The Countdown

The countdown has begun.

Yup, I depart for the good old USA in a few hours. I miss my wife and kids terribly and can't wait to see them, and it's been a really productive trip. In a way, travelling solo is easier as I'm much more flexible with time. No need to worry about bedtimes, or whiny or tired kids, or whether a place is kid-friendly. So this trip, I've been able to cram in much more social events than previously possible. I got to meet up with friends I have not seen for over 26 years, believe it or not. By a stroke of luck and coincidence it was my high school reunion, so it was surreal seeing vaguely familiar faces- people you kinda knew a lifetime ago- but you don't know remember their names.

It'a also great to meet up with your buddies. Yes, we have good friends where we live. But there's something to be said for soulmates, the kind of friend with whom you can truly be yourself, who have known you all your life. For some, the last time I saw them was maybe 8 years ago- yet it's amazing how we just click back into place like I never left. It was great to see my brothers again.

I also did the customary food checklist- and went down it, some foods 3 times even (nasi lemak!). Considering I am signed up for a half marathon in a month, I'm going to have to work this off when I get back.

But it's always a treat coming back for a visit. It's always heartwarming to hear the local accents and dialects, and to see the familiar sights and hear the sounds; though the haze is perhaps dampening that somewhat.

Until our next visit (CNY 2020!), take care of my Malaysia!

Leaving for Tanahair

Will be taking off in a few short hours for my next trip back to Malaysia. It has been over 2 years since my last visit, and this time it'll be a solo trip- social mainly to meet up with friends and family, with a lecture at the local medical school too.

Admittedly, this time I'm not as psyched about travelling as I have in the past. For one, it'll feel weird flying without the family- as chaotic as it might be travelling with 2 kids (though the kids are now seasoned fliers and at ages 9 and 7- they travel pretty well). But perhaps the main reason is a bit more sentimental and closer to heart. This will be my last trip back to Malaysia as a Malaysian. In a few weeks, I shall be sworn in and officially become a citizen of the USA. I've dragged my feet for years- after all I could have applied many years ago but somehow liked to retain that red passport and my Malaysian identity. But then reality hits- there is really no reason to keep this and only requires troublesome trips back to renew the passport, and with my wife and kids here in the USA, there is really no reason I would be moving back. And so, earlier this year I began the process of application for naturalization. And I've been surprised (pleasantly) by how quickly things have happened, I'm also a tinge saddened by what I'd lose.

As a parent, I can't even imagine what my parents, and many of their generation, had to go through bringing up kids with the advise "if you can, leave Malaysia and don't come back. The future is brighter elsewhere....". I have trouble even dropping my kids off at camp- and to plan your kids' future away from you is gut wrenching.

Anyhow, yes, this will be my last trip back with the red Malaysian passport. The next trip back I'll likely have to use the 'foreigners' line at KLIA immigration.

However this will be my first trip back to "Malaysia Baru"- one my parents and I never thought I'd see, and one that fills me up with so much more hope for Malaysia's future than I thought possible. 

KLIA, here I come!