home but loving Malaysia,

-M

I ate spicy noodles for breakers...I don't know what else to call this post

              Before I get started on this post I would like to take a moment to express my sorrows for those affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, MO. As some of you may know, I lived in the small town of Joplin for two years back when I was little. My dad also lived there for a bit as a kid. My brother was born there, and the hospital he was born in is now a pile of rubble. It is a small community, but the key word here is community, everyone is very close. My family will be going back to help clean up later this summer. Our old house is ok (the twister missed it by 2 streets). Everyone we know that still lives there is fine (one family’s house had lifted off of its foundation by 6 inches!). However, please keep the family and friends of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

                I know I have been bad at updating this recently. This is mostly because I have started work and find myself with little free time. We are supposed to work from 9-6 but I have not left the office at 6 nor come in at 9 yet. Tomorrow I move into my actual apartment (I am sad to leave A’s house, her and her family have been nothing but the best to me). I will probably start getting in later and leaving earlier now, at least until the competition I am working on gets into full swing. Yesterday, I was writing a post and got swept away from my computer to go on a site visit/client meeting/model shop visit. I will post pictures from this at some point (hopefully this weekend). The model shop was intense. Absolutely amazing. For those at my school, imagine completed slice models (ie 1:4 scale), except a whole complex of high rises…it’s amazing. It had a sweat shop feel to it, except without the borderline slave labor (the worker conditions were fine, there was air-con, but the level of activity was intense, just please don’t think this place is actually a sweat shop, keep in mind I’m sarcastic), just an old buiding with materials everywhere, lazer cutters humming, music blaring, basically imagine studio with no windows and no maylines.  

                It was an exceptionally hot day (even for here) yesterday. I went with my boss Z and he picked up another architect working on the project from another firm, N from South Africa. He had some interesting things to say about the place. Their economy is much like ours (USA) from a job market standpoint, but he commented that it is even worse because if you have graduated from school in the last 5 years and are white, you can’t find work. This is, of course, very hard for me to wrap my head around, but interesting none the less. The site, albiet just like any other construction site has its issues, but here in Asia things are done a bit differently. First of all, the workers live on the site (although the worker’s homes were somewhat out of view, I had a pretty good idea of what they were like and I’m sure you could imagine as well). Furthermore, they work around the clock, in two shifts. Most of the workers are actually unskilled and learn on the job. As one could imagine, this makes it difficult to meet the already seemingly impossible deadlines because they are literally being trained on the spot to do some rather difficult tasks (bricklaying is an art my friends). They mostly come from Indonesia and Bangladesh. America obviously has a similar migrant workforce population with the Latin and South American immigrants (no, contrary to popular belief, even in America, they are not all Mexican). However, you would never get an American migrant worker to work the way these people do. My knee-jerk reaction is one of uncomfort. To us, this seems like poor conditions, unfair hours, no proper housing, ect. However, here it is a way of life. They obviously get paid less than they would in the states (just due to differing economies) so to live on the job actually saves them a lot of money. I also noticed a clean water source and proper drainage in the glipse I got of the workers quarters. I also did not smell any open sewage, so at least they had basic amenities.  I really do not know how I feel about the workers’ situation, because this is just the mentality of work here. It goes even further than that. From what I have gathered from talking with people is that in Asia a client considers everyone his workers, regardless of the labor involved. Thus, we architects, as the ‘paper workers’ if you will are considered to be like the construction workers. Unless you flat out say it, you are expected to work just as hard as those laborers (granted we have air con). For example, yesterday in the meeting Z had to explicitly tell his clients that he would not take meetings past 6pm. In the west, unless it is a some type of corprate ‘crisis’ or you are a doctor, you would not meet with clients at odd hours such as this. Needless to say I learned a lot yesterday, although I’m still trying to piece together what exactly to make of it.

                Anyways, it’s about time I get back to work. I’ll catch up later, I still obviously have lots to say and lots to share.

