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

humidddddddddity!

May 22, 2011

            Day three is coming to an end here in KL Tomorrow will be my first official day of work. I am happy I had the weekend to get to know my new home away from home a little better before I got thrown into the frying pan so-to-speak at the office. It is obviously hot and humid here, although it is more tolerable that I thought it would be. It has rained every afternoon, which keeps things cool. Today, however, it was sunny all day and it got very, very hot, even my host family had something to say about it.

           

            I really enjoy my host family. I am living here until the 26^th and then I move into my apartment. The family – A, her mom A, and their dog Duchess live in a quaint bungalow just outside of town. Every evening you hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. It reminds me that I am nowhere near home, but I find the chanting soothing in a way. The family I am staying with is one of the few non-Muslim families in this area. It is interesting because the dog can’t get out of the yard because of Muslim rules regarding dogs. The hospitality I have received by them goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced before. They have made a real effort to take me under their wing, which is comforting because at night I get homesick for the loved ones I left behind in the States. I’ve had trouble sleeping, which is also a surprise to me, as I have never felt like this before. I talked with some friends from home who moved away and they said that it is temporary and will fade with time. I’ve just been taking things one day at a time and focusing on learning as much as I can about this unique place.

            The food here is absolutely unbelievable. I have been eating foods with a little less spice than normal because I don’t want to overwhelm the system, but I am slowly building a tolerance (although today I had Nasi Lemak – a super spicy coconut rice with peanuts and small dried or fried fish and that combined with the intense heat of the day did not sit well with me, but I’ve definitely felt worse in my life…and ya, it was worth it). I haven’t been eating as much as I should, when I wake up at night I also wake up hungry. If I had to guess I would say it is a combination of being wary about food due to  my last experience overseas, plus the heat squelches my appetite.

            I have learned so much that I really don’t know where to begin so this post will seem a little disconnected. Friday was a wash due to jet lag, culture shock, and the general ‘blah-ness’ associated with 23 hours of plane travel.  I had an awesome Thai dinner of fried rice where the egg is wrapped around the rice and drizzled in sweet and sour sauce. Yummy! I was going to learn to cook some beef curry tonight, but my tummy isn’t up to it so we are having garlic (good for the stomach) beef instead. The water here is drinkable, most households filter their water, but it makes my stomach a little too bubbly for comfort so I am using my water purifier (which is alright with me, it was expensive so it needs some use). I’m also getting used to drinking a lot of tea and coffee with milk. Teh Tarik or pulled tea is a national drink here and I happen to love it. It’s also interesting because it cools you down even though it’s served hot.

            On Saturday we went to the mall, which was an interesting experience. They had all types of shops and of course this includes Muslim-appropriate fashion. There was a risqué (I love that word lol) lingerie shop situated in between two of said Muslim shops. It is just one of the many examples of a culture that is very mixed and very unique in the world. They also have grocery stores in malls here and I bought some snacks and breakfast food for the week. Groceries here cost in Ringgit numerically what they cost in dollars (US). Thus, they are a third the price (read: awesome!). I spent the rest of the day lounging around, writing in my journal, and hanging out with the family exchanging stories/various cultural things. They have a really nice covered patio out front with a fan and it was nice to sit and watch the storm roll in. When it rains here, it dumps (pours does not do it justice). I love the sound of rain and I like to watch thunderstorms, plus it cools everything down so much it’s hard not to be outside. One thunderbolt came very close to us and it cracked so loud it sounded like a Sequoia had been split in half.

            Today I went to mass (my host family is Catholic) for the first time in I’m guessing at least 7 years. I felt a bit weird because of my own personal thoughts on the institution of the Catholic Church, but I support people coming together to share spirituality and community so it ended up being quite nice. There are a few subtle differences that mass in the States, most notably most people dress in regular street clothes (read: lots of jeans and t-shirts) and the priest goes a lot faster than at home. The place was packed; people were even standing outside looking into the church during the mass. It was a medium sized place, but keep in mind religion is a major part of life here so it wasn’t too surprising. The mix of people was the most intriguing part of the ceremony. There were Indian women dressed in saris (some even had the Hindu jewelry and dot – excuse me I forget what it is called at the moment), Chinese families and Malays alike, old and young (a large number of teenagers). A even told me that some families bring their maids along to mass as well. A’s mom put it nicely by saying ‘In Malaysia culture is culture and religion is religion.’

