Most likely confrontational, but I mean no harm, my opinion is just that

     Today is an odd day. Woke up to a pack of feral dogs fighting in the hills behind my apartment, I felt horrible because I could hear one yelping. The office was extremely quite all day. There was some big client meet and great/schmooze/network thing that a bunch of people attended in the am, and a funeral for a former co-worker in the pm. I didn't go to the funeral, I don't know the person and I thought it would be rude to show up to a funeral (never mind depressing). Although it is of interest to note that the woman died of food poisoning. She was in the hospital for some time, but still it is rare for something like this to happen. It's also not the way to go (trust me on this one). I feel bad for her family and friends. Thus it was pretty much the interns and the newer expats in the afternoon. I'm quite tired from staring at a computer screen, moving lines around/fixing diagrams and plans all day. I need to be out and about. I need to be active. That's where I struggle with architecture. Always have really. The modern day attachment to computers scares me in many ways.

     After work I was going to go to yoga, but my tummy doesn't feel well (the mee goreng I had for lunch was quite spicy). I'm also trying to save some money, as tomorrow I'm going with a few co-workers to the largest pasar malam (night market) in Malaysia tomorrow night.

     There are a few new interns at work now. Four guys from Saudi Arabia have joined the company for three weeks. They are extremely shy/stick to themselves, but the other interns keep asking them to lunch to get them to come out of their shells so to speak. It is tough to do when only 2 of them are comfortable speaking English, although one speaks quite well. There is a lot of translating that goes on (I'm currently helping out on the same competition). It's been interesting working with them, I would love to know what they think about taking directions from two women. The guy who speaks good English (whose name is, interestingly enough, Osama) has been surprisingly open in terms of speaking about the Arab world and life in Saudi Arabia.

     If there is one thing I've learned about Arab culture it is that I will never be able to wrap my head around it. I understand some things, on a very superficial level. Whether I agree with them or not is a different story. I have been told that the woman is seen as a fruit or a flower. If it is left out in the open with no protection, the flies (or men) will swarm around it and ruin it. Therefore, women need to be protected. On one level this is rather charming, but on another, doesn't that give men the excuse to act like flies? If not, then why is it every time someone speaks about the Arab world the differences of the sexes is brought up? My friend's sister (who is Iranian) put it nicely saying that she questions Islam because in the modern world it seems to have become a discussion about the differences and rights of men and women. Religion shouldn't be about these issues. I agree. However, it is not my place to preach, say, or do anything about the way other cultures and religions go about their business. I was not born into that society, culture, country, region, race, whatever you want to call it. I can't possibly understand the issues surrounding it, and quite honestly, it isn't my business. Yes I'm a woman, but I'm an American woman, brought up within a different social construct. I have no right to do anything more than state my opinion within the context in which I have been brought up in. In essence, it is not my place, nor do I want it to be.

     With all of that being said, the guys who work with me have not treated me with any disrespect or rudeness whatsoever.  If anything, they are shy which comes across as intimidated by the fact that men and women who are not related or married hang out together. When I put myself in their shoes, there are definitely things they couldn't understand about my culture as well. It goes both ways. I give them credit for hanging out with the other interns at lunch and they seem to be opening up a bit. They came all this way and my hope is that when they go back they at least learn something about each of us or at least Malaysia.

     Today at lunch I told O the importance of the West and the Middle East (people, not government) making an effort to learn from one other. It's so important because due to our respective media, we don't get any sense of reality of each other's lives, homes, and culture. Both sides just hear about the worst situations and stories, not about reality. Propaganda is rampant and the only way to begin to understand each other's cultures is to experience and learn about them. The conversation went from that to our economies and job markets. I found it surprising that they have similar employment issues as we do back home. Both countries are going to experience a severe brain drain if something isn't done soon. Theirs goes one step further to say that the only jobs that can be found are those with foreign companies. These companies only employ foreign workers. If a local workforce is hired, it's for the shit jobs no one else wants. So think about this for a second folks. Obviously the people are going to develop a distrust of the west if the western corporations are coming in and essentially denying their equally qualified workforce a chance at a job. I would be pissed too.

    Another interest (especially to those back in the states) is the oil prices. I asked them (as well as the Malaysians) how much they pay for gas. In Saudi Arabia gas is $0.15 per liter...there are about 4 liters in a gallon making a grand total of $0.60 per gallon...astounding. Seriously astounding. How much do you pay in California these days? On that same token, a Big Mac in Saudi Arabia costs roughly $6 from what I've been told. I suppose you could call that a trade off....wait...probably not. In Malaysia gas is roughly RM 2 and change per liter which is about $2.60 a gallon. That is still significantly cheaper than what most Americans pay to fill up. Both nations are a part of OPEC. Crazy isn't it? I'm not suggesting that cheaper oil prices are good or anything like that. I think that a rising price is a good thing because people need to stop being dependent on a limited resource with negative environmental impacts, but weening the world off an oil dependency is no easy task, and I have no solution.


     That's all for today.


-M

  

     Today is an odd day. Woke up to a pack of feral dogs fighting in the hills behind my apartment, I felt horrible because I could hear one yelping. The office was extremely quite all day. There was some big client meet and great/schmooze/network thing that a bunch of people attended in the am, and a funeral for a former co-worker in the pm. I didn't go to the funeral, I don't know the person and I thought it would be rude to show up to a funeral (never mind depressing). Although it is of interest to note that the woman died of food poisoning. She was in the hospital for some time, but still it is rare for something like this to happen. It's also not the way to go (trust me on this one). I feel bad for her family and friends. Thus it was pretty much the interns and the newer expats in the afternoon. I'm quite tired from staring at a computer screen, moving lines around/fixing diagrams and plans all day. I need to be out and about. I need to be active. That's where I struggle with architecture. Always have really. The modern day attachment to computers scares me in many ways.

     After work I was going to go to yoga, but my tummy doesn't feel well (the mee goreng I had for lunch was quite spicy). I'm also trying to save some money, as tomorrow I'm going with a few co-workers to the largest pasar malam (night market) in Malaysia tomorrow night.

     There are a few new interns at work now. Four guys from Saudi Arabia have joined the company for three weeks. They are extremely shy/stick to themselves, but the other interns keep asking them to lunch to get them to come out of their shells so to speak. It is tough to do when only 2 of them are comfortable speaking English, although one speaks quite well. There is a lot of translating that goes on (I'm currently helping out on the same competition). It's been interesting working with them, I would love to know what they think about taking directions from two women. The guy who speaks good English (whose name is, interestingly enough, Osama) has been surprisingly open in terms of speaking about the Arab world and life in Saudi Arabia.

     If there is one thing I've learned about Arab culture it is that I will never be able to wrap my head around it. I understand some things, on a very superficial level. Whether I agree with them or not is a different story. I have been told that the woman is seen as a fruit or a flower. If it is left out in the open with no protection, the flies (or men) will swarm around it and ruin it. Therefore, women need to be protected. On one level this is rather charming, but on another, doesn't that give men the excuse to act like flies? If not, then why is it every time someone speaks about the Arab world the differences of the sexes is brought up? My friend's sister (who is Iranian) put it nicely saying that she questions Islam because in the modern world it seems to have become a discussion about the differences and rights of men and women. Religion shouldn't be about these issues. I agree. However, it is not my place to preach, say, or do anything about the way other cultures and religions go about their business. I was not born into that society, culture, country, region, race, whatever you want to call it. I can't possibly understand the issues surrounding it, and quite honestly, it isn't my business. Yes I'm a woman, but I'm an American woman, brought up within a different social construct. I have no right to do anything more than state my opinion within the context in which I have been brought up in. In essence, it is not my place, nor do I want it to be.

     With all of that being said, the guys who work with me have not treated me with any disrespect or rudeness whatsoever.  If anything, they are shy which comes across as intimidated by the fact that men and women who are not related or married hang out together. When I put myself in their shoes, there are definitely things they couldn't understand about my culture as well. It goes both ways. I give them credit for hanging out with the other interns at lunch and they seem to be opening up a bit. They came all this way and my hope is that when they go back they at least learn something about each of us or at least Malaysia.

     Today at lunch I told O the importance of the West and the Middle East (people, not government) making an effort to learn from one other. It's so important because due to our respective media, we don't get any sense of reality of each other's lives, homes, and culture. Both sides just hear about the worst situations and stories, not about reality. Propaganda is rampant and the only way to begin to understand each other's cultures is to experience and learn about them. The conversation went from that to our economies and job markets. I found it surprising that they have similar employment issues as we do back home. Both countries are going to experience a severe brain drain if something isn't done soon. Theirs goes one step further to say that the only jobs that can be found are those with foreign companies. These companies only employ foreign workers. If a local workforce is hired, it's for the shit jobs no one else wants. So think about this for a second folks. Obviously the people are going to develop a distrust of the west if the western corporations are coming in and essentially denying their equally qualified workforce a chance at a job. I would be pissed too.

    Another interest (especially to those back in the states) is the oil prices. I asked them (as well as the Malaysians) how much they pay for gas. In Saudi Arabia gas is $0.15 per liter...there are about 4 liters in a gallon making a grand total of $0.60 per gallon...astounding. Seriously astounding. How much do you pay in California these days? On that same token, a Big Mac in Saudi Arabia costs roughly $6 from what I've been told. I suppose you could call that a trade off....wait...probably not. In Malaysia gas is roughly RM 2 and change per liter which is about $2.60 a gallon. That is still significantly cheaper than what most Americans pay to fill up. Both nations are a part of OPEC. Crazy isn't it? I'm not suggesting that cheaper oil prices are good or anything like that. I think that a rising price is a good thing because people need to stop being dependent on a limited resource with negative environmental impacts, but weening the world off an oil dependency is no easy task, and I have no solution.


     That's all for today.


-M

  

     Today is an odd day. Woke up to a pack of feral dogs fighting in the hills behind my apartment, I felt horrible because I could hear one yelping. The office was extremely quite all day. There was some big client meet and great/schmooze/network thing that a bunch of people attended in the am, and a funeral for a former co-worker in the pm. I didn't go to the funeral, I don't know the person and I thought it would be rude to show up to a funeral (never mind depressing). Although it is of interest to note that the woman died of food poisoning. She was in the hospital for some time, but still it is rare for something like this to happen. It's also not the way to go (trust me on this one). I feel bad for her family and friends. Thus it was pretty much the interns and the newer expats in the afternoon. I'm quite tired from staring at a computer screen, moving lines around/fixing diagrams and plans all day. I need to be out and about. I need to be active. That's where I struggle with architecture. Always have really. The modern day attachment to computers scares me in many ways.

     After work I was going to go to yoga, but my tummy doesn't feel well (the mee goreng I had for lunch was quite spicy). I'm also trying to save some money, as tomorrow I'm going with a few co-workers to the largest pasar malam (night market) in Malaysia tomorrow night.

     There are a few new interns at work now. Four guys from Saudi Arabia have joined the company for three weeks. They are extremely shy/stick to themselves, but the other interns keep asking them to lunch to get them to come out of their shells so to speak. It is tough to do when only 2 of them are comfortable speaking English, although one speaks quite well. There is a lot of translating that goes on (I'm currently helping out on the same competition). It's been interesting working with them, I would love to know what they think about taking directions from two women. The guy who speaks good English (whose name is, interestingly enough, Osama) has been surprisingly open in terms of speaking about the Arab world and life in Saudi Arabia.

