Last Minute Preps

So tomorrow is the big day... aka climbing the highest peak in Southeast Asia! Am I ready? Will I make it? Is it going to rain? Too bad the only answer I know is to the latter question... Yesterday, my sister and I "trained." We packed a backpack, put on the mountain boots, and walked all over KK... drawing some strange looks. I've given up on the 'Are you Japanese?' question. I just say yes and continue on my way. We also stopped at a huge farmer's market and bought some souvenirs for friends. I was looking at some picture frames and straw bags but then succumbed to exhaustion- too many things to look at, mental overload. We stopped at Upperstar for dinner and trekked home. Michele, Rosa, and I have already planned to go the spa after the mountain climb... pretty excited for that. As for today, I'll need to go get stuff for the trip, maybe start on some school work (eh...), blog/email, bookstore, enjoy the last week of Malaysia... then, off to Singapore, again :)

PS. I finished Harry Potter... J.K. Rowling is a genius.

Confessions of a Blogger

Sorry, I haven't been able to update that much, lately! I usually drag this big bulky notebook around with me and scribble away every two seconds. But I've actually been really busy! Even too busy to write articles in my journal to post on this webpage. I know, I cheat. I don't actually compose all of this, on the spot. I mean, internet cafes aren't cheap and you pay by time! I also forget a lot of points and ideas that I would like to mention... so, I do rough drafts and then, add alll the random, spontaneous things I think about. Anyway, apologies for that. Not too much happening recently except spending time with a lot of new friends, old friends, relatives, and of course, my parents and sister. So, wow- this will be the fourth week in Malaysia! And I'm getting really adapted to this place (or, maybe just not doing any work). I have to keep in mind that I still have that essay to write for Cornell... but a little more procrastination never hurt anyone! Haha, famous last words. More updates to come on other stuffs, observations, opinions, training for the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and etc...

4095 Meters of Exhilaration

It's storming so insanely right now. But I have exciting news!! I will be able to climb Mount Kinabalu!!!! At first, we thought we wouldn't be able to climb it. This time around you have to make reservations because this particular scale is getting pretty popular. I don't think there are enough accommodations at the midpoint. It's usually a 2-day climb. But my parents checked out some tour groups and a few dropped out- which means, (ta-da!) there are open spots for my sister and I! I'm SO excited! I brought a number of mountaineering things, expecting to climb the mountain and I was so disappointed when I found out I couldn't! But now, I have to get back in shape otherwise I will die of exhaustion. The last time I scaled Low's Peak was three years ago. I was fifteen and probably in way better shape than I am now. No worries, I will be fit in no time. If only I can lose this addiction for food... and laziness.

Girls Just Wanna Shop

I finally found an internet cafe that I like- after some testing out of different ones. So, I'm back to my reporting. I love using this job as an excuse to use the internet. "Where are you going, Chrysan?" Umm... "I have to go update my blog for the Poughkeepsie Journal!" Haha. It's like getting paid to shop.

Speaking of shopping- I bought a brand new bag from Charles and Keith. And after lunch at the Revolving Restaurant with my family, I discovered a blue stain all along the sides of the bag. I was so mad. No more white bags, for me. It's brand new. I should've bought the velvet black clutch but of course, I went for the bigger bag. I have this habit of taking my life's belongings wherever I go. Oh well, I still have some more shopping to do before I go to college. I'm starting to go for more expensive brands now. It's so annoying when you buy something moderately priced but then they have such easy wear and tear. You have to replace them so often. I don't know- would you rather buy expensive- but higher-quality- stuff or cheaper- but low-quality- stuff?

Aside from clothes and bags, I've noticed that one expensive thing to buy here is... books! Since they all usually come from out of the country, the currency exchange can be brutal. One hardcover book (USD 30) can be about RM100+ here. Last Saturday, I went to the bookstore to buy what else, but the new Harry Potter book! I looked at the price and decided that I would rather buy one back at home. That means, I'll have to wait until mid-August to find out what happens in this series. Not the case for other Harry Potter fanatics. While, I was at the bookstore I saw cameras flashing and a nice car waiting outside. A newly wed, bride and groom, had stopped in (on their wedding day!) to purchase the novel. So, that's what their doing tonight, huh?

