Blog

Just a week

Dear all, This time not about a trip, but just about my life. I do think this is maybe even more interesting than some trips! Ha ha ha

Kuala Lumpur

Yesterday there was there a high increase in petrol in Malaysia. This resulted in long line-ups at every petrol station, the night before. People are still talking about the impact it has on the lower in middle class. At the same time people ask them self “why an increase?” when Malaysia produce a lot of high quality oil? Despite the worldwide increase is the answer simple: the high quality oil is sold to other countries and low quality oil in bought back into Malaysia. This low oil is sold at the normal market price. This way it’s possible to make a profit twice, which is visible in all the sports cars standing in front of the Petronas (Malaysia oil company) headquarters. At the same time is the inflation getting higher for the last 4 years and are the wages staying the same. This all together results in less purchase power year after year.

Result: In the last election in February, the opposition received the most votes ever. Still they are not in power, but things are changing. People are less satisfied after 50 years the same (Muslim) government. The increase of votes for the opposition means that even the Muslims are not happy by their government, even when they enjoy huge benefits over other culture groups in Malaysia. Especially when the lower class isn’t able to get food on the table and the middle class not to enjoy themselves, things will change. This can result in protest, riots (what has happened before) but I hope people will keep their anger under control and let it out by the next election. After all, a very interesting happening to witness.

Batu Caves

Close by KL are the Batu Caves situated. This is a holy place for Hindus. Sanne and I went here to climb up the stairs, bare foot and looking out for the Monkey’s. At the end of the stairs there is a small opening in the cave, which brings you to the temple. A very special place with criminal monkey’s trying to steel the fruit offers placed by visitors. We sad down talked a bit and enjoyed the monkey business around us. A very relaxing and different Saturday.

Knee

What happened? Since my Philippines trip was my left knee hurting. A week later gave the doctor me some pills, but again a week later things where worse. So no other option was left then dropping by the place I always try to avoid: the hospital. So when I go I do it good and went to the best hospital in town. After a check up did I had to come back for an x-ray. This machine is very noisy if you have never experienced it; still I manage to fell asleep. The result was great and the doctor told me that he hadn’t seen such a sharp pictures in a while! Yes I did hard my best to lie still ;) He told me as well that I had overloaded my knee.

Result: Not sure about the word but the shock observers between my leg bones show a little crack. This will get better after 2/3 weeks of pills, ice and a lot of rest. Which means no sports, dancing and other (night) activities. A pity but it could have been worse. In 2 a 3 months should everything be fine again but I do have to change my plan a bit. Climbing up the highest mountain of Malaysia (Mt Kinabalu) is out of the question. Lying on the beach and relaxing is the only option left, what a pity ;) Work Thing are busy in the office. I have only 5 more weeks to go with a lot of days off, which makes it all way better to me. When there is nothing to do I lose motivation and now I have something on hands. Saturday the 21st of June will there be a cooking class in our showroom with 30 guests, all organized by me. Daan my best friend will be the chef (more about him below) and local (house) wife’s are mostly the guests. The goal is to improve the brand awareness under our target group, things that are no problem for me. Let the success come!

Daan & plans next 2 months

My friend Daan will arrive in KL after a few days Singapore on Friday the 13th. Ok not the best number so we have to kick of hard to proof the contrary! After KL and a cooking class we are going to visit the most beautiful island in Malaysia, Perhentian Kecil. After 2 day’s working we hit the plane again to meet up with other Dutch interns on the tax-free island Labuan! This time for another beach adventure like Langkawi. After this only a bit over a week to go in KL and then together to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, all in 5,5 weeks. Long story, conclusion I’m doing well here in KL and am looking forward to the trips and holiday that are coming!

Groeten Bas