     If there is one thing I've learned about Arab culture it is that I will never be able to wrap my head around it. I understand some things, on a very superficial level. Whether I agree with them or not is a different story. I have been told that the woman is seen as a fruit or a flower. If it is left out in the open with no protection, the flies (or men) will swarm around it and ruin it. Therefore, women need to be protected. On one level this is rather charming, but on another, doesn't that give men the excuse to act like flies? If not, then why is it every time someone speaks about the Arab world the differences of the sexes is brought up? My friend's sister (who is Iranian) put it nicely saying that she questions Islam because in the modern world it seems to have become a discussion about the differences and rights of men and women. Religion shouldn't be about these issues. I agree. However, it is not my place to preach, say, or do anything about the way other cultures and religions go about their business. I was not born into that society, culture, country, region, race, whatever you want to call it. I can't possibly understand the issues surrounding it, and quite honestly, it isn't my business. Yes I'm a woman, but I'm an American woman, brought up within a different social construct. I have no right to do anything more than state my opinion within the context in which I have been brought up in. In essence, it is not my place, nor do I want it to be.

     With all of that being said, the guys who work with me have not treated me with any disrespect or rudeness whatsoever.  If anything, they are shy which comes across as intimidated by the fact that men and women who are not related or married hang out together. When I put myself in their shoes, there are definitely things they couldn't understand about my culture as well. It goes both ways. I give them credit for hanging out with the other interns at lunch and they seem to be opening up a bit. They came all this way and my hope is that when they go back they at least learn something about each of us or at least Malaysia.

     Today at lunch I told O the importance of the West and the Middle East (people, not government) making an effort to learn from one other. It's so important because due to our respective media, we don't get any sense of reality of each other's lives, homes, and culture. Both sides just hear about the worst situations and stories, not about reality. Propaganda is rampant and the only way to begin to understand each other's cultures is to experience and learn about them. The conversation went from that to our economies and job markets. I found it surprising that they have similar employment issues as we do back home. Both countries are going to experience a severe brain drain if something isn't done soon. Theirs goes one step further to say that the only jobs that can be found are those with foreign companies. These companies only employ foreign workers. If a local workforce is hired, it's for the shit jobs no one else wants. So think about this for a second folks. Obviously the people are going to develop a distrust of the west if the western corporations are coming in and essentially denying their equally qualified workforce a chance at a job. I would be pissed too.

    Another interest (especially to those back in the states) is the oil prices. I asked them (as well as the Malaysians) how much they pay for gas. In Saudi Arabia gas is $0.15 per liter...there are about 4 liters in a gallon making a grand total of $0.60 per gallon...astounding. Seriously astounding. How much do you pay in California these days? On that same token, a Big Mac in Saudi Arabia costs roughly $6 from what I've been told. I suppose you could call that a trade off....wait...probably not. In Malaysia gas is roughly RM 2 and change per liter which is about $2.60 a gallon. That is still significantly cheaper than what most Americans pay to fill up. Both nations are a part of OPEC. Crazy isn't it? I'm not suggesting that cheaper oil prices are good or anything like that. I think that a rising price is a good thing because people need to stop being dependent on a limited resource with negative environmental impacts, but weening the world off an oil dependency is no easy task, and I have no solution.


     That's all for today.


-M

  

     Today is an odd day. Woke up to a pack of feral dogs fighting in the hills behind my apartment, I felt horrible because I could hear one yelping. The office was extremely quite all day. There was some big client meet and great/schmooze/network thing that a bunch of people attended in the am, and a funeral for a former co-worker in the pm. I didn't go to the funeral, I don't know the person and I thought it would be rude to show up to a funeral (never mind depressing). Although it is of interest to note that the woman died of food poisoning. She was in the hospital for some time, but still it is rare for something like this to happen. It's also not the way to go (trust me on this one). I feel bad for her family and friends. Thus it was pretty much the interns and the newer expats in the afternoon. I'm quite tired from staring at a computer screen, moving lines around/fixing diagrams and plans all day. I need to be out and about. I need to be active. That's where I struggle with architecture. Always have really. The modern day attachment to computers scares me in many ways.

     After work I was going to go to yoga, but my tummy doesn't feel well (the mee goreng I had for lunch was quite spicy). I'm also trying to save some money, as tomorrow I'm going with a few co-workers to the largest pasar malam (night market) in Malaysia tomorrow night.

     There are a few new interns at work now. Four guys from Saudi Arabia have joined the company for three weeks. They are extremely shy/stick to themselves, but the other interns keep asking them to lunch to get them to come out of their shells so to speak. It is tough to do when only 2 of them are comfortable speaking English, although one speaks quite well. There is a lot of translating that goes on (I'm currently helping out on the same competition). It's been interesting working with them, I would love to know what they think about taking directions from two women. The guy who speaks good English (whose name is, interestingly enough, Osama) has been surprisingly open in terms of speaking about the Arab world and life in Saudi Arabia.

     If there is one thing I've learned about Arab culture it is that I will never be able to wrap my head around it. I understand some things, on a very superficial level. Whether I agree with them or not is a different story. I have been told that the woman is seen as a fruit or a flower. If it is left out in the open with no protection, the flies (or men) will swarm around it and ruin it. Therefore, women need to be protected. On one level this is rather charming, but on another, doesn't that give men the excuse to act like flies? If not, then why is it every time someone speaks about the Arab world the differences of the sexes is brought up? My friend's sister (who is Iranian) put it nicely saying that she questions Islam because in the modern world it seems to have become a discussion about the differences and rights of men and women. Religion shouldn't be about these issues. I agree. However, it is not my place to preach, say, or do anything about the way other cultures and religions go about their business. I was not born into that society, culture, country, region, race, whatever you want to call it. I can't possibly understand the issues surrounding it, and quite honestly, it isn't my business. Yes I'm a woman, but I'm an American woman, brought up within a different social construct. I have no right to do anything more than state my opinion within the context in which I have been brought up in. In essence, it is not my place, nor do I want it to be.

     With all of that being said, the guys who work with me have not treated me with any disrespect or rudeness whatsoever.  If anything, they are shy which comes across as intimidated by the fact that men and women who are not related or married hang out together. When I put myself in their shoes, there are definitely things they couldn't understand about my culture as well. It goes both ways. I give them credit for hanging out with the other interns at lunch and they seem to be opening up a bit. They came all this way and my hope is that when they go back they at least learn something about each of us or at least Malaysia.

     Today at lunch I told O the importance of the West and the Middle East (people, not government) making an effort to learn from one other. It's so important because due to our respective media, we don't get any sense of reality of each other's lives, homes, and culture. Both sides just hear about the worst situations and stories, not about reality. Propaganda is rampant and the only way to begin to understand each other's cultures is to experience and learn about them. The conversation went from that to our economies and job markets. I found it surprising that they have similar employment issues as we do back home. Both countries are going to experience a severe brain drain if something isn't done soon. Theirs goes one step further to say that the only jobs that can be found are those with foreign companies. These companies only employ foreign workers. If a local workforce is hired, it's for the shit jobs no one else wants. So think about this for a second folks. Obviously the people are going to develop a distrust of the west if the western corporations are coming in and essentially denying their equally qualified workforce a chance at a job. I would be pissed too.

    Another interest (especially to those back in the states) is the oil prices. I asked them (as well as the Malaysians) how much they pay for gas. In Saudi Arabia gas is $0.15 per liter...there are about 4 liters in a gallon making a grand total of $0.60 per gallon...astounding. Seriously astounding. How much do you pay in California these days? On that same token, a Big Mac in Saudi Arabia costs roughly $6 from what I've been told. I suppose you could call that a trade off....wait...probably not. In Malaysia gas is roughly RM 2 and change per liter which is about $2.60 a gallon. That is still significantly cheaper than what most Americans pay to fill up. Both nations are a part of OPEC. Crazy isn't it? I'm not suggesting that cheaper oil prices are good or anything like that. I think that a rising price is a good thing because people need to stop being dependent on a limited resource with negative environmental impacts, but weening the world off an oil dependency is no easy task, and I have no solution.


     That's all for today.


-M

  

The dashboard melted but we still have the radio

     I had some big plans for a super long post with some work updates and some type of soap box speech, but then I opened up the page and decided those thoughts would wait for another day. Honestly, I don't feel much like talking about work because it's Sunday.

     This weekend was quite relaxing. Friday my flatmates and I went clubbing (I know it doesn't sound relaxing...but whatever). Apparently the place we went to usually has a younger crowd, which would explain a lot. Dudes here aren't afraid to come up and talk to a girls only group, but they don't talk too much, and most obviously use the fact that they are a local as some type of pickup line. Not too surprising, but hilarious none the less. It was hip-hop night. Everyone seemed quite shy, but C, F, and I had some steam to blow off, so we hit the stage quite early and got the whole thing rolling. We danced, and the DJ cracked me up b/c he had a CU Boulder football jersey on. I appreciate his attempt at American culture, however if you know anything about American College Football you would know that the Buffs do in fact, suck (and I go to school there, so I don't wanna hear otherwise hehe...). Thus the shirt was worn for the cool factor, when it is in fact, not that cool. I did see a guy at the mall today in a Packers jersey (read: much more appropriate).

     After some awesome dancing and a few awkward globish (simple English) 'conversations' we had enough and did the thing you must do after going out in SEA...go to a hawker center. We headed out to a 24 hr Mamak place (cuz banana leaf was closed and we wanted Indian food) and then home. I had a kick ass time and would have had pictures if the club wasn't raided by the religious police the week before and they allowed cameras.

     Yes, clubs and bars around here, for whatever reason, need to be occasionally broken up by the cops so all of the Muslims inside them can be rounded up and thrown in jail. Sorry, but this I have a problem with. First of all, it ruins it for the people who aren't involved in the conflict, second of all, you can go to a club and not drink (although I don't know many who do), and thirdly mind your damn business. It should be the parents' job anyway to make sure their child is behaving. Once someone is old enough to make their own decisions they should be allowed to do what they want and practice religion however they want. We weighed our options and figured that it would be ridiculous to waste your time busting the same place two weeks in a row. Thankfully no cops showed up, or I may have have spoken a little too much of my mind.

     Although I didn't have a hangover or anything the next day I was tired. I met G for lunch in Kelana Jaya. We ate at a tasty Indonesian/Malay place. I tried chendol for the first time. Chendol pretty much looks and sounds like a garbage disposal to most westerners. However the combo of sweet syrup, coconut milk, frozen corn, colored chendol (I really don't know how to explain it, see the photo), and kidney beans over shaved ice actually works. I can't really explain how, but it does. I also had Sarawak Laksa (again sorry for spelling). I thought it was going to be too much heat to handle, but it was quite nice. Spicy in a flavorful way and delicious. We talked for quite a bit then we decided to head back. However, G mentioned reflexology (a Chinese practice) so we decided to stop. Basically you get a 5 hour foot massage where they use nerve endings in your feet that are supposedly attached to your organs somehow and the point is to help heal what ails you. If there is anything I've learned from Asia it's the Chinese know what they are talking about when it comes to traditional medicine. Not to mention my feet definitely needed some TLC, as I walk most everywhere. Afterwards, I sluggishly made my way back to KL and home all happy and relaxed.

     C and I grabbed dinner at the Lebanese place one stop on the LRT down from us. We had some awesome falafel and apple mint shisha. Essentially, one could not ask for a more relaxing Saturday. We were late to a party at a co-worker's place. When we showed up I was completely under-dressed and too relaxed to really feel like partying. All I wanted to do was sleep. It wasn't that the party sucked or anything, I simply wasn't into it. So I left shortly after and crashed in bed.