Anyway, I'm going for now. Going to Rumba, later tonight with friends. It's the Latin dance club and lounge at the Meridien Hotel! I have pictures from meeting the rugby players from the international team, Asian Barbarians. I didn't know they were so famous, actually... It's annoying that the internet connections at these cafes are so slow. That's the reason I haven't been able to post pictures that easily.

Are You Japanese?

It's the beginning of the third week of Malaysia. Time is really flying! I'm starting to miss home a little. I had a random craving for French fries while passing McDonald's the other day. Eeks.

Whenever I travel anywhere, I always get the, "Where are you from?" I have everyone guessing, "Korea? China? Japan?" Actually, a lot of people think I'm a Eurasian mix even though I do not think I look white at all. It's funny when I'm finally like, "The United States!" Wha... ?

I expected the same sort of deal when I came to KK. But as soon as I got here, I don't get the "Where are you from?" The question has now metamorphosed into "Are you Japanese?" I think at least five people have asked me that since I've been here-random people, too! The first person to comment was a cosmetics salesperson. She said I looked Japanese and my sister looked Korean. A day ago, a random person came up to me and asked, "Are you Japanese?" And before I could answer, she just said, "Say yes. Because I have a bet with that person." Looked over at a bunch of these tourists. So, I just said yes.

I would love to visit Japan. I wonder if real Japanese people would think I looked Japanese. I just watched Tokyo Drift the other day. I wonder what Japanese people think of that movie! Haha.

A South Carolina Pastor in Malaysia

Every Sunday, my cousin and her friend take me to a different church. Today’s was an English speaking one at Sutera Resort (Yes!). It was very friendly and… rich. When the guest speaker went up to preach, we found out that he was an ex-pat hailing from South Carolina! Well, this should be interesting…

Oh, it was very interesting alright. He spoke really slowly, really loudly, and overly-dramatized. I exchanged looks with my friends over some of the random comments he would insert in his sermon.

Interesting comment #1: “We didn’t come from monkeys!”

Interesting comment #2: “For over 30 years, my dear brother was addicted to (“Drugs? Money? Gambling?” I thought)... homosexuality!”

Interesting comment #3: “All of you Indians and Chinese- Quit complaining about the affirmative action in Malaysia!”

Interesting comment #4: “I spent a lot of time counseling drug addicts, rapists, criminals, and homosexuals in my career…”

Since when were gay people put in the same category as drug addicts, rapists, and other criminals? I’m completely straight… but I never quite understood the disapproval for gays... especially in religion.

It reminded me a lot of another lecturer I heard at a Christian youth convention this past January. Her name is Carrie Abbott from somewhere in the south. She also painted this perfect, idealistic picture of “God’s people.” Her main message: “Men should act like men. Girls should act like girls.” I felt like she stereotyped these roles a lot, though. Is it “unnatural” for a girl to want to play with trucks and climb trees, etc. as a child?

I had a big of a debate with her after the seminar. Maybe, I was a little outspoken but I just couldn’t understand the close-mindedness of some of her opinions. Her most interesting comment: “Homosexuals are a deviation from what God intended.”

Excuse me? Someone was quite the judge. Eh, I'm being kind of rude. I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m a pretty liberal Christian and I like challenging these ideas, too much. Sometimes, these church services seem so showy and fake. The intentions of the congregation are pure but it’s easy to be influenced. I’m too careful of my beliefs (good or bad thing, again.) Or, I think I’m just paranoid of BRAINWASHING. Muahaha.

I still don’t understand how others can judge people so harshly and be narrowminded. I’m tired of hardcore atheist, scientists who are like, “Haha, how can you believe the world was created in seven days?” And then the really conservative Christians make comments like, “Pua humans didn’t come from chimps!” I’m sure creation is a lot more complicated than the simple human mind can comprehend… so… shut up about the monkeys!!

Besides, that’s not what evolutionists are saying!

I hate it when people don’t do their research…

Overall, a nice service, though...