Although I do not want to get too into it here, I am undergoing my own personal spiritual journey. Besides from all of the other reasons mentioned, I came here to have a chance to grow and learn about myself by removing myself from the things, people, and life I am comfortable with. I brought along a book on Buddhism that I have begun to read. I’ve done some recent research into Buddhist beliefs and I have been intrigued by Buddhist practices ever since I saw the Dali Lama speak back in 2008. A mentioned that the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple here teaches classes on Buddhism in English so I am thinking about going to one. Like I said, religion is personal and I have never been much of a religious person despite the fact that I went to a Catholic school for 4 years (although some may argue that is exactly why). However, in 2005 one of my closest friend’s died and that caused me to re-think the idea of spirituality. Without getting any more personal, I am inspired here to really think hard about religion as a separate system from the institution of religion. I don’t really know where I am going with this, but today I observed the mass through a filter I have never tried before and it was quite an experience.

            After mass had finished the congregation had a brunch outside that the youth groups put on. They sold food to raise money for various things that they were doing. I got to talk with my family’s niece. I met her last night and she was quite shy, but once we got talking she had some pretty interesting things to say. It was a great conversation. During breakfast a Hindu ceremony for one of the various deities passed us by as about 50 or so people in beautifully ornate outfits with bright colors walked down the street carrying a big flowery shrine thing above their heads playing drums and bells and chanting. The vast richness of various cultures, and religions all going on at once was quite moving. It leaves a culturally minded Westerner such as myself thinking…

            The rest of the day I spent indoors and eventually moved to my room where the air con is to get a much-needed break from the sweltering heat and humidity. My hosts are cooking up some tasty dinner so I best be going. I am so utterly grateful for their genuine hospitality. I need to get them a gift; probably after I move out because otherwise they would be there when I shop, as I have no idea where I am and this city has no grid so I couldn’t possibly navigate at this point without them as I am not close to public transport. If anyone has suggestions let me know!

            Dinner is almost served so I best be going. I hope I get to eat with my hands tonight, because it is honestly super fun to do!

-M

May 22, 2011

            Day three is coming to an end here in KL Tomorrow will be my first official day of work. I am happy I had the weekend to get to know my new home away from home a little better before I got thrown into the frying pan so-to-speak at the office. It is obviously hot and humid here, although it is more tolerable that I thought it would be. It has rained every afternoon, which keeps things cool. Today, however, it was sunny all day and it got very, very hot, even my host family had something to say about it.

           

            I really enjoy my host family. I am living here until the 26^th and then I move into my apartment. The family – A, her mom A, and their dog Duchess live in a quaint bungalow just outside of town. Every evening you hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. It reminds me that I am nowhere near home, but I find the chanting soothing in a way. The family I am staying with is one of the few non-Muslim families in this area. It is interesting because the dog can’t get out of the yard because of Muslim rules regarding dogs. The hospitality I have received by them goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced before. They have made a real effort to take me under their wing, which is comforting because at night I get homesick for the loved ones I left behind in the States. I’ve had trouble sleeping, which is also a surprise to me, as I have never felt like this before. I talked with some friends from home who moved away and they said that it is temporary and will fade with time. I’ve just been taking things one day at a time and focusing on learning as much as I can about this unique place.

            The food here is absolutely unbelievable. I have been eating foods with a little less spice than normal because I don’t want to overwhelm the system, but I am slowly building a tolerance (although today I had Nasi Lemak – a super spicy coconut rice with peanuts and small dried or fried fish and that combined with the intense heat of the day did not sit well with me, but I’ve definitely felt worse in my life…and ya, it was worth it). I haven’t been eating as much as I should, when I wake up at night I also wake up hungry. If I had to guess I would say it is a combination of being wary about food due to  my last experience overseas, plus the heat squelches my appetite.

            I have learned so much that I really don’t know where to begin so this post will seem a little disconnected. Friday was a wash due to jet lag, culture shock, and the general ‘blah-ness’ associated with 23 hours of plane travel.  I had an awesome Thai dinner of fried rice where the egg is wrapped around the rice and drizzled in sweet and sour sauce. Yummy! I was going to learn to cook some beef curry tonight, but my tummy isn’t up to it so we are having garlic (good for the stomach) beef instead. The water here is drinkable, most households filter their water, but it makes my stomach a little too bubbly for comfort so I am using my water purifier (which is alright with me, it was expensive so it needs some use). I’m also getting used to drinking a lot of tea and coffee with milk. Teh Tarik or pulled tea is a national drink here and I happen to love it. It’s also interesting because it cools you down even though it’s served hot.

            On Saturday we went to the mall, which was an interesting experience. They had all types of shops and of course this includes Muslim-appropriate fashion. There was a risqué (I love that word lol) lingerie shop situated in between two of said Muslim shops. It is just one of the many examples of a culture that is very mixed and very unique in the world. They also have grocery stores in malls here and I bought some snacks and breakfast food for the week. Groceries here cost in Ringgit numerically what they cost in dollars (US). Thus, they are a third the price (read: awesome!). I spent the rest of the day lounging around, writing in my journal, and hanging out with the family exchanging stories/various cultural things. They have a really nice covered patio out front with a fan and it was nice to sit and watch the storm roll in. When it rains here, it dumps (pours does not do it justice). I love the sound of rain and I like to watch thunderstorms, plus it cools everything down so much it’s hard not to be outside. One thunderbolt came very close to us and it cracked so loud it sounded like a Sequoia had been split in half.