     Awoke early today to go to church with A, my 'host mom' from earlier in the summer. It was the last mass that the father would give at the perish so I went to support her. Now I've been to the Vatican where they broadcast mass in Italian/Latin (it was a while ago so I'm not so sure as to which language it was...I mean Latin with an Italian accent sounds pretty much like Italian). However, I've never seen mass in 4 different languages. The readings, Homily, and song switched between English, Tamil, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. Most of the time they projected English subtitles. I was surprised at how much Bahasa Malaysia I could understand. Afterwards I bought some food at the church sale and came back home. I booked my flight to Bali (Jul 28th till Aug 1st), did various chores, then headed down to the pool for a workout. The sun/pool combo took a lot out of me so I took a nap. I awoke to a thunderstorm, but it looked as if the rain had passed so I headed out to get groceries. I have had a craving for french fries all day, so I splurged on some (not from McDonalds). Of course once I got out the door of the mall it started pouring. I only live about a 7 min walk from the mall, so a cab seemed like a waste. I enjoyed the downpour, although I wasn't too happy about even soggier groceries.

     Pretty much just been taking care of house work here today. It's what I needed though. I've either been go go go go, working, or trying to recover from a cold; so a weekend to just take it easy was a must. Next weekend I'm headed to the jungle (sort of...I mean jungle is everywhere, so it's not deep jungle, but a just-outside-of-town place) with a bunch of CSers plus C. I'm pretty excited. Not too sure what this week will bring with work, but hopefully it isn't too overwhelming.

Time to make some dinners...need to eat the food I have and tone down the spending =).

-M

cendol....pronounced 'chen-dol'

Reflexology 

Durian season is upon us...if anyone wants to go hit me up

Kinda blurry, but the horse wanted to be on the bridge.

     I had some big plans for a super long post with some work updates and some type of soap box speech, but then I opened up the page and decided those thoughts would wait for another day. Honestly, I don't feel much like talking about work because it's Sunday.

     This weekend was quite relaxing. Friday my flatmates and I went clubbing (I know it doesn't sound relaxing...but whatever). Apparently the place we went to usually has a younger crowd, which would explain a lot. Dudes here aren't afraid to come up and talk to a girls only group, but they don't talk too much, and most obviously use the fact that they are a local as some type of pickup line. Not too surprising, but hilarious none the less. It was hip-hop night. Everyone seemed quite shy, but C, F, and I had some steam to blow off, so we hit the stage quite early and got the whole thing rolling. We danced, and the DJ cracked me up b/c he had a CU Boulder football jersey on. I appreciate his attempt at American culture, however if you know anything about American College Football you would know that the Buffs do in fact, suck (and I go to school there, so I don't wanna hear otherwise hehe...). Thus the shirt was worn for the cool factor, when it is in fact, not that cool. I did see a guy at the mall today in a Packers jersey (read: much more appropriate).

     After some awesome dancing and a few awkward globish (simple English) 'conversations' we had enough and did the thing you must do after going out in SEA...go to a hawker center. We headed out to a 24 hr Mamak place (cuz banana leaf was closed and we wanted Indian food) and then home. I had a kick ass time and would have had pictures if the club wasn't raided by the religious police the week before and they allowed cameras.

     Yes, clubs and bars around here, for whatever reason, need to be occasionally broken up by the cops so all of the Muslims inside them can be rounded up and thrown in jail. Sorry, but this I have a problem with. First of all, it ruins it for the people who aren't involved in the conflict, second of all, you can go to a club and not drink (although I don't know many who do), and thirdly mind your damn business. It should be the parents' job anyway to make sure their child is behaving. Once someone is old enough to make their own decisions they should be allowed to do what they want and practice religion however they want. We weighed our options and figured that it would be ridiculous to waste your time busting the same place two weeks in a row. Thankfully no cops showed up, or I may have have spoken a little too much of my mind.

     Although I didn't have a hangover or anything the next day I was tired. I met G for lunch in Kelana Jaya. We ate at a tasty Indonesian/Malay place. I tried chendol for the first time. Chendol pretty much looks and sounds like a garbage disposal to most westerners. However the combo of sweet syrup, coconut milk, frozen corn, colored chendol (I really don't know how to explain it, see the photo), and kidney beans over shaved ice actually works. I can't really explain how, but it does. I also had Sarawak Laksa (again sorry for spelling). I thought it was going to be too much heat to handle, but it was quite nice. Spicy in a flavorful way and delicious. We talked for quite a bit then we decided to head back. However, G mentioned reflexology (a Chinese practice) so we decided to stop. Basically you get a 5 hour foot massage where they use nerve endings in your feet that are supposedly attached to your organs somehow and the point is to help heal what ails you. If there is anything I've learned from Asia it's the Chinese know what they are talking about when it comes to traditional medicine. Not to mention my feet definitely needed some TLC, as I walk most everywhere. Afterwards, I sluggishly made my way back to KL and home all happy and relaxed.

     C and I grabbed dinner at the Lebanese place one stop on the LRT down from us. We had some awesome falafel and apple mint shisha. Essentially, one could not ask for a more relaxing Saturday. We were late to a party at a co-worker's place. When we showed up I was completely under-dressed and too relaxed to really feel like partying. All I wanted to do was sleep. It wasn't that the party sucked or anything, I simply wasn't into it. So I left shortly after and crashed in bed.

     Awoke early today to go to church with A, my 'host mom' from earlier in the summer. It was the last mass that the father would give at the perish so I went to support her. Now I've been to the Vatican where they broadcast mass in Italian/Latin (it was a while ago so I'm not so sure as to which language it was...I mean Latin with an Italian accent sounds pretty much like Italian). However, I've never seen mass in 4 different languages. The readings, Homily, and song switched between English, Tamil, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. Most of the time they projected English subtitles. I was surprised at how much Bahasa Malaysia I could understand. Afterwards I bought some food at the church sale and came back home. I booked my flight to Bali (Jul 28th till Aug 1st), did various chores, then headed down to the pool for a workout. The sun/pool combo took a lot out of me so I took a nap. I awoke to a thunderstorm, but it looked as if the rain had passed so I headed out to get groceries. I have had a craving for french fries all day, so I splurged on some (not from McDonalds). Of course once I got out the door of the mall it started pouring. I only live about a 7 min walk from the mall, so a cab seemed like a waste. I enjoyed the downpour, although I wasn't too happy about even soggier groceries.

     Pretty much just been taking care of house work here today. It's what I needed though. I've either been go go go go, working, or trying to recover from a cold; so a weekend to just take it easy was a must. Next weekend I'm headed to the jungle (sort of...I mean jungle is everywhere, so it's not deep jungle, but a just-outside-of-town place) with a bunch of CSers plus C. I'm pretty excited. Not too sure what this week will bring with work, but hopefully it isn't too overwhelming.

Time to make some dinners...need to eat the food I have and tone down the spending =).

-M

cendol....pronounced 'chen-dol'

Reflexology 

Durian season is upon us...if anyone wants to go hit me up

Kinda blurry, but the horse wanted to be on the bridge.

     I had some big plans for a super long post with some work updates and some type of soap box speech, but then I opened up the page and decided those thoughts would wait for another day. Honestly, I don't feel much like talking about work because it's Sunday.

     This weekend was quite relaxing. Friday my flatmates and I went clubbing (I know it doesn't sound relaxing...but whatever). Apparently the place we went to usually has a younger crowd, which would explain a lot. Dudes here aren't afraid to come up and talk to a girls only group, but they don't talk too much, and most obviously use the fact that they are a local as some type of pickup line. Not too surprising, but hilarious none the less. It was hip-hop night. Everyone seemed quite shy, but C, F, and I had some steam to blow off, so we hit the stage quite early and got the whole thing rolling. We danced, and the DJ cracked me up b/c he had a CU Boulder football jersey on. I appreciate his attempt at American culture, however if you know anything about American College Football you would know that the Buffs do in fact, suck (and I go to school there, so I don't wanna hear otherwise hehe...). Thus the shirt was worn for the cool factor, when it is in fact, not that cool. I did see a guy at the mall today in a Packers jersey (read: much more appropriate).

     After some awesome dancing and a few awkward globish (simple English) 'conversations' we had enough and did the thing you must do after going out in SEA...go to a hawker center. We headed out to a 24 hr Mamak place (cuz banana leaf was closed and we wanted Indian food) and then home. I had a kick ass time and would have had pictures if the club wasn't raided by the religious police the week before and they allowed cameras.

     Yes, clubs and bars around here, for whatever reason, need to be occasionally broken up by the cops so all of the Muslims inside them can be rounded up and thrown in jail. Sorry, but this I have a problem with. First of all, it ruins it for the people who aren't involved in the conflict, second of all, you can go to a club and not drink (although I don't know many who do), and thirdly mind your damn business. It should be the parents' job anyway to make sure their child is behaving. Once someone is old enough to make their own decisions they should be allowed to do what they want and practice religion however they want. We weighed our options and figured that it would be ridiculous to waste your time busting the same place two weeks in a row. Thankfully no cops showed up, or I may have have spoken a little too much of my mind.

     Although I didn't have a hangover or anything the next day I was tired. I met G for lunch in Kelana Jaya. We ate at a tasty Indonesian/Malay place. I tried chendol for the first time. Chendol pretty much looks and sounds like a garbage disposal to most westerners. However the combo of sweet syrup, coconut milk, frozen corn, colored chendol (I really don't know how to explain it, see the photo), and kidney beans over shaved ice actually works. I can't really explain how, but it does. I also had Sarawak Laksa (again sorry for spelling). I thought it was going to be too much heat to handle, but it was quite nice. Spicy in a flavorful way and delicious. We talked for quite a bit then we decided to head back. However, G mentioned reflexology (a Chinese practice) so we decided to stop. Basically you get a 5 hour foot massage where they use nerve endings in your feet that are supposedly attached to your organs somehow and the point is to help heal what ails you. If there is anything I've learned from Asia it's the Chinese know what they are talking about when it comes to traditional medicine. Not to mention my feet definitely needed some TLC, as I walk most everywhere. Afterwards, I sluggishly made my way back to KL and home all happy and relaxed.

     C and I grabbed dinner at the Lebanese place one stop on the LRT down from us. We had some awesome falafel and apple mint shisha. Essentially, one could not ask for a more relaxing Saturday. We were late to a party at a co-worker's place. When we showed up I was completely under-dressed and too relaxed to really feel like partying. All I wanted to do was sleep. It wasn't that the party sucked or anything, I simply wasn't into it. So I left shortly after and crashed in bed.

     Awoke early today to go to church with A, my 'host mom' from earlier in the summer. It was the last mass that the father would give at the perish so I went to support her. Now I've been to the Vatican where they broadcast mass in Italian/Latin (it was a while ago so I'm not so sure as to which language it was...I mean Latin with an Italian accent sounds pretty much like Italian). However, I've never seen mass in 4 different languages. The readings, Homily, and song switched between English, Tamil, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. Most of the time they projected English subtitles. I was surprised at how much Bahasa Malaysia I could understand. Afterwards I bought some food at the church sale and came back home. I booked my flight to Bali (Jul 28th till Aug 1st), did various chores, then headed down to the pool for a workout. The sun/pool combo took a lot out of me so I took a nap. I awoke to a thunderstorm, but it looked as if the rain had passed so I headed out to get groceries. I have had a craving for french fries all day, so I splurged on some (not from McDonalds). Of course once I got out the door of the mall it started pouring. I only live about a 7 min walk from the mall, so a cab seemed like a waste. I enjoyed the downpour, although I wasn't too happy about even soggier groceries.