Apologies, if this entry has offended you.

Asian Barbarians... in Sabah?

Guess who I met Saturday night? International rugby players from New Zealand!

I decided to go swimming; the sunset over Marina Court was amazing, once again. But as soon as I went in the water, I felt my ears and realized one of my earrings was missing. Thankfully, I brought my goggles so I spent a good ten minutes scouring the bottom of the pool like a treasure hunter. A man (Japanese, I found out later) saw me diving and came over to help. He turned out to be the manager of the International rugby team- Asian Barbarians. Suddenly all these guys swam over from somewhere and tried to help me find my earring. It was a strange/funny sight. Finally, found it, though. The Japanese guy stepped on it!

We talked to a few players and it turned out to be their last night in KK. Apparently, the team consists of players from all over Asia- these players were originally from New Zealand (they call themselves Kiwi? That made me think of the fruit) but now live in and play for Hong Kong. Others were from Singapore, China, India, Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka. 30 players in all- no wonder it was so hard to get a room at Marina Court.

I met up with Michelle later to walk Waterfront. Guess who we ran into at The Aussie? The Kiwis! Haha. It must be exciting to travel all the time; they go to Japan sometime soon to play the team there. Read it here:

http://sundaytimes.lk/070408/Sports/sp212.html

http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=166&Itemid=2

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/9949

But then again, you never get to settle down… “Shouldn’t you be married?” Haha. I wonder what I’ll be doing at that age… Hmm.

The National Fruit and Company

We were at the durian stall at nine o’clock at night. So much sticky humidity layering my neck, arms, and forehead. But still, the durian addicts come out. Why? It smells so bad. It's hot and humid and shady and kind of tiring to trek all that way here to this durian stall. What’s durian, anyway? Why, the national Malaysian fruit, of course!

Durian stalls like these are purely meant for immediate consumption. At night, they use florescent lights that make this futuristic glow-y feel. It’s a simple set-up. There are plastic chairs and tables around a pick-up truck. The back is converted into a vendor with stacks of durian dumped on top. All around are sounds of traffic, lights of neon street signs. Feels busy, smells like gasoline, sounds like Malay jargon. I feel so… local and national geographical.

The strange thing about this fruit is not only its structure (big, spiky, green… sounds like the hulk) but also the ability to smell so bad but taste so good. Well, it didn’t always taste so good. When I was little, I hated the smell and taste. I couldn’t understand the Malaysian obsession with it. But I guess after growing up in a durian-eating family, I “acquired” the taste, as Michelle would put it. Like sushi, bloody Mary’s, and curry- durian is definitely an acquired taste.

Lots of other fresh, tropical fruit here- not only watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey-dew: the standards. But also, papaya, jackfruit, guava, lychee, pineapple, pomegranate- all fresh and available. It’s heaven to me. I love fruit. I’m definitely taking advantage of it because back in the US, it’s so expensive, rare and above all… not as fresh!

Political Venting on the Malaysian System

I spent the day at San Francisco café. I did some thinking.

In America (or, maybe it’s just the West), you always clean up after yourself at cafes, fast-food restaurants, etc. You go up to get your own drinks and food. But here, they always, always serve you. I was standing, waiting for the cashier to make my Americano coffee and I got the weirdest looks. Afterwards, I took my trash to throw out. And, there were no garbage bins. Anywhere.

I wonder why it was like that. Then, that got me to thinking about other things.

My father likes history a lot. I do, too. So, we started talking about the “Malay Way.” I guess, a term we coined. He told me that Malaysia was a pretty peaceful country for being an Islamic one (Oh, I forgot the term used that means the government is run by its religion).

I learned from my friends that it’s hard for non-Malays to go to the public universities here. That’s why all the Chinese and Indian (and some white) citizens must go overseas to private colleges and universities.

A tangent: the schooling system has always been kind of confusing to me. They follow the British way. High school (secondary school) is form 2 through 5 (actually, I’m not quite sure about that). But for the highest form (grade), many choose not to study in secondary school but go to “college”; it’s considered senior year. I guess it makes sense since most of the classes I took as a senior were AP courses. After finishing college, then they go to “university,” which is considered our “college.” I know… confusing.

