Driving in Malaysia

Of the many things that have changed in Malaysia, one remains the same: the way Malaysians are behind the wheel!

And, you'd think that with the 40% increase in petrol there should be less people driving!!

Things that I have noted are:

• The (supposedly) Emergency Lane on the shoulder of the road, far left, IS NOT NECESSARY AN EMERGENCY LANE FOR SOME...


• Using the signal when turning left or right does not seem to be obligatory - BE WARNED, BE WARNED!!


• Jumping the queue is common in Malaysia, where as in the UK, one lane can have 20 cars queueing while the second land is empty - not a sight in Malaysia! They either can't read signs or are just so impatient (or thick).


• Drivers can be selfless obnoxious morons - very inconsiderate of others.


• The speed limit is not taken seriously by many motorists.


• DO NOT CROSS THE ZEBRA-CROSSING until the road is totally clear or if the cars on BOTH directions have clearly stopped to let you pass. I couldn't believe my eyes when an old man (pedestrian) was almost hit by a car right infront of me! Even the zebra-crossings at the hospitals are not too be relied upon (maybe the motorists think rushing a hit pedestrian on the hospital grounds would be easier!).


• Jay walking is sooo common!

I could sit here and go on all day and night but alas, there are more important things to attend to.


Unfortunately, I have learnt that to survive, you can't be the only one trying to be civil. Bugger!

SUMMER'S here!!!

(FEEL FREE TO CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGER VIEW)

The local Malaysian society had organised a barbeque on Saturday, 28th July (yeah, say goodbye to the environment and hello to the possibilities of cancer!). For the past week, the weather had been gloomy and wet, and the weather forecast for the weekend didn't look too good either. Hence, the whole past week was full of anticipation: to go ahead with the plan for barbeque or to not go ahead. We finally took the risk and left it all to the Almighty. So, come Saturday, the sun just beamed at us...He had answered our prayers: to have a sunny day so that we could all go out to play!

Apparently, having an event in the open certainly is different from the usual indoor activities we have. Usually when we have gatherings and functions, they are held indoors (in a hall), and we always have a full house (crowded, is more like it!). This time, there were approximately 22 families and a handful of undergraduates. Yup, it's summer so the undergrads are in Europe learning about culture, or back home enjoying a glass of teh tarik at the mamak stall.

So, while the men were in charge of the barbeque, the ladies were busy buzzing away with platefuls of food (to feed the children, mind you!!).

I was busy helping with the children's activity and enjoyed it dearly (hence, not many photos of the kids as I was busy coaching and cheering for the lil' ones). There were 6 events altogether: below 5s, below 10s, football for the boys (10-16), chipping for men and women (okay, I sucked) and giant steps for couples.

In short, I enjoyed the event which can be described as simple and small. Ever since that day, the sun has been smiling at us...

Studying LAW??

Got this from a friend and thought it was pretty interesting. Check it out.

80% of M'sians going to UK to study law?
At the Immigration Counter, Heathrow Airport, London.

UK Immigration Officer: Purpose of visit?
Visitor: I'm here to study law, sir.
Officer: You know, you must have a lot of lawyers in Malaysia .
Visitor: Why do you say that?
Officer: Well, i've been here for a good twenty years, and I'd say 80% ofMalaysians I see here say they're here to read law.
Visitor: Oh, really? That's really something i never knew. Hard to believein fact.
Officer: Just you watch, then. You just stand here until the nextMalaysian comes along, and I'll bet he's here to read law.

*Visitor waits for 5 mins, Ah Chong from Malaysia comes to immigration counter*

Officer: Mr. Ah Chong, purpose of visit?
Ah Chong: Study lorr...

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