     Pretty much just been taking care of house work here today. It's what I needed though. I've either been go go go go, working, or trying to recover from a cold; so a weekend to just take it easy was a must. Next weekend I'm headed to the jungle (sort of...I mean jungle is everywhere, so it's not deep jungle, but a just-outside-of-town place) with a bunch of CSers plus C. I'm pretty excited. Not too sure what this week will bring with work, but hopefully it isn't too overwhelming.

Time to make some dinners...need to eat the food I have and tone down the spending =).

-M

cendol....pronounced 'chen-dol'

Reflexology 

Durian season is upon us...if anyone wants to go hit me up

Kinda blurry, but the horse wanted to be on the bridge.

     I had some big plans for a super long post with some work updates and some type of soap box speech, but then I opened up the page and decided those thoughts would wait for another day. Honestly, I don't feel much like talking about work because it's Sunday.

     This weekend was quite relaxing. Friday my flatmates and I went clubbing (I know it doesn't sound relaxing...but whatever). Apparently the place we went to usually has a younger crowd, which would explain a lot. Dudes here aren't afraid to come up and talk to a girls only group, but they don't talk too much, and most obviously use the fact that they are a local as some type of pickup line. Not too surprising, but hilarious none the less. It was hip-hop night. Everyone seemed quite shy, but C, F, and I had some steam to blow off, so we hit the stage quite early and got the whole thing rolling. We danced, and the DJ cracked me up b/c he had a CU Boulder football jersey on. I appreciate his attempt at American culture, however if you know anything about American College Football you would know that the Buffs do in fact, suck (and I go to school there, so I don't wanna hear otherwise hehe...). Thus the shirt was worn for the cool factor, when it is in fact, not that cool. I did see a guy at the mall today in a Packers jersey (read: much more appropriate).

     After some awesome dancing and a few awkward globish (simple English) 'conversations' we had enough and did the thing you must do after going out in SEA...go to a hawker center. We headed out to a 24 hr Mamak place (cuz banana leaf was closed and we wanted Indian food) and then home. I had a kick ass time and would have had pictures if the club wasn't raided by the religious police the week before and they allowed cameras.

     Yes, clubs and bars around here, for whatever reason, need to be occasionally broken up by the cops so all of the Muslims inside them can be rounded up and thrown in jail. Sorry, but this I have a problem with. First of all, it ruins it for the people who aren't involved in the conflict, second of all, you can go to a club and not drink (although I don't know many who do), and thirdly mind your damn business. It should be the parents' job anyway to make sure their child is behaving. Once someone is old enough to make their own decisions they should be allowed to do what they want and practice religion however they want. We weighed our options and figured that it would be ridiculous to waste your time busting the same place two weeks in a row. Thankfully no cops showed up, or I may have have spoken a little too much of my mind.

     Although I didn't have a hangover or anything the next day I was tired. I met G for lunch in Kelana Jaya. We ate at a tasty Indonesian/Malay place. I tried chendol for the first time. Chendol pretty much looks and sounds like a garbage disposal to most westerners. However the combo of sweet syrup, coconut milk, frozen corn, colored chendol (I really don't know how to explain it, see the photo), and kidney beans over shaved ice actually works. I can't really explain how, but it does. I also had Sarawak Laksa (again sorry for spelling). I thought it was going to be too much heat to handle, but it was quite nice. Spicy in a flavorful way and delicious. We talked for quite a bit then we decided to head back. However, G mentioned reflexology (a Chinese practice) so we decided to stop. Basically you get a 5 hour foot massage where they use nerve endings in your feet that are supposedly attached to your organs somehow and the point is to help heal what ails you. If there is anything I've learned from Asia it's the Chinese know what they are talking about when it comes to traditional medicine. Not to mention my feet definitely needed some TLC, as I walk most everywhere. Afterwards, I sluggishly made my way back to KL and home all happy and relaxed.

     C and I grabbed dinner at the Lebanese place one stop on the LRT down from us. We had some awesome falafel and apple mint shisha. Essentially, one could not ask for a more relaxing Saturday. We were late to a party at a co-worker's place. When we showed up I was completely under-dressed and too relaxed to really feel like partying. All I wanted to do was sleep. It wasn't that the party sucked or anything, I simply wasn't into it. So I left shortly after and crashed in bed.

     Awoke early today to go to church with A, my 'host mom' from earlier in the summer. It was the last mass that the father would give at the perish so I went to support her. Now I've been to the Vatican where they broadcast mass in Italian/Latin (it was a while ago so I'm not so sure as to which language it was...I mean Latin with an Italian accent sounds pretty much like Italian). However, I've never seen mass in 4 different languages. The readings, Homily, and song switched between English, Tamil, Mandarin, and Bahasa Malaysia. Most of the time they projected English subtitles. I was surprised at how much Bahasa Malaysia I could understand. Afterwards I bought some food at the church sale and came back home. I booked my flight to Bali (Jul 28th till Aug 1st), did various chores, then headed down to the pool for a workout. The sun/pool combo took a lot out of me so I took a nap. I awoke to a thunderstorm, but it looked as if the rain had passed so I headed out to get groceries. I have had a craving for french fries all day, so I splurged on some (not from McDonalds). Of course once I got out the door of the mall it started pouring. I only live about a 7 min walk from the mall, so a cab seemed like a waste. I enjoyed the downpour, although I wasn't too happy about even soggier groceries.

     Pretty much just been taking care of house work here today. It's what I needed though. I've either been go go go go, working, or trying to recover from a cold; so a weekend to just take it easy was a must. Next weekend I'm headed to the jungle (sort of...I mean jungle is everywhere, so it's not deep jungle, but a just-outside-of-town place) with a bunch of CSers plus C. I'm pretty excited. Not too sure what this week will bring with work, but hopefully it isn't too overwhelming.

Time to make some dinners...need to eat the food I have and tone down the spending =).

-M

cendol....pronounced 'chen-dol'

Reflexology 

Durian season is upon us...if anyone wants to go hit me up

Kinda blurry, but the horse wanted to be on the bridge.

Notes on Sustainability

Please excuse the odd formatting and any blatent spelling errors. This computer doesn't pick up on English errors all that well.

     

                       I am quite bored at work right now. I have been working on this presentation to the office for quite some time now, and I’m bored with it. Although it is interesting, I’ve just been looking at it for too long. The presentation compares LEED to GBI. LEED is the US-based green building standard and GBI is the Malaysian one. It is interesting, because sustainability seems to be half-hearted here. I am surprised and not at the same time. Although there are many luxuries of a developed nation, as a whole, Malaysia is still a developing place. It is also no secret that much of the rainforest here has been, well, raped and turned into palm oil plantations with most of the oldest rainforests in the world gone forever. Sad, yes, but at the same time, people who are struggling to make it in a rapidly developing world and be able to compete on a global market often have no other option. As a whole, Malaysia treats their forests better than Indonesia. However, I knew this before I got here so it’s nothing new to me.

          The Amazon has a similar problem. It’s sad and it’s wrong, but corruption in the government leads to exploitation without thought of long-term consequence regardless of development level as a whole.

          There are some surprising things of note though. Every take-away meal is complete with a Styrofoam box and a small plastic back. Two things that are virtually indestructible. I didn’t notice this until I came here, but in the US there is much more cardboard/paper disposable containers and sturdy corn-based take-away boxes are becoming the norm. Granted these things cannot be recycled if they are stained with oils and food, however, they do decompose. I think that given its food culture, Malaysia should adopt a more sustainable means of doing the whole take-away thing. Especially since recycling is practically non-existent here. It’s actually cheaper, and I don’t really understand why you need a plastic bag when you can just hold the carton in your hand.

§  However, they are more energy conscious here in the home.

·         Fans, tvs, lights, ect are not left on when no one is home. This includes air con. It goes even further, where typical homes only have air con in bedrooms and if you are wealthy enough in the living room (although it is only on when occupied). Furthermore, because MY does not follow the IBC (international building code) corridors and hallways of public places/residences (excluding malls) are naturally ventilated.

·         Every outlet has an on/off switch. This stops the small amount of electricity from flowing through your appliances even when they are turned off (and also the obvious reason of child safety).

·         I’ve also noticed that hot tap water is hard to come by, as is cold. It’s room temperature, saving on the energy costs of heating and cooling water. The standard shower also uses instant hot water.

o   Yet even still, faucets and water appliances are leaky and rarely turn off immediately.

§  I suppose overall it has its ups and downs just like the USA. However, sustainability in design (aside from throwing on a green roof or green element somewhere) seems to be an afterthought at best. Orientation is considered, as well as natural light, but in terms of energy saving strategies and the like I don’t see too much of it.

            In terms of my week, it has been simply work, gym, and catching up on things from back home/working out my trip to Bali. I went out to dinner at a Mamak (Indian) place and had some delicious roti (unleven bread, comes with some spicy dips) with a bunch of CSers in Bukit Bitang. BB is essentially a techy’s wet dream. There are stores selling all kinds of electronics at discounted prices. I need to go there at some point to get my point and shoot fixed (yes, I found it...in the depths of my dirty laundry of all places…). However, I had a limited amount of time so I just had dinner. In a frenzy to get home in time to talk to MB (we hadn’t talked in a really long time) I forgot to pay. Fortunately, I’ll be seeing my CS buddies soon at a meet up in a jungle lodge so I’ll be sure to pay them back. I don’t like owing people money though. Thanks a bunch for covering for me E!

Don't ask why this is bulleted, or formatted weird. Just take it for what it is lah.

TGIF party in, party in (Q was singing that song this morning and it is still stuck in my head...but I guess that's what I get for teasing him all the time.)

-M

Please excuse the odd formatting and any blatent spelling errors. This computer doesn't pick up on English errors all that well.

     

                       I am quite bored at work right now. I have been working on this presentation to the office for quite some time now, and I’m bored with it. Although it is interesting, I’ve just been looking at it for too long. The presentation compares LEED to GBI. LEED is the US-based green building standard and GBI is the Malaysian one. It is interesting, because sustainability seems to be half-hearted here. I am surprised and not at the same time. Although there are many luxuries of a developed nation, as a whole, Malaysia is still a developing place. It is also no secret that much of the rainforest here has been, well, raped and turned into palm oil plantations with most of the oldest rainforests in the world gone forever. Sad, yes, but at the same time, people who are struggling to make it in a rapidly developing world and be able to compete on a global market often have no other option. As a whole, Malaysia treats their forests better than Indonesia. However, I knew this before I got here so it’s nothing new to me.

          The Amazon has a similar problem. It’s sad and it’s wrong, but corruption in the government leads to exploitation without thought of long-term consequence regardless of development level as a whole.

          There are some surprising things of note though. Every take-away meal is complete with a Styrofoam box and a small plastic back. Two things that are virtually indestructible. I didn’t notice this until I came here, but in the US there is much more cardboard/paper disposable containers and sturdy corn-based take-away boxes are becoming the norm. Granted these things cannot be recycled if they are stained with oils and food, however, they do decompose. I think that given its food culture, Malaysia should adopt a more sustainable means of doing the whole take-away thing. Especially since recycling is practically non-existent here. It’s actually cheaper, and I don’t really understand why you need a plastic bag when you can just hold the carton in your hand.

§  However, they are more energy conscious here in the home.

·         Fans, tvs, lights, ect are not left on when no one is home. This includes air con. It goes even further, where typical homes only have air con in bedrooms and if you are wealthy enough in the living room (although it is only on when occupied). Furthermore, because MY does not follow the IBC (international building code) corridors and hallways of public places/residences (excluding malls) are naturally ventilated.

·         Every outlet has an on/off switch. This stops the small amount of electricity from flowing through your appliances even when they are turned off (and also the obvious reason of child safety).