The only difference is that non-Malays cannot go to public universities as easily as true Malays. True Malay people are of Indonesian, south-pacific origin. Any American would say, “That’s racial discrimination. It’s like saying… only white people can go to state schools.” But here, it’s a way of keeping the peace. It’s the way things are. In private ownership, 30% must also go to Malays.

My Western upbringing wants to say that it’s unfair. Many Malays are poor and uneducated. Most Chinese families have at least one Malay housekeeper because it’s cheap and gives them jobs. But still, why do they get so many advantages if the Chinese and Indian families worked so hard to make Malaysia a better country? Malaysia could’ve been as poor as Indonesia (country right below us) but it’s a lot better. Just look at Singapore- it broke away from Malaysia and it’s a mainly Chinese population. Now, Singapore is so far ahead. The exchange rate is almost equal to the dollar.

I guess the idea is similar to the affirmative action debate in the U.S. I have to consider the other side. Malaysia is very peaceful for a Muslim country. Not so much terrorist activity because the Malays are content with the laws. The 50^th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence from Britain is actually coming up. This country is young- during my father’s childhood, Britain still controlled it.

I’ve been reading a few English Malay newspapers- they’re written very entertainingly. I saw this article, “Emulate KL’s approach.” KL is Kuala Lumper, Malaysia’s capital. In it, National University of Singapore’s associate professor said that Malaysian leaders focused very well on taking care of the needs and grievances of the people and their practical approach in handling terrorism threats was very sensible.

But, she also said Malaysia should speak out more on issues.

I guess Malays must feel like the Chinese population is taking over their country. Still, the Hakka (my origin, a tribe from China, “wanderers”) have come to Malaysia a long time ago.

I saw another article on Former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan. I guess he recently praised Malaysia for being “a relatively peaceful country despite its cultural differences and different faiths.”

“It has managed the ethnic mix better than any other society that I can think of. The Malaysia society, which celebrates both unity and diversity, is a message that should be shared with the rest of the world.”

But, he also said that he wished the majority would speak up. “I think Malaysia has a voice and should use it more often.”

I think sometimes Malaysia likes peace and unchanging ways a little too much, though. Is it an advantage or disadvantage? It’s harmonious over here. But I also see so many negative aspects. For one... the BATHROOMS! You have to pay money to use a bathroom that is so smelly, and wet, and dirty (Muslims don't believe in toilet paper. They use water to wash themselves after each bathroom visit.) And there's a lot of crime- especially murders and rape. Well, that’s another entry.

So, sorry for this political rant. What do I know? I’m just a teenager in this foreign nation. Not a diplomat or international affairs major. I read this other interesting article… I’ll save it for later, though! Too much thinking for one day.

The weekend is coming up- more stuffs to experience!

Pink Sunsets

The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking. They’re so pink. Everything’s bathed in a pink flood of color. Just look at the pictures- it’s so pretty. The only other ones comparable are the ones I saw in the Alps of France, two summers ago. I wish they didn’t disappear so fast. I look like a madwoman whenever I race outside to take a picture, around this time. Digital cameras just don’t do them justice, though.

Taking Advantage of Island Tourism

My family decided to take a day trip to one of the islands- a highlight of Malaysia tourism. We walked to the harbor very early and bought tickets to Manukan island. The weather was the most perfect I’ve seen so far! Huge blue skies with a few cloudy spots.

The boat ride was about 20 minutes long. On the way, we passed by the whole coast of KK. I saw Sutera, Marina Court, all the malls- even the revolving restaurant. The water was the perfect postcard blue… like those Bahamas commercials, I swear.

When we arrived on the island, we could see all the way to the bottom of the sea. Fish- swarms of fish- they were everywhere. Tiny, guppy things and huge glittery ones. My favorite was the parrot fish. It was translucent, rainbow colored. I felt like I was in a Dr. Seuss book.

Living in the city, I forget that Malaysia is such a lush and tropical place. It’s actually a tropical rain forest, if you want a biological location.

