journeys into the unknown: Our new environment-what is normal?

How long is it until we stop noticing our environment because we have gotten accustomed to it? Already, the monkeys on the tennis courts and at school have become the norm, people wearing all varieties of clothing (I have only seen one burka so far, but many covered heads on the Muslim women) are seen everywhere, security guards are a dime a dozen, maids rooms are present in almost every condo unit, outdoor kitchens reign supreme (to keep the heat and mess out out of the home), electrical switches control every facet of your life (lights, fans, a/c, water heaters, kitchen appliances, and all electrical outlets).

We are living in an expat community called Mont’ Kiara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which includes 2 international schools (one British and one American, though there are a number of other international schools in the Kuala Lumpur area), 3 neighborhood grocery stores, a few neighborhood malls within walking distance, and many expats from many nations. It is very common to hear languages from around the world. And American stores abound; to name just a few: Tony Romas, Baskin Robbins, Swensons, the Coffee Bean, Subway, Nike, Forever 21, Starbucks, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach, Wendys, Dominoes pizza, Pizza Hut, GNC, Gymboree, ACE, Krispie Creme, Borders, Bubba Gumps, and McDonalds.

It is very easy to get around this area as long as you are willing to take a taxi or try your luck at the spaghetti like highways. And it is much easier than I thought it would be to do/find/arrange things here because so many people speak English. (Sadly, even the broken English I hear is so much better than any other second language I can speak!)

Everywhere we go, American music is the standard. Most of it is American pop music, but recently, I was in a linen store and they were playing 40 year old American music (on a cassette, not the radio).

Malaysian truisms: no matter what you are wearing, you are going to sweat; wherever you go, there will be someone sweeping or mopping the floors; rain is in the forecast; always carry tissue with you (the bathrooms often don’t have toilet paper in the stalls) and napkins with you for the restaurants (to blow your nose repeatedly because the food is so spicy).