·         I’ve also noticed that hot tap water is hard to come by, as is cold. It’s room temperature, saving on the energy costs of heating and cooling water. The standard shower also uses instant hot water.

o   Yet even still, faucets and water appliances are leaky and rarely turn off immediately.

§  I suppose overall it has its ups and downs just like the USA. However, sustainability in design (aside from throwing on a green roof or green element somewhere) seems to be an afterthought at best. Orientation is considered, as well as natural light, but in terms of energy saving strategies and the like I don’t see too much of it.

            In terms of my week, it has been simply work, gym, and catching up on things from back home/working out my trip to Bali. I went out to dinner at a Mamak (Indian) place and had some delicious roti (unleven bread, comes with some spicy dips) with a bunch of CSers in Bukit Bitang. BB is essentially a techy’s wet dream. There are stores selling all kinds of electronics at discounted prices. I need to go there at some point to get my point and shoot fixed (yes, I found it...in the depths of my dirty laundry of all places…). However, I had a limited amount of time so I just had dinner. In a frenzy to get home in time to talk to MB (we hadn’t talked in a really long time) I forgot to pay. Fortunately, I’ll be seeing my CS buddies soon at a meet up in a jungle lodge so I’ll be sure to pay them back. I don’t like owing people money though. Thanks a bunch for covering for me E!

Don't ask why this is bulleted, or formatted weird. Just take it for what it is lah.

TGIF party in, party in (Q was singing that song this morning and it is still stuck in my head...but I guess that's what I get for teasing him all the time.)

-M

Please excuse the odd formatting and any blatent spelling errors. This computer doesn't pick up on English errors all that well.

     

                       I am quite bored at work right now. I have been working on this presentation to the office for quite some time now, and I’m bored with it. Although it is interesting, I’ve just been looking at it for too long. The presentation compares LEED to GBI. LEED is the US-based green building standard and GBI is the Malaysian one. It is interesting, because sustainability seems to be half-hearted here. I am surprised and not at the same time. Although there are many luxuries of a developed nation, as a whole, Malaysia is still a developing place. It is also no secret that much of the rainforest here has been, well, raped and turned into palm oil plantations with most of the oldest rainforests in the world gone forever. Sad, yes, but at the same time, people who are struggling to make it in a rapidly developing world and be able to compete on a global market often have no other option. As a whole, Malaysia treats their forests better than Indonesia. However, I knew this before I got here so it’s nothing new to me.

          The Amazon has a similar problem. It’s sad and it’s wrong, but corruption in the government leads to exploitation without thought of long-term consequence regardless of development level as a whole.

          There are some surprising things of note though. Every take-away meal is complete with a Styrofoam box and a small plastic back. Two things that are virtually indestructible. I didn’t notice this until I came here, but in the US there is much more cardboard/paper disposable containers and sturdy corn-based take-away boxes are becoming the norm. Granted these things cannot be recycled if they are stained with oils and food, however, they do decompose. I think that given its food culture, Malaysia should adopt a more sustainable means of doing the whole take-away thing. Especially since recycling is practically non-existent here. It’s actually cheaper, and I don’t really understand why you need a plastic bag when you can just hold the carton in your hand.

§  However, they are more energy conscious here in the home.

·         Fans, tvs, lights, ect are not left on when no one is home. This includes air con. It goes even further, where typical homes only have air con in bedrooms and if you are wealthy enough in the living room (although it is only on when occupied). Furthermore, because MY does not follow the IBC (international building code) corridors and hallways of public places/residences (excluding malls) are naturally ventilated.

·         Every outlet has an on/off switch. This stops the small amount of electricity from flowing through your appliances even when they are turned off (and also the obvious reason of child safety).

·         I’ve also noticed that hot tap water is hard to come by, as is cold. It’s room temperature, saving on the energy costs of heating and cooling water. The standard shower also uses instant hot water.

o   Yet even still, faucets and water appliances are leaky and rarely turn off immediately.

§  I suppose overall it has its ups and downs just like the USA. However, sustainability in design (aside from throwing on a green roof or green element somewhere) seems to be an afterthought at best. Orientation is considered, as well as natural light, but in terms of energy saving strategies and the like I don’t see too much of it.

            In terms of my week, it has been simply work, gym, and catching up on things from back home/working out my trip to Bali. I went out to dinner at a Mamak (Indian) place and had some delicious roti (unleven bread, comes with some spicy dips) with a bunch of CSers in Bukit Bitang. BB is essentially a techy’s wet dream. There are stores selling all kinds of electronics at discounted prices. I need to go there at some point to get my point and shoot fixed (yes, I found it...in the depths of my dirty laundry of all places…). However, I had a limited amount of time so I just had dinner. In a frenzy to get home in time to talk to MB (we hadn’t talked in a really long time) I forgot to pay. Fortunately, I’ll be seeing my CS buddies soon at a meet up in a jungle lodge so I’ll be sure to pay them back. I don’t like owing people money though. Thanks a bunch for covering for me E!

Don't ask why this is bulleted, or formatted weird. Just take it for what it is lah.

TGIF party in, party in (Q was singing that song this morning and it is still stuck in my head...but I guess that's what I get for teasing him all the time.)

-M

Please excuse the odd formatting and any blatent spelling errors. This computer doesn't pick up on English errors all that well.

     

                       I am quite bored at work right now. I have been working on this presentation to the office for quite some time now, and I’m bored with it. Although it is interesting, I’ve just been looking at it for too long. The presentation compares LEED to GBI. LEED is the US-based green building standard and GBI is the Malaysian one. It is interesting, because sustainability seems to be half-hearted here. I am surprised and not at the same time. Although there are many luxuries of a developed nation, as a whole, Malaysia is still a developing place. It is also no secret that much of the rainforest here has been, well, raped and turned into palm oil plantations with most of the oldest rainforests in the world gone forever. Sad, yes, but at the same time, people who are struggling to make it in a rapidly developing world and be able to compete on a global market often have no other option. As a whole, Malaysia treats their forests better than Indonesia. However, I knew this before I got here so it’s nothing new to me.

          The Amazon has a similar problem. It’s sad and it’s wrong, but corruption in the government leads to exploitation without thought of long-term consequence regardless of development level as a whole.

          There are some surprising things of note though. Every take-away meal is complete with a Styrofoam box and a small plastic back. Two things that are virtually indestructible. I didn’t notice this until I came here, but in the US there is much more cardboard/paper disposable containers and sturdy corn-based take-away boxes are becoming the norm. Granted these things cannot be recycled if they are stained with oils and food, however, they do decompose. I think that given its food culture, Malaysia should adopt a more sustainable means of doing the whole take-away thing. Especially since recycling is practically non-existent here. It’s actually cheaper, and I don’t really understand why you need a plastic bag when you can just hold the carton in your hand.

§  However, they are more energy conscious here in the home.

·         Fans, tvs, lights, ect are not left on when no one is home. This includes air con. It goes even further, where typical homes only have air con in bedrooms and if you are wealthy enough in the living room (although it is only on when occupied). Furthermore, because MY does not follow the IBC (international building code) corridors and hallways of public places/residences (excluding malls) are naturally ventilated.

·         Every outlet has an on/off switch. This stops the small amount of electricity from flowing through your appliances even when they are turned off (and also the obvious reason of child safety).

·         I’ve also noticed that hot tap water is hard to come by, as is cold. It’s room temperature, saving on the energy costs of heating and cooling water. The standard shower also uses instant hot water.

o   Yet even still, faucets and water appliances are leaky and rarely turn off immediately.

§  I suppose overall it has its ups and downs just like the USA. However, sustainability in design (aside from throwing on a green roof or green element somewhere) seems to be an afterthought at best. Orientation is considered, as well as natural light, but in terms of energy saving strategies and the like I don’t see too much of it.

            In terms of my week, it has been simply work, gym, and catching up on things from back home/working out my trip to Bali. I went out to dinner at a Mamak (Indian) place and had some delicious roti (unleven bread, comes with some spicy dips) with a bunch of CSers in Bukit Bitang. BB is essentially a techy’s wet dream. There are stores selling all kinds of electronics at discounted prices. I need to go there at some point to get my point and shoot fixed (yes, I found it...in the depths of my dirty laundry of all places…). However, I had a limited amount of time so I just had dinner. In a frenzy to get home in time to talk to MB (we hadn’t talked in a really long time) I forgot to pay. Fortunately, I’ll be seeing my CS buddies soon at a meet up in a jungle lodge so I’ll be sure to pay them back. I don’t like owing people money though. Thanks a bunch for covering for me E!

Don't ask why this is bulleted, or formatted weird. Just take it for what it is lah.

TGIF party in, party in (Q was singing that song this morning and it is still stuck in my head...but I guess that's what I get for teasing him all the time.)

-M

Singapore and some more

     After a large beer with S and sharing a cab home (the LRT was having one of its freak-outs and not running) I made some pasta and I am currently on the couch relaxing after a tiring Monday. It wasn't stressful or anything, just still tired from the weekend (so my apologies for the lack sense this post will most likely make).

     Singapore was a great time. I met so many awesome people it made my trip. I ended up staying with my host on the first night, R for the whole trip. He was one of those people that you meet in life who you truly feel like you've known for ever (I've only met two other people in my life like this). He hails from Egypt, and if you've known me for an extended period of time, you know that Egypt has been on the top of my places-to-go list for over a decade. Needless to say, we had lots to talk about. I am fascinated by Egyptian culture and now I have an even better reason to make a visit some day. We got along quite well and it was awesome to have him show me around.

     After I arrived and dropped my stuff off at R's car, I headed down to the Esplanade to check out the architecture and meet up with Y from TB. Y is so sweet, we grabbed ice cream at Marina Bay Resort and wandered around. Discussed about life, travel, and what not. I hope she (and, of course, R) come to visit me at some point (if you are reading this, you are always welcome). Either here or back in CO. Y and I were going to meet up on Saturday, but our plans didn't match up in the end.

     For dinner I met up with a bunch of CSers in Little India for some amazing Indian food (MSG free, which is a plus in these parts). There were a bunch of guys from India talking about their country, and they not only convinced me with their comments, but with their fun personalities. I've always been skeptical about going ever since my stomach had its issues in Mongolia, but honestly they've beyond convinced me. I was told multiple times that it is either a place you love or never go back. If I can get over the food/stomach thing I'm pretty positive I'll love it. I enjoy places far removed from what I am used to. Money is, of course, an issue so maybe one of these days.

     After dinner all of us headed over to Chinatown to get some cheap beers at the hawker center there. The lady who served us was like the Chinese mother I never had. You can probably picture her in your head. She gave us some discounts and even offered us free 'peanuts' (aka garbanzo beans). When I got a road soda and a water to go she gave me one of the lowest bows I've ever seen in appreciation. It was, in a nutshell, cute. However, between the huge group of us, we did buy plenty of beers, I would be thankful too.

     The next stop was Clark Quay, where all the bars/clubs are, we chilled out on the bridge, drank some more, hung out, and my camera got passed around. It is a lively place where people essentially just hang out and drink with club music booming in the background. It's the kind of place I like to be, casual and a place for good conversation. Got home late and slept in some.

     The next day R and I had Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam, butter, and soft boiled egg...basically the best thing ever for breakfast) with some dim sum. We played with the dogs (he has three mutts, loved them, as I obviously miss my own doggy at home). Next we putted around Chinatown where I bought some souvenirs. Next we went to Arab Street and had a long lunch with shesha. We had some really good conversations about culture, religion, travel, and enjoying life. We were going to go to Little India, but a relaxing lunch seemed like a better option. Next we stopped by La Salle (at this point it was night). The place made you feel like you were in a rendering.