            Today I went to mass (my host family is Catholic) for the first time in I’m guessing at least 7 years. I felt a bit weird because of my own personal thoughts on the institution of the Catholic Church, but I support people coming together to share spirituality and community so it ended up being quite nice. There are a few subtle differences that mass in the States, most notably most people dress in regular street clothes (read: lots of jeans and t-shirts) and the priest goes a lot faster than at home. The place was packed; people were even standing outside looking into the church during the mass. It was a medium sized place, but keep in mind religion is a major part of life here so it wasn’t too surprising. The mix of people was the most intriguing part of the ceremony. There were Indian women dressed in saris (some even had the Hindu jewelry and dot – excuse me I forget what it is called at the moment), Chinese families and Malays alike, old and young (a large number of teenagers). A even told me that some families bring their maids along to mass as well. A’s mom put it nicely by saying ‘In Malaysia culture is culture and religion is religion.’

Although I do not want to get too into it here, I am undergoing my own personal spiritual journey. Besides from all of the other reasons mentioned, I came here to have a chance to grow and learn about myself by removing myself from the things, people, and life I am comfortable with. I brought along a book on Buddhism that I have begun to read. I’ve done some recent research into Buddhist beliefs and I have been intrigued by Buddhist practices ever since I saw the Dali Lama speak back in 2008. A mentioned that the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple here teaches classes on Buddhism in English so I am thinking about going to one. Like I said, religion is personal and I have never been much of a religious person despite the fact that I went to a Catholic school for 4 years (although some may argue that is exactly why). However, in 2005 one of my closest friend’s died and that caused me to re-think the idea of spirituality. Without getting any more personal, I am inspired here to really think hard about religion as a separate system from the institution of religion. I don’t really know where I am going with this, but today I observed the mass through a filter I have never tried before and it was quite an experience.

            After mass had finished the congregation had a brunch outside that the youth groups put on. They sold food to raise money for various things that they were doing. I got to talk with my family’s niece. I met her last night and she was quite shy, but once we got talking she had some pretty interesting things to say. It was a great conversation. During breakfast a Hindu ceremony for one of the various deities passed us by as about 50 or so people in beautifully ornate outfits with bright colors walked down the street carrying a big flowery shrine thing above their heads playing drums and bells and chanting. The vast richness of various cultures, and religions all going on at once was quite moving. It leaves a culturally minded Westerner such as myself thinking…

            The rest of the day I spent indoors and eventually moved to my room where the air con is to get a much-needed break from the sweltering heat and humidity. My hosts are cooking up some tasty dinner so I best be going. I am so utterly grateful for their genuine hospitality. I need to get them a gift; probably after I move out because otherwise they would be there when I shop, as I have no idea where I am and this city has no grid so I couldn’t possibly navigate at this point without them as I am not close to public transport. If anyone has suggestions let me know!

            Dinner is almost served so I best be going. I hope I get to eat with my hands tonight, because it is honestly super fun to do!

-M

May 22, 2011

            Day three is coming to an end here in KL Tomorrow will be my first official day of work. I am happy I had the weekend to get to know my new home away from home a little better before I got thrown into the frying pan so-to-speak at the office. It is obviously hot and humid here, although it is more tolerable that I thought it would be. It has rained every afternoon, which keeps things cool. Today, however, it was sunny all day and it got very, very hot, even my host family had something to say about it.

           

            I really enjoy my host family. I am living here until the 26^th and then I move into my apartment. The family – A, her mom A, and their dog Duchess live in a quaint bungalow just outside of town. Every evening you hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. It reminds me that I am nowhere near home, but I find the chanting soothing in a way. The family I am staying with is one of the few non-Muslim families in this area. It is interesting because the dog can’t get out of the yard because of Muslim rules regarding dogs. The hospitality I have received by them goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced before. They have made a real effort to take me under their wing, which is comforting because at night I get homesick for the loved ones I left behind in the States. I’ve had trouble sleeping, which is also a surprise to me, as I have never felt like this before. I talked with some friends from home who moved away and they said that it is temporary and will fade with time. I’ve just been taking things one day at a time and focusing on learning as much as I can about this unique place.

