Connecting with the world - - Expats in KL

Expats living in KL breathe the same air, share the same landscape that we KL -ites live in. For them, life carries on as they absorb the flavours of KL , some even opting for the MM2H ( Malaysia My Second Home ) programme . KL has approximately 180,000 expats living and working in the city.

I've lost count of the times I've enjoyed their friendship coupled with spiritedness and generosity. On Sunday, 1 November, my family and I were at the ABWM fair ( Assoc of British Women in Malaysia). Like before, we felt their fervour and commitment at the wonderful fair in Nikko Hotel, KL. There's more fairs to follow as the other expat communities - Japanese, American, Swiss- Austrian shift into higher gear in readiness to celebrate Christmas with their hearts full of goodness. All proceeds go to Malaysian charities.

The ABWM fair is one fine example of how an organisation, made up of expats can unite among themselves to help the poor, the orphaned, the disabled, the homeless etc to improve lives by their well meaning voluntary work. The ABWM team of members visit various charities to learn what they are doing and to assess their needs with a view to distributing funds raised . They welcome unwanted clothes, books, toys which are sent to charities or resold for funds for the charities. It is ABWM's way of saying thank you to their host country. The early Christmas fair was well -organised and the convivial mood was just right.

When I visited the National Museum last year the MVM ( Museum Volunteers Malaysia) guides comprising expats,and locals were doing a fine job of guiding the tourists around the Museum. History was at their fingertips and it came alive in their talks. Boy, did I learn more of my own country!

I have had the good fortune to have made some lasting friendships among expats. There's Wanphen ( Thailand), Margaret andGraham ( Australia), Janneke and Eduard ( Holland),Cynthia and Geoff (UK), Seif and Shemila ( Canada), Shawne Kaeser ( USA), Miranda (NZ), Rose Marie ( Greece).Their sojourns in KL have enriched my life . Our paths crossed in our voluntary work . And the ties that bind us still remain strong.

My friend, Janneke and her dear husband, Eduard from the Netherlands have spent more than 5 years in KL. 'No place is perfect but we love KL. Luckily KL loves us too!' When we're on holiday back home, we miss Malaysia.' Yes, I miss her too, my sensible, forthright, and kind friend. She's a familiar songstress in the local arts scene hitting the right pitch with her lovely alto voice. In the Netherlands, she worked with disabled children and so it is not surprising how she utilizes her skills to care for the friends she has made at Selangor Cheshire Home for the disabled. Do not be surprised to see her stepping out in a cheong sam, baju kebaya or a saree. She loves the diverse cultures we possess . That includes loving the satay, roti canai and polishing up the dhall on the stainless steel plates at the Indian shops !

How do I swim ? - Janneke teaches friends at her home in Kl.

For any one of us, relocation can be a upheaval in itself. But I've realized that once settled into a new life, the expats are up and running and eager to taste and enjoy the local life as much as they can. I have heard comments like 'KL is so cosmopolitan and the people make us feel so much at home here ' and ' It's easy to communicate as English is widely spoken here.'

The expats add so much colour to our lives - they touch many hearts without us knowing about their committed work , bridging cultures and improving the lives of the underpriviledged. They are friends in our midst. In their free time, they tap into their diverse skills and good networking to give back to the Malaysians the benefits they enjoy while abroad.

For them, there comes a time to uproot and move on - to a new destination or homeward bound. Let's connect with them and be their friend too.

'Selamat datang, kawan! (in Malay,'Welcome my friend!' ) May your stay in Malaysia be full of wonderful memories.

http://www.abwm.com.my/
http://museumvolunteersmalaysia.wordpress.com/

Let's Play! - Jom Main !

Was it so long ago that I played five stones, skipping rope, hopscotch? Well, today, at the National Museum, Jalan Damansara , Kuala Lumpur, the good ol' days are back! I had a walk down memory lane as I couldn't resist joining some children and parents playing some traditional games.

Parents and children were happily playing games of yester years in this highly interactive exhibition , JOM MAIN!!' or 'Let's Play!' at the National Museum. The kids played with abandon from one game to another.

Traditional games are simple and easy to perform. Much fun is derived from the togetherness in playing. Also, they encourage teamwork, strategizing, thinking and developing individual skills.

One may ask.Can these games compete with the modern games all packaged with the wizardry of gadgets to astound us? Really, it's not about competition. Traditions always live if we continue them. Anyone can play these games that are handed down from generation to generation.

Dare I suggest, the next time, there's a teambuilding retreat, try as many of these games. They are pure sheer FUN , not mentioning the very minimal costs involved!

Call me a 'tomboy', if you want to! I played this game with gusto - with my legs in the air !! The feathers of the shuttle are attached to rubberised pieces at the base. Players stand in a circle. One player throws the shuttle in the air to the player opposite. The aim is to kick and keep the shuttle in the air with the feet as many times as possibe before the next player takes a turn.

One of the MVM ( Museum Volunteer Malaysia) volunteers couldn't believe my spinning top outlasted hers for a good minute! 'The best for the morning!', she exclaimed. The spinning top is a dried fruit of the berembang tree with a long bamboo spike driven through its core.

This is the 'whirring beetle' game. Use discarded soft bottle caps, beat them flat and bore 2 symmetrical holes in the middle. Pass a string through to tie up both ends. Player twirls string till tight with a series of tensions,then sets the cap in a spin . The aim is to cut the opponent's 'beetle'.

This game is a boy's favourite. These guli( stone marbles), made of limestone can still be found in shops. Be on the lookout for them. Play it on flat open ground. See how many flicks of the guli will propel one's guli to the opponent's side.

Yes, it's me having fun. The game is 'One Wheeler' ( Main gerek). Position the long pole over the shoulder and hold on to the short 'stabiliser rod. Then guide the little wheel round the the grid following the figure of 8. I had thrice the fun!!

Another group of MVM volunteers from Japan. The kids were engrossed in making origami,the art of paper folding. Some made horses, boat, star etc. I made a crane for good luck!

Congkak, a traditional Malay game - the winner is the person who gathers all the congkak seeds ( pebbles/tamarind seeds)on her side of the congkak board. It attracted all ages, including adults.

A MVM volunteer from KL showing how the puzzle works.

A game of draughts using bottle caps. Think! think and strategize!!

Lat,our nation's foremost cartoonist - kid having fun in One Wheeler( main gerek)

How the time flies when one is having fun! What a nostalgic visit!