Home Away from Home!

Like a broken record, I can surely agree that "Home is where your heart is.", and currently my heart is certainly in Malaysia! A reflection which is over 2 years due, I strongly think, even after countless articles or blogs about this place, I must somewhat contribute with whatever meager recollections I have gained over this short span of time.

After growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, a city near the equator with beautiful weather, governed by wet and dry seasons, my next stage in life, "Marriage", moved me to Karachi, Pakistan. The opposite of my previous home (Yes, I can safely declare that!) What elements was I judging? Well, weather, culture, infrastructure, to name a few...! Nonetheless, this became my "new" home, where my heart was (my husband :)) A lot of adapting to was required, and many a times it was not a pleasure. But to sum it up, I grew to like this home (love may be too strong a word - give me some credit for being honest people.)

The next new home came when I was transferred by my previous job to Malaysia. Now this was a different story altogether. Developed (for an Eastern country), lush greenery, and one of the top tourist spots, I needed no convincing whatsoever and after an hour of the offer...I was game! My husband's re-location, new job and all would surely be taken care of...first, I just needed to get there.

What initially captured my heart was the greenery. The untouched land with their natural forest vegetation which passed by on our way back from the airport was so varied with shades of green, and so dense, it almost took my breath away. Now don't get me wrong, I grew up in Africa, East Africa to be precise, and jungles and safari are my second nature. I loved the wild. So, after Karachi, which is primarily a desert landscape, this was like paradise again. Approaching the cities or urban areas gave way to manicured gardens or pathways. Landscaping was everywhere. Beautiful and refreshing! The warm rainy weather which rules throughout the year is the culprit.

The next thing which gave me great pleasure was the infrastructure, specifically, the roads and highways and fly overs. It was like a web, going over, under, branching out left and right in every which way. Also, the land surface is not flat in Malaysia, with hills and mountains and highlands all over. Even a city can have small hills to navigate through. Being a person who usually remembers directions, this was a whole new ballgame. Mind you, growing up in a developing country, and living in the same, this was awesome! All roads, highways or cities had signs, numbering and labels...wow! It was intimidating. But no worries, long live the GPS! Problem solved. Travel spots, we can get to you now!

Food - one of the most important things that define people and places. It was VERY different here. Not something I had come across before. You see, Malaysia is a nation made up of 3 types of races: The local indigenous Malay (Bhumi Putra), The Chinese, & The Indians (Tamil speaking). All 3 races contribute towards the country's rich culture, and hence, the culinary aspects as well. This makes the variety uncountable with thousands of local dishes to sample. It's truly an overwhelming experience. However, for us sheltered and less exposed people, takes a little getting used to. As if this was not enough, the fruit variety adds to this as well. But at this time I want to mention one fruit which took me by surprise: Durian. This is a fruit that you either love or you hate. There is no in-between. It looks like a jack fruit but is oval in shape with sharp spikes on the green skin and needs to be split open to get into the thick, yellow custard like interior surrounding the seeds. Why the love/hate feeling? The distinct smell. We enjoy food through smell and taste (I know you know that). The smell of Durian is so strong (a cross between rotting sweet fruit and feet!) that many hotels and taxis do not allow people to bring them in side! No, I have not tried it...I have a rule, if it does not smell good, won't taste good. So I have chickened out of trying this...for now.

It starts!

Salam and greetings to all :)

I would like to start by thanking my sister and her husband. I love technology and communication but blogging was something I never considered for myself. (Sounds like I'm giving a speech for winning a trophy or something but hey, am new at this).

After viewing my Sister's family's blogspot (http://amixofsix.blogspot.com/) and a discussion just less than an hour earlier with my sister, we concluded I should do this! I thought, "Why not, it might even be therapeutic!" :)

So, without any plan or draft, I decided to publish my first post.  By learning the "art" of blogging, I hope to gain confidence and ,eventually, aim to fine-tune my communication skills by sharing my life's exeriences, through my personal reflections :) Did that make sense? It will, as time goes by InshaAllah.