We rented some snorkeling gear and went in the water (it was really warm). I have to say it was a slight disappointment. There was hardy any vegetation or sea life besides the fish. I went snorkeling in Greece on time and I will never forget the experience. It was like a whole new underwater world. The ground had depth and plants, caves, fish, coral, insane topography. But here, the land was very barren. I think it was because we were at a tourist-y beach. Maybe next time, a different location?

In the afternoon, it started raining… Again. It’s okay- it was nice weather while it lasted.

Embracing the terrific, Malaysian rainstorms.

Too Much Delicious Food

Last Saturday morning, I awoke to another rain-cloudy day. Hmm, there hasn’t been a single nice day yet.

My sister and I went to Warisan Square, a shopping plaza across the street, for the afternoon. We bumped into a few of my classmates from Maktab Nasional and then headed to Yogurberry for dessert. The place is really cute. You can make your own kind of yogurt sundae. There’s a checklist to make your order; you can choose all sorts of fruits and other toppings. Very yummy.

In fact, all the food places around here are very trendy. Ever since I got to KK, I’ve been eating nonstop (what a way to get started on the Freshman 15). I’m eating as I write, in fact.

The previous night, we went to Atmosphere- the revolving restaurant. It was one of those strange, but exciting experiences. Atmosphere is a tall tower-like building. We took the elevator to the top floor and saw that the floor actually rotated around a central platform. A jazz pianist was playing and I could see the whole view of KK despite rain (once again).

Afterwards, we went to the cinema to see Transformers. Malaysian cinemas are definitely something one needs to experience. They’re big, loud, and chilly. We came home around 2:30 am- the reason we were so tired the next day.

Saturday night, we finally met the rest of our family for dinner at a restaurant they call “Steamboat.” You can actually cook your own food. In the center of each table is a fondue-like cooker. The buffet table has all sorts of uncooked food: beef (plain, marinated, spicy), seafood, vegetables, noodles and also sauces, condiments, etc. You pick whatever you want and cook it! It’s pretty fun. And also yummy.

Sunday morning, I experienced an unexpected attack of jet lag. I went to church with Sim Yee and suddenly started nodding off… in front of the pastor! I felt really rude. Later that night, I went to a concert for peace called "1,000 voices Concert." It was at Likas Stadium and there were actually 1,000 performers!

1,000 Voices for Peace Concert

Sunset at Likas Stadium

I’ve been trying hard to improve my Mandarin but I could still only understand 50% of what the pastor was saying. I’m hoping to study Chinese more seriously in college. But for now, still trying to master these languages. What’s amazing about Malaysia is the diversity of languages spoken. Malay, Hindi, Chinese (different dialects, too), and English- school is taught in all these tongues. Most people speak at least three different languages fairly well. It’s impressive and intimidating.

Darn Chinese.

The Pickup

I finished The Pickup this morning- had plenty of time because Rosa kept tossing and turning all night. She couldn't sleep and kept me awake, too. Then I kept tossing and turning. I even fell off the bed and woke up mumbling something. I always do that.. weird. So, now I'm tired, awake, and been restless out of my mind while she sleeps soundly. I do what I usually do when I'm restless- think a lot, read a lot, write... baloney.

So, I read The Pickup and really liked it. It's one of those books that make you think a lot. Even though its' required reading for Cornell... I always find it weird that the books I'm reading run parallel with whatever I'm living. Some songs make you remember a certain time... with me, it's also books. I was thinking about "The Table" in the book... a nameless sort of group that just hangs around the cafe doing nothing but talking... baloney. Kind of a retreat from the real world. And I had that feeling too. People here really like hanging around cafes... In the book, it's the "L. A. Cafe". Yesterday, we were all hanging around the "San Francisco Cafe"... SO WEIRD. and now, its' like a ritual... like in the book. Julie, main character, travels to a completely different world- Africa. here I am, in Malaysia.. halfway around the world. REALLY STRANGE.

And I didn't choose to read this book!! It's required reading!! hmm..