            The food here is absolutely unbelievable. I have been eating foods with a little less spice than normal because I don’t want to overwhelm the system, but I am slowly building a tolerance (although today I had Nasi Lemak – a super spicy coconut rice with peanuts and small dried or fried fish and that combined with the intense heat of the day did not sit well with me, but I’ve definitely felt worse in my life…and ya, it was worth it). I haven’t been eating as much as I should, when I wake up at night I also wake up hungry. If I had to guess I would say it is a combination of being wary about food due to  my last experience overseas, plus the heat squelches my appetite.

            I have learned so much that I really don’t know where to begin so this post will seem a little disconnected. Friday was a wash due to jet lag, culture shock, and the general ‘blah-ness’ associated with 23 hours of plane travel.  I had an awesome Thai dinner of fried rice where the egg is wrapped around the rice and drizzled in sweet and sour sauce. Yummy! I was going to learn to cook some beef curry tonight, but my tummy isn’t up to it so we are having garlic (good for the stomach) beef instead. The water here is drinkable, most households filter their water, but it makes my stomach a little too bubbly for comfort so I am using my water purifier (which is alright with me, it was expensive so it needs some use). I’m also getting used to drinking a lot of tea and coffee with milk. Teh Tarik or pulled tea is a national drink here and I happen to love it. It’s also interesting because it cools you down even though it’s served hot.

            On Saturday we went to the mall, which was an interesting experience. They had all types of shops and of course this includes Muslim-appropriate fashion. There was a risqué (I love that word lol) lingerie shop situated in between two of said Muslim shops. It is just one of the many examples of a culture that is very mixed and very unique in the world. They also have grocery stores in malls here and I bought some snacks and breakfast food for the week. Groceries here cost in Ringgit numerically what they cost in dollars (US). Thus, they are a third the price (read: awesome!). I spent the rest of the day lounging around, writing in my journal, and hanging out with the family exchanging stories/various cultural things. They have a really nice covered patio out front with a fan and it was nice to sit and watch the storm roll in. When it rains here, it dumps (pours does not do it justice). I love the sound of rain and I like to watch thunderstorms, plus it cools everything down so much it’s hard not to be outside. One thunderbolt came very close to us and it cracked so loud it sounded like a Sequoia had been split in half.

            Today I went to mass (my host family is Catholic) for the first time in I’m guessing at least 7 years. I felt a bit weird because of my own personal thoughts on the institution of the Catholic Church, but I support people coming together to share spirituality and community so it ended up being quite nice. There are a few subtle differences that mass in the States, most notably most people dress in regular street clothes (read: lots of jeans and t-shirts) and the priest goes a lot faster than at home. The place was packed; people were even standing outside looking into the church during the mass. It was a medium sized place, but keep in mind religion is a major part of life here so it wasn’t too surprising. The mix of people was the most intriguing part of the ceremony. There were Indian women dressed in saris (some even had the Hindu jewelry and dot – excuse me I forget what it is called at the moment), Chinese families and Malays alike, old and young (a large number of teenagers). A even told me that some families bring their maids along to mass as well. A’s mom put it nicely by saying ‘In Malaysia culture is culture and religion is religion.’

Although I do not want to get too into it here, I am undergoing my own personal spiritual journey. Besides from all of the other reasons mentioned, I came here to have a chance to grow and learn about myself by removing myself from the things, people, and life I am comfortable with. I brought along a book on Buddhism that I have begun to read. I’ve done some recent research into Buddhist beliefs and I have been intrigued by Buddhist practices ever since I saw the Dali Lama speak back in 2008. A mentioned that the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple here teaches classes on Buddhism in English so I am thinking about going to one. Like I said, religion is personal and I have never been much of a religious person despite the fact that I went to a Catholic school for 4 years (although some may argue that is exactly why). However, in 2005 one of my closest friend’s died and that caused me to re-think the idea of spirituality. Without getting any more personal, I am inspired here to really think hard about religion as a separate system from the institution of religion. I don’t really know where I am going with this, but today I observed the mass through a filter I have never tried before and it was quite an experience.

            After mass had finished the congregation had a brunch outside that the youth groups put on. They sold food to raise money for various things that they were doing. I got to talk with my family’s niece. I met her last night and she was quite shy, but once we got talking she had some pretty interesting things to say. It was a great conversation. During breakfast a Hindu ceremony for one of the various deities passed us by as about 50 or so people in beautifully ornate outfits with bright colors walked down the street carrying a big flowery shrine thing above their heads playing drums and bells and chanting. The vast richness of various cultures, and religions all going on at once was quite moving. It leaves a culturally minded Westerner such as myself thinking…

            The rest of the day I spent indoors and eventually moved to my room where the air con is to get a much-needed break from the sweltering heat and humidity. My hosts are cooking up some tasty dinner so I best be going. I am so utterly grateful for their genuine hospitality. I need to get them a gift; probably after I move out because otherwise they would be there when I shop, as I have no idea where I am and this city has no grid so I couldn’t possibly navigate at this point without them as I am not close to public transport. If anyone has suggestions let me know!

