If I could get a dollar for every time I get asked this question...
How can I answer this in a few short sentences? Well that's the problem... I can't!
I spent 9 months there, and even this Blog doesn't jot down half of my thoughts and experiences living, working, and traveling in Southeast Asia.
Well, I always start off by saying that it was an "Absolutely amazing experience!!"
*All smiles*
Then I talk about what I was doing there, the company I worked for, and the industry I was in. I mention my experience with AIESEC, the Trainees, Expats, Locals, the nightlife, culture and the food.
It's crazy how easy it seemed adjusting to Malaysian culture...learning, absorbing, and adapting to their ways...
But going back home is a completely different story. It's a little hard to describe all my feelings. I've lived in the US over 22 years, from California and Washington to Georgia. I would have to say that the biggest culture shock I ever faced when moving was from Bellflower, California to Peachtree City, Georgia (back in '97). That move even tops the reverse culture shock of moving from Kuala Lumpur to Atlanta -- which comes second on my list.
Sometimes I go to bed and I literally stare at the ceiling for 10 to 30 minutes and just THINK about KL.
Random thoughts would race through my mind. Constantly comparing the two environments and reminiscing about times spent with friends.
Okay YES, I admit, I really miss KL...and not just the city itself...but the people, lifestyle, the energy, the food, and the ability to travel..."the whole 9"
So what should I do with all these thoughts? Should I just store them in my brain until that question pops up -'So...How was Malaysia'?
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Last night, AIESEC Georgia Tech threw a 'Welcome Home' party for me. Our LC closed while I was in Malaysia, and now with the help of our BOA (esp. Michael Flood), the committee is trying to re-open the chapter. I'm excited to see the LC that Missy and I were so involved in, come back to 'X-change more lives' through the program. The new LCP is a young, motivated individual and is seems to have the type of dedication the LC needs to revive itself.
I loved seeing the look on everyone's face as they listened to my AIESEC Traineeship experiences. Many asked all sorts of questions about Malaysia and most of them expressed their own desire to travel/study/work abroad.
It's interesting to be on the other side of the table, where members are asking me about my traineeship, instead of how it was when I was in the LC, helping to run the program.
Well being at the event last night sparked an interest in eventually joining the BOA for AIESEC Georgia Tech. Since I recently came back, I have many ideas and experiences to share on how I can help the LC improve and grow to become a sustaining organization again. But at this time, I know that once I dive in, it means hardcore involvement.
I need this time to focus on my career and carefully choose a job that I know I can be just as passionate about as I have been with AIESEC. After this huge step, I know I will feel more settled in to Atlanta and I can start to contribute back to my LC.
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So, I'm back in the South. Where we are known for fried chicken, collard greens, chitlin' and chicken and dumplings. (Not to be confused with Asian dumplings). Atlanta is also known for our Southern hospitality -Friendly, courteous people who smile and acknowledge one another as "sir" and "ma'am" regardless of age.
The weather was perfect the first 2 weeks after I arrived in Georgia. But this past week the temperatures have dropped, the cold wind reminds you we're in the Fall season -- and that it's only trying to prepare you for a cold winter.
p.s. ~ Just in case you make it over to Atlanta, you can try Southern cooking at it's finest!
Oh no! Not at my place. Although I love to cook, I know these Southern restaurants have been doing it for years - Let the experts show you how Southern Cooking should be. =)