Yesterday afternoon, we went to Sutera harbor (that fancy golf resort place). We had a dim sum buffet... pretty fancy. The place, in itself, is a luxury-for-white-people-mainly kinda place. It's really beautiful. I always have the uncanny ability to choose the best items on the menu... I ordered chicken dumplings, crispy noodles with seafood, shanghainese style buns, pan-seared fish in thai sauce, red been sesame rolls, egg tarts, and mango pudding. (wow I'm getting hungry again). maybe I was meant for fine dining. heh. lunch was amazing though. really. Sutera is on a peninsula sort of thing.. I can see it from my bedroom window. it's especially pretty with all the lights at night. The whole place is supposed to be a golf club.. but its really a lot more- what with restaurants, sea activities, pools, bowling, karaoke, bars and lounges, hotels... more like a resort!
And very trendy. The poolside bar is actually carved into the pool so that the bartenders are level with swimmers. You can actually swim over to the bar and there are seats under water... order a drink, while still in the pool!! I'm amused so easily.. couldn't stop staring.

Anyway, I explored all the possibilities for sea activities. We're planning on island hopping.. I can finally go snorkeling again!!!! So excited. And also try something totally new... scuba diving! I'm so pumped. If you haven't figured it out.. I'm a nature enthusiast and addicted to anything adventurous... so, updates later on the revolving restaurant and transformers!

Maktab Classmates

It's been almost a week since I landed in KK, Malaysia- time flies! I'm currently at another one of these internet cafes... this one is not as fast, though. I've been scouting for a quick and cheap one, lately- not easy. Though I can't really complain about the exchange rates! Anyway, what have I been up to lately? I've gotten in touch with some old classmates (from Maktab nasional- old private school) and it's been a lot of fun hanging out with them. I met up with a friend, Michelle, and her boyfriend and others a few days ago. They showed us around KK a little, went shopping, saw an amazing golf resort. Then, went dancing at a latin bar in the Meridian Hotel. You know... sometimes I think teens will be teens whether you're American, European, or Malaysian... Still, we have a lot of differences and its interesting comparing our lifestyles, goals, certain mannerisms. I saw Harry Potter at the Cinema yesterday with my sister... it surprised me, nactually not that bad... haha. Today, my family is going to the golf resort (called "Sutera") for lunch. Then, tonight I will be going to "Atmosphere" with Michelle and friends again for dinner/drinks. The special thing about Atmosphere is that it's called "The Revolving Restaurant". Apparently, its in this tower and revolves slowly so you can see the whole view while you eat. Can't wait to see how taht's like! Even later, my cousins and I will go see Transformers at the bigger movie theater. I really like Malaysian theaters... they're so big. and loud. What can I say... I'm a young un. It's been pretty busy, lately. The days are going by fast and my family is planning a few day trips to Islands. Very popular thing to do in Malaysia- scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and other nature stuff. Looking forward to it! I'm hoping to go to this island "Layang-layang"... it's quite far away but pretty famous... I'll make sure to find an underwater disposable camera! Okay, more updates to follow!

Kota Kinabalu

So, I can finally say that I'm in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. A lot has happened since Singapore. Right now, I'm at the main shopping mall, Centrepoint... Rosa and I found the old internet cafe we used to go to and so I have 17 minutes left to describe all that has happened.

We arrived in KK Saturday afternoon. It felt soo weird to be back- it's like we never left at all... and at the same time, we were like complete foreigners. We used to go to Malaysia to see family every summer... but I haven't been back since I was a freshman. So, it was all the same.. yet very different! A lot of major development has happened. In the city, there are whole new shopping strips and tons of new stores.

My cousin Puay puay picked us up and brought us to our Grandma's appartment in nearby village, Mengataal. Stayed there for a few days. Sunday morning we went to Basal church for the chinese service... could barely understand it but I'm picking up the language again! It's so strange to hear so many languages all at once: malay, hindi, chinese, dialects of chinese, and of course, english. Everything feels so raw and underdeveloped... especially the village areas. But you can see the progress that has been made in just 3 years that I've been gone. It's insane.