            Dinner is almost served so I best be going. I hope I get to eat with my hands tonight, because it is honestly super fun to do!

-M

May 22, 2011

            Day three is coming to an end here in KL Tomorrow will be my first official day of work. I am happy I had the weekend to get to know my new home away from home a little better before I got thrown into the frying pan so-to-speak at the office. It is obviously hot and humid here, although it is more tolerable that I thought it would be. It has rained every afternoon, which keeps things cool. Today, however, it was sunny all day and it got very, very hot, even my host family had something to say about it.

           

            I really enjoy my host family. I am living here until the 26^th and then I move into my apartment. The family – A, her mom A, and their dog Duchess live in a quaint bungalow just outside of town. Every evening you hear the call to prayer from the local mosque. It reminds me that I am nowhere near home, but I find the chanting soothing in a way. The family I am staying with is one of the few non-Muslim families in this area. It is interesting because the dog can’t get out of the yard because of Muslim rules regarding dogs. The hospitality I have received by them goes above and beyond anything I have ever experienced before. They have made a real effort to take me under their wing, which is comforting because at night I get homesick for the loved ones I left behind in the States. I’ve had trouble sleeping, which is also a surprise to me, as I have never felt like this before. I talked with some friends from home who moved away and they said that it is temporary and will fade with time. I’ve just been taking things one day at a time and focusing on learning as much as I can about this unique place.

            The food here is absolutely unbelievable. I have been eating foods with a little less spice than normal because I don’t want to overwhelm the system, but I am slowly building a tolerance (although today I had Nasi Lemak – a super spicy coconut rice with peanuts and small dried or fried fish and that combined with the intense heat of the day did not sit well with me, but I’ve definitely felt worse in my life…and ya, it was worth it). I haven’t been eating as much as I should, when I wake up at night I also wake up hungry. If I had to guess I would say it is a combination of being wary about food due to  my last experience overseas, plus the heat squelches my appetite.

            I have learned so much that I really don’t know where to begin so this post will seem a little disconnected. Friday was a wash due to jet lag, culture shock, and the general ‘blah-ness’ associated with 23 hours of plane travel.  I had an awesome Thai dinner of fried rice where the egg is wrapped around the rice and drizzled in sweet and sour sauce. Yummy! I was going to learn to cook some beef curry tonight, but my tummy isn’t up to it so we are having garlic (good for the stomach) beef instead. The water here is drinkable, most households filter their water, but it makes my stomach a little too bubbly for comfort so I am using my water purifier (which is alright with me, it was expensive so it needs some use). I’m also getting used to drinking a lot of tea and coffee with milk. Teh Tarik or pulled tea is a national drink here and I happen to love it. It’s also interesting because it cools you down even though it’s served hot.

            On Saturday we went to the mall, which was an interesting experience. They had all types of shops and of course this includes Muslim-appropriate fashion. There was a risqué (I love that word lol) lingerie shop situated in between two of said Muslim shops. It is just one of the many examples of a culture that is very mixed and very unique in the world. They also have grocery stores in malls here and I bought some snacks and breakfast food for the week. Groceries here cost in Ringgit numerically what they cost in dollars (US). Thus, they are a third the price (read: awesome!). I spent the rest of the day lounging around, writing in my journal, and hanging out with the family exchanging stories/various cultural things. They have a really nice covered patio out front with a fan and it was nice to sit and watch the storm roll in. When it rains here, it dumps (pours does not do it justice). I love the sound of rain and I like to watch thunderstorms, plus it cools everything down so much it’s hard not to be outside. One thunderbolt came very close to us and it cracked so loud it sounded like a Sequoia had been split in half.

            Today I went to mass (my host family is Catholic) for the first time in I’m guessing at least 7 years. I felt a bit weird because of my own personal thoughts on the institution of the Catholic Church, but I support people coming together to share spirituality and community so it ended up being quite nice. There are a few subtle differences that mass in the States, most notably most people dress in regular street clothes (read: lots of jeans and t-shirts) and the priest goes a lot faster than at home. The place was packed; people were even standing outside looking into the church during the mass. It was a medium sized place, but keep in mind religion is a major part of life here so it wasn’t too surprising. The mix of people was the most intriguing part of the ceremony. There were Indian women dressed in saris (some even had the Hindu jewelry and dot – excuse me I forget what it is called at the moment), Chinese families and Malays alike, old and young (a large number of teenagers). A even told me that some families bring their maids along to mass as well. A’s mom put it nicely by saying ‘In Malaysia culture is culture and religion is religion.’