Missing everyone back home. Finally sleeping like a normal human being. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

-M

              Before I get started on this post I would like to take a moment to express my sorrows for those affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, MO. As some of you may know, I lived in the small town of Joplin for two years back when I was little. My dad also lived there for a bit as a kid. My brother was born there, and the hospital he was born in is now a pile of rubble. It is a small community, but the key word here is community, everyone is very close. My family will be going back to help clean up later this summer. Our old house is ok (the twister missed it by 2 streets). Everyone we know that still lives there is fine (one family’s house had lifted off of its foundation by 6 inches!). However, please keep the family and friends of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

                I know I have been bad at updating this recently. This is mostly because I have started work and find myself with little free time. We are supposed to work from 9-6 but I have not left the office at 6 nor come in at 9 yet. Tomorrow I move into my actual apartment (I am sad to leave A’s house, her and her family have been nothing but the best to me). I will probably start getting in later and leaving earlier now, at least until the competition I am working on gets into full swing. Yesterday, I was writing a post and got swept away from my computer to go on a site visit/client meeting/model shop visit. I will post pictures from this at some point (hopefully this weekend). The model shop was intense. Absolutely amazing. For those at my school, imagine completed slice models (ie 1:4 scale), except a whole complex of high rises…it’s amazing. It had a sweat shop feel to it, except without the borderline slave labor (the worker conditions were fine, there was air-con, but the level of activity was intense, just please don’t think this place is actually a sweat shop, keep in mind I’m sarcastic), just an old buiding with materials everywhere, lazer cutters humming, music blaring, basically imagine studio with no windows and no maylines.  

                It was an exceptionally hot day (even for here) yesterday. I went with my boss Z and he picked up another architect working on the project from another firm, N from South Africa. He had some interesting things to say about the place. Their economy is much like ours (USA) from a job market standpoint, but he commented that it is even worse because if you have graduated from school in the last 5 years and are white, you can’t find work. This is, of course, very hard for me to wrap my head around, but interesting none the less. The site, albiet just like any other construction site has its issues, but here in Asia things are done a bit differently. First of all, the workers live on the site (although the worker’s homes were somewhat out of view, I had a pretty good idea of what they were like and I’m sure you could imagine as well). Furthermore, they work around the clock, in two shifts. Most of the workers are actually unskilled and learn on the job. As one could imagine, this makes it difficult to meet the already seemingly impossible deadlines because they are literally being trained on the spot to do some rather difficult tasks (bricklaying is an art my friends). They mostly come from Indonesia and Bangladesh. America obviously has a similar migrant workforce population with the Latin and South American immigrants (no, contrary to popular belief, even in America, they are not all Mexican). However, you would never get an American migrant worker to work the way these people do. My knee-jerk reaction is one of uncomfort. To us, this seems like poor conditions, unfair hours, no proper housing, ect. However, here it is a way of life. They obviously get paid less than they would in the states (just due to differing economies) so to live on the job actually saves them a lot of money. I also noticed a clean water source and proper drainage in the glipse I got of the workers quarters. I also did not smell any open sewage, so at least they had basic amenities.  I really do not know how I feel about the workers’ situation, because this is just the mentality of work here. It goes even further than that. From what I have gathered from talking with people is that in Asia a client considers everyone his workers, regardless of the labor involved. Thus, we architects, as the ‘paper workers’ if you will are considered to be like the construction workers. Unless you flat out say it, you are expected to work just as hard as those laborers (granted we have air con). For example, yesterday in the meeting Z had to explicitly tell his clients that he would not take meetings past 6pm. In the west, unless it is a some type of corprate ‘crisis’ or you are a doctor, you would not meet with clients at odd hours such as this. Needless to say I learned a lot yesterday, although I’m still trying to piece together what exactly to make of it.

                Anyways, it’s about time I get back to work. I’ll catch up later, I still obviously have lots to say and lots to share.