THat night, I met my cousin, Sim Yee!! I was so excited to see her... out of all my cuosins I definitely feel most connected to her. We went to a christian choir concert... everything is really church related around here. It was interesting though.. saw an african american sing in chinese!

Today, we finally saw the condo my parents invested in almost 4 years ago! it was under construction as a part of these resort buildings, "Marina Court" that my family used to stay in. It's kinda pricey even though the exchange rate is cheap (1 US dollar = 3.5 malaysian RM). But anyone who knows my parents, also knows they are addicted to real estate. Not so much buying but window shopping. So, this place is kind of a big deal... saw it, today- looks amazing. It's right in KK city next to all the malls and has a view of swimming pool and the ocean.

Ate lunch today at one of the bazillion new restaurants nearby. The place inside is so beautiful. The walls are all gold with crystal chandeliers and mirrors everywhere. The tables are kind of too high tho. My familoy was starving so much that they bought nearly everything on the menu. I feel so full.

Anyhow, we've rented an appartment to stay at in Marina Court. So, we're moving out of my grandma's appartment tonight to stay there. My grandma is pretty awesome. She travels a lot and is going to Kuching for the week (in West Malaysia). I'm gonna try to get in touch with some of my old school friends (did I mention I went to boarding school in Malaysia before?)... it still feels so weird to be here!! But I adapt really fast.. a good and bad quality...

I have to say that I think I handled Jet lag pretty well... perfected the technique after all these years of traveling... here's the jist of it:

SLEEP as much as you can on the airplane. at the same time, drink as much water as you can!!
therefore, it forces you to only nap and not oversleep.. because you have to pee all the time. heh. moisturizing doesn't hurt either.

Anyways, I've also been writing a lot. I can only write on here once in a while when I find a computer and it's nowhere near enough... I can't even remember half the stuff I want to mention it's jumbled in my mind and I'm keepiig an eye on the timer. I'm keeping one of my travel logs again... tons of writing there and started color pencil drawings again... i should remember to bring it along with me next time so I can transfer some stuff online. I'll keep that in mind!

Okay, time is almost out. Miss all of you back at home!! -Chrysan

SINGAPORE

Hi from Singapore! It's Rosa and I. So, you definitely need patience when traveling. (Rosa says, "or you just have to posess the gift for sleeping like a log). Anyways, most of what you're doing is waiting around. Very boring. our flight from New York got delayed like 2 hours. therefore, we arrived in Frankfurt (our connecting flight) LATE. and then singapore LATE. and therefore, we cannot take the transfer flight to Kota Kinabalu until 1:35 this afternoon. Right now it's like 8am in the morning, SATURDAY. Prob 8pm friday in the States. So, we are just chillin here in the Singapore international airport. with no money. bored. Ok, here's my sister, Rosa:

hey everyone this is chrysans beloved little sister. How are you. One thing to remember in Singapore: Gum is illegal, a disgrace, SACRILAGE. We're on the free crappy internet with crappy keyboard at the airport. i guess thats it.

OKAY 7 minutes and 30 seconds left!! BYE!!!!!

Leaving America

Aw, it's raining on July 4th. It's okay, though- I didn't really have that many plans today except... more packing and cleaning! So, tomorrow is the big day. We're planning to leave some time in the afternoon. Our plane flight is at 9:20pm. We always fly Singapore Airlines (really good service) and I'll be landing in Singapore sometime Saturday morning. Time Zone skips a whole day when you fly East... I think it'll be Friday night in the States. Anyways, I'm really excited, sad to be leaving, nervous and uncertain... but at least one thing will be 100% sure... definitely have more stories on the way.

From 'M' to 'M' | Back in Po-Town

Despite all the icky showers, bugs, country music, gravy and biscuits for breakfast, I miss Camp HOPE. I have that very odd feeling, a feeling that one only has at the end of summer camp. We've packed, exchanged contacts, and left. And now, there's nothing left but a finale of memories, albeit good ones.

I've made so many new friends and grown closer to many new people, whom I miss them very much. But anyway, I'm back home now, trying to absorb the last few days. I have so much to do before I leave for Malaysia on Thursday. Much packing to do in lieu of another adventure.