Although I do not want to get too into it here, I am undergoing my own personal spiritual journey. Besides from all of the other reasons mentioned, I came here to have a chance to grow and learn about myself by removing myself from the things, people, and life I am comfortable with. I brought along a book on Buddhism that I have begun to read. I’ve done some recent research into Buddhist beliefs and I have been intrigued by Buddhist practices ever since I saw the Dali Lama speak back in 2008. A mentioned that the Sri Lankan Buddhist temple here teaches classes on Buddhism in English so I am thinking about going to one. Like I said, religion is personal and I have never been much of a religious person despite the fact that I went to a Catholic school for 4 years (although some may argue that is exactly why). However, in 2005 one of my closest friend’s died and that caused me to re-think the idea of spirituality. Without getting any more personal, I am inspired here to really think hard about religion as a separate system from the institution of religion. I don’t really know where I am going with this, but today I observed the mass through a filter I have never tried before and it was quite an experience.

            After mass had finished the congregation had a brunch outside that the youth groups put on. They sold food to raise money for various things that they were doing. I got to talk with my family’s niece. I met her last night and she was quite shy, but once we got talking she had some pretty interesting things to say. It was a great conversation. During breakfast a Hindu ceremony for one of the various deities passed us by as about 50 or so people in beautifully ornate outfits with bright colors walked down the street carrying a big flowery shrine thing above their heads playing drums and bells and chanting. The vast richness of various cultures, and religions all going on at once was quite moving. It leaves a culturally minded Westerner such as myself thinking…

            The rest of the day I spent indoors and eventually moved to my room where the air con is to get a much-needed break from the sweltering heat and humidity. My hosts are cooking up some tasty dinner so I best be going. I am so utterly grateful for their genuine hospitality. I need to get them a gift; probably after I move out because otherwise they would be there when I shop, as I have no idea where I am and this city has no grid so I couldn’t possibly navigate at this point without them as I am not close to public transport. If anyone has suggestions let me know!

            Dinner is almost served so I best be going. I hope I get to eat with my hands tonight, because it is honestly super fun to do!

-M

I'm finally here!

     After 2 and a half days of travel, and several plane rides later, I have finally arrived in KL. I'm not sure how much time I have because someone from Veritas is on their way to get me (I'm currently chilling at the KL Sentral, a transit station). My first impressions of KL are minimal, I haven't seen much besides the airport and the train station so I won't comment on that. I paid way too much for a phone, but I needed to call to let Veritas know I got in, so I sucked it up and paid for it. I should have unlocked my iPhone before I left. It's a tiny thing, and I have to learn to use that auto-spell feature (I have an iPhone at home) all over again, so my first text was a little interesting. My bags are heavy and annoying and I would like to get rid of them. I look ridiculous carrying around three months worth of stuff (although it really isn't that much, just bulky).

     I sat next to two locals on the plane ride over. One was a Brit and the other was Malay. The Brit guy was kind of an ass. He had this imperialist attitude and was pretty rude to the flight attendants (bossing them around and such). He also kept insulting America and I was like dude, seriously? I mean I know America doesn't have the greatest reputation, but do you really need to tell me that Americans 'ruin' places? I didn't ask your opinion about my country and I didn't give you mine on yours. Ugh. It was annoying. The Malay man and his wife were quite nice. He promised me 'wonderful hospitality.' I have yet to meat a rude person, even the gal selling me the phone said maybe she will see me in town sometime - totally unexpected. The customs guy was even chatty.

     They let us off the plane for an hour and a half in Taipei which was nice. The transit passenger center was like a first class lounge complete with free internet, showers, massage chairs, ect. You always know you are in Asia when you enter a public bathroom. There really is no middle ground. They are either intimidatingly nice (yes, bathrooms can be intimidating...esp when there are toilet advertisements throughout the airport and you think the toilet is so complex it might start talking to you/eat you) or they are seriously nasty. There is always a squatter (although this time it was towards the back so I wasn't immediately confronted with an old lady taking a poo with the door wide open like I was in Beijing). The ones here are interesting. There is a hose that is like an impromptu bedee (I don't know how to spell that one, sorry French people) instead of toilet paper. You should ALWAYS bring your own TP around here, so I came prepared. There was also a picture on the back of the door of a person squatting on top of the toilet with an X through it. I've heard this is pretty common here, but I have no idea how one would go about doing it without falling over or worse, in.

     I got hooted at this morning in the airport. I sorta got engulfed by a crowd of women in burkas/head to toe coverings and I was wearing long shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I found it somewhat funny because in the US this wouldn't even warrant a glance. However, in the Islamic world, I am dressed like a hooker. The hooting thing doesn't really bother me (yet). It happens all over the world. Plus, I must have stood out like whoa.