Missing everyone back home. Finally sleeping like a normal human being. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

-M

              Before I get started on this post I would like to take a moment to express my sorrows for those affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, MO. As some of you may know, I lived in the small town of Joplin for two years back when I was little. My dad also lived there for a bit as a kid. My brother was born there, and the hospital he was born in is now a pile of rubble. It is a small community, but the key word here is community, everyone is very close. My family will be going back to help clean up later this summer. Our old house is ok (the twister missed it by 2 streets). Everyone we know that still lives there is fine (one family’s house had lifted off of its foundation by 6 inches!). However, please keep the family and friends of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

                I know I have been bad at updating this recently. This is mostly because I have started work and find myself with little free time. We are supposed to work from 9-6 but I have not left the office at 6 nor come in at 9 yet. Tomorrow I move into my actual apartment (I am sad to leave A’s house, her and her family have been nothing but the best to me). I will probably start getting in later and leaving earlier now, at least until the competition I am working on gets into full swing. Yesterday, I was writing a post and got swept away from my computer to go on a site visit/client meeting/model shop visit. I will post pictures from this at some point (hopefully this weekend). The model shop was intense. Absolutely amazing. For those at my school, imagine completed slice models (ie 1:4 scale), except a whole complex of high rises…it’s amazing. It had a sweat shop feel to it, except without the borderline slave labor (the worker conditions were fine, there was air-con, but the level of activity was intense, just please don’t think this place is actually a sweat shop, keep in mind I’m sarcastic), just an old buiding with materials everywhere, lazer cutters humming, music blaring, basically imagine studio with no windows and no maylines.  

                It was an exceptionally hot day (even for here) yesterday. I went with my boss Z and he picked up another architect working on the project from another firm, N from South Africa. He had some interesting things to say about the place. Their economy is much like ours (USA) from a job market standpoint, but he commented that it is even worse because if you have graduated from school in the last 5 years and are white, you can’t find work. This is, of course, very hard for me to wrap my head around, but interesting none the less. The site, albiet just like any other construction site has its issues, but here in Asia things are done a bit differently. First of all, the workers live on the site (although the worker’s homes were somewhat out of view, I had a pretty good idea of what they were like and I’m sure you could imagine as well). Furthermore, they work around the clock, in two shifts. Most of the workers are actually unskilled and learn on the job. As one could imagine, this makes it difficult to meet the already seemingly impossible deadlines because they are literally being trained on the spot to do some rather difficult tasks (bricklaying is an art my friends). They mostly come from Indonesia and Bangladesh. America obviously has a similar migrant workforce population with the Latin and South American immigrants (no, contrary to popular belief, even in America, they are not all Mexican). However, you would never get an American migrant worker to work the way these people do. My knee-jerk reaction is one of uncomfort. To us, this seems like poor conditions, unfair hours, no proper housing, ect. However, here it is a way of life. They obviously get paid less than they would in the states (just due to differing economies) so to live on the job actually saves them a lot of money. I also noticed a clean water source and proper drainage in the glipse I got of the workers quarters. I also did not smell any open sewage, so at least they had basic amenities.  I really do not know how I feel about the workers’ situation, because this is just the mentality of work here. It goes even further than that. From what I have gathered from talking with people is that in Asia a client considers everyone his workers, regardless of the labor involved. Thus, we architects, as the ‘paper workers’ if you will are considered to be like the construction workers. Unless you flat out say it, you are expected to work just as hard as those laborers (granted we have air con). For example, yesterday in the meeting Z had to explicitly tell his clients that he would not take meetings past 6pm. In the west, unless it is a some type of corprate ‘crisis’ or you are a doctor, you would not meet with clients at odd hours such as this. Needless to say I learned a lot yesterday, although I’m still trying to piece together what exactly to make of it.

                Anyways, it’s about time I get back to work. I’ll catch up later, I still obviously have lots to say and lots to share.