     That night I went to one of the best parties I've been to. It was one of those things that you wouldn't have known about unless you lived there. It was a beach party at Saratosa Island. Admission was free and you could BYOB (which we did, 2 bottles of FABULOUS vodka for the group, a tube of glow sticks, three squirt guns, and light up bunny ears). There were fire dancers, a pool, kites with LED lights, a kick ass DJ, and a ton of people. Although I'm usually not  fan of this type of clubby party thing, I've been craving a big dance party with a large group of people (CSers all came) and there is nothing better than dancing on the beach in the moonlight. We stayed out quite late, got back, grabbed some food, and passed out.

     The next morning I awoke with no hangover (enhancing the awesomeness of the vodka) and R gave me a ride to the bus station. I slept the whole way home. Singapore was so much different than I expected it to be. Yes it is, at times, too clean. There are a lot of fake people hanging about. It also has a large number of foreigners which shouldn't have surprised me, but did. Furthermore, especially coming from Malaysia, it was expensive. However with all of that being said, the architecture kicks ass, the food is better than the rave reviews give it, and the people I met there were so great. It is a very cosmopolitan city. Similar to KL I can see myself living there for a year or so. I actually found this surprising because the two places are extremely different. I really wish I had a better way to explain it, but I don't. Feelings are feelings, they often don't have explanations. If I wasn't making Malaysian wages I'd try to go back.

     When I got back to KL, it did feel good to be back. There is something about KL that I can relate to. Government and laws aside, I enjoy the sometimes non-sensical way of things here. Although I'm constantly terrified of j-walking across Jalan Ampang I secretly like the thrill. Once again, I don't really know where I'm going with this, which is why this post is quite hard to write. Most people around here seem to like one or the other, but I like them both. They should mix and have a love child city.

    Well it's time to get away from the computer. One last thing, I think I've decided where I'm going to go next month. The CSers are meeting in Bali at the end of July and I hope it works out. Flights seem cheap and Bali is a place I've always wanted to visit. Here are some pics before I sign off...

Mer-lion and spaceship Marina 

Marina Bay

Chinatown

Clark Quay

V doing the coconut tree climb

Da Bridge

Chinese Medicine shop

Render world

Beach party

-M

     After a large beer with S and sharing a cab home (the LRT was having one of its freak-outs and not running) I made some pasta and I am currently on the couch relaxing after a tiring Monday. It wasn't stressful or anything, just still tired from the weekend (so my apologies for the lack sense this post will most likely make).

     Singapore was a great time. I met so many awesome people it made my trip. I ended up staying with my host on the first night, R for the whole trip. He was one of those people that you meet in life who you truly feel like you've known for ever (I've only met two other people in my life like this). He hails from Egypt, and if you've known me for an extended period of time, you know that Egypt has been on the top of my places-to-go list for over a decade. Needless to say, we had lots to talk about. I am fascinated by Egyptian culture and now I have an even better reason to make a visit some day. We got along quite well and it was awesome to have him show me around.

     After I arrived and dropped my stuff off at R's car, I headed down to the Esplanade to check out the architecture and meet up with Y from TB. Y is so sweet, we grabbed ice cream at Marina Bay Resort and wandered around. Discussed about life, travel, and what not. I hope she (and, of course, R) come to visit me at some point (if you are reading this, you are always welcome). Either here or back in CO. Y and I were going to meet up on Saturday, but our plans didn't match up in the end.

     For dinner I met up with a bunch of CSers in Little India for some amazing Indian food (MSG free, which is a plus in these parts). There were a bunch of guys from India talking about their country, and they not only convinced me with their comments, but with their fun personalities. I've always been skeptical about going ever since my stomach had its issues in Mongolia, but honestly they've beyond convinced me. I was told multiple times that it is either a place you love or never go back. If I can get over the food/stomach thing I'm pretty positive I'll love it. I enjoy places far removed from what I am used to. Money is, of course, an issue so maybe one of these days.

     After dinner all of us headed over to Chinatown to get some cheap beers at the hawker center there. The lady who served us was like the Chinese mother I never had. You can probably picture her in your head. She gave us some discounts and even offered us free 'peanuts' (aka garbanzo beans). When I got a road soda and a water to go she gave me one of the lowest bows I've ever seen in appreciation. It was, in a nutshell, cute. However, between the huge group of us, we did buy plenty of beers, I would be thankful too.

     The next stop was Clark Quay, where all the bars/clubs are, we chilled out on the bridge, drank some more, hung out, and my camera got passed around. It is a lively place where people essentially just hang out and drink with club music booming in the background. It's the kind of place I like to be, casual and a place for good conversation. Got home late and slept in some.

     The next day R and I had Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam, butter, and soft boiled egg...basically the best thing ever for breakfast) with some dim sum. We played with the dogs (he has three mutts, loved them, as I obviously miss my own doggy at home). Next we putted around Chinatown where I bought some souvenirs. Next we went to Arab Street and had a long lunch with shesha. We had some really good conversations about culture, religion, travel, and enjoying life. We were going to go to Little India, but a relaxing lunch seemed like a better option. Next we stopped by La Salle (at this point it was night). The place made you feel like you were in a rendering.

     That night I went to one of the best parties I've been to. It was one of those things that you wouldn't have known about unless you lived there. It was a beach party at Saratosa Island. Admission was free and you could BYOB (which we did, 2 bottles of FABULOUS vodka for the group, a tube of glow sticks, three squirt guns, and light up bunny ears). There were fire dancers, a pool, kites with LED lights, a kick ass DJ, and a ton of people. Although I'm usually not  fan of this type of clubby party thing, I've been craving a big dance party with a large group of people (CSers all came) and there is nothing better than dancing on the beach in the moonlight. We stayed out quite late, got back, grabbed some food, and passed out.

     The next morning I awoke with no hangover (enhancing the awesomeness of the vodka) and R gave me a ride to the bus station. I slept the whole way home. Singapore was so much different than I expected it to be. Yes it is, at times, too clean. There are a lot of fake people hanging about. It also has a large number of foreigners which shouldn't have surprised me, but did. Furthermore, especially coming from Malaysia, it was expensive. However with all of that being said, the architecture kicks ass, the food is better than the rave reviews give it, and the people I met there were so great. It is a very cosmopolitan city. Similar to KL I can see myself living there for a year or so. I actually found this surprising because the two places are extremely different. I really wish I had a better way to explain it, but I don't. Feelings are feelings, they often don't have explanations. If I wasn't making Malaysian wages I'd try to go back.

     When I got back to KL, it did feel good to be back. There is something about KL that I can relate to. Government and laws aside, I enjoy the sometimes non-sensical way of things here. Although I'm constantly terrified of j-walking across Jalan Ampang I secretly like the thrill. Once again, I don't really know where I'm going with this, which is why this post is quite hard to write. Most people around here seem to like one or the other, but I like them both. They should mix and have a love child city.

    Well it's time to get away from the computer. One last thing, I think I've decided where I'm going to go next month. The CSers are meeting in Bali at the end of July and I hope it works out. Flights seem cheap and Bali is a place I've always wanted to visit. Here are some pics before I sign off...

Mer-lion and spaceship Marina 

Marina Bay

Chinatown

Clark Quay

V doing the coconut tree climb

Da Bridge

Chinese Medicine shop

Render world

Beach party

-M

     After a large beer with S and sharing a cab home (the LRT was having one of its freak-outs and not running) I made some pasta and I am currently on the couch relaxing after a tiring Monday. It wasn't stressful or anything, just still tired from the weekend (so my apologies for the lack sense this post will most likely make).

     Singapore was a great time. I met so many awesome people it made my trip. I ended up staying with my host on the first night, R for the whole trip. He was one of those people that you meet in life who you truly feel like you've known for ever (I've only met two other people in my life like this). He hails from Egypt, and if you've known me for an extended period of time, you know that Egypt has been on the top of my places-to-go list for over a decade. Needless to say, we had lots to talk about. I am fascinated by Egyptian culture and now I have an even better reason to make a visit some day. We got along quite well and it was awesome to have him show me around.

     After I arrived and dropped my stuff off at R's car, I headed down to the Esplanade to check out the architecture and meet up with Y from TB. Y is so sweet, we grabbed ice cream at Marina Bay Resort and wandered around. Discussed about life, travel, and what not. I hope she (and, of course, R) come to visit me at some point (if you are reading this, you are always welcome). Either here or back in CO. Y and I were going to meet up on Saturday, but our plans didn't match up in the end.

     For dinner I met up with a bunch of CSers in Little India for some amazing Indian food (MSG free, which is a plus in these parts). There were a bunch of guys from India talking about their country, and they not only convinced me with their comments, but with their fun personalities. I've always been skeptical about going ever since my stomach had its issues in Mongolia, but honestly they've beyond convinced me. I was told multiple times that it is either a place you love or never go back. If I can get over the food/stomach thing I'm pretty positive I'll love it. I enjoy places far removed from what I am used to. Money is, of course, an issue so maybe one of these days.

     After dinner all of us headed over to Chinatown to get some cheap beers at the hawker center there. The lady who served us was like the Chinese mother I never had. You can probably picture her in your head. She gave us some discounts and even offered us free 'peanuts' (aka garbanzo beans). When I got a road soda and a water to go she gave me one of the lowest bows I've ever seen in appreciation. It was, in a nutshell, cute. However, between the huge group of us, we did buy plenty of beers, I would be thankful too.

     The next stop was Clark Quay, where all the bars/clubs are, we chilled out on the bridge, drank some more, hung out, and my camera got passed around. It is a lively place where people essentially just hang out and drink with club music booming in the background. It's the kind of place I like to be, casual and a place for good conversation. Got home late and slept in some.

     The next day R and I had Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam, butter, and soft boiled egg...basically the best thing ever for breakfast) with some dim sum. We played with the dogs (he has three mutts, loved them, as I obviously miss my own doggy at home). Next we putted around Chinatown where I bought some souvenirs. Next we went to Arab Street and had a long lunch with shesha. We had some really good conversations about culture, religion, travel, and enjoying life. We were going to go to Little India, but a relaxing lunch seemed like a better option. Next we stopped by La Salle (at this point it was night). The place made you feel like you were in a rendering.

     That night I went to one of the best parties I've been to. It was one of those things that you wouldn't have known about unless you lived there. It was a beach party at Saratosa Island. Admission was free and you could BYOB (which we did, 2 bottles of FABULOUS vodka for the group, a tube of glow sticks, three squirt guns, and light up bunny ears). There were fire dancers, a pool, kites with LED lights, a kick ass DJ, and a ton of people. Although I'm usually not  fan of this type of clubby party thing, I've been craving a big dance party with a large group of people (CSers all came) and there is nothing better than dancing on the beach in the moonlight. We stayed out quite late, got back, grabbed some food, and passed out.

     The next morning I awoke with no hangover (enhancing the awesomeness of the vodka) and R gave me a ride to the bus station. I slept the whole way home. Singapore was so much different than I expected it to be. Yes it is, at times, too clean. There are a lot of fake people hanging about. It also has a large number of foreigners which shouldn't have surprised me, but did. Furthermore, especially coming from Malaysia, it was expensive. However with all of that being said, the architecture kicks ass, the food is better than the rave reviews give it, and the people I met there were so great. It is a very cosmopolitan city. Similar to KL I can see myself living there for a year or so. I actually found this surprising because the two places are extremely different. I really wish I had a better way to explain it, but I don't. Feelings are feelings, they often don't have explanations. If I wasn't making Malaysian wages I'd try to go back.

     When I got back to KL, it did feel good to be back. There is something about KL that I can relate to. Government and laws aside, I enjoy the sometimes non-sensical way of things here. Although I'm constantly terrified of j-walking across Jalan Ampang I secretly like the thrill. Once again, I don't really know where I'm going with this, which is why this post is quite hard to write. Most people around here seem to like one or the other, but I like them both. They should mix and have a love child city.

    Well it's time to get away from the computer. One last thing, I think I've decided where I'm going to go next month. The CSers are meeting in Bali at the end of July and I hope it works out. Flights seem cheap and Bali is a place I've always wanted to visit. Here are some pics before I sign off...

Mer-lion and spaceship Marina 

Marina Bay

Chinatown

Clark Quay

V doing the coconut tree climb

Da Bridge

Chinese Medicine shop

Render world

Beach party

-M

     After a large beer with S and sharing a cab home (the LRT was having one of its freak-outs and not running) I made some pasta and I am currently on the couch relaxing after a tiring Monday. It wasn't stressful or anything, just still tired from the weekend (so my apologies for the lack sense this post will most likely make).

     Singapore was a great time. I met so many awesome people it made my trip. I ended up staying with my host on the first night, R for the whole trip. He was one of those people that you meet in life who you truly feel like you've known for ever (I've only met two other people in my life like this). He hails from Egypt, and if you've known me for an extended period of time, you know that Egypt has been on the top of my places-to-go list for over a decade. Needless to say, we had lots to talk about. I am fascinated by Egyptian culture and now I have an even better reason to make a visit some day. We got along quite well and it was awesome to have him show me around.

     After I arrived and dropped my stuff off at R's car, I headed down to the Esplanade to check out the architecture and meet up with Y from TB. Y is so sweet, we grabbed ice cream at Marina Bay Resort and wandered around. Discussed about life, travel, and what not. I hope she (and, of course, R) come to visit me at some point (if you are reading this, you are always welcome). Either here or back in CO. Y and I were going to meet up on Saturday, but our plans didn't match up in the end.

     For dinner I met up with a bunch of CSers in Little India for some amazing Indian food (MSG free, which is a plus in these parts). There were a bunch of guys from India talking about their country, and they not only convinced me with their comments, but with their fun personalities. I've always been skeptical about going ever since my stomach had its issues in Mongolia, but honestly they've beyond convinced me. I was told multiple times that it is either a place you love or never go back. If I can get over the food/stomach thing I'm pretty positive I'll love it. I enjoy places far removed from what I am used to. Money is, of course, an issue so maybe one of these days.

     After dinner all of us headed over to Chinatown to get some cheap beers at the hawker center there. The lady who served us was like the Chinese mother I never had. You can probably picture her in your head. She gave us some discounts and even offered us free 'peanuts' (aka garbanzo beans). When I got a road soda and a water to go she gave me one of the lowest bows I've ever seen in appreciation. It was, in a nutshell, cute. However, between the huge group of us, we did buy plenty of beers, I would be thankful too.

     The next stop was Clark Quay, where all the bars/clubs are, we chilled out on the bridge, drank some more, hung out, and my camera got passed around. It is a lively place where people essentially just hang out and drink with club music booming in the background. It's the kind of place I like to be, casual and a place for good conversation. Got home late and slept in some.

     The next day R and I had Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam, butter, and soft boiled egg...basically the best thing ever for breakfast) with some dim sum. We played with the dogs (he has three mutts, loved them, as I obviously miss my own doggy at home). Next we putted around Chinatown where I bought some souvenirs. Next we went to Arab Street and had a long lunch with shesha. We had some really good conversations about culture, religion, travel, and enjoying life. We were going to go to Little India, but a relaxing lunch seemed like a better option. Next we stopped by La Salle (at this point it was night). The place made you feel like you were in a rendering.

     That night I went to one of the best parties I've been to. It was one of those things that you wouldn't have known about unless you lived there. It was a beach party at Saratosa Island. Admission was free and you could BYOB (which we did, 2 bottles of FABULOUS vodka for the group, a tube of glow sticks, three squirt guns, and light up bunny ears). There were fire dancers, a pool, kites with LED lights, a kick ass DJ, and a ton of people. Although I'm usually not  fan of this type of clubby party thing, I've been craving a big dance party with a large group of people (CSers all came) and there is nothing better than dancing on the beach in the moonlight. We stayed out quite late, got back, grabbed some food, and passed out.

     The next morning I awoke with no hangover (enhancing the awesomeness of the vodka) and R gave me a ride to the bus station. I slept the whole way home. Singapore was so much different than I expected it to be. Yes it is, at times, too clean. There are a lot of fake people hanging about. It also has a large number of foreigners which shouldn't have surprised me, but did. Furthermore, especially coming from Malaysia, it was expensive. However with all of that being said, the architecture kicks ass, the food is better than the rave reviews give it, and the people I met there were so great. It is a very cosmopolitan city. Similar to KL I can see myself living there for a year or so. I actually found this surprising because the two places are extremely different. I really wish I had a better way to explain it, but I don't. Feelings are feelings, they often don't have explanations. If I wasn't making Malaysian wages I'd try to go back.

     When I got back to KL, it did feel good to be back. There is something about KL that I can relate to. Government and laws aside, I enjoy the sometimes non-sensical way of things here. Although I'm constantly terrified of j-walking across Jalan Ampang I secretly like the thrill. Once again, I don't really know where I'm going with this, which is why this post is quite hard to write. Most people around here seem to like one or the other, but I like them both. They should mix and have a love child city.

    Well it's time to get away from the computer. One last thing, I think I've decided where I'm going to go next month. The CSers are meeting in Bali at the end of July and I hope it works out. Flights seem cheap and Bali is a place I've always wanted to visit. Here are some pics before I sign off...

Mer-lion and spaceship Marina 

Marina Bay

Chinatown

Clark Quay

V doing the coconut tree climb

Da Bridge

Chinese Medicine shop

Render world

Beach party

-M

Happy Father's Day Dad!

     I'm back from Singapore. After having a long weekend of walking around, eating, and partying with some great people I'm quite tired so I'll update on my trip another day. I just wanted to give a shout out to my dad as it's father's day (well not quite yet for him). My dad is a great guy and he's always been there for me. I see him and how happy he is with his life and with his job and I really admire him for that. There are so many people out there who go through life in a robot-like way, and he is not one of them. He truly tries to seize every moment he can. Even when we don't see eye-to-eye on certain issues (usually pertaining to worldly issues) I admire the fact that he can still maintain an open mind, or at least listen to what I have to say. Dad, you're awesome. Hopefully I will see you here in KL soon.

Love,

-M

     I'm back from Singapore. After having a long weekend of walking around, eating, and partying with some great people I'm quite tired so I'll update on my trip another day. I just wanted to give a shout out to my dad as it's father's day (well not quite yet for him). My dad is a great guy and he's always been there for me. I see him and how happy he is with his life and with his job and I really admire him for that. There are so many people out there who go through life in a robot-like way, and he is not one of them. He truly tries to seize every moment he can. Even when we don't see eye-to-eye on certain issues (usually pertaining to worldly issues) I admire the fact that he can still maintain an open mind, or at least listen to what I have to say. Dad, you're awesome. Hopefully I will see you here in KL soon.

Love,

-M

     I'm back from Singapore. After having a long weekend of walking around, eating, and partying with some great people I'm quite tired so I'll update on my trip another day. I just wanted to give a shout out to my dad as it's father's day (well not quite yet for him). My dad is a great guy and he's always been there for me. I see him and how happy he is with his life and with his job and I really admire him for that. There are so many people out there who go through life in a robot-like way, and he is not one of them. He truly tries to seize every moment he can. Even when we don't see eye-to-eye on certain issues (usually pertaining to worldly issues) I admire the fact that he can still maintain an open mind, or at least listen to what I have to say. Dad, you're awesome. Hopefully I will see you here in KL soon.

Love,

-M

     I'm back from Singapore. After having a long weekend of walking around, eating, and partying with some great people I'm quite tired so I'll update on my trip another day. I just wanted to give a shout out to my dad as it's father's day (well not quite yet for him). My dad is a great guy and he's always been there for me. I see him and how happy he is with his life and with his job and I really admire him for that. There are so many people out there who go through life in a robot-like way, and he is not one of them. He truly tries to seize every moment he can. Even when we don't see eye-to-eye on certain issues (usually pertaining to worldly issues) I admire the fact that he can still maintain an open mind, or at least listen to what I have to say. Dad, you're awesome. Hopefully I will see you here in KL soon.

Love,

-M

TaDah!!!!

     Finished the competition and watched it as the parchment paper containing three weeks of nothing but work flew out the door at the last minute. It was crazy. Essentially the competition submittal is at about the level of a regular studio submittal (except the plans are slightly less detailed...well the sections are single-lined at least) done in a matter of 3.5 weeks. For those of you who don't know, that's three months of work crammed into three weeks, with only 3 people working on it until last week. Yesterday it seemed the whole office was in on it (granted I sit by all the 3d guys - and gal). Some had been there all night, I was lucky enough to leave by 9.30 or so. We all got a bit loopy the last final days, the situation resembled something like the last few nights before jury. I must admit though, it was quite cool to see the final products. Even cooler to not have to stare at them anymore and send them away.

    After the boards went out, a bunch of us went out for food. The place has no name, except for 'behind the parking lot.' They served Malay food. Although I wasn't exactly hungry for spicy food at 10:45 in the morning, I grabbed a plate anyway because I wanted to try what I could. I pretty much loaded my plate with bite sized portions of different sauces and curries, as well as a sweet ayam (chicken) drumstick. Of course, it all tasted yummy. I had some sayur (veggies) with a little bit of chili in it, but it wasn't supposed to be spicy. However, my luck proved to be, once again, surprising and I bit right into a chili seed. My mouth went aflame. Never had I eaten anything so spicy. The unexpected factor didn't help matters. My mouth hurt so bad I was tearing up. Of course, all my Malaysian co-workers were laughing at me. I found it funny as well, I mean here I am, this weird white girl sitting in this rinky-dink (just the way I like it) food stall in an old parking lot, behind a crumbling wall, putting things on my plate that I was told would be spicy and I bite into the one thing that even I know is not spicy and my mouth lights up with heat. Whatever, you win some you lose some. 

     I also had some sauce made from fermented Durian and I liked it a lot. The smell of Durian (albeit it smells like sewage meets wet newspaper) really doesn't bother me all that much. Maybe it's because I'm in a city and almost expect nasty smells at times. It isn't something I'd wear as perfume, but it isn't the worst thing I've smelled either. I'd still like to try some, I know my time will come, my room mate, F, loves it.

     Speaking of F, she took me out to Banana Leaf rice on Sunday night. Best meal I've had so far hands down. The place is pretty well known in KL. It was the first time I was hungry all weekend, and I thought that with a cold some spice might help decongest me a little bit. It worked like a charm and I've been feeling better ever since. Still not well enough to go to the gym, but I'm well enough to make it through the day without medication.

     I got the rest of the day off after lunch so I ran a few errands (cashing paycheck, buying stamps, buying my bus ticket to Singapore) and then did some reading up on travel. I'm not too sure where I'm going to go in late July. Maybe Seim Reap to see Ankor Wat? I keep getting mixed reviews about Cambodia though. Laos I think is out because I've heard too many negative things. I don't have time to see Vietnam or Thailand (unless i just went to one place, but is there really a point to that?) Korea is too expensive, and I'm not going to Bali or Borneo with MB (we will be back for that next year). I'm not too sure what will end up happening, but I'm open to suggestions.