     I can actually understand some of the language which is super exciting. However, I'm finding it significantly harder to get people to respond to me in anything other than English and I don't know if they like my attempt at trying to communicate with them. I'm going to have to look into this further once I get settled.

     Anyways I am beat, I'm going to stop writing for now. I think I'll just enjoy my mango tea and people watch. Until we talk again!

-M

     After 2 and a half days of travel, and several plane rides later, I have finally arrived in KL. I'm not sure how much time I have because someone from Veritas is on their way to get me (I'm currently chilling at the KL Sentral, a transit station). My first impressions of KL are minimal, I haven't seen much besides the airport and the train station so I won't comment on that. I paid way too much for a phone, but I needed to call to let Veritas know I got in, so I sucked it up and paid for it. I should have unlocked my iPhone before I left. It's a tiny thing, and I have to learn to use that auto-spell feature (I have an iPhone at home) all over again, so my first text was a little interesting. My bags are heavy and annoying and I would like to get rid of them. I look ridiculous carrying around three months worth of stuff (although it really isn't that much, just bulky).

     I sat next to two locals on the plane ride over. One was a Brit and the other was Malay. The Brit guy was kind of an ass. He had this imperialist attitude and was pretty rude to the flight attendants (bossing them around and such). He also kept insulting America and I was like dude, seriously? I mean I know America doesn't have the greatest reputation, but do you really need to tell me that Americans 'ruin' places? I didn't ask your opinion about my country and I didn't give you mine on yours. Ugh. It was annoying. The Malay man and his wife were quite nice. He promised me 'wonderful hospitality.' I have yet to meat a rude person, even the gal selling me the phone said maybe she will see me in town sometime - totally unexpected. The customs guy was even chatty.

     They let us off the plane for an hour and a half in Taipei which was nice. The transit passenger center was like a first class lounge complete with free internet, showers, massage chairs, ect. You always know you are in Asia when you enter a public bathroom. There really is no middle ground. They are either intimidatingly nice (yes, bathrooms can be intimidating...esp when there are toilet advertisements throughout the airport and you think the toilet is so complex it might start talking to you/eat you) or they are seriously nasty. There is always a squatter (although this time it was towards the back so I wasn't immediately confronted with an old lady taking a poo with the door wide open like I was in Beijing). The ones here are interesting. There is a hose that is like an impromptu bedee (I don't know how to spell that one, sorry French people) instead of toilet paper. You should ALWAYS bring your own TP around here, so I came prepared. There was also a picture on the back of the door of a person squatting on top of the toilet with an X through it. I've heard this is pretty common here, but I have no idea how one would go about doing it without falling over or worse, in.

     I got hooted at this morning in the airport. I sorta got engulfed by a crowd of women in burkas/head to toe coverings and I was wearing long shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I found it somewhat funny because in the US this wouldn't even warrant a glance. However, in the Islamic world, I am dressed like a hooker. The hooting thing doesn't really bother me (yet). It happens all over the world. Plus, I must have stood out like whoa.

     I can actually understand some of the language which is super exciting. However, I'm finding it significantly harder to get people to respond to me in anything other than English and I don't know if they like my attempt at trying to communicate with them. I'm going to have to look into this further once I get settled.

     Anyways I am beat, I'm going to stop writing for now. I think I'll just enjoy my mango tea and people watch. Until we talk again!

-M

     After 2 and a half days of travel, and several plane rides later, I have finally arrived in KL. I'm not sure how much time I have because someone from Veritas is on their way to get me (I'm currently chilling at the KL Sentral, a transit station). My first impressions of KL are minimal, I haven't seen much besides the airport and the train station so I won't comment on that. I paid way too much for a phone, but I needed to call to let Veritas know I got in, so I sucked it up and paid for it. I should have unlocked my iPhone before I left. It's a tiny thing, and I have to learn to use that auto-spell feature (I have an iPhone at home) all over again, so my first text was a little interesting. My bags are heavy and annoying and I would like to get rid of them. I look ridiculous carrying around three months worth of stuff (although it really isn't that much, just bulky).

     I sat next to two locals on the plane ride over. One was a Brit and the other was Malay. The Brit guy was kind of an ass. He had this imperialist attitude and was pretty rude to the flight attendants (bossing them around and such). He also kept insulting America and I was like dude, seriously? I mean I know America doesn't have the greatest reputation, but do you really need to tell me that Americans 'ruin' places? I didn't ask your opinion about my country and I didn't give you mine on yours. Ugh. It was annoying. The Malay man and his wife were quite nice. He promised me 'wonderful hospitality.' I have yet to meat a rude person, even the gal selling me the phone said maybe she will see me in town sometime - totally unexpected. The customs guy was even chatty.