Missing everyone back home. Finally sleeping like a normal human being. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

-M

              Before I get started on this post I would like to take a moment to express my sorrows for those affected by the recent tornado in Joplin, MO. As some of you may know, I lived in the small town of Joplin for two years back when I was little. My dad also lived there for a bit as a kid. My brother was born there, and the hospital he was born in is now a pile of rubble. It is a small community, but the key word here is community, everyone is very close. My family will be going back to help clean up later this summer. Our old house is ok (the twister missed it by 2 streets). Everyone we know that still lives there is fine (one family’s house had lifted off of its foundation by 6 inches!). However, please keep the family and friends of those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

                I know I have been bad at updating this recently. This is mostly because I have started work and find myself with little free time. We are supposed to work from 9-6 but I have not left the office at 6 nor come in at 9 yet. Tomorrow I move into my actual apartment (I am sad to leave A’s house, her and her family have been nothing but the best to me). I will probably start getting in later and leaving earlier now, at least until the competition I am working on gets into full swing. Yesterday, I was writing a post and got swept away from my computer to go on a site visit/client meeting/model shop visit. I will post pictures from this at some point (hopefully this weekend). The model shop was intense. Absolutely amazing. For those at my school, imagine completed slice models (ie 1:4 scale), except a whole complex of high rises…it’s amazing. It had a sweat shop feel to it, except without the borderline slave labor (the worker conditions were fine, there was air-con, but the level of activity was intense, just please don’t think this place is actually a sweat shop, keep in mind I’m sarcastic), just an old buiding with materials everywhere, lazer cutters humming, music blaring, basically imagine studio with no windows and no maylines.  

                It was an exceptionally hot day (even for here) yesterday. I went with my boss Z and he picked up another architect working on the project from another firm, N from South Africa. He had some interesting things to say about the place. Their economy is much like ours (USA) from a job market standpoint, but he commented that it is even worse because if you have graduated from school in the last 5 years and are white, you can’t find work. This is, of course, very hard for me to wrap my head around, but interesting none the less. The site, albiet just like any other construction site has its issues, but here in Asia things are done a bit differently. First of all, the workers live on the site (although the worker’s homes were somewhat out of view, I had a pretty good idea of what they were like and I’m sure you could imagine as well). Furthermore, they work around the clock, in two shifts. Most of the workers are actually unskilled and learn on the job. As one could imagine, this makes it difficult to meet the already seemingly impossible deadlines because they are literally being trained on the spot to do some rather difficult tasks (bricklaying is an art my friends). They mostly come from Indonesia and Bangladesh. America obviously has a similar migrant workforce population with the Latin and South American immigrants (no, contrary to popular belief, even in America, they are not all Mexican). However, you would never get an American migrant worker to work the way these people do. My knee-jerk reaction is one of uncomfort. To us, this seems like poor conditions, unfair hours, no proper housing, ect. However, here it is a way of life. They obviously get paid less than they would in the states (just due to differing economies) so to live on the job actually saves them a lot of money. I also noticed a clean water source and proper drainage in the glipse I got of the workers quarters. I also did not smell any open sewage, so at least they had basic amenities.  I really do not know how I feel about the workers’ situation, because this is just the mentality of work here. It goes even further than that. From what I have gathered from talking with people is that in Asia a client considers everyone his workers, regardless of the labor involved. Thus, we architects, as the ‘paper workers’ if you will are considered to be like the construction workers. Unless you flat out say it, you are expected to work just as hard as those laborers (granted we have air con). For example, yesterday in the meeting Z had to explicitly tell his clients that he would not take meetings past 6pm. In the west, unless it is a some type of corprate ‘crisis’ or you are a doctor, you would not meet with clients at odd hours such as this. Needless to say I learned a lot yesterday, although I’m still trying to piece together what exactly to make of it.

                Anyways, it’s about time I get back to work. I’ll catch up later, I still obviously have lots to say and lots to share.

Missing everyone back home. Finally sleeping like a normal human being. I hope everyone is safe and sound.

-M