   The only thing I have left to do is to head to Bukit Butang to Lowyatt in order to see if I can get my point and shoot fixed before the weekend. I've been told by enough people that I have a 'rip me off' tatoo stamped to my forehead so if I don't want to pay a lot to fix it I should go with someone who knows the place. The problem is, the one person I know just pulled an all-nighter so I'm not about to ask him. The other person who could help needs to help my roomie study for the bar so I don't want to disturb him either. We shall see what happens. 

     Anyways, I'm off, I'll try to post up some pictures on Flickr today. Going to talk to the fams tomorrow. 

Laters!

-M

     Finished the competition and watched it as the parchment paper containing three weeks of nothing but work flew out the door at the last minute. It was crazy. Essentially the competition submittal is at about the level of a regular studio submittal (except the plans are slightly less detailed...well the sections are single-lined at least) done in a matter of 3.5 weeks. For those of you who don't know, that's three months of work crammed into three weeks, with only 3 people working on it until last week. Yesterday it seemed the whole office was in on it (granted I sit by all the 3d guys - and gal). Some had been there all night, I was lucky enough to leave by 9.30 or so. We all got a bit loopy the last final days, the situation resembled something like the last few nights before jury. I must admit though, it was quite cool to see the final products. Even cooler to not have to stare at them anymore and send them away.

    After the boards went out, a bunch of us went out for food. The place has no name, except for 'behind the parking lot.' They served Malay food. Although I wasn't exactly hungry for spicy food at 10:45 in the morning, I grabbed a plate anyway because I wanted to try what I could. I pretty much loaded my plate with bite sized portions of different sauces and curries, as well as a sweet ayam (chicken) drumstick. Of course, it all tasted yummy. I had some sayur (veggies) with a little bit of chili in it, but it wasn't supposed to be spicy. However, my luck proved to be, once again, surprising and I bit right into a chili seed. My mouth went aflame. Never had I eaten anything so spicy. The unexpected factor didn't help matters. My mouth hurt so bad I was tearing up. Of course, all my Malaysian co-workers were laughing at me. I found it funny as well, I mean here I am, this weird white girl sitting in this rinky-dink (just the way I like it) food stall in an old parking lot, behind a crumbling wall, putting things on my plate that I was told would be spicy and I bite into the one thing that even I know is not spicy and my mouth lights up with heat. Whatever, you win some you lose some. 

     I also had some sauce made from fermented Durian and I liked it a lot. The smell of Durian (albeit it smells like sewage meets wet newspaper) really doesn't bother me all that much. Maybe it's because I'm in a city and almost expect nasty smells at times. It isn't something I'd wear as perfume, but it isn't the worst thing I've smelled either. I'd still like to try some, I know my time will come, my room mate, F, loves it.

     Speaking of F, she took me out to Banana Leaf rice on Sunday night. Best meal I've had so far hands down. The place is pretty well known in KL. It was the first time I was hungry all weekend, and I thought that with a cold some spice might help decongest me a little bit. It worked like a charm and I've been feeling better ever since. Still not well enough to go to the gym, but I'm well enough to make it through the day without medication.

     I got the rest of the day off after lunch so I ran a few errands (cashing paycheck, buying stamps, buying my bus ticket to Singapore) and then did some reading up on travel. I'm not too sure where I'm going to go in late July. Maybe Seim Reap to see Ankor Wat? I keep getting mixed reviews about Cambodia though. Laos I think is out because I've heard too many negative things. I don't have time to see Vietnam or Thailand (unless i just went to one place, but is there really a point to that?) Korea is too expensive, and I'm not going to Bali or Borneo with MB (we will be back for that next year). I'm not too sure what will end up happening, but I'm open to suggestions.

   The only thing I have left to do is to head to Bukit Butang to Lowyatt in order to see if I can get my point and shoot fixed before the weekend. I've been told by enough people that I have a 'rip me off' tatoo stamped to my forehead so if I don't want to pay a lot to fix it I should go with someone who knows the place. The problem is, the one person I know just pulled an all-nighter so I'm not about to ask him. The other person who could help needs to help my roomie study for the bar so I don't want to disturb him either. We shall see what happens. 

     Anyways, I'm off, I'll try to post up some pictures on Flickr today. Going to talk to the fams tomorrow. 

Laters!

-M

     Finished the competition and watched it as the parchment paper containing three weeks of nothing but work flew out the door at the last minute. It was crazy. Essentially the competition submittal is at about the level of a regular studio submittal (except the plans are slightly less detailed...well the sections are single-lined at least) done in a matter of 3.5 weeks. For those of you who don't know, that's three months of work crammed into three weeks, with only 3 people working on it until last week. Yesterday it seemed the whole office was in on it (granted I sit by all the 3d guys - and gal). Some had been there all night, I was lucky enough to leave by 9.30 or so. We all got a bit loopy the last final days, the situation resembled something like the last few nights before jury. I must admit though, it was quite cool to see the final products. Even cooler to not have to stare at them anymore and send them away.

    After the boards went out, a bunch of us went out for food. The place has no name, except for 'behind the parking lot.' They served Malay food. Although I wasn't exactly hungry for spicy food at 10:45 in the morning, I grabbed a plate anyway because I wanted to try what I could. I pretty much loaded my plate with bite sized portions of different sauces and curries, as well as a sweet ayam (chicken) drumstick. Of course, it all tasted yummy. I had some sayur (veggies) with a little bit of chili in it, but it wasn't supposed to be spicy. However, my luck proved to be, once again, surprising and I bit right into a chili seed. My mouth went aflame. Never had I eaten anything so spicy. The unexpected factor didn't help matters. My mouth hurt so bad I was tearing up. Of course, all my Malaysian co-workers were laughing at me. I found it funny as well, I mean here I am, this weird white girl sitting in this rinky-dink (just the way I like it) food stall in an old parking lot, behind a crumbling wall, putting things on my plate that I was told would be spicy and I bite into the one thing that even I know is not spicy and my mouth lights up with heat. Whatever, you win some you lose some. 

     I also had some sauce made from fermented Durian and I liked it a lot. The smell of Durian (albeit it smells like sewage meets wet newspaper) really doesn't bother me all that much. Maybe it's because I'm in a city and almost expect nasty smells at times. It isn't something I'd wear as perfume, but it isn't the worst thing I've smelled either. I'd still like to try some, I know my time will come, my room mate, F, loves it.

     Speaking of F, she took me out to Banana Leaf rice on Sunday night. Best meal I've had so far hands down. The place is pretty well known in KL. It was the first time I was hungry all weekend, and I thought that with a cold some spice might help decongest me a little bit. It worked like a charm and I've been feeling better ever since. Still not well enough to go to the gym, but I'm well enough to make it through the day without medication.

     I got the rest of the day off after lunch so I ran a few errands (cashing paycheck, buying stamps, buying my bus ticket to Singapore) and then did some reading up on travel. I'm not too sure where I'm going to go in late July. Maybe Seim Reap to see Ankor Wat? I keep getting mixed reviews about Cambodia though. Laos I think is out because I've heard too many negative things. I don't have time to see Vietnam or Thailand (unless i just went to one place, but is there really a point to that?) Korea is too expensive, and I'm not going to Bali or Borneo with MB (we will be back for that next year). I'm not too sure what will end up happening, but I'm open to suggestions.

   The only thing I have left to do is to head to Bukit Butang to Lowyatt in order to see if I can get my point and shoot fixed before the weekend. I've been told by enough people that I have a 'rip me off' tatoo stamped to my forehead so if I don't want to pay a lot to fix it I should go with someone who knows the place. The problem is, the one person I know just pulled an all-nighter so I'm not about to ask him. The other person who could help needs to help my roomie study for the bar so I don't want to disturb him either. We shall see what happens. 

     Anyways, I'm off, I'll try to post up some pictures on Flickr today. Going to talk to the fams tomorrow. 

Laters!

-M

     Finished the competition and watched it as the parchment paper containing three weeks of nothing but work flew out the door at the last minute. It was crazy. Essentially the competition submittal is at about the level of a regular studio submittal (except the plans are slightly less detailed...well the sections are single-lined at least) done in a matter of 3.5 weeks. For those of you who don't know, that's three months of work crammed into three weeks, with only 3 people working on it until last week. Yesterday it seemed the whole office was in on it (granted I sit by all the 3d guys - and gal). Some had been there all night, I was lucky enough to leave by 9.30 or so. We all got a bit loopy the last final days, the situation resembled something like the last few nights before jury. I must admit though, it was quite cool to see the final products. Even cooler to not have to stare at them anymore and send them away.

    After the boards went out, a bunch of us went out for food. The place has no name, except for 'behind the parking lot.' They served Malay food. Although I wasn't exactly hungry for spicy food at 10:45 in the morning, I grabbed a plate anyway because I wanted to try what I could. I pretty much loaded my plate with bite sized portions of different sauces and curries, as well as a sweet ayam (chicken) drumstick. Of course, it all tasted yummy. I had some sayur (veggies) with a little bit of chili in it, but it wasn't supposed to be spicy. However, my luck proved to be, once again, surprising and I bit right into a chili seed. My mouth went aflame. Never had I eaten anything so spicy. The unexpected factor didn't help matters. My mouth hurt so bad I was tearing up. Of course, all my Malaysian co-workers were laughing at me. I found it funny as well, I mean here I am, this weird white girl sitting in this rinky-dink (just the way I like it) food stall in an old parking lot, behind a crumbling wall, putting things on my plate that I was told would be spicy and I bite into the one thing that even I know is not spicy and my mouth lights up with heat. Whatever, you win some you lose some. 

     I also had some sauce made from fermented Durian and I liked it a lot. The smell of Durian (albeit it smells like sewage meets wet newspaper) really doesn't bother me all that much. Maybe it's because I'm in a city and almost expect nasty smells at times. It isn't something I'd wear as perfume, but it isn't the worst thing I've smelled either. I'd still like to try some, I know my time will come, my room mate, F, loves it.

     Speaking of F, she took me out to Banana Leaf rice on Sunday night. Best meal I've had so far hands down. The place is pretty well known in KL. It was the first time I was hungry all weekend, and I thought that with a cold some spice might help decongest me a little bit. It worked like a charm and I've been feeling better ever since. Still not well enough to go to the gym, but I'm well enough to make it through the day without medication.

     I got the rest of the day off after lunch so I ran a few errands (cashing paycheck, buying stamps, buying my bus ticket to Singapore) and then did some reading up on travel. I'm not too sure where I'm going to go in late July. Maybe Seim Reap to see Ankor Wat? I keep getting mixed reviews about Cambodia though. Laos I think is out because I've heard too many negative things. I don't have time to see Vietnam or Thailand (unless i just went to one place, but is there really a point to that?) Korea is too expensive, and I'm not going to Bali or Borneo with MB (we will be back for that next year). I'm not too sure what will end up happening, but I'm open to suggestions.

   The only thing I have left to do is to head to Bukit Butang to Lowyatt in order to see if I can get my point and shoot fixed before the weekend. I've been told by enough people that I have a 'rip me off' tatoo stamped to my forehead so if I don't want to pay a lot to fix it I should go with someone who knows the place. The problem is, the one person I know just pulled an all-nighter so I'm not about to ask him. The other person who could help needs to help my roomie study for the bar so I don't want to disturb him either. We shall see what happens. 

     Anyways, I'm off, I'll try to post up some pictures on Flickr today. Going to talk to the fams tomorrow. 

Laters!

-M

Some things worth mentioning...

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

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

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

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

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

Now for a quick closer:

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

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

-M

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

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

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

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

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

Now for a quick closer:

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

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

-M

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

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

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

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

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

Now for a quick closer:

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

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

-M

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

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

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

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

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

Now for a quick closer:

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

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

-M