     They let us off the plane for an hour and a half in Taipei which was nice. The transit passenger center was like a first class lounge complete with free internet, showers, massage chairs, ect. You always know you are in Asia when you enter a public bathroom. There really is no middle ground. They are either intimidatingly nice (yes, bathrooms can be intimidating...esp when there are toilet advertisements throughout the airport and you think the toilet is so complex it might start talking to you/eat you) or they are seriously nasty. There is always a squatter (although this time it was towards the back so I wasn't immediately confronted with an old lady taking a poo with the door wide open like I was in Beijing). The ones here are interesting. There is a hose that is like an impromptu bedee (I don't know how to spell that one, sorry French people) instead of toilet paper. You should ALWAYS bring your own TP around here, so I came prepared. There was also a picture on the back of the door of a person squatting on top of the toilet with an X through it. I've heard this is pretty common here, but I have no idea how one would go about doing it without falling over or worse, in.

     I got hooted at this morning in the airport. I sorta got engulfed by a crowd of women in burkas/head to toe coverings and I was wearing long shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I found it somewhat funny because in the US this wouldn't even warrant a glance. However, in the Islamic world, I am dressed like a hooker. The hooting thing doesn't really bother me (yet). It happens all over the world. Plus, I must have stood out like whoa.

     I can actually understand some of the language which is super exciting. However, I'm finding it significantly harder to get people to respond to me in anything other than English and I don't know if they like my attempt at trying to communicate with them. I'm going to have to look into this further once I get settled.

     Anyways I am beat, I'm going to stop writing for now. I think I'll just enjoy my mango tea and people watch. Until we talk again!

-M

     After 2 and a half days of travel, and several plane rides later, I have finally arrived in KL. I'm not sure how much time I have because someone from Veritas is on their way to get me (I'm currently chilling at the KL Sentral, a transit station). My first impressions of KL are minimal, I haven't seen much besides the airport and the train station so I won't comment on that. I paid way too much for a phone, but I needed to call to let Veritas know I got in, so I sucked it up and paid for it. I should have unlocked my iPhone before I left. It's a tiny thing, and I have to learn to use that auto-spell feature (I have an iPhone at home) all over again, so my first text was a little interesting. My bags are heavy and annoying and I would like to get rid of them. I look ridiculous carrying around three months worth of stuff (although it really isn't that much, just bulky).

     I sat next to two locals on the plane ride over. One was a Brit and the other was Malay. The Brit guy was kind of an ass. He had this imperialist attitude and was pretty rude to the flight attendants (bossing them around and such). He also kept insulting America and I was like dude, seriously? I mean I know America doesn't have the greatest reputation, but do you really need to tell me that Americans 'ruin' places? I didn't ask your opinion about my country and I didn't give you mine on yours. Ugh. It was annoying. The Malay man and his wife were quite nice. He promised me 'wonderful hospitality.' I have yet to meat a rude person, even the gal selling me the phone said maybe she will see me in town sometime - totally unexpected. The customs guy was even chatty.

     They let us off the plane for an hour and a half in Taipei which was nice. The transit passenger center was like a first class lounge complete with free internet, showers, massage chairs, ect. You always know you are in Asia when you enter a public bathroom. There really is no middle ground. They are either intimidatingly nice (yes, bathrooms can be intimidating...esp when there are toilet advertisements throughout the airport and you think the toilet is so complex it might start talking to you/eat you) or they are seriously nasty. There is always a squatter (although this time it was towards the back so I wasn't immediately confronted with an old lady taking a poo with the door wide open like I was in Beijing). The ones here are interesting. There is a hose that is like an impromptu bedee (I don't know how to spell that one, sorry French people) instead of toilet paper. You should ALWAYS bring your own TP around here, so I came prepared. There was also a picture on the back of the door of a person squatting on top of the toilet with an X through it. I've heard this is pretty common here, but I have no idea how one would go about doing it without falling over or worse, in.

     I got hooted at this morning in the airport. I sorta got engulfed by a crowd of women in burkas/head to toe coverings and I was wearing long shorts and an oversized t-shirt. I found it somewhat funny because in the US this wouldn't even warrant a glance. However, in the Islamic world, I am dressed like a hooker. The hooting thing doesn't really bother me (yet). It happens all over the world. Plus, I must have stood out like whoa.

     I can actually understand some of the language which is super exciting. However, I'm finding it significantly harder to get people to respond to me in anything other than English and I don't know if they like my attempt at trying to communicate with them. I'm going to have to look into this further once I get settled.

     Anyways I am beat, I'm going to stop writing for now. I think I'll just enjoy my mango tea and people watch. Until we